Su Xuerong felt very comfortable in the meditation hall.
Don't underestimate this Jingxin Temple; its area is no smaller than the Cining Palace in the very center.
In addition to the various buildings, Jingxin Temple also has a garden right next to Fengshan Mountain behind it.
Walking along the long corridor through the garden, you can reach Phoenix Mountain, where you can enjoy a panoramic view of the entire imperial city.
The secret door leading to the outside of Jingxin Temple is located at the foot of Fengshan Mountain.
Su Xuerong walked along the corridor for a while, admiring the snow scene for a long time. After being persuaded by Xiuchun, she finally gave up the idea of climbing Phoenix Mountain in the snow and returned to her room.
With nothing to do, she would recite scriptures with Consort He in the morning and practice calligraphy in her room after her afternoon nap.
Suddenly having so much free time, she was a little unaccustomed to it.
On this very day, Ling Qingxue, the adopted son of the King of Chu, arrived in the capital in a grand procession, carrying the King of Chu's congratulatory gifts for the new emperor.
The Xu family immediately took action, closing the city gates and warmly "inviting" the three vassal kings and their representatives to stay in the imperial city, settling them in different palaces and confiscating their military tallies.
"This is tantamount to house arrest! Have you no shame?!" Su Xuerong exclaimed in surprise.
Has Xiao Shiyan lost all sense of shame?
Consort He sneered, "Hmph, he had already lost all face when he conspired with Chen Siyi to murder the late emperor."
Although Xiao Shiyan executed Chen Siyi on the spot, anyone with a modicum of sense knows that Chen Siyi was actually a tool in Xiao Shiyan's hands.
"Your Highness, do you know where the Prince is being held?" Su Xuerong had been missing him these past few days.
Consort He gently patted her hand and said, "Don't be anxious. Since A-Yuan sent you to Jingxin Temple, he doesn't want you to get involved in this mess. If something happens to you in the palace, wouldn't that just cause him trouble?"
Su Xuerong had no choice but to give up.
Unexpectedly, Xiao Yuan sneaked over that very night.
Su Xuerong was startled and almost screamed when she saw the person who lifted the curtain.
Xiao Yuan pulled her into his arms and said, "Don't be afraid, it's me."
Su Xuerong punched him hard in the chest and said in a low voice, "This is the Tranquil Mind Temple!"
Taoist temple, my friend, you mustn't blaspheme the gods!
Looking at her nervous little face, Xiao Yuan chuckled and said, "It's okay, I'll just hold you while we sleep, I won't do anything else."
Su Xuerong: "..."
How can you say something like that so bluntly? Don't you have any shame?
Xiao Yuan pulled her into his arms and lay down, letting out a soft sigh: "Go to sleep early, I'm a little tired today."
He then closed his eyes.
Su Xuerong was quite surprised, but soon she heard his even breathing.
Is she really asleep?
Su Xuerong was somewhat incredulous and couldn't help but reach out and gently poke his chest.
Seeing no response, she poked it again.
Before he could retract his hand, a large hand grabbed him tightly, and then his body was flipped over.
Xiao Yuan hugged her from behind and whispered, "You'd better let me get a good night's sleep, otherwise you'll be in for a tough time tonight..."
Su Xuerong was immediately frightened upon hearing this and obediently closed her eyes, too afraid to move.
Soon, the woman in his arms went limp and her breathing became steady. Xiao Yuan's lips curled up slightly as he held her and closed his eyes.
When Su Xuerong woke up, there was no one beside her.
She rubbed her eyes and touched them; the blankets beside her were still warm.
Xiao Yuan must not have been gone for long.
After having breakfast, Consort He came over looking somewhat nervous.
"Don't go anywhere today, just stay in the house."
Su Xuerong saw worry in her eyes and couldn't help but ask, "What's wrong today?"
"Today, the Emperor and Empress are attending court to decide the future of the three vassal kings."
Those who fared better off were sent back to their original fiefdoms, but they would be stripped of their military power and all their previous generous treatment would be revoked. Once back, they would have to rely on their own savings to make a living and would never be able to pass on the throne to their offspring.
This is even worse than those officials who retire and return to their hometowns.
Another method was to find an excuse to keep the person detained in the capital, and then find an opportunity to have them die of illness.
Su Xuerong knew that Xiao Yuan had already made full preparations, so she comforted Consort He, saying, "Consort He, don't worry. The Prince won't do anything without being sure of the outcome."
Consort He looked worriedly towards the Golden Palace ahead: "I hope there will be less bloodshed..."
Regardless of the infighting within the royal family, she hoped to avoid harming innocent people as much as possible.
Su Xuerong also frowned and looked ahead.
In her previous life, she was burned alive in the cold palace in front of her.
At this moment, she could also understand Consort He's feelings. No matter how the Xiao family and the Xu family fought, in the end, it was the majority of innocent people who suffered.
In the attempt to burn her alive, Xiuchun and some of the palace maids in the Cold Palace met with misfortune.
This time, I hope Xiao Yuan can win decisively!
At the same moment, in the Golden Palace.
Xiao Shiyan sat on the large dragon throne, looking at the civil and military officials kneeling below.
At the very front were Prince Fenyang, Xiao Yuan; the adopted son of the Prince of Chu, Ling Qingxue; and the illegitimate son of the Prince of Jin, Xiao Yiren.
Xiao Shiyan coldly sized up Xiao Yuan.
After not seeing him for several years, his royal uncle seemed much more mature and experienced.
Xiao Shiyan narrowed his eyes and stared at him.
Although he recently had Fang Ningzhu, the thought that his once delicate wife had now become Xiao Yuan's woman still made him furious.
He stared at Xiao Yuan for so long that the civil and military officials kneeling below looked at each other in astonishment.
“Your Majesty…” Feng Bao received a look from Xu Wanhe and hurriedly reminded him in a low voice.
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