The emperor was engrossed in observing Yan Qingqing when he suddenly received a cold look from Xiao Mochen.
He shuddered and then cursed under his breath.
He just felt that a country peasant woman shouldn't have such grace and elegance. He was a little shocked and couldn't help but take a second look. Look at the way this unfilial son was looking at him. Was he the kind of licentious and tyrannical ruler?
Xiao Mochen spoke only after the emperor withdrew his gaze: "Father, Aunt was ambushed on her first visit to the palace. It seems that there are loopholes everywhere in the palace, it's practically a sieve. I don't know how the commander of the Imperial Guard became a commander."
The emperor's face darkened upon hearing this. It was quite embarrassing for Lady Mingzhao to encounter such a thing on her first visit to the palace.
Yan Qingqing lowered her head, her eyes darting around, and said, "Your Highness Prince Chen, please don't be angry. I come from the countryside, and it's possible that some people have tried to deal with me because they couldn't stand the Emperor's bestowal of titles upon me."
After all, I was attacked by a group of men in black on my way here.
Fortunately, the guards at home risked their lives to save him, which allowed him to safely enter the capital.
I just didn't expect them to be so powerful and influential that they could even extend their reach into the palace.
I fought with that little eunuch for ages but didn't see a single person.
The others are fine, but the safety of the Emperor and the ladies of the harem needs to be carefully monitored in the future.
"If something goes wrong, no one can afford to take the responsibility."
The emperor's face darkened further upon hearing this; Lady Mingzhao's words were a blatant slap in the face.
Those Imperial Guards were either bribed or neglected their duties.
If they can be bribed today to watch Lady Mingzhao fall into danger in the palace without lifting a finger, can they also be bribed one day to watch him, the emperor, fall into danger and turn a blind eye?
The more the emperor thought about it, the more likely it seemed. He immediately ordered the removal of Qian Huai'an, the commander of the Imperial Guards, from his position as the Grand Commander of the Imperial Guards.
Xiao Mochen glanced at Yan Qingqing. It seemed his aunt knew how to fight and sow discord. She had managed to win over a commander of the Imperial Guards with just a few words.
For the past six months, Xiao Mochen has tried every possible method but has been unable to gain control of the Imperial Guards.
Qian Huai'an was a collateral branch of the Qian family. The Qian family had been scholars for generations, but only this military general emerged. He was initially ostracized by his family. The emperor thought he could win him over, but in the end, he turned out to be an ingrate.
Xiao Mochen was determined to seize such a good opportunity, so he said, "Father, the Imperial Guards are responsible for your safety, and the commander of the Imperial Guards must be a trustworthy person."
Otherwise, Father Emperor won't sleep soundly at night.
The emperor nodded upon hearing this, agreeing with Xiao Mochen's assessment, but given the current situation, who could possibly be qualified to serve as the commander of the Imperial Guards?
After thinking for a moment, the emperor's eyes suddenly lit up, and he said to Eunuch Xiang, "Summon Pei Zisheng to the palace."
Pei Zisheng is Xiao Mochen's maternal uncle. He used to be the commander of the capital's garrison, so his abilities are beyond question.
Moreover, Pei Zisheng is the emperor's rightful brother-in-law and one of the emperor's most trusted people.
Xiao Mochen was secretly delighted upon hearing this, but he still pretended to be surprised and asked, "Does Father want Uncle to take command of the Imperial Guards?"
The emperor nodded and said, "I do indeed have this intention. Your uncle is my study companion, his abilities are beyond doubt, and he is the person I trust most."
Although he made a mistake while drunk back then, I knew in my heart that he was most likely framed.
Having been unemployed at home for the past few years, I'm sure they've had some serious reflections.
I was just thinking of finding an opportunity to give him a chance a while ago, and now the opportunity has come along perfectly.
Xiao Mochen nodded in agreement.
Yan Qingqing was speechless when she saw that the father and son were discussing this matter without any attempt to hide it from her.
She didn't want to know too many of the court's secrets, lest she be silenced one day.
Right now, she knows nothing, has done nothing, and yet someone wants to kill her.
She has put in so much effort and finally achieved what she has today; she doesn't want to be silenced so easily.
So she said, "Since Your Majesty and Prince Chen have matters to discuss, then I shall take my leave."
Upon hearing this, the Emperor nodded and smiled, "Alright, Lady Mingzhao, please go back first. I will certainly give you an explanation for what happened today."
Then he turned to Eunuch Xiang and said, "Double the reward I gave to Lady Mingzhao as a way to calm her nerves."
Upon hearing this, Eunuch Xiang quickly agreed.
Xiao Mochen originally intended to personally escort Yan Qingqing back, but considering that the position of commander of the Imperial Guards could not be lost, he ordered, "Eunuch Xiang, you personally escort Lady Mingzhao out of the palace. If anything happens to Lady Mingzhao, I will hold you responsible!"
Upon hearing this, Eunuch Xiang quickly agreed. He knew the status of Lady Mingzhao in this man's heart. To put it bluntly, even if Empress Pei were alive, she probably wouldn't have such a heavy weight.
Eunuch Xiang escorted Yan Qingqing all the way to the palace gate, followed by a line of eight junior eunuchs.
Each of them carefully held a box in their hands, filled with the emperor's gifts.
Yan Qingqing had the eunuchs place the rewards on the carriage, and said with a smile to Eunuch Xiang, "Thank you so much, Eunuch Xiang. You can go back now."
Upon hearing this, Eunuch Xiang responded with an "Eh!" and led a group of young eunuchs back to Hanlong Palace.
Ah Da helped Yan Qingqing into the carriage before asking, "Madam, why have you been in the palace for so long? I thought the Emperor was going to invite you to a banquet."
Yan Qingqing pouted and said self-deprecatingly, "I didn't get to eat at the Emperor's banquet, but you almost ate at my banquet."
Ah Da was a little confused by Yan Qingqing's words. He was already eating the madam's food, so why would the madam want to invite him to a banquet? That was completely unnecessary.
He is now Lady Mingzhao's head steward. His food, clothing, and daily necessities are not much worse than those of his masters.
Seeing Ah Da's bewildered expression, they recounted how they had almost been killed by a eunuch in the palace.
Ah Da was both frightened and relieved after hearing this. Luckily, his wife was alright, otherwise his family would have lost its pillar of support.
Yan Qingqing thought for a moment and then instructed the two of them, "Only the three of us know about this at home. Don't tell the young master and young lady when you get back, so they won't worry."
Upon hearing this, both A-Da and Ru-Yi nodded solemnly.
Especially Ruyi, who had experienced it firsthand, was increasingly frightened the more she thought about it.
Looking at Ruyi's pale face, Yan Qingqing teased, "Hey, our Ruyi really showed some backbone this time. She didn't panic in the face of danger and even kicked that eunuch several times."
Ruyi felt praised upon hearing this and raised her chin high, feeling that she had not disgraced the lady.
Distracted by Yan Qingqing, Ruyi seemed to forget her fear.
As soon as Yan Qingqing left the palace, Consort Yu received the news and angrily overturned the table. She couldn't handle Xiao Mochen, but could she not even handle a widow?
Xiao Moyan's five secret guards, along with ten secret guards from the Yu family, were all killed by Yan Qingqing.
In particular, she was the one who borrowed the ten secret guards from the Yu family, for which Old Master Yu complained to her quite a bit.
The fact that they failed to eliminate her despite having such a good opportunity in the palace today shows that these people are all useless.
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