“I went to Yunyin Temple. The monks there came up with a solution and sent a letter to Abbot Tongji. They also received a reply.”
"As expected, the Tongji University alumnus was involved back then and said he would rush back immediately."
"If I do the math, it should arrive tonight."
"Finally, some good news." Eunuch Zheng sighed and nodded. "The Empress Dowager's intention is to secretly invite everyone to the palace tonight for further discussion. When it gets dark and quiet, she will send someone to meet us."
"Alright. We'll wait here for your instructions."
The sixth prince bowed.
"This old servant has already secretly sent a letter to the prison, to the Prince of Pingxi, informing him of our plan and Kong Wang's true identity. I believe that after reading it, he will be at ease and understand what to do."
After saying this, Duke Zheng took his leave.
He was originally a member of the Empress Dowager's palace, and he needed to go through many checkpoints and avoid being seen when he went out.
Almost two hours have passed, and he needs to hurry back.
The two men respectfully saw him off, watching him board the carriage, put on a straw hat and raincoat, and leave.
-
In prison.
The Prince of Pingxi sat on a stool with his feet bound by iron chains, and on the table in front of him were several small dishes and steamed buns.
Although he was imprisoned, the emperor ordered that he not be mistreated.
Therefore, the Prince of Pingxi was given three meals a day on time, and he also received a small pot of wine every day.
But the Prince of Pingxi felt no joy whatsoever. He always wore a worried expression, and after picking up a steamed bun and taking a bite, he realized something was wrong.
Seeing that no one was paying attention, he broke open the steamed bun.
To my surprise, I found a crumpled piece of paper. I unfolded it and flattened it, and saw that it was covered with tiny characters about the will and Kong Wang's true identity.
The last sentence is, "Depose the incompetent king, establish an empty-headed one, and we will assist in governing the country!"
So that's how it is; they were planning a grand strategy.
With the late king's edict in hand and the late king's bloodline, Li Shengyuan, who is notorious for his incompetence and lack of popular support, has not yet lost the people's faith. Although he is just a monk, if he were willing to take over the throne, with the Empress Dowager and veteran ministers to assist him, his future would be better than it is now.
Most importantly, Kongwang is a descendant of the former king.
"My late king, by doing this, I have done right by you and by doing right by Great Yue!"
The Prince of Pingxi sighed inwardly, crumpled the paper in his hand into a ball, and ate it along with wine, food, and steamed buns. His wildly beard and hair revealed an unprecedented determination in his eyes.
Although his military power had been taken away, the tiger tally was still in his hands.
With a single word, he could command his troops.
With his support, no one dared to disobey the Empress Dowager and Kong Wang.
"Your Majesty, it was you who first chilled this old minister's heart, forcing this old minister to this point today!"
Just then, the jailer arrived with his men and unlocked the door with a clatter.
She is Consort Ru.
She took off the hood of her cloak and walked up to him with tears streaming down her face.
"Brother Wang, you have suffered."
"The Emperor forbids me from seeing anyone, so why have you come?"
"It's the Emperor. He sent me to persuade you not to be so stubborn. The Emperor has already ordered the removal of your military power. Where is the Tiger Tally? Hand it over quickly!"
Princess Ru said, "I don't want my brother and the Emperor to remain at odds. He is the ruler, and you are the subject. If you don't listen to him, you are undoubtedly challenging his authority."
"If this continues, the Emperor will surely be furious, and then the reputation of our Bian family for three generations will be ruined!"
"Even you think I'm stubborn? I haven't stopped worrying about Da Yue for a single day!"
The Prince of Pingxi flew into a rage, "What kind of emperor is this, so irresponsible and irresponsible! Was I wrong to advise him to depose those two vile concubines?!"
"He forced me into this mess. I didn't listen to the advice of an old minister, and now I'm suffering the consequences! Fine! You're just here to be his mouthpiece!"
After venting his anger, Prince Pingxi calmed down again.
Upon closer reflection, almost everything is planned out now, except for the final push.
Staying in prison and stubbornly arguing with the emperor is not a solution.
It would be better to back down first and talk things out once we're outside.
"Very well, after thinking about it, I think the Imperial Noble Consort has a point."
"Why don't you kick me and tell the Emperor? I can hand over the military tally to His Majesty, but I must go and retrieve it in person."
"Good, Your Highness, it's wonderful that you've come to your senses. I'll head back now and relay your words to the Emperor tonight."
Empress Ru smiled and turned to leave.
On the way back to the palace.
I encountered several concubines on the palace road.
Upon seeing her, he reluctantly bowed, his demeanor now laced with mockery, a stark contrast to his previous respectful attitude.
"Tsk, her brother's in jail. Her good days won't last much longer."
"Of course, she has no children and is not as young and beautiful as the new concubines in the palace. She was able to sit in the position of Imperial Noble Consort entirely because of the glory of her brother, the Prince of Pingxi. That's why she has gained some respect from the Emperor."
"Now that her brother is in this state, it won't be long before she's crippled too."
"You're saying the position of Imperial Noble Consort is vacant? Who will sit there?"
"Consort Yu? Or perhaps Consort Mi Hui? Consort Xian is also a possibility, after all, she gave birth to twins for the Emperor. Although the Fourth Prince and the Fifth Princess are not favored..."
"In my opinion, it's more likely to be Consort Yu. Our emperor is a man of strong emotions; it all comes down to who is most favored."
Empress Ru listened to their discussions all the way, her face turned ugly with anger, her beautiful eyebrows furrowed, and she slammed her hand hard on the armrest.
"Two vile women! I'm not dead yet! How dare you spout nonsense in front of me! Who are they!"
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