Concubine Xiao Shufei lit the incense burner with her own hands. As she smelled the fragrance filling the room, she finally smiled with satisfaction.
She looked at Prince Ning who was sitting below her and sighed softly.
"You, you poked a hole in the sky."
Prince Ning said nonchalantly, "I thought the hole I made wasn't big enough, and I didn't kill all those people."
Concubine Xiao Shu snorted, "I don't know how many people inside and outside the palace hate you to death. If anyone was going to stab someone today, it shouldn't be you. You've become a target now, do you know that?"
Concubine Xiao Shufei could not hide her worry.
Now even she has to be cautious and only allows her trusted servants to take care of her daily meals and daily life.
I’m afraid that if I drink a sip of water or eat a bite of food, I’ll lose my life.
Don't underestimate the courage of those people. They even dare to interfere with the succession and enthronement of the throne. What else are they afraid to do?
Once those people are cornered, they can do anything crazy and incredible.
Prince Ning said with a smile: "Don't worry, mother. The people around you now are all old people brought from the Xiao family. They are definitely reliable."
Concubine Xiao Shu's face was stern. "If they want to exploit a loophole, they will always have a chance. My daily food is delivered by the Imperial Kitchen Supervisor. Do you think there's something wrong with that old man in the Imperial Kitchen Supervisor?"
Prince Ning lowered his voice and said, "Chang En secretly checked the background of that old man in the Shangshenjian, and there should be no problem. But mother, you still need to be more careful. No one can guarantee that the people around the old man are all right."
Concubine Xiao Shu nodded and said, "You are right. I should be more careful."
Prince Ning pointed to the west, the direction where Concubine Li De lived, and asked, "What's the situation with that person now?"
Concubine Xiao Shu sneered, "She stays indoors every day and refuses to show up no matter who comes. She's terrified right now, afraid that she'll be killed if she's not careful."
Prince Ning laughed, "She knows how to protect herself."
Concubine Xiao Shu said lightly, "No one who can reach our position is stupid. The Li family is finished, and the only person Concubine Li De can rely on now is the little prince. Of course, she must keep a close eye on the little prince and not allow anyone to get close to him."
After a pause, she continued, "Your entry into the palace today will surely be revealed to His Majesty. Go pay your respects to your father later."
Prince Ning shook his head like a rattle, "No. The old man will kill me."
He had created such a huge hole, so who would clean up the mess? Of course, the emperor.
The emperor is now busy arresting people, killing people, and patching up holes.
I can't sleep every night.
The emperor had several dreams in which the eunuchs in the palace rebelled and killed him while he was sleeping.
The emperor was extremely angry and frightened.
If I meet Prince Ning, it is really possible that I will tear him to pieces.
The eunuchs and maids in the palace with questionable status were to be killed. The emperor would not be grateful to Prince Ning for revealing the truth. According to the emperor, all of them should be killed.
If Prince Ning was not a prince, the emperor's biological son, he would not have lived to this day.
If any other official had lifted the lid, grass would probably have grown on his grave by now.
This is the price of lifting the lid!
This is why, even though someone clearly knew about this, and the two sides had been fighting for decades, no one had ever revealed the truth.
That is, Prince Ning and Liu Zhao, at the beginning, did not know how deep the water was, so they dived in.
By the time they realized the water was too deep and bottomless, it was too late to escape.
At this time, it is either you die or I live.
what to do?
Just lift the lid, expose the truth to the sun, muddy the waters, and make sure no one has an easy time.
This move also forced the emperor to take action.
How can I allow others to snore beside my bed?
What's more, it concerns the safety of the palace.
No emperor would allow unstable factors to exist around him.
Even though he knew that if he continued to kill, he would get hurt, he still had to kill.
Kill until blood flows like a river, and the danger is eliminated as much as possible. Only then will the emperor truly breathe a sigh of relief.
In this game, the emperor would also suffer serious injuries, so King Ning did not dare to show up in front of the emperor.
He was afraid that the emperor would kill him in a fit of rage.
Concubine Xiao Shu glanced at Prince Ning and asked, "Since you are unwilling to see His Majesty, why do you want to enter the palace?"
Prince Ning slumped in his chair, "Of course it's just a gesture."
Concubine Xiao Shu frowned, "Don't take any risks."
Prince Ning played with the ring on his thumb, smiled, and said, "How can one achieve great wealth without taking risks? Mother, don't worry, I have my own ideas."
Concubine Xiao Shu sighed, "Forget it, forget it. I can't control you. Be careful and don't let others take advantage of you."
"Son knows. While there is no movement from the old man, son will leave the palace immediately."
…
Zhou Miao looked at his godfather, the Imperial Kitchen Supervisor Hu Jianzheng.
Hu Jian was sitting on the armchair, eyes closed, resting. However, there was a hint of worry between his brows.
Zhou Miao carefully massaged his legs and waited, with all kinds of thoughts running through his mind.
"Zhou Miao!"
"My son is here."
Zhou Miao knelt on the ground with a very respectful attitude.
Hu Jian was staring at him, "How long have you been staying with us?"
"Reporting to Godfather, my son has been with you for nearly three years."
"It's been almost three years. Time flies."
"Godfather is still strong and getting younger as he ages."
Hu Jianzheng nodded, playing with the Buddhist beads in his hand, his eyes ambiguous.
"I heard that you and Jiang Shuyi have a very close relationship?"
"Thanks to her godfather, Jiang Shuyi still trusts her son."
"Very good! Keep in touch with Jiang Shuyi."
"As you wish, son."
Zhou Miao lowered his head, his eyes rolling around, with a thousand thoughts in his mind.
He vaguely guessed something, but he knew his limits and never showed any emotion, never giving anyone any handle.
Nor will anyone have the chance to kill him.
Hu Jianzheng suddenly asked about something unrelated, "How is Jiang Shuyi's diet?"
Zhou Miao's heart skipped a beat, and he said carefully, "Same as usual, nothing has changed."
"It's time for a change. Do you know how?"
Zhou Miao didn't hesitate at all. He lowered his head and said, "Son understands. I'll go see Jiang Shuyi later."
"very good!"
After a pause, Hu Jianzheng continued, "There's something I'm not sure about. How did Prince Ning and Prince Zhao learn about the kidnapper? Do you have any solution for this?"
Zhou Miao was very tactful and said, "Tomorrow, I will go to Prince Ning's mansion to feel out the situation."
Hu Jianzheng laughed and said, "Go ahead."
"Goodbye, son!"
Zhou Miao walked out of the room and felt a chill all over his body when the wind blew.
Only then did I realize that I was sweating coldly.
He wiped his forehead and cursed in his heart.
Damn it, these lunatics are using him as a chess piece. Humph, it's not certain who is whose chess piece.
Facing the cold wind, Zhou Miao came to Zhongcui Palace to meet Jiang Shuyi.
…
The East Courtyard of Prince Ning's Mansion.
"Let's sit down and talk."
Gu Jiu invited Lan Xiang to sit down.
Lan Xiang hesitated for a moment, then sat down on the round stool, feeling a little restrained.
Qingmei served tea and placed it on the table, and Lan Xiang could reach it with just one hand.
Gu Jiu smiled slightly and asked softly, "Did you ever imagine that it would cause such a big storm and have such serious consequences back then?"
Lan Xiang said frankly, "I did think about it. I just didn't expect it would involve so many people."
Yes! Many people were implicated.
It wasn't just the eunuchs and maids who died. Many officials from the capital to the local areas were also implicated.
Officials from the north, from petty clerks to local governors, were particularly affected. Many were arrested or questioned. No one was immune.
This case clearly has a tendency to escalate.
The court was in a state of panic, and everyone was feeling insecure. This had already seriously affected the government.
Everyone was not in the mood to work and was staring at what was happening in the palace.
Whenever there was any disturbance in the palace, countless people would shout in fear.
Gu Jiu asked him again: "Do you regret it?"
Lan Xiang raised her head and said with a firm expression, "I have no regrets. I've been looking forward to this day for over ten years."
Gu Jiu nodded, understanding.
She asked, "Have you ever thought about finding your family?"
Lan Xiang smiled sadly, shook her head, and said gloomily, "No."
Gu Jiu said: "I can send someone to look for your family for you, maybe they can find them."
Lan Xiang still shook her head. "So what if I found him? I can't go back. How could a good, honest family want a son who was once an actor? I'd rather live in their memories, still that child worth cherishing, instead of that disgusting and shameful actor."
"Have you thought it through? Will you regret it?"
Lan Xiang nodded, very firmly. "I've thought about this question countless times. The older you get, the more open-minded you become."
Gu Jiu said, "Since you are open-minded, I will not force you. Tell me, what are your plans for the future? You should know that you can't stay in the palace any longer. Whether you go south or north, I can arrange it."
"Thank you, ma'am. I have a humble request, please fulfill it."
"Tell me about it."
Lan Xiang bowed slightly, "I want to stay with you, Madam."
Gu Jiu shook her head, "You should know that it is impossible for this lady to keep you by her side."
Lan Xiang didn't give up. "The world is so big, I have nowhere else to go. But I am willing to serve you. No matter where you place me, as long as I can help you relieve your worries, I will have no complaints."
Gu Jiu frowned, "What can you do?"
"I can write and count, and I'm willing to be a clerk."
Gu Jiu did not agree immediately, "Let me consider this matter."
"Thank you, ma'am."
Lan Xiang retreated respectfully and Ma Xiaoliu took care of him.
Nanny Fang came in and reported, "Madam, Eunuch Zhou is here. Do you want to see him?"
Zhou Miao actually chose this time to come. Gu Jiu smiled and said, "Please let him in."
Zhou Miao was invited into the East Courtyard, where he walked in with great arrogance and without concealing his identity at all.
He was invited to sit in the side hall.
The maid served fragrant tea.
Gu Jiu invited him to have tea, "Eunuch Zhou is a rare guest."
Zhou Miao complained, "My family was almost killed by Gongzi Zhao, Madam must know this."
Gu Jiu laughed, "Eunuch has a clean background. No matter who dies, it won't be your turn. Eunuch is really a joke."
Zhou Miao snorted, "We are not joking. Madam, you haven't been to the palace for a long time, right? Do you know what the situation is in the palace now?"
Everyone in the palace is worried, terrified that a disaster will strike at any moment and they will be arrested and taken to the Ministry of Punishment. Our family has been frightened several times, and the culprit is none other than Prince Zhao. Madam, what do you say we should do?
Gu Jiu took a sip of tea and looked at Zhou Miao, "Whatever Eunuch Zhou says, I will do."
Zhou Miao laughed heartily, "Madam is still straightforward."
Gu Jiu looked at him with a half-smile, "Please tell me what you want, Eunuch Zhou."
Zhou Miao held up two fingers and said, "I hope Madam will be generous and donate."
Gu Jiu raised his eyebrows. He had a big appetite and asked for 20,000 taels.
She played dumb, "Does Eunuch Zhou need two thousand to go around?"
Zhou Miao laughed out loud, "Madam, you really know how to joke. It's not two thousand taels, it's twenty thousand taels."
Gu Jiu smiled and asked, "Is this money for my father-in-law or Jiang Shuyi?"
Zhou Miao said: "Of course our family needs it."
Gu Jiu asked, "If I give money to my father-in-law, what will he give in return?"
"What does my lady want in return?"
Gu Jiu smiled and said, "When the eunuch asked for twenty thousand taels, I almost thought it was Hu Jianzheng who asked you to come and ask for the silver. But now it seems that the eunuch really asked for it himself. This lady is very curious, what does the eunuch want so much silver for?"
Zhou Miao laughed and said, "We are going to use money to buy people's hearts. Do you believe it, Madam?"
Gu Jiu also laughed, "Of course I believe it. So many people have died in the palace, leaving so many vacancies. It would be foolish not to take the opportunity to place one's own people. Eunuch is using money to buy people's hearts and place spies, not bad."
Zhou Miao laughed out loud. "It's so straightforward to talk to Madam. There's no need for so many twists and turns. Madam, you already know why we need the money. Will you be generous?"
Gu Jiu smiled and said, "This matter does not benefit me at all. I spent money to buy people's hearts for the eunuch, but what can I get?"
"Madam can gain the trust of our family." Zhou Miao said solemnly.
Gu Jiu looked at him with a half-smile, "Do you have the word trust in your heart, sir?"
Zhou Miao laughed and said, "It depends on Madam's attitude."
Gu Jiu leaned back in the chair, looking very comfortable. "There is no such thing as giving without asking for anything in return. This lady needs to see the sincerity of the father-in-law."
Zhou Miao frowned.
Gu Jiu said bluntly: "I need you to keep Concubine Xiao Shu safe. You work in the Imperial Kitchen, so this shouldn't be difficult for you."
Zhou Miao bared his teeth, "You are the dignified Consort Shu, why do you need my protection?"
Gu Jiu looked at him, "Father-in-law, don't you want to?"
Zhou Miao gritted his teeth and said, "Okay, I promise you, I will keep Concubine Xiao Shu safe. Besides this, is there anything else?"
"My lady needs a list."
Zhou Miao raised an eyebrow, "What list?"
Gu Jiu looked at him with a half-smile, "The list related to Concubine Li De, you should understand what I mean, sir."
Zhou Miao frowned.
Gu Jiu added, "Since Concubine Li De entered the palace, here is a list of all the relevant personnel. I hope that the father-in-law will not disappoint me."
Zhou Miao asked, "What does Madam want to do?"
Gu Jiu smiled and said, "Of course I will do what my wife should do."
Zhou Miao gritted his teeth and nodded heavily, "Okay, our family will do this for you. But we also have a request."
"Please speak, sir."
"Madam, please tell me the truth about where Prince Ning and Prince Zhao got the information about the kidnapper."
Gu Jiu said, "I don't know if you've heard that a while ago, Baolin died in the palace, and another musician was lost."
Zhou Miao frowned, "Did the news come from the musician?"
Gu Jiu asked, "Who else could it be? If Baolin hadn't suddenly committed suicide, there wouldn't have been any follow-up. Father-in-law, are you asking this out of curiosity, or are you asking on behalf of someone else?"
Zhou Miao laughed, "Of course we want to know. With such a big case, who wouldn't be curious?"
Gu Jiu nodded with a smile and clapped his hands. Qingmei came to the side hall with a wooden box.
Gu Jiu pushed the wooden box in front of Zhou Miao and said, "Twenty thousand taels of silver notes from the Shaofu Huitong, please check it, eunuch."
"We trust Madam." Zhou Miao did not open the wooden box, but directly picked up the box and said goodbye and left.
Gu Jiu asked Xiao Cui to give him a ride.
Not long after, Xiao Cui came back to report.
"Madam, Eunuch Zhou said something before he left."
"What?"
"He said to quit while he was ahead."
oh?
Gu Jiu speculated on the meaning behind Zhou Miao's words. Was someone desperate and desperate?
So, someone can't hold back and wants to take action?
"I see. When the young master comes back, ask him to come see me."
There is a floor heater in the house, it is so warm that it makes people want to hibernate.
The door was pushed open from outside, bringing in gusts of cold wind. The temperature in the room also dropped.
Before Gu Jiu opened his eyes, he smelled a strong smell of blood.
Her heart skipped a beat and she opened her eyes suddenly.
"What's going on?"
She jumped up and ran to Liu Zhao, "Are you hurt? Who hurt you?"
Liu Zhao did not forget to close the door and comforted Gu Jiu, "Don't worry, it's not my blood, I'm not injured."
"What's going on?" Gu Jiu was worried and nervous.
"On the way back, we were ambushed. They were just a bunch of ragtag people, not strong enough to fight."
Gu Jiu was shocked.
The worry became real.
Zhou Miao reminded Liu Zhao to stop while he was ahead in the morning, but in the afternoon he was ambushed.
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