So what if you don’t believe it?
Does it affect him holding her while sleeping?
No impact at all.
He pulled the quilt over them with his long arms, hugged her slender body, closed his eyes and fell asleep.
The next day.
Qingfengju.
"Master, this morning, our people saw the Ninth Prince coming out of the Regent's private residence. The palace reported that the Ninth Prince was not in the palace last night." Ah Yu bent down, her expression somewhat subtle.
Last night, the Ninth Prince spent the night with the Regent...
In the wheelchair, the man leisurely fiddled with the flowers and plants, and said in a calm voice:
"Why are you telling me this? I never ask about the affairs of the palace."
Ayu laughed:
"Yes, I am confused. I believe the eldest prince will be interested. I will send someone to tell the eldest prince the news."
-
When Chu Li returned to the palace, he had a scroll in his hand. Thinking of Chu Dichi's expression when he gave it to her, he said:
"You have to earn your own way out."
"Just go for it, I'll be there to support you."
She glanced at the pile of things and closed it. It was full of evidence of the eldest prince's private appointment of officials and collusion with ministers over the years...
The image of her elder brother, who was dignified, self-disciplined and polite, completely collapsed.
Once these things are exposed, there will inevitably be a huge uproar. By then, the eldest prince's reputation will be ruined and all the ministers will unite, and he will be ruined.
She was still thinking about what to do.
Before he could come up with a conclusion, he was called to the imperial study by Eunuch Fu.
When I went there, I saw the eldest prince was there too.
"Father, my eldest brother."
Emperor Chu and Chu Yuanchi looked at each other, as if they had communicated something with their eyes, and then quickly looked away.
Chu Yuanchi smiled and said, "Xiao Jiu is here. I hope I didn't disturb you from talking to Father."
Chu Li immediately said:
"Father and my eldest brother are discussing important matters. I am just idle. If Father and my eldest brother are busy, I will come later."
"Xiaojiu, it's okay."
The King of Chu called her.
"What I discussed with the boss was only the war in southern Xinjiang."
Speaking of which, he looked solemn: "Southern Xinjiang has always been a thorny issue. Over the years, it has been handled by the Regent. Now he has been back in Beijing for a long time. Southern Xinjiang is in chaos and many civilians and soldiers have died. I am deeply saddened."
Chu Li knew that Southern Xinjiang was in chaos again, but didn’t his father assign several generals to go to Southern Xinjiang to suppress it?
Chu Yuanchi said:
"General Zhang and General Li are unable to quell the rebellion in southern Xinjiang. The current situation is dire. If we allow the southern barbarians to attack cities and seize territory, I'm afraid there will be endless troubles."
Chu Li understood immediately.
Only the Regent can control the southern border.
However, the regent had his military power taken away and had no plans to go to war.
She pursed her lips and said, "According to my father's opinion, what should we do?"
The King of Chu said, "The Regent has been in Southern Xinjiang for many years and knows it well. I plan to send General An to lead 50,000 troops and let the Regent assist General An to pacify Southern Xinjiang together."
Chu Li exclaimed in his heart: How is this possible?
The Regent is already in a high position among the ministers, how could he condescend to assist General An?
Besides, the emperor had stripped him of his military power and wanted him to serve the country without giving him military power. How could Chu Dichi possibly do such a thankless task?
He's not stupid.
Although Chu Li thought so, she had never interfered in government affairs. Even though she knew it was inappropriate, she pretended to be stupid and flattered:
"Father has made a decision. I believe the war in southern Xinjiang will soon be settled, and the people will be able to live in peace."
The King of Chu was relieved, "It seems that Xiaojiu and I have the same idea."
He patted Chu Li's shoulder with satisfaction and said:
"Then you will convey my order to the regent."
"?"
Asking her to do such an offensive thing, Chu Li's face suddenly darkened.
"Father, I am afraid I am not qualified to carry out such an important decree!"
What's more, the Regent would never agree to it.
If this decree cannot be proclaimed and the mission fails, wouldn't it be her fault?
Emperor Chu patted her shoulder gently, "Xiaojiu, it's OK."
"Xiao Jiu has never let me down, and this time is no exception."
Chu Li felt a little cold in his heart.
At the same time, she couldn't help but think of what Chu Dichi had said to her: the emperor didn't really love her, and every prince was a valuable tool that would be used reasonably when necessary.
The emperor is a person who values interests.
Chu Yuanchi smiled and said, "As long as the war in Southern Xinjiang can be settled and the country can be stabilized, the people of Great Chu will never forget the contribution made by the Regent."
After saying this, he looked outside:
"Father, Yan'er is almost ready to enter the palace at this time."
The Emperor of Chu's brows became more kind, and soon he saw a little eunuch leading the young Chu Hongyan towards him. The little guy was not very tall, but he knelt on the ground and saluted in a very proper manner.
Shouted tenderly:
"Greetings to Grandpa Emperor."
"Yan'er, come here, get up quickly and come to Grandpa the Emperor." Emperor Chu waved his hand and looked at his beloved eldest grandson with natural love.
Chu Hongyan got up and said to Chu Li with a sweet smile:
"Hello, Uncle Nine."
Chu Li's heart softened as she watched him walk towards Emperor Chu. The warm scene of the grandfather and grandson sharing family happiness, especially Chu Hongyan's young and sensible appearance, made her feel complicated and uncomfortable.
When I returned to Zhaolan Palace, my heart still felt so heavy.
"Master, why do you look so gloomy as soon as you come back? Are you worried about something?" Gou Ba asked worriedly.
Chu Li looked at the stack of secret letters on the table.
As long as she sends people to spread the news, the eldest prince will fall, but at the same time she will face the eldest prince's revenge, and thinking that Chu Hongyan is still young, he will definitely hate her in the future.
She rubbed her forehead:
"nothing."
After thinking it over, I decided to put these things away temporarily.
Soon, Eunuch Fu brought the imperial edict, and she took the edict to the Regent's Palace.
When I went there, Chu Dichi was drinking tea in the courtyard.
"Do you miss me?" He looked at Chu Li who came to him on her own initiative with rare surprise. As far as he could remember, she rarely took the initiative to look for him.
Chu Li stood at the door, silent for a moment.
He put down his teacup.
"It seems that nothing good is going to happen."
Chu Li choked slightly.
She was a little embarrassed.
"I...my father asked me to come."
"What bad idea did he come up with?"
Chu Li blushed, and walked forward with courage and handed him the imperial edict that he had been holding in his arms.
Chu Dichi opened it and took a quick glance, his expression unclear for a moment.
"After ten years of hard study and more than three thousand days and nights, when you were nominated for the top list, someone else took your place. Xiaojiu, if you were this scholar, what would you do?"
Chu Li was speechless.
The King of Chu asked the Regent to assist General An, taking away his military power and making use of his talents. This was just like what he said about being a scholar.
I put in a lot of effort but got nothing in return.
But what can she do?
She could not influence her father's will, nor did she want to interfere in the political disputes. At best, she was just a messenger.
"Xiao Jiu, do you want me to go?"
Chu Dichi put down the imperial edict and looked into her eyes. The deep black pupils made Chu Li's breathing tighten slightly: "This is the will of my father."
"Do you wish me to go?"
"I……"
How does she know?
What does this have to do with her?
Chu Li turned his head to one side, "I don't know."
"How could you not know? Once I leave the capital, it will be at least two years, and no one will be able to disturb you during this period. But if you do this, what is the difference between you and the emperor?"
Exploit others in exchange for benefits.
He is nothing more than a usable sharp blade. When he is useful, we will make full use of him; when he is useless, we will strip him of his power and try every means to get rid of him.
Chu Li suddenly seemed to be enraged:
"There is no difference between me and the emperor? Yes, I know this decree is very unfair to you, but you have ruined my life and everything I have. Who can I tell about my injustice?"
If it weren't for him, how could she have come to this point today?
Chu Dichi stood up and said, "You belong to me."
Chu Li stared:
"nonsense!"
"Every time you are with me, you enjoy yourself so much and are so happy. You even snuggle into my arms when you sleep at night..."
"Shut up!"
She didn't!
"You forced me to do this!"
"Really?" He walked closer, holding her waist with his big hand and pressing her close to his chest, "Why can't I believe it? You really don't show any emotion at all."
Chu Li couldn't help but think of the Mid-Autumn Night, the night when he was kidnapped by the bully. If he hadn't appeared in time, he might have been in danger.
Thinking back to when the General's Mansion caught fire, she and Qin Muyu were almost trapped in the fire and couldn't get out, and it was he who rescued them.
But there was only a momentary feeling in his eyes, and he said coldly:
"I……"
"Well, since this is the imperial edict you personally brought to me, I will do as you wish. Go back to the palace and report to your father. Tomorrow morning, I will go with General An to help him."
Chu Li understood the sarcasm in his words and could not stand it any longer, so he pushed him away and ran away in embarrassment.
For the first time in my life, I felt that my father was shameful...
The Regent's achievements and abilities are known throughout the country.
The emperor wanted to use him but also wanted to guard against him. His behavior was a little too ugly, and he asked her to speak for him, which was embarrassing for her.
So shameless.
Even if she was given ten chances to save her, she would not be able to demote the Regent to an official.
Chu Li felt relieved only after she ran out of the Regent's Palace. Although it was shameless to do so, if he left, she could return to her previous life, right?
Isn't what she wants stability?
The next morning, the Regent indeed went on the expedition with General An and rushed to southern Xinjiang, leaving all the civil and military officials guessing what was going on.
"The Regent is willing to endure such humiliation?"
"Could it be that the Emperor gave the Regent some favor?"
"When did the Regent become so easy to talk to?"
When the court was dismissed, the civil and military officials left while discussing the matter heatedly.
When Chu Li heard these words, she felt uncomfortable.
Even the officials knew, everyone knew, what a humiliation this expedition was for the Regent.
And the reason why he was willing to go seemed... because of her.
It was she who conveyed this imperial decree.
It's because of her.
But he could clearly refuse, but now he was willing to be humiliated for her. She actually had the illusion that she was very important to him.
It was this illusion that reminded her of what her father had done to the Regent, leaving him without any descendants and asking him to work hard for the country and the people, squeezing out every last drop of his contribution.
In the end, it was he who fought in the wars, it was he who risked his life, it was he who cut off his lineage, it was he who suffered humiliation, it was he who charged into the battles, and it was he who maintained the stability of the country.
Only the emperor sat on the dragon throne, issuing orders, day after day.
Chu Li suddenly felt a strong sense of injustice for him...
"Master, it's urgent. Concubine Wen needs you to come over immediately!"
Just after sending the Regent away, Chu Li heard the voice and his brows tightened.
What happened again?
She rushed over immediately and saw Concubine Wen pacing back and forth with a cold and anxious look. She had rarely seen Concubine Wen look so serious.
"Mother, what happened?"
"Tanuki."
Concubine Wen strode forward and held her hand. "Wen Ya took the confidential letter from the study and gave it to the eldest prince. From now on, all the merits and honors of our Wen family will probably belong to the eldest prince."
Chu Li was shocked, and then became furious.
"Wen Ya!"
How could she do such a thing?
For many years, the Wen family has remained neutral, neither supporting nor opposing anyone, and has always kept itself clean. Unexpectedly, they have now fallen into Wen Ya's hands.
Concubine Wen sighed:
"The Emperor has already issued an edict granting Wen Ya and the eldest prince a marriage. Now, even if you beat Wen Ya to death, it will not be able to reverse the situation."
Besides, no one dared to kill Wen Ya.
She is now the eldest prince's soon-to-be-married concubine, of noble status, and has already acted arrogantly in the Wen family.
Mrs. Wen San questioned her: "Did you sneak into the study last night?"
Wen Ya suddenly became angry:
"You have no evidence. You are humiliating the eldest prince and the royal family by humiliating me with your mouth. I didn't expect that the Wen family would have such a rebellious heart to disrespect the royal family!"
Mrs. Wen was helpless.
Chu Li said, "Back then, Third Aunt shouldn't have been so soft-hearted and let Aunt Mei give birth to Wen Ya."
"It's too late to say anything now," Concubine Wen sighed, "From now on, every move of our Wen family will be inseparable from the eldest prince."
Too late?
Chu Li narrowed his eyes: "It's not too late."
It's never too late.
She immediately returned to Zhaolan Palace, took out the stack of secret letters from the drawer, and asked Gou Ba to spread the news in the capital, the sooner the better.
Originally, Chu Dichi left Beijing and went to southern Xinjiang. She hoped that everything would return to normal and did not want to get involved in the political disputes anymore. However, she did not expect the eldest prince to be so aggressive. In this case, she did not have to endure it any longer.
Just two hours later, a huge uproar broke out in the imperial capital:
"Really? In order to help the disaster go smoothly, the eldest prince actually killed seven uncooperative civilians?"
"What? The position of Minister Wang was granted privately by the Crown Prince?"
"The eldest prince actually..."
Rumors are spreading, and they are so detailed that they may even involve a certain person, an event, or a specific time. A careful check will reveal whether they are true or false.
Suddenly, the eldest prince's reputation of being upright, self-respecting, gentle and virtuous collapsed.
When he found out, he didn't bother to look after Chu Hongyan and hurried into the study.
The spy reported the news, and he lost control and dropped the pen, ink, paper and inkstone on the table:
"What did you say!"
who?
Who is it?
He actually had so much evidence against him and made it public.
"Brother, what should we do?" The second prince came anxiously after hearing the rumors. "People outside are talking about your disregard for human life, private appointments, and collusion with ministers. No matter how hard we try, we can't suppress it. If it gets to father's ears..."
It's all over.
Chu Yuanchi supported himself on the table with both hands, and slowly raised his scarlet eyes to look directly at the Second Prince:
"What's the hurry?"
"If anything happens to me, you will become the eldest son of the emperor. This will be the greatest benefit to you, right?"
The second prince looked stern:
"I……"
He clenched his fists and immediately said, "My eldest brother and I grew up together and are as close as brothers from the same mother. I have never had such thoughts. I only hope that my eldest brother can ascend the throne one day so that I can also share in the glory and enjoy some blessings."
"Really?" Chu Yuanchi smiled faintly.
In this case, he misunderstood him.
"If you really cared about me, why would you betray my sixth brother behind my back?"
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