Cui Minghao felt like vomiting blood!
“Brother Cui,” Liu Ziyue said unhappily, “this is a family matter of the Liu family.”
Family scandals should not be aired in public. No matter how good the relationship is between the Cui and Liu families, they are still two separate families. How could he possibly talk about such a thing?
“If it were just a normal family matter, I wouldn’t have any objections,” Cui Minghao said, speechless. “But this concerns the previous dynasty, so how can you keep it a secret?”
No wonder Liu An didn't care about Grand Secretaries An and Zhong at all; it turns out he had no more ties to them.
It seems the Liu family's plan has been completely ruined!
If he had known this would happen, he should have found a smarter person to work with, at least someone who wouldn't hold him back.
"Well, it's not a big deal," Liu Ziyue said, feeling guilty. "He doesn't have a good relationship with the family anyway, so he's unlikely to help if something happens. This matter hasn't had any impact."
idiot!
Cui Minghao closed his eyes wearily. "Forget it, it's too late to say anything now. Let's discuss what to do next."
"We must ruin this," Liu Ziyue said quickly, sensing Cui Minghao's anger. "Last time, because of the Li family, the Lady Protector of the Nation gave us a good beating. We can't let her power grow stronger."
“Last time, we lost all face and became the laughing stock of the entire capital,” Cui Minghao said with a gloomy expression. “If we don’t take this opportunity to get revenge, we won’t be able to quell our hatred.”
Cui Minghao has been getting a bit cocky lately.
Under his leadership, the imperial examinations had stagnated, prices in the capital continued to rise, and people flocked to the Cui residence to visit and give gifts every day.
He is confident that he can lead his family to new heights.
“That’s only one aspect,” Cui Ming’s eyes darkened. “We’ve been at odds with the court for so long, it’s time for a decision.”
If you've got leverage handed to you, might as well use it.
Although they didn't know why the Emperor was so confused and did something so absurd, they could use this opportunity to completely turn the tide.
Unfortunately, the Ji family had already secured their rule; otherwise, it wouldn't be impossible for them to compete for that position.
"Brother Cui, what are your thoughts?"
“I have already had people spread all sorts of rumors,” Cui Minghao’s eyes flashed with coldness, “listing out every single one of the incompetent things the current government is doing, and even arranging for people to deliberately incite public sentiment.”
He paused, then smiled, "Soon, the world will change!"
Upon hearing this, Liu Ziyue became even more fanatical, "Make a scene, the bigger the better. When that person bows down, that will be the time for us to achieve fame and success."
"Um!"
In the following days, the atmosphere in the capital and its surrounding areas changed.
Whether it's a restaurant, teahouse, theater, or shop, wherever people gather, you can hear all sorts of restless discussions.
Then, the atmosphere became increasingly tense, and the once bustling street gradually turned somber.
"Your Majesty," An Qingyun said worriedly, "Are you sure you don't need to control the rumors?"
“No need,” Ji Xuan shook her head, “Let them pass it on.”
“But,” Elder An began cautiously, “their remarks are becoming increasingly excessive.”
“Your Majesty,” Grand Secretary Zhong said uneasily, “the people are becoming increasingly restless and dissatisfied with the court. If this continues unchecked, and someone with ulterior motives deliberately incites them, a major disaster may ensue.”
"Furthermore," Elder An said weakly, "because powerful families want to use the Lady Protector of the Nation to attack the Emperor, they have deliberately fabricated all sorts of rumors. The common people have already spread rumors that the Lady Protector of the Nation is a monster, and their emotions are very agitated."
Upon hearing this, Ji Xuan's expression remained unchanged.
Ordinary people are like that—simple yet ignorant, and easily manipulated.
"I have other plans, there's no need to rush."
In the villa, Jiang Nuan also received a message from Liu An, telling her not to go out recently.
It's truly speechless how someone can go from being a celestial being to a demon in an instant.
They even said she was a seductive enchantress, and it sounded so real that she almost believed it.
"Could it really be a premonition?"
Jiang Nuan recalled the unease that had been lingering in her heart.
But I also felt like something was missing, and I was a little uncertain.
However, the timing was too coincidental; she had just been confident in setting up the grand formation.
"Mother, what premonition do you have?" Xie asked, puzzled.
"It's nothing," Jiang Nuan said, not wanting to worry her daughter-in-law. "Is the courtyard down the mountain all tidied up?"
"Yes, everything is ready. We'll move in on an auspicious day."
After saying this, Xie felt a strange sense of satisfaction.
Although the villa is nice, it is only a temporary place to escape the summer heat. It is not suitable for people to live in during autumn and winter, and it is really impossible for people to make it their home.
Meanwhile, the village at the foot of the mountain was gradually completed amidst everyone's anticipation, making people feel very close to it and look forward to it.
"There's no time like the present, let's move now!"
"Move now?" Madam Xie's eyes widened. "Mother, isn't that too hasty?"
“There’s no rush,” Jiang Nuan shook her head. “We’ll have to move sooner or later, so it’s better to move sooner rather than later. It’s damp up in the mountains, and we’ve been living here for three months already, so it’s about time.”
"But we didn't prepare beforehand, isn't it too rushed?"
"No, it's just a short walk, and there are so many people at home to help, there's nothing to worry about!"
"Okay, I'll go arrange it right away."
"Also, let Xiao San know to make a trip and inform Manager Jin and the others to move."
"Alright!" Xie suppressed her doubts and turned to leave.
She felt that her mother-in-law seemed a bit... anxious today!
However, upon closer inspection, nothing unusual was found.
After Xie left, Jiang Nuan went to the old lady's courtyard. "Mother, my sister-in-law's pregnancy is stable. Let Jiang Chao bring them over. The house is all ready."
"Okay, I'll have Jiang Chao ask him about it later."
"Get it done as soon as possible, preferably today, don't delay."
"Hmm?" The old lady became alert. "Has something happened?"
"Not for now, but I'm a little uneasy. Since I'll have to move sooner or later anyway, I might as well move today."
"Feeling uneasy?" the old woman asked anxiously. "What's wrong?"
My daughter has had a divine connection, so she certainly wouldn't have these kinds of feelings so easily.
It is very likely that an unexpected disaster will strike.
Jiang Nuan rubbed her forehead. "It's better to be prepared. Let's get everyone together first."
"Could it be because of the title?"
The old lady couldn't think of any other way to cause trouble besides her family staying hidden in the mountains and not getting involved in outside affairs.
"There is some connection, but not much."
Jiang Nuan briefly recounted what had happened in the capital, and the old lady was already sweating profusely after listening.
"You brat, I told you we shouldn't mess around like this. Go to the capital and send a message saying we don't want it anymore."
“Mother, these things don’t concern us much,” Jiang Nuan shook her head. “Don’t worry, nothing will happen.”
"How could nothing happen?" The old lady admired her daughter's courage immensely. "You've become a monster; what if they want to burn people?"
At this point, the old lady did not believe that Ji Xuan would protect her daughter.
Even if he usually performs very well, I still can't believe it.
She was unaware of the intrigues and schemes within the court, but she understood one thing: people are inherently selfish, and in crucial moments, no one would risk their own life to help an outsider.
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