Qin Xi was taken aback, and after thinking about it carefully, it seemed that this was indeed the case.
Zhao Mingmiao knew her identity the first time they met. The jewelry that she could have taken away directly was left in the shop for her to see. After she didn't take it, he gave it to her instead.
Things that seemed perfectly normal suddenly became mysterious and shrouded in ambiguity, and everything seemed to have ulterior motives.
If it weren't for the fact that she didn't send Princess Zhaoyang away from the capital, one might really think it was just a coincidence.
Shu Hua, on the other hand, had never been in contact with them, so she had a clearer perspective as an outsider.
"Go back and ask your jealous husband how he found out about Commander Lu and the princess." Shu Hua pouted unhappily at the mention of Lu Huai, clearly still remembering what happened a few days ago.
Qin Xi pursed her lips, but smiled without saying a word.
"Sigh..." She suddenly sighed, propped her chin on her hand, and pouted, "At least you have a jealous person in you, I don't even have one."
Qin Qi raised an eyebrow at her: "Chu Wangbei?"
Her secret was immediately exposed. Shu Hua gave her a playful glare, but instead of feeling embarrassed, she nodded generously and said, "I do have feelings for him, but unfortunately, the goddess is in love while the king has no dream."
Frowning, Qin Xi thought of that gentle and refined young man and pursed her lips: "The King of Xiang may not be without dreams."
"Hmm? You mean... I have a chance?" Shu Hua suddenly leaned closer, looking at her with a face full of joy.
Seeing her expectant look, Qin Xi chuckled: "Perhaps, but you don't know the truth, so don't get too involved."
"I know what I'm doing."
...
...
Early morning.
"Rise for court—" Eunuch Wuchang waved his whisk and shouted in a strong voice.
"Long live the Emperor! Long live the Emperor! Long live the Emperor!"
The sight of all officials paying homage should have brought peace and prosperity to the nation, but Emperor Yuming on the dragon throne seemed to have aged considerably, with a few strands of white hair appearing at his temples.
"Rise, my lords." Emperor Yuming, leaning on his dragon throne, straightened his posture slightly, but then coughed again: "Cough, cough cough..."
Seeing this situation, the officials panicked, and the court was thrown into chaos.
Seeing the veins throbbing on Emperor Yuming's forehead, and him pressing his temples in discomfort, Wuchang stepped forward: "Silence—"
The courtiers fell silent instantly, except for Prime Minister Qin, who stepped to the right, stood out from the ranks, and bowed deeply to Emperor Yuming: "I earnestly hope that Your Majesty will take good care of your health."
With this leader in mind, the courtiers followed suit, bowing and saying in unison, "We earnestly hope Your Majesty will take good care of your health—"
Upon seeing it was him, Emperor Yuming felt even more annoyed and displeased, but he still raised his hand to help him up, saying, "I understand. All my beloved ministers may rise. The Prime Minister is very kind."
After he finished speaking, he glanced casually in a certain direction, and someone immediately stood up.
"I have something to report."
It turned out to be Yuan Fang, the Minister of War, and Emperor Yuming's expression softened.
As we mentioned before, Yuan Fang had been loyal to the court for many years. As a supporter of the emperor, he was extremely at odds with Prime Minister Qin. As a military officer, Minister Yuan was strict and rigid, and apart from Prime Minister Qin, few dared to confront him directly.
“Please speak freely, my dear Yuan.”
Minister Yuan made no attempt to conceal his hostility towards Prime Minister Qin. The first thing he did upon stepping forward was to give Prime Minister Qin a disdainful glance at his straight back. Even though the latter showed no reaction, Emperor Yuming felt a surge of secret satisfaction.
As a long-time loyal minister, his loyalty cannot be faked.
Minister Yuan bowed deeply to the dragon throne, lowered his head and said solemnly, "I believe that Your Majesty should elevate Consort Jing's rank to ease her inner pain."
Consort Jing was the birth mother of Prince Xu. She was brought back to the palace by Emperor Yuming after he had taken a liking to her during a private visit.
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