Ma Xiaoliu hurried back to the palace from outside.
He has important news to report.
"Madam, the Jinwu Guard has sealed off the entire Ministry of War. The Minister of War, the Vice Minister, and all the officials in charge of horse administration have been invited to the Jinwu Guard for tea."
Gu Jiu was stunned for a moment, then asked anxiously, "Is this true?"
"This is absolutely true. I saw with my own eyes the Jinwu Guards seal off the Ministry of War."
Gu Jiu's heart was beating like thunder.
Was this done by Liu Zhao?
The Minister of War sidelined him and refused to give him real power, so he simply overturned the table and rewrote the rules of the game.
If it was really done by Liu Zhao, I have to say, well done!
Liu Zhao was a stingy guy. She knew that the Ministry of War and the people at large were trying to undermine him, and he wouldn't let it go. He would definitely seek redress from somewhere else.
The two had quarreled before, and Liu Zhao took the opportunity to ask for leave, probably to show off to others.
The purpose is to paralyze the people in the Ministry of War.
Gu Jiu asked, "Is there something wrong with Ma Zheng?"
Ma Xiaoliu nodded, "I heard that something went wrong with Ma Zheng."
Gu Jiu laughed.
The Ministry of War was like an iron barrel. Even if Liu Zhao had a hundred and eight tricks, he would find it difficult to implement them.
It would be better to start with the peripheral Ma Zheng.
Sure enough, every hit was accurate.
Moreover, Ma Zheng had problems many years ago, and now he has problems again.
Can the horse officials and everyone in the Ministry of War escape safely?
I’m afraid it’s difficult!
Gu Jiu took a deep breath and calmed himself down.
She ordered: "Go out and continue to inquire about the news."
"As you wish." Ma Xiaoliu took the silver and hurried out again.
Gu Jiu also arranged Xiao Cui to guard the gatehouse.
If Liu Zhao comes back, tell her the first time.
The affairs of the Ministry of War were handled by Liu Zhao, and all of them were her speculations.
We have to ask Liu Zhao in person to find out whether he did it.
The Ministry of War was closed, and there was panic inside and outside the court, and everyone was in danger.
I’m afraid that the emperor will start killing again if he disagrees with me.
Even Prince Ning became obedient, attending court every day, keeping to himself and never going out.
Two days later, the matter of the Ministry of War had not yet been concluded, and Liu Zhao rushed back from outside, exhausted.
Before he could even drink a sip of water, King Ning called him over for questioning.
The father and son closed the door and sent their attendants away.
Prince Ning asked quietly, "Is it done?"
Liu Zhao first poured a pot of tea, wiped the corner of his mouth, and said, "It's done. This time, the Li family can't escape."
Prince Ning breathed a sigh of relief.
But he was still a little worried and checked again and again, "Are you sure? There are no mistakes?"
Liu Zhao said with certainty, "My son will personally handle this matter. I'm sure the Li family won't get away this time."
"Have you found all the evidence?"
Liu Zhao nodded. "When the time comes, someone will deliver the evidence to Grandfather Huang's desk. This is about Ma Zheng, so I think Grandfather Huang will no longer protect the Li family."
Prince Ning waved his hands and paced back and forth in the side hall, looking somewhat worried.
"It's hard to guess what the old man is thinking. It's too early to say whether he will protect the Li family. If Concubine Li De starts crying and making a scene, and the little prince is involved, maybe the Li family will really be able to escape."
Liu Zhao frowned, "Even if we can't kill the Li family, we must cripple them."
"Of course."
Prince Ning snorted coldly, "The Li family has plotted against me time and again, and they've only just stabbed me. If I don't retaliate, they'll still treat me like a sick cat, ready to be bullied at will."
When Prince Ning thought that the emperor had once thought of depriving him of his title, he was shocked and angry.
The emperor had this idea, and he dared to guarantee with his life that Concubine Li De was involved in this matter.
If the emperor had not relied on Gu Jiu for money, he might have really issued an order to deprive him of his title.
Prince Ning knew the emperor's thoughts too well.
The emperor is now senile and is more wary of all adult princes than ever before.
If it were really possible to deprive people of their titles without asking for reasons and regardless of the court, the emperor would have deprived them of their titles and demoted them to commoners eight hundred years ago.
Prince Ning repeatedly urged Liu Zhao, "You must ensure that this goes smoothly."
Liu Zhao nodded solemnly, "Son, I understand. The horse policy cannot be neglected. If the emperor really lets the Li family go, no one in the court will agree."
"So what if the court disagrees? The voices of everyone inside and outside the court combined are not as loud as the voice of Concubine Li De alone."
This is the truth. I feel helpless, but I have to prepare for the worst.
The worst outcome is that you fail to kill the snake but end up being harmed by it.
Prince Ning waved his hand and said, "You go down first. Tomorrow morning, come with me to the morning court."
Liu Zhao said goodbye and returned to the East Courtyard.
Gu Jiu looked at him, looking exhausted, and wanted to say something but stopped himself several times.
"Ask whatever you want to ask."
Gu Jiu pondered for a moment and said, "The Jinwu Guards sealed the Ministry of War, saying that something went wrong with Ma Zheng. Was this your doing?"
Liu Zhao laughed and waved at her, "Come here, I'll tell you."
Gu Jiu approached.
Liu Zhao didn't care whether he was dirty or not, he just hugged Gu Jiu and started to bite him.
Gu Jiu was extremely disgusted.
After a while, he let her go, nodded, and said, "I did it."
Gu Jiu tutted his words twice, "You are so petty. The Minister of War didn't let you play at the table, and you overturned his table."
This metaphor is very appropriate.
Liu Zhao said shamelessly: "I am petty to begin with, so please don't provoke me."
Gu Jiu snorted twice and said in disgust, "You stink so badly. I don't know where you rolled around again. Hurry and wash yourself clean."
Liu Zhao washed up, and Gu Jiu ordered people to prepare wine and food.
After he finished washing, the couple ate and drank together, having a great time.
…
Early in the morning, Madam Li entered the palace with a sign.
She met with Concubine Li De.
"My Lady, something terrible has happened!"
Concubine Li De coughed twice and asked, "Mother, why are you yelling so loudly?"
After saying this, he waved his hand and asked all the palace people to leave.
When only the mother and daughter were left in the side hall, Concubine Li De suppressed her anger and asked, "What happened again? Don't you have a moment of peace all day long?"
Mrs. Li was a little timid.
Concubine Li De's majesty grew day by day, and she could no longer act like a mother in front of Concubine Li De.
She said weakly, "Your Majesty, I believe you have heard that the Jinwu Guards have closed down the Ministry of War."
Concubine Li De's face was gloomy. "Don't tell me that the affairs of the Ministry of War are related to you."
Mrs. Li looked guilty.
Concubine Li De sneered repeatedly, her face livid. Looking at Madam Li like this, what else could she not understand?
"You have such a long hand that you even dare to interfere with Ma Zheng. Are you deliberately trying to kill me? The families of the other concubines are all my helpers. Only you are holding me back all day long. Are you trying to kill me?"
Concubine Li De was so angry that she wanted to smash the entire side hall to pieces, but she was worried about attracting other people's attention.
She was furious and scolded Madam Li, treating her like her grandson.
After she finished scolding, Madam Li said timidly, "Your Majesty, the Ministry of War's confiscation of land came too suddenly. We didn't hear anything beforehand. Your Majesty, please think of a way to get our Li family out of this."
"Shut up! Every time something goes wrong, I'm the one cleaning up your mess. Can't you be more careful and avoid getting me into trouble? You dare to get involved with Ma Zheng? Are you really that bold?"
Concubine Li De was furious and felt extremely sad to have such a family.
She has been beautiful and strong-willed since she was a child.
Ever since she entered the palace and gained favor, her temper has become increasingly worse.
She supported her family in the hope that they could be a support to her.
However, she still underestimated the greedy nature of her family.
Madam Li felt wronged. "We do this all for Her Majesty. Her Majesty has a lot of expenses in the palace and needs money everywhere. If we don't think of ways to make money, how can we send money to Her Majesty every month? Her Majesty, please at least be understanding."
"presumptuous!"
Concubine Li De scolded her harshly, slapping the table. "Mother, are you saying that it's all my fault that you've interfered with Ma Zheng? It's clearly your own greed, extravagance and debauchery that's the cause."
How much money have I spent over the years? Is it even a fraction of what you have spent? Mother, you think I'm a three-year-old child who can be fooled and deceived at will, but you're wrong.
Madam Li felt guilty and aggrieved, "But now that things have come to this, Your Majesty cannot stand idly by. Are you going to watch your father being imprisoned by the Jinwu Guards?"
"Shut up!"
Concubine Li De was so angry that she paced back and forth in the side hall, her face as gloomy as water.
If possible, she really doesn't want such a family. They are all people who drag her down.
It’s nothing like Xiao Shufei’s natal family, the Xiao family, and Xue Guifei’s natal family, the Xue family.
Other people’s parents’ home are very powerful.
Her own family was like a poisonous snake, ready to bite her at any opportunity and drag her down to death.
Concubine Li De gritted her teeth and said, "First, explain everything clearly. I want to know everything you have done. Otherwise, this time, you will be on your own."
"Don't worry, Your Majesty. I will tell you everything I know, no matter what you want to know."
Two hours passed.
Madam Li has left the palace and returned home.
Concubine Li De sat on the Arhat couch with an unpredictable expression.
It took her a long time to come back to her senses.
"What is your majesty busy with right now?"
"Your Majesty, His Majesty is still reviewing the memorials."
"Who serves His Majesty?"
"The people serving here are all eunuchs from Xingqing Palace."
The emperor did not ask the concubines in the harem to serve him, which made Concubine Li De feel relieved.
She then asked, "Has Your Majesty turned over the cards?"
The maid shook her head, "The cards haven't been turned over yet."
Concubine Li De gritted her teeth and said, "Go on my behalf and find a way to get His Majesty to stay here tonight."
"I will go right away."
…
Chen Dachang served the emperor attentively and considerately.
Unfortunately, the emperor has always been in a low mood.
It seems that many people will die this time.
A eunuch was hiding behind the palace gate, acting stealthily.
Chen Dachang frowned when he saw this. He looked for an opportunity and quietly left the hall.
The eunuch hurried to follow.
Now that they were far enough away to talk, Chen Dachang asked, "What's the matter?"
The eunuch whispered, "Godfather, the Virtuous Consort has sent someone to contact Attendant Shen, hoping that Your Majesty will turn over a card."
Chen Dachang's expression was unclear, as if he was smiling. "We heard that Empress Defei's mother came to the palace today and stayed there for a long time."
"Exactly!"
"It seems that Concubine De is anxious. But His Majesty is busy today, so he won't turn over anyone's card."
Chen Dachang's words made Concubine Li De's plan fail.
He returned to serve the emperor again.
Concubine Li De waited for news in the palace until dark, but the emperor never showed up.
She finally couldn't help it and smashed a set of blue and white porcelain tea sets in anger.
"What's going on? Didn't you say His Majesty would definitely come?"
"Your Majesty, Chamberlain Shen did indeed agree to this. But for some reason, Your Majesty did not turn over your name card."
"Whose card did Your Majesty turn over?"
The maid bowed and said, "Your Majesty, you haven't turned over anyone's card."
Concubine Li De frowned and paced back and forth in the hall, feeling anxious.
In the case of Ma Zheng, the longer it drags on, the more serious the situation becomes.
She must take advantage of the fact that the Li family has not been exposed yet and quickly eliminate this disaster.
She gritted her teeth and asked, "Where is the little prince?"
"Just finished feeding."
Concubine Li De ordered someone to bring the little prince over.
She looked at the little prince and rarely smiled.
Then, she hardened her heart.
If the emperor didn't come, she would force him to come.
That night, the little prince fell ill and his condition became serious.
This matter alarmed the emperor.
The emperor put on his clothes and hurried to visit the little prince.
Concubine Li De cried in front of the emperor and asked him to stay overnight.
The moment the emperor decided to stay, Concubine Li De glanced at Chen Dachang calmly.
Chen Dachang looked at his nose with his eyes and his heart with his nose, and he didn't care at all.
That night, Concubine Li De used all her skills to serve the emperor very comfortably.
While the emperor was feeling relaxed and at ease, she took the opportunity to plead guilty and to plead guilty on behalf of the Li family.
She downplayed what the Li family had done.
The emperor frowned, the Li family's involvement in the Ma Zheng case had already revealed its true identity.
Concubine Li De pleaded for the Li family, which made the emperor unhappy.
Concubine Li De cried, her tears streaming down her face. She once again sacrificed the little prince.
The emperor finally relented and hugged her, "Don't worry, my dear. If the matter is not serious, I will naturally show leniency."
Concubine Li De threw herself into the emperor's arms, "Your Majesty is so kind! I have recently learned a new move. Would Your Majesty like to try it out?"
"oh?"
The emperor is in a good mood.
So the second round of fierce fighting began.
…
Early in the morning, as soon as Prince Ning entered the palace, he knew something was wrong.
The Li family moves very quickly, and that bitch Li Defei moves even faster.
Upon learning that the emperor had stayed at Concubine Li De's place last night and had gotten up late, delaying the morning court session by the time of an incense stick, Prince Ning knew that Concubine Li De had taken action.
He secretly reminded Liu Zhao, "You have to make sure the evidence you collect is substantial enough. Otherwise, this time, you won't be able to bring down the Li family."
Liu Zhao's face was gloomy.
King Ning began to lose confidence in this plan.
Perhaps the Li family was not destined to perish, because they had a good daughter.
Liu Zhao changed his strategy and did not rush to reveal the key evidence of the Li family's crimes.
Only some minor crimes that were neither too serious nor too light were enough for the emperor to let the Li family go without any obstacles and give face to Concubine Li De and the little prince.
Concubine Li De and the Li family all breathed a sigh of relief, thinking that the case had nothing to do with the Li family.
But they didn't expect that the ultimate move was yet to come.
When the investigation into the Ma Zheng case deepened and reached the Qingping horse racing site in the northwest, Liu Zhaochu seized the opportunity and threw out the key evidence of the Li family's crimes.
Qingping Horse Farm is the emperor's sore spot; anyone who touches it will die.
It wasn't many years ago that Xiliang poisoned hundreds of thousands of horses at the Qingping Horse Farm.
Due to the lack of horses, the strength of the Zhou cavalry was weakened, and they had to retreat to a corner, switching from active attack to passive defense.
Anyone who dares to lay hands on Qingping Racecourse must be prepared to have their hands chopped off.
The Jinwu Guards were dispatched to arrest people according to the list.
When the digging reached the Li family, the Jinwu Guards did not dare to be careless. They presented the evidence and asked the emperor to make a decision.
Over Xingqing Palace, dark clouds loomed.
The temperature inside the hall is even colder than outside.
Everyone was careful, speaking and walking carefully, and breathing carefully.
I’m afraid that if I make the slightest noise, I’ll become the emperor’s punching bag and cannon fodder.
Bang!
The emperor kicked over the copper furnace beside him.
"You are so audacious and reckless that you deserve to die! You all deserve to die."
The emperor swept his hand and all the memorials on the desk fell to the ground.
Chen Dachang quickly took people to pick up the memorial.
The contents of the memorial are shocking.
Anyone who dares to touch Ma Zheng’s money and even buys and sells horses privately is courting death!
It's typical that people would give up their lives for money.
The emperor gritted his teeth and said, "If anyone dares to touch Ma Zheng's money, I will punish them all. Jinwu Guards!"
"I am here!"
Wei Zhong, the left guard of the Jinwu Guard, looked inexplicably excited.
For the Jinwu Guard, when is the most exciting time? When encountering a major case involving high-ranking officials, dignitaries, and royal relatives, the Jinwu Guard will be particularly excited.
"I order you to surround the Li family and arrest them all, one by one. Don't hesitate."
Wei Zhong couldn't hide his excitement and agreed loudly, "Your humble servant obeys your command!"
Wei Zhong received the order and left in a hurry.
harem.
"Your Majesty, something terrible has happened! The Left Guard of the Jinwu Guard has received an order and has assembled his men to arrest the Master."
"What?"
Concubine Li De stood up suddenly, her eyes went dark, and she fell headfirst.
－－－－－－Digression－－－－－－
Kavin, Kavin is so excited.
I didn’t write a single word last night because I couldn’t write.
I woke up this morning, sorted out my thoughts, and finally wrote this chapter.
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