Chapter 85 085 This is a big problem!
The sound of the hammer striking grew clearer, and Chuzhou City grew quieter, the hammer blows echoing incessantly, casting a chilling unease on everyone's hearts.
The shopkeeper came up several times, each time giving Qingli a wary look from head to toe. Seeing her pale face, he opened his mouth, then sighed sadly. Looking at Yun Li, who stood like a pillar beside him, he became much less polite, "You troublemaker, why aren't you leaving?"
Yun Li retorted, "Innkeeper, you're being very rude. First, I'm being very honest. Second, it's not like I'm not going to pay you. What inn has the right to kick people out!"
"Annoying! Annoying!" The shopkeeper stamped his foot and said impatiently, "When will this end! If you stay in Chuzhou, you'll die sooner or later."
Yun Li's face darkened. This shopkeeper had been picking on her time and time again; he was no good.
Qingli called out to Yunli, her face calm and composed, showing no sign of being angered by the shopkeeper. Instead, her gentle words calmed the restless heart. "Yunli, the shopkeeper is just venting his frustrations. Just let him ramble on for a bit."
"you..."
The shopkeeper's face turned red, and he didn't say a word. He did have some sense of propriety, pacing back and forth at the door like a headless fly.
"The air in Chuzhou smells of iron; anyone with eyes can tell that this is not porcelain making."
The shopkeeper paused in his hurried steps, then turned to stare at her with some fear, saying, "What do you know!"
Qingli glanced at him indifferently, her gaze clear and penetrating, as if it could see into his heart. The shopkeeper immediately stiffened, no longer daring to reveal any emotion, and was even more apprehensive, fearing that she would continue speaking.
It's as if it doesn't exist if you don't say it.
The state is turning a blind eye everywhere, but the truth is already out, and there's a fear that someone might get burned.
"Nonsense." The shopkeeper finally couldn't hold back any longer and said sheepishly, "We live in a peaceful and prosperous place, so you should stay here."
The shopkeeper's words were incoherent, and after he finished speaking, he went downstairs.
Yun Li frowned. On the eve of the great battle, an unusual quiet was filled with restlessness and unease.
The shopkeeper was clearly nervous and at a loss.
"Miss, this shopkeeper knows all sorts of people, and his behavior suggests he may have sensed something."
Qingli nodded. The bow was fully drawn and the string was taut. The entire state was on edge, eagerly awaiting good news from Yunxiu.
In Kyoto, the council hall was so quiet you could hear a pin drop. Emperor Kangxi, sitting on the dragon throne, coughed incessantly, his cough growing ever clearer and more jarring.
Dexi was busy and the teacup was knocked heavily to the ground. Dexi apologized and begged for forgiveness.
They were all kneeling on the ground below.
Emperor Mingkang's face flushed red, his voice hoarse, and he roared, "Get out!"
Even after the palace doors slammed shut, the coughing could not be suppressed. The old ministers looked at each other with complicated expressions, wondering how many times His Majesty had fallen ill this year.
Inside the palace, Emperor Mingkang leaned against a soft pillow, looking somewhat weak. "I'm getting old," he said.
Dexi tightened the wet handkerchief in his hand, and two drops of water dripped out, soaking two patches of the ground.
Emperor Mingkang smiled bitterly, his eyes gradually turning cold. "Dexi, issue the decree: I am unwell. The First Prince will act as regent. Song Shuo and Huang Pu will enter the cabinet. The Second Prince will go south to inspect the dikes. The Fourth Prince, along with the other princes, will go to Xiangguo Temple to pray for the people."
Dexi knelt on the ground and agreed, knowing that once this decree was announced, chaos would ensue. He kept one ear open, not daring to miss a single word, while his other ear buzzed with his heartbeat.
After Emperor Mingkang finished speaking, he glanced at Dexi with a mocking look, "What, are you scared?"
"Your Majesty..."
Emperor Mingkang cursed the worthless fellow and said with disdain, "The people below have different thoughts. Do you think they will believe me when I am in good health? I might as well tell them openly and see what kind of trouble they can stir up while I still have the mind."
Dexi remained hesitant and did not make a move.
"The Empress has her own way of handling things, you may leave," Emperor Mingkang said leisurely. A layer of smoke lingered in the room, obscuring his imperial majesty. He was old and frail, already past his prime.
Dexi opened his mouth, unsure of what to say. He left the palace in a sullen mood, letting out a long sigh, but the heaviness in his heart remained unrelieved. He looked at Meng Qingshan, whose stature was as imposing as a pine tree on a cliff, sharp and insurmountable, yet inexplicably giving people hope. There were no more eunuchs or guards around. Dexi knew that he had heard him, so he stepped forward and gently touched him.
Meng Qingshan lowered his gaze, their eyes met, and they tacitly moved to the side. Dexi had been completely unaware that he had broken the rules, as if a sky had fallen and someone tall had taken the blame.
Dexi finally felt a moment to catch her breath, took a couple of deep breaths, and looked at Meng Qingshan with a hint of schadenfreude. She saw that he raised his eyebrows slightly, not in panic, but in composure.
Dexi sensed something was wrong but couldn't pinpoint the problem, only saying, "There's a big problem here!"
Meng Qingshan replied, "Resistance is the problem, obedience is the command."
Upon hearing this, Dexi was startled, his heart pounding. The way he spoke made it seem as if he had ulterior motives. Besides, given his relationship with the Fourth Prince, he should be the one feeling uneasy, especially with the Second Prince involved. Right, why was he meddling in other people's business? Dexi quickly realized what was going on, chuckled twice, and hurried off to make arrangements.
The decree was issued before the golden light was swallowed by the twilight. News from Kyoto under the cover of darkness was intertwined and complex, with exchanges of interests and entanglements. The shadows concealed all the mysteries in the corners, silently weaving a trap that could devour people.
Inside the secret passage, only a wall lamp was burning with candle oil, illuminating the small area. The Empress stood to one side, hidden in the shadows, and slowly said, "Constant dripping wears away a stone. We've finally arrived. If Father and Brother see this, they should be happy."
"That's premature."
The Empress interrupted him, "I know, it's just a temporary lapse in concentration, I won't let my guard down."
The usually calm and aloof Empress could actually utter such words full of reliance and trust: "He trusts me completely, and this is the best proof. The prince's transfer out of the capital is paving the way for Xu'er. However, given his suspicious nature, it can also be seen as casting bait and waiting for the fish to take the bait. I understand him and know what to do."
"We should not be careless. Before things are settled, this can only be regarded as a test. Some time ago, the Second Prince acted as regent, and he still ended up in the current situation."
"The Second Prince? He's nothing to fear. He's just a good-for-nothing coward with no real talent, just like his concubine."
His face, illuminated by the flickering candlelight, was utterly indifferent, as if he had seen too much life and death, showing no emotion whatsoever. Considering the Second Prince's out-of-control behavior after receiving the imperial decree, Song Shuo tacitly agreed with the Empress's words, "It's best to be cautious, especially with Meng Qingshan."
“His mother has long been under my control. If he makes any unusual moves, I will report it to the higher authorities.”
Song Shuo fell silent, thinking about Meng Qingshan's ruthless and unpredictable methods, which were difficult to judge. The two discussed some things and then quickly dispersed.
In October, the water level drops, and before the cold winter arrives, it is the perfect time to repair the dikes.
Inside the government office, the Second Prince looked at the officials below, who were all joking and drinking, each one a useless idiot, giving orders but making excuses and delaying. His face darkened, and he waved his hand, dismissing them.
Seeing the Second Prince's displeased expression, Yi Si tightened his mind. Luo Mingzhi was still recovering from his injuries. Because of his meritorious service in offering advice, he was promoted and given important responsibilities. Before leaving, Luo Mingzhi called him to his bedside and instructed him to persuade the Second Prince to be patient. However, the eunuch who delivered the imperial edict earlier was so negligent, and now the officials were just fooling around.
Everyone knows that those who follow the example of their superiors will do the same. The signal this sends is too obvious; everyone knows that Emperor Mingkang is asking these princes to make way.
Just when I thought I was about to rise to the top, the world turned upside down in an instant. The gap between us was more painful than having my heart ripped out. My heart was clamoring to take a gamble. Even if I were to be shattered to pieces, it would be better than this embarrassing situation.
Outside the palace, the carriage waited quietly. Meng Qingshan and the Fourth Prince stood at a distance, looking at the listless princes, feeling lost and sad.
"My cousin will be alright."
Meng Qingshan chuckled and said sarcastically, "You still have the mood to comfort me?"
Meng Qingshan was a man of few words and rarely showed his emotions. The more serious the situation, the calmer his expression became. The fact that he could say a few words now put the Fourth Prince's mind at ease.
The fourth prince said easily, "Since you are not worried, then I am even more relieved."
Meng Qingshan gave the Fourth Prince a deep look and then spoke treasonously, “The Imperial Concubine is shrewd and capable, ruling the inner palace. Lord Huang is cunning and scheming, plotting against the court. We are determined to protect you with our lives. What could you possibly not trust, the future ruler of the country!”
The fourth prince was both surprised and delighted. His ambitions had been so boldly expressed, and he felt an overwhelming surge of emotion. His entire being was filled with turbulent waves of emotion. From being the target of suspicion to now having everything in place, he had traveled a long way and the burden on his shoulders had grown heavier.
"Alright!" The Fourth Prince reached out and gave him a high five, saying generously, "It's a deal."
The fourth prince is measured in his actions, has a broad mind, and most importantly, a kind heart. Meng Qingshan believes that having him as the crown prince would be a good thing for the people. Moreover, Qingli is convinced that only when he ascends the throne can the truth be revealed to the world.
"There will be unusual activity at the military camp in the suburbs of Beijing recently."
"That's why you lured the Second Prince to Chuyang."
Chuyang is a strategic stronghold between the north and south, located two hundred miles from the capital. It is guarded by 30,000 Chuyang soldiers. The general of the Chuyang army is Xiao Ming, the son of Xiao Chen, who assisted the emperor in ascending the throne. He has been suppressed by his father for many years. On the surface, he is honest and conservative, but in the heart, he is very proud of his talent and hopes that one day he can follow his father's example, start a rebellion, and become a trusted minister of a wise ruler.
Most importantly, Chu Yang is only a hundred miles away from the main camp in the suburbs of the capital. The main camp in the suburbs of the capital is usually on guard, and the two sides have long been outwardly friendly but inwardly at odds. The Second Prince is like a match thrown into hot oil, and sooner or later a huge fire will break out.
On the city wall, Consort Mu watched Cheng Shuyuan wipe away her tears, handed her a handkerchief, and advised, "These are turbulent times. It's better to hide away. Even if you stay with us, we can't protect you."
Cheng Shuyuan knew, but she couldn't bear to let him go. Her words were full of resentment: "He's digging his own grave, he's senile."
Consort Mu glared at her, ignoring Cheng Shuyuan's words, and continued what she wanted to say, "Once An Sheng gets through these days, we can be reunited."
Cheng Shuyuan came from the countryside and had an unruly nature. After entering the palace, she suffered a lot of hardship. Consort Mu would occasionally give her advice and help her, which made her and her child's life a little easier, and she gradually tamed her temper.
"When will the old fox finally show his tail?"
Consort Mu chuckled softly and said, "It'll be soon."
Cheng Shuyuan also laughed out loud. Watching the carriage drive away, she suppressed her longing, leaned against Consort Mu, and asked curiously, "What do you think his expression will be then?"
Consort Mu smiled. She also wanted to know: everyone knew the Empress's heart, but why couldn't Emperor Mingkang see it, or did he see it but not care? What was the bond between the two of them? Consort Mu wanted to know.
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