Xie Yuan knew that Helian Jue was coming back, but he didn't know the exact date of his return.
She was still discussing matters with Zhou Wencheng at that moment—
“Chief Secretary Zhou, now we need to worry not only about Cui Boyong deliberately creating ‘civil unrest’.”
This wasn't the first time Cui Boyong had forced law-abiding citizens to rebel; he had long been accustomed to using "popular unrest" to achieve his own goals.
Xie Yuan made advance arrangements and secretly fueled the flames in order to help Helian Jue lay a solid foundation of public opinion.
Zhou Wencheng was the "witness".
He would report the facts to the court—that the King of Yue was not rebelling maliciously, but that Cui Boyong, the governor of Yuezhou, was a wolf in sheep's clothing and had gone too far in bullying people.
Furthermore, since both are "regional separatists," it would be better to let a prince like the King of Yue "ascend the throne" than to indulge aristocratic scions like Cui Boyong.
Regardless, Helian Jue still bears the surname "Helian," so even if he rebels in Yuezhou in the future, it won't benefit anyone with a different surname.
Yuezhou is still under the control of the Helian royal family!
Of course, Helian Jue will not seek independence; he will simply use Yuezhou as his base.
In the future, he will also—
Ahem, it's unspeakable, it's unspeakable!
We cannot reveal what the future holds in advance.
As Helian Jue's partner, Xie Yuan understood his thoughts and plans best.
Therefore, while Helian Jue was away on campaign, Xie Yuan worked hard to provide support from the rear.
This civil unrest in Yuezhou was the perfect opportunity for Helian Jue to make his "shining debut".
"Your Highness, what do you mean?"
Zhou Wencheng felt a chill run down his spine; he had also guessed at a bad possibility.
His expression changed slightly, and he muttered, "It can't be that bad!"
Cui Boyong was, after all, a high-ranking local official appointed by the imperial court.
He wouldn't be so reckless.
Xie Yuan feigned a wry smile and instead of answering, asked, "How could it not be?"
"Shifting the blame eastward! Fishing in troubled waters! Taking advantage of the so-called 'civil unrest' to kill this restless Queen Consort of Yue."
"It seems shocking, but Cui has done similar things more than once!"
Zhou Wencheng fell silent.
Yes, not to mention distant examples, the magistrate of Hexian County last year and the prefect of Huangzhou three years ago both "died in popular uprisings".
Although there is no conclusive evidence, what happened in Hexian County is now happening right before my eyes.
By drawing inferences from this, Zhou Wencheng could easily imagine the truth behind those civil unrest!
"Your Highness, what... what should we do?"
Zhou Wencheng's mind was in turmoil, and he panicked.
He wasn't alone; his widowed mother, wife, and children were all with him in He County.
Now the whole family lives in the back alley of the Prince's Mansion, which is only a wall away from the mansion.
If Cui Boyong truly harbors malicious intentions and attempts to incite a civil unrest at the Prince's residence, and the residence is attacked by the rioters, his family will also be doomed.
Zhou Wencheng was not afraid of death, but he couldn't let go of his family.
Furthermore, even if he were alone, even if he wasn't afraid of death, he didn't want to die innocently.
He still wanted to preserve his useful body to serve the court and be loyal to the emperor.
"Fortunately, the Prince's Palace still has eight hundred personal guards, and there are also some people at the salt fields and the estate!"
Seeing that the story had been told enough, Xie Yuan feigned relief and said, "I have already ordered people to dispatch them, and they will arrive soon."
Therefore, it wasn't too surprising when Helian Jue's "army" returned.
Zhou Wencheng, surrounded and attacked by the rioters, must have been filled with worry and fear.
At this critical moment, Helian Jue led his army down from the sky, like a peerless hero rescuing people from dire straits—
Even if Zhou Wencheng had doubts, even if he felt that Helian Jue had been deliberately pretending all along... he couldn't "repay kindness with enmity".
In order to clear himself of the charge of "negligence," he even had to speak well of Helian Jue.
"So Your Highness had planned this all along! That's good! That's good!"
Seeing Xie Yuan's commanding presence, Zhou Wencheng felt relieved.
His gaze toward Xie Yuan was filled with obvious admiration and gratitude.
Very good!
The princess was prepared, and the palace was safe.
His family members were also able to escape this calamity.
But there's always a slight unease in my heart. What's wrong with me?
...
"A disturbance has broken out? Those rioters aren't afraid of the constables at all, and they've even smashed up the grain shop?"
Upon hearing the servant's report, Cui Boyong's face immediately turned pale with anger.
"Damn it! Absolutely damn it!"
Cui Boyong cursed angrily.
It's unclear whether he was cursing the rioters or the useless constables.
"Who is it? Who exactly is instigating this?"
Cui Boyong was both annoyed and puzzled.
In the past, he secretly instigated the people to create unrest and achieve his own goals.
But this time, Cui Boyong was "wronged".
He is indeed making preparations to create another civil unrest and then incite these people to target the Yue King's Palace.
Hmph, that vile woman Xie, does she really think she can act recklessly in Yuezhou just because she's a princess?
Yuezhou belongs to Cui, not to the Yue King's Palace!
First, Xie killed Zheng, one of his money carriers, and then publicly humiliated his wife.
What's most hateful is that Xie was so "cunning" that the brilliant plan devised by Prefect Cui was completely useless against her!
Cui Boyong was filled with shame and indignation, which brought his hatred for Xie Yuan to its peak.
"Kill her!"
A strong killing intent surged within Cui Boyong.
The way to kill Xie Yuan was simple: a civil unrest!
Cui Boyong was incredibly adept at using this "borrowing a knife to kill" tactic.
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