Chapter 175 Collaboration with the Enemy and Treason
"Xia Qixuan?" Cao Yuan was stunned and asked repeatedly for confirmation. "Prince Rui?"
Du Qingtang said firmly: "It's him."
Cao Yuan rubbed the edge of the armrest with the heel of his palm and asked subtly, "Why do you want him?"
Du Qingtang sneered: "Why do you want him? Shouldn't Lord Cao know better than me?"
Cao Yuan tried hard to recall the interactions between Du Qingtang and Prince Rui, and suddenly remembered that many years ago, Prince Rui had begged him to ask Emperor Qingyuan for an imperial decree to grant marriage, wanting to take Du Qingtang as a concubine.
Unfortunately, Emperor Qingyuan would rather destroy Du Qingtang's fine sword than grant the marriage to Prince Rui.
Cao Yuan once regretted that if Du Qingtang had entered the backyard of Prince Rui, the power of Cao's party would have greatly increased, and he would not have been forced out of the court by Xia Ming and become a stray dog.
But these are meaningless sentiments.
Now the situation has reversed. Xia Ming has been poisoned and will not live long. It is time for this beautiful country to change hands.
Du Qingtang leaned back in his armchair, his posture relaxed, without any of the tension of being in the enemy camp. "Xia Qixuan is a drooling, mad dog. He's been chasing and biting me day in and day out for years, causing me immense distress."
"Not long ago, I received news that your good grandson, Buxi, has framed the Lord of Deyang Township with the lives of Princess Rui and her unborn child in an attempt to force my submission." Du Qingtang's voice was icy and inorganic. "He has repeatedly provoked me and displeased me, so he should pay the price."
"What's more," Du Qingtang said meaningfully, "I have cleared the obstacles for Lord Cao's great cause, haven't I?"
Cao Yuan was secretly annoyed that Prince Rui had acted so recklessly at such a critical moment, but he showed no sign of it. He locked eyes with Du Qingtang, unwilling to lose face. "I don't know what the prince has done, but Lord Du must have miscalculated by calling on me."
"Although Cao is the prince's maternal grandfather, there is a bond between father and son, and between ruler and subject. As a minister, Cao only holds an empty position. What qualifications do I have to control such a noble prince?"
"Lord Du said that Cao committed regicide, but as everyone knows, the late emperor died of illness. Several cabinet ministers—the Grand Secretary of Zhongji Palace, the Grand Secretary of Jianji Palace, and the Grand Secretary of Wenhua Palace—have seen the late emperor's body and can all testify on Cao's behalf."
"As for what Lord Du said about Cao ascending the throne and becoming emperor, that is sheer nonsense."
"Cao has served in three dynasties, served in the cabinet three times, and twice held the position of Prime Minister. If he had any rebellious intentions, he should have taken action long ago. Why wait until he was over 70?"
As Cao Yuan spoke, he coughed twice, and his gray beard trembled.
He was betting that Du Qingtang had no evidence.
Little did she know that Du Qingtang was also gambling, gambling that the dream that night was not fictional, but actually happened after her death.
In the dream, the rebels broke into the palace on the day of the Fourth Prince's coronation ceremony. The leader of the rebels was clearly Cao Yuan, who had white hair and beard and was in good spirits.
In fact, if Prince Rui had not framed Du Qingju and taken human life, Du Qingtang would not have taken action so quickly.
Let’s not talk about Du Qingju. In her previous life, Du Qingtang was trapped in the prince’s mansion and could be bullied by everyone. Only Princess Rui showed kindness to her.
Although Du Qingtang is not a good person and has almost no conscience, she has always been clear about gratitude and resentment.
There was a deep blood feud between her and King Rui, and they would not stop until one of them died, but she should not involve innocent people.
It was a pure surprise for Du Qingtang to learn the secret that Cao Yuan poisoned the previous emperor. Since Princess Rui trusted her so much, she would never let her down.
"It has been twenty-two years since the late emperor passed away. His body lies within the imperial mausoleum. Though his flesh and blood have decayed, his bones remain. All I need to do is spread the news that 'Duke Cheng'en is suspected of poisoning the late emperor.' Righteous people will petition the court to thoroughly investigate this matter."
Du Qingtang folded his arms and said calmly, "When the coffin is opened, the coroner will know whether he died of illness or poison."
Cao Yuan's fingers gripping the cup lid slowly tightened, and his nails turned pale.
Du Qingtang looked straight at Cao Yuan, his eyes as dark as ink, like two bottomless whirlpools, revealing the certainty of victory.
"You care most about your reputation and don't want to be recorded in history as a traitor. If I'm not mistaken, your original plan was to wait until the new emperor ascended the throne before taking action."
"Unfortunately, plans can't keep up with changes. His Majesty is pressing you relentlessly, pushing you to the brink of despair. With nowhere else to turn, you decide to fight a desperate battle, risking your life."
"First, you used a trick to replace the original with someone else, impersonating the Queen Mother. Lord Cao, please don't deny it. The probability of recovery from a stroke is as high as that of a tree blooming. It's only because Your Majesty loves your mother so much that you fell for your trick."
"That fake Queen Mother waited for an opportunity to poison Your Majesty and put Prince Rui on the throne. Then, she eliminated Prince Rui and the royal family, and, using the excuse that no one from the Xia family had inherited the throne, she ascended the throne legitimately, making this kingdom the property of the Cao family..."
“That’s enough!”
Du Qingtang's sharp confession almost touched Cao Yuan's heart, making him feel as embarrassed as if he was stripped naked and seen naked.
Besides shame and annoyance, there is more fear.
Looking at the civil and military officials in the court, and looking at the people of the world, no one knows the ambitions hidden deep in his heart.
Only Du Qingtang not only pointed out the problem directly, but also saw through the reason why he had been lying dormant for decades without taking any action.
Cao Yuan couldn't imagine what a terrifying monster Du Qingtang would become when he grew up completely!
"Are you angry because Mr. Du hit the mark?" Du Qingtang smiled faintly and got back to the point. "What have you thought about this, Lord Cao? Will you make this deal or not?"
Cao Yuan closed his eyes and looked like he was in deep thought.
Du Qingtang was not in a hurry. He poured himself a drink and savored his tea leisurely.
She had an afternoon to think it over.
After a while, Cao Yuan opened his eyes and said, "Cao Fang, kill her!"
There was a slight movement in a corner of the study, and then a man in black appeared, with a sharp blade flashing coldly, and went straight towards Du Qingtang.
The man in black was extremely fast, but fortunately Cao Yuan's study was big enough, giving Du Qingtang time to react.
“Click—”
Du Qingtang drew out his musket with lightning speed, aimed at Cao Yuan, and decisively pulled the trigger.
"Bang!"
Bullets flew and white smoke filled the air.
Cao Yuan only felt a burning pain on the side of his face. The bullet had grazed his face and hit the priceless antique vase on the antique shelf behind him.
The vase exploded in an instant, and the fragments fell to the ground like flowers scattered from the sky.
In just a few breaths, the black-clothed man's dagger was placed on Du Qingtang's neck, and Du Qingtang's musket was against Cao Yuan's forehead.
The three of them confronted each other, sparks flying.
The residual scorching heat from the muzzle of the musket burned Cao Yuan's face so dark that it turned into a dark pool, and his eyes were filled with murderous intent.
The sword blade sliced through the skin on the side of his neck, but Du Qingtang remained calm, with a faint smile: "Master Cao, you don't think that I would enter the Cheng'en Mansion alone and unprepared, right?"
Cao Yuan certainly knew that Du Qingtang was prepared, but he never expected that she actually carried a musket with her.
"They say swords have no eyes, but in my opinion, this musket is equally blind." Du Qingtang pushed harder, "Lord Cao, would you like to test it out? Which is faster, his sword or my musket?"
Cao Yuan gritted his teeth, secretly gathered his strength, and suppressed the surging blood and anger: "Cao Fang."
The man in black put away his dagger and retreated to the corner.
Du Qingtang did not retract his musket: "Master Cao, you haven't answered me yet. What have you considered?"
"Should I agree? Or should I agree?"
Cao Yuan: “…”
The muzzle of the gun was pressed heavily against the center of the eyebrows. Even if the bullet did not penetrate the skull, it would leave a burn mark.
Cao Yuan ignored the stinging pain and was speechless: "Can I refuse?"
Du Qingtang: "No."
Cao Yuan: “…”
Cao Yuan took a deep breath, suppressed all his emotions, and said in a calm tone: "I promise you."
Du Qingtang quickly put away his musket, wiped it carefully with a handkerchief, and said with a rising voice, "Then it's settled. I will give Lord Cao the jade seal and tiger talisman, and Lord Cao will give me, Xia Qixuan, the name of Xia Qixuan."
Cao Yuan didn't want to look at Du Qingtang's smug face, so he looked into the void: "One hand over the person, the other hand over the goods."
Only with the imperial seal can the name change be legitimate.
Only with the tiger talisman can you ensure that nothing goes wrong.
Du Qingtang readily agreed, but then changed the subject: "In case Lord Cao goes back on his word, how about signing a contract as proof?"
Cao Yuan hesitated for a moment before agreeing, drafting two copies of the contract, signing and stamping it, and the transaction was established.
Du Qingtang put the contract close to his body, holding the musket in one hand and the bamboo hat in the other: "Du has other important matters to attend to, so I'll take my leave first."
Cao Yuan said with a sluggish face: "I have something important to attend to, so I'm sorry I can't see you off."
Du Qingtang put on his conical hat, put away his musket, and left Cheng'en Mansion.
After she left, the butler emerged from the secret door and offered a handkerchief with both hands: "Master, do you really want to cooperate with Marquis Wen'an?"
"Fu Rui is a tough nut to crack. Since we can get the Jade Seal and Tiger Tally by bypassing him, why not do it?" Cao Yuan's eyes were cold, and his handkerchief was clenched into a ball. "Go and find out where she learned about the late emperor!"
Except for the housekeeper, the grass on the graves of all the people who were involved in the incident was three feet high, and their families were also wiped out. No third person would know about it.
Could it be the butler?
Cao Yuan stared at the butler, his eyes full of scrutiny.
The butler lowered his head and let Cao Yuan's gaze turn into a sharp blade, cutting his body inch by inch, without any panic or guilt on his face.
After a while, Cao Yuan looked away, as if thinking about something.
The butler had been with him for fifty or sixty years and there was no way he could betray him.
Is there really a fish that slipped through the net?
Cao Yuan's eyes glared: "Find the person who leaked the information and kill him on the spot!"
The steward bowed his head in agreement, paused, and then asked, "After you accomplish your mission, how should we deal with Marquis Wen'an?"
Cao Yuan wiped the blood from his cheek and the traces of gunpowder between his eyebrows with a handkerchief and said without hesitation, "Kill him."
In this world, only the dead can keep secrets.
And he firmly believed that Du Qingtang had ambitions and aspirations that were no less than his.
He is old and has only a few years left to live. He must eliminate all potential threats that may lead to a change in power and nip them all in the bud.
The butler was not surprised by this answer and bowed his head and said, "I understand. I will take my leave."
"Wait." Cao Yuan picked up his pen and wrote a letter, then handed it to the housekeeper. "Send it to the Empress."
"Yes." The butler took the letter, bowed and left.
-
Du Qingtang returned to the Wen'an Marquis Mansion. The vermilion gate was open and several yamen runners with swords were standing under the eaves, chatting and laughing.
There were many people standing in the distance, pointing and whispering about something.
Du Qingtang rode a chestnut horse past the people, and the sound of discussions came into his ears on the wind.
"You can only judge a person by their appearance, not by their heart. The Deyang Township Lady was out giving free medical treatment and cured a long-standing illness for me. I thought she was a good person and even prayed for her in front of the Bodhisattva every day!"
"I don't know what she wants to do. She doesn't want to be a wealthy village lady, but chooses to harm others and become a wanted criminal."
"Everyone says Prince Rui is the next emperor. Prince Rui's wife is dead, and the reputation of the Deyang Township Lord is far-reaching. With the support of Marquis Wen'an, she might even be able to enter the palace and become the Empress."
"Marquis Wen'an will be very angry if he finds out, right?"
"Who doesn't want to have a queen? Maybe this is a conspiracy by Marquis Wen'an and Lord Deyang. It's just bad luck that Prince Rui discovered it."
"This shows that even the best people can become bad in the face of power."
Du Qingtang entered from the back door, avoided the searching yamen runners and came to the main courtyard, changed back into his official robe, went to the stable and replaced his chestnut horse with Zhuifeng, returned the same way, and emerged from the main gate.
"What's going on?"
The yamen runner was stunned for a moment, not expecting Marquis Wen'an to suddenly return. Thinking of all the rumors about him, he gritted his teeth and said, "The Lord of Deyang pushed down Princess Rui, resulting in her death and two deaths, and then fled in fear of punishment. Prince Rui was furious and ordered the officials to issue a city-wide arrest warrant for the Lord of Deyang. He also ordered us to come and search for him."
"Fleeing for fear of punishment?" Du Qingtang sneered. "Let me ask you, what was the motive of the Lord of Deyang Township in killing Princess Rui and her unborn child? Is there any witness?"
The yamen runner was stunned for a moment, speechless: "This..."
Another yamen runner stepped forward to smooth things over: "Please calm down, sir. I am only following orders."
Du Qingtang glanced at these people coldly, strode into the room, and the arc of the raised corner of his robe was as sharp as a knife.
The bailiff breathed a sigh of relief and muttered quietly, "Although the Marquis of Wen'an is young, his aura is terrifying. We shouldn't have gotten involved in this mess."
His companion rolled his eyes, unconcerned. "Your Majesty is on the verge of death, and Prince Rui is about to ascend the throne. No matter how powerful Marquis Wen'an is, he's just a minister. Without Your Majesty, she, a mere woman, will be at the mercy of others."
"That's true. There's a difference between the ruler and his subjects. Prince Rui will soon become the most honorable person in the world..."
Du Qingtang walked into the Marquis' Mansion, and Meng Fang came forward to report the situation: "Master, the yamen runners are searching the Lotus Fragrance Courtyard."
Du Qingtang responded and adjusted his sleeves: "Move a chair, I want to see what they can find."
A servant brought a chair and a small table, and Du Qingtang sat down on the path leading to the main entrance.
The maid brought tea and Du Qingtang took a sip. The mist in the cup blurred his face and made his expression difficult to discern.
Dozens of yamen runners searched the mansion from top to bottom, leaving no corner untouched, but they failed to find the Lord of Deyang Township and had to return empty-handed.
When they saw the woman in the purple official robe, the yamen runners stopped and saluted: "Greetings, Your Excellency."
Du Qingtang held the teacup and exhaled a puff of white mist: "What did you find out?"
The leading yamen runner was stunned for a moment, his right hand subconsciously resting on the hilt of his knife, and he replied respectfully, "No."
After saying this, he bowed and saluted, his posture extremely humble: "I am here on the orders of the prince to search for the murderer of the princess and the emperor's grandson. I hope that my offense will be forgiven, Your Majesty."
"It's indeed very offensive." Du Qingtang didn't like the title of "Marquis," as it made her seem androgynous. "Meng Fang, kick them out."
The yamen runners were stunned.
Du Qingtang raised his chin slightly, his eyes and eyebrows gleaming with coldness as he spoke in a contemptuous tone, "You can't just come and go as you please on my territory. If you do it again, it won't be as simple as a beating."
After saying that, Meng Fang waved his hand, and the guards of the Marquis' Mansion, holding wooden sticks, rushed straight towards the yamen runners.
The yamen runners didn't expect that His Majesty was poisoned and unconscious, the Lord of Deyang Township became a wanted criminal, and Marquis Wen'an dared to be so arrogant.
"My Lord, you are not afraid..."
The sticks came down on him, and all the threatening words turned into screams.
But in the blink of an eye, dozens of yamen runners fled from the Wen'an Marquis Mansion with bruised faces and noses.
The people who gathered outside to watch the excitement were cheered up when they saw this.
"What's going on?"
"It must be the order of Marquis Wen'an."
"Although I inexplicably feel that there's something amiss about this matter, and I feel that Lord Deyang isn't that kind of person, won't Marquis Wen'an offend others by doing this?"
Du Qingtang didn't care at all whether he would offend the government.
If you want to accuse someone of a crime, you can always find a pretext.
Even if she kowtowed three times to each of the yamen runners and ran to the streets shouting that Du Qingju was innocent, the government's wanted warrant would not be cancelled, and the people would still turn against the Lord of Deyang and Marquis Wen'an under the guidance of public opinion.
This is King Rui’s purpose.
He pushed the Marquis Wen'an's Mansion to the forefront, forcing her to show weakness, forcing her to submit, forcing her to break her pride and kneel at his feet in a servile manner.
But he forgot that she was no longer the Du Qingtang who had nothing and no one to rely on in her previous life.
If a mad dog wants to bite someone, be prepared to have its teeth pulled out and its limbs broken.
Du Qingtang skimmed off the foam from the cup lid and took a sip. Her long eyelashes lowered, hiding the emotion in her eyes: "Are you settled?"
Meng Fang stood aside and responded softly, "Master, don't worry, everything has been settled."
Du Qingtang drank the tea in the cup, put it down, and returned to the main courtyard in the bright sunset sky.
After a search, the main courtyard was no longer as clean as before.
Meng Fang followed behind Du Qingtang, a faint smile on his face: "Master, you have worked hard all day. I have ordered the kitchen to serve you some food. They are all your favorite dishes. Leave it to me."
Du Qingtang glanced at the main house, turned around and went into the side room.
......
At noon the next day, Du Qingtang walked into the Golden Palace and was instantly stared at by dozens of people.
"Lord Du, I heard that your sister murdered Princess Rui, resulting in two deaths?"
"Your family is really well-educated!"
"If I were you, I would have taken off my hat and apologized long ago. How could I have the nerve to enter this Hall of Supreme Harmony?"
When someone accuses, there will naturally be someone to persuade.
"Master Du, do you know where your sister is now? Killing the princess of a super-rank prince is a capital crime, not to mention that Princess Rui is pregnant with the royal heir. It's possible that the Wen'an Marquisate will be implicated, and the family members will be implicated. If you know where your sister is hiding, you'd better give her up as soon as possible to avoid getting into trouble."
Du Qingtang held the tablet in his hand, his expression calm. "My sister didn't return home last night. I sent people to look for her, but they all came back empty-handed. Therefore, I don't know where she is."
The Grand Secretary of the Dongge curled his lips and said sarcastically: "Whether you don't know or are deliberately covering up, you know it in your heart."
Du Qingtang turned his head and said, "Master Lu's throat hasn't been cured yet? We can't hide our illness and avoid seeing a doctor. What if it's delayed for too long and he becomes mute?"
The Grand Secretary of the Dongge was stunned for a moment, then flew into a rage: "Du Qingtang, how dare you..."
"Prince Rui has arrived—"
Prince Rui appeared in the Golden Palace wearing royal royal robes.
The Grand Secretary of the Dongge swallowed the scolding that was about to come out of his mouth, glared at Du Qingtang, and turned away.
When King Rui took his seat, all officials knelt and kowtowed, shouting "Long live the King" three times.
"My Lords, please stand."
"Thank you, Your Majesty."
Just as everyone stood still, they heard Prince Rui say in a deep voice, "Lord Du, yesterday, the Lord of Deyang Township in your mansion caused this prince to lose his wife and children. Shouldn't you give this prince an explanation?"
Du Qingtang stepped out, his expression calm, not a trace of panic. "If you want to accuse someone, you can always find a pretext. My sister has always taken it as her mission to save the dying and the wounded. She has been practicing medicine for many years and has treated countless patients. She has never had the intention to harm anyone."
Prince Rui narrowed his eyes and said in a tone that brooked no argument: "Lord Du and the Lord of Deyang are sisters, and they should be of the same blood. Until the authorities bring the Lord of Deyang to justice, Lord Du need not attend court again. Reflect on your actions at home. Lord Lu will be responsible for all cabinet affairs."
The Grand Secretary of the Dongge was overjoyed and quickly stepped out of the line, prostrating himself to express his gratitude: "Your humble servant will follow the prince's wishes!"
Du Qingtang bowed, flicked his sleeves and left.
Prince Rui looked at Du Qingtang's back without any reluctance, his eyes as gloomy as water.
Yu Jue glanced at him imperceptibly and flicked his whisk: "If you have something to say, come forward and report. If not, leave the court——"
Everyone temporarily put aside their thoughts, and an official stepped forward: "Your Highness..."
......
After the morning court session ended, officials poured out of the Golden Palace in groups of three or five.
"What did Marquis Wen'an mean by that?"
"It's easy to find a pretext to accuse someone of something. Clearly there's something else going on."
"Could it be that someone else killed Princess Rui?"
"When Marquis Wen'an argued, Prince Rui's face turned very ugly. Do you think...?"
"While His Majesty is still around, he's so eager to purge the old officials?"
"If this is true, then Marquis Wen'an and Lord Deyang have suffered an unprovoked disaster."
"The one who suffered the most was Princess Rui."
As they spoke, they all looked at Minister Zhang, the father of Princess Rui.
Minister Zhang's eyes were filled with tears, and he choked up as he said, "Yesterday, the prince sent someone to bring the news. Zhang and my wife rushed over, but we were still a step too late and didn't get to see the princess one last time."
Seeing this, everyone hesitated again.
So what is the truth?
-
When Cao Yuan learned that Prince Rui had sent Du Qingtang back home, he was so angry that he fell backwards on the spot. He ordered his men to harness the carriage and head straight to Prince Rui's mansion.
A white banner had been hung in Prince Rui's mansion. Princess Rui's two children and the concubines in the mansion were kneeling in front of the coffin, crying incessantly.
Cao Yuan waited for a while before King Rui came slowly.
Prince Rui ushered Cao Yuan into the main courtyard and personally poured tea for him. "Grandfather, why are you here?"
Cao Yuan was assassinated on his birthday. Due to the severity of his injuries and his old age, he has not recovered to this day and his wounds often ache.
Prince Rui knew about this and sent someone to deliver special medicine a few days ago to speed up healing.
Cao Yuan frowned, not even glancing at the fine tea brewed from the priceless leaves. He paced back and forth with his hands behind his back, "Your Highness, do you know how many eyes are watching you in the court? How dare you challenge Du Qingtang at this critical moment?"
The most important thing is, what if Du Qingtang gets angry with him and unilaterally cancels the deal?
Cao Yuan did not want the news that he had poisoned the previous emperor and Emperor Qingyuan to spread throughout the court and the country, leaving him with a bad reputation for generations to come.
"If you want Du Qingtang, you have to consider the time now. That woman is very stubborn. Be careful that she will become desperate and make all our plans go to waste. Then the gains will be greater than the losses..."
Prince Rui put down his teacup with a soft thud. "Grandfather, are you blaming me?"
Cao Yuan paused, a dark light flashed in his eyes. He pinched his fingers and changed the subject, asking, "Did Zhang really die with one corpse?"
Prince Rui took a sip of tea and said, "No more."
He had been planning to kill that traitor with his own hands, but when he finished issuing the wanted warrant for Du Qingju and returned to the main courtyard, neither Zhang nor the newborn child were anywhere to be found.
Prince Rui guessed that it was the maidservant who was good at martial arts beside Du Qingju who took away Zhang and her daughter, so he simply announced to the public that Zhang was dead and two people were killed, completely confirming Du Qingju's crime of murdering the princess.
It’s a pity that Du Qingju hid too deeply and has not been found yet, otherwise she could be used to force Du Qingtang to surrender.
Thinking of Du Qingtang's sharp and sarcastic expression at the morning court, Prince Rui loved and hated her. He wanted to take her for himself, but he also wanted to kill this woman who had disobeyed him time and time again.
Cao Yuan sighed softly, "Please, Your Majesty, clean up the mess and don't cause any more trouble."
Prince Rui supported his chin and responded lazily, and it was obvious that he didn't hear anything.
Even if there were millions of people who didn't want him to ascend the throne, there was nothing they could do.
It's because he is the only son left by his father.
Cao Yuan did not stay long. He had just been exposed to the wind and his wounds were hurting badly. Before leaving, he reminded him again and again: "Your Highness, please bear with it for a few more days. Once all the officials support you to ascend the throne, Du Qingtang will be yours."
Prince Rui was not of a good temper. He was impatient with Cao Yuan's nagging and raised his eyebrow, revealing a bit of evil: "If you don't know, you would think that the person who will ascend the throne soon is my grandfather."
Cao Yuan: “…”
Cao Yuan came in a rage and left in a rage.
Prince Rui sat in the main room, watching Cao Yuan leave, and ordered his trusted confidant who had quietly entered: "Go ahead."
"yes."
......
When Cao Yuan returned to Duke Cheng'en's residence, the housekeeper immediately came to greet him: "Master, that person has been waiting in your study for a long time."
"Understood." Cao Yuan swallowed two painkiller pills, entered the study, and bowed, "This old minister greets the queen."
Empress Cao wore an indigo dress and a single spiral bun with only a pearl hairpin pinned to it, obviously traveling in a low-key manner.
"Father, please get up quickly." Empress Cao put down her teacup and personally helped Cao Yuan to his feet. "Father wrote yesterday asking me to come out of the palace to see you. I'm sure it's something extremely urgent. I'll come here after I finish my palace duties."
Cao Yuan held a hand warmer and handed it to Empress Cao. He also held one and sat down. His voice was so low that it could not be heard: "Your Majesty, I, this old minister, would like to take this opportunity to change the Xia family's dynasty."
Empress Cao was startled, then suddenly realized something, her pupils dilated, unable to hide her surprise: "Father, what are you trying to do..."
"That's right, it's just what Your Majesty wants." Cao Yuan's face was calm. "Back then, this old minister had intended to take advantage of the late emperor's death to change the empire's surname to Cao, but the late emperor tricked him. Several cabinet ministers got the imperial edict before me and read it out in front of all the officials, supporting Xia Ming's ascension to the throne."
"Over the years, this old minister has been waiting, waiting for Xia Ming to fall, waiting for him to surrender, and pass the throne to the Fourth Prince."
"Unfortunately, plans cannot keep up with changes. Xia Ming, like a prophet, completely disrupted my plan, forcing me to retreat step by step, without any chance of fighting back."
"Now that the Fourth Prince is gone, I, an old minister, have been forced out of the court by him, leaving me with only the empty title of Grand Tutor. Rather than watching the Cao family fall, we should fight to the death and change the world."
Empress Cao thought of the Fourth Prince who had passed away at a young age. A trace of sorrow flashed across her eyes. She dug her nails into her palms and asked, "What if you... what about Xiaowu?"
She knew that Cao Yuan had sent people to look for someone who looked and looked like the empress dowager, so that she could take the opportunity to poison Emperor Qingyuan.
Empress Cao was happy to see this happen.
After Xia Ming died, her son could ascend the throne legitimately, and the Cao family could continue its prosperity for a hundred years.
But Empress Cao never expected that her father actually had the intention of usurping the throne.
Although Empress Cao and Emperor Qingyuan were not in harmony with each other and disliked each other, she truly loved her two sons. Otherwise, she would not have been unable to sleep or eat because of the sudden death of the fourth prince, and would not have been heartbroken every time she thought about it.
If his father ascends the throne, what should Prince Rui do as the legitimate son of the last emperor of the previous dynasty?
"This is precisely why I asked Your Majesty to leave the palace." Cao Yuan stared at Empress Cao with his cloudy yet shrewd eyes. "Only when the prince is deposed can you abdicate to me."
Empress Cao gasped: "Father, you want to kill..."
"No," Cao Yuan shook his head. "No matter how you carry your son for ten months, he is your own son. He has Cao's blood flowing in his veins. How could this old minister bear to kill him?"
Cao Yuan leaned forward slightly and said in a voice that only he and Queen Cao could hear: "You just need to let the prince be paralyzed in bed."
Empress Cao tightened her grip on the hand warmer, "But...will Xiaowu agree?"
Cao Yuan, however, gave an irrelevant answer: "Don't worry, Your Majesty. I have another solution."
Realizing that her father was hiding something from her, Empress Cao frowned and remained silent, as if lost in thought.
Cao Yuan knew very well that one cannot eat hot tofu in a hurry, so he did not rush.
Between father and son, which one will his eldest daughter choose?
After a long moment, Empress Cao's empty eyes gradually focused: "Of course you can, but I have conditions."
Cao Yuan felt relieved: "Your Majesty, please speak frankly."
Empress Cao sat upright, as if she were sitting on the phoenix chair in Kunning Palace: "I want you to make me the crown prince after you ascend the throne."
Cao Yuan narrowed his eyes imperceptibly: "Why did your Majesty suddenly come up with this idea?"
"It wasn't sudden." Empress Cao looked into the void, her eyes gradually becoming distant. "When my eldest and second brothers were young, my father meticulously taught them, enlightening them and personally teaching them the Four Books and Five Classics. Every time I watched from the side, I was envious of my eldest and second brothers for receiving the attention they received from my father."
"Maybe my father has forgotten it long ago, but I remember it clearly."
"Back then, I said I wanted to study the Four Books and Five Classics with my elder and second brothers, but you had Nanny take me back to Mother's place and have her read to me the Rules and Precepts for Women, ordering me to strictly adhere to the Three Obediences and Four Virtues and never to go beyond them."
"Later, I married Xia Ming and became his principal wife. You told me not to follow the example of other women and follow the Three Obediences and Four Virtues, and told me to ruthlessly suppress Xia Ming."
"I was thinking, what am I to you?"
"I'm obviously smarter than my elder and second brothers. I can recite the Four Books and Five Classics by heart after reading them twice. Yet you blindly ignore me and focus on cultivating my elder and second brothers."
Cao Yuan stared at Empress Cao with an unfathomable expression.
Empress Cao was not frightened. A smile flashed across her delicately made-up face: "Now that I think about it, it was I who was narrow-minded."
"If you want something, just fight for it yourself."
"Father's love, the title of Queen, the title of Queen Mother, and even—"
Empress Cao's smile deepened, but her tone was so light that it could be blown away by the wind: "The throne of the emperor."
Don’t you see, Du Qingtang, although a woman, can walk freely in the court, win the love of the people all over the world, be promoted to a high position, and become a duke.
Empress Cao had thought darkly more than once that one day Du Qingtang would stumble and fall from a high position, losing her official position and her title of marquis, and becoming that lowly peasant girl who could be bullied by everyone.
By then, she would definitely step on her hard and reduce Du Qingtang to the lowest kind of concubine, forcing her to give birth to children continuously until she died in the delivery room. Her body would then be thrown into a mass grave on a rolled-up straw mat and left exposed in the wilderness.
Queen Cao admitted that she was jealous of Du Qingtang, but she was more envious.
Du Qingtang has a life that is completely different from other women in the world.
Looking across the world, the only thing that can surpass Du Qingtang is the dragon throne in the Hall of Supreme Harmony.
Cao Yuan had never expected that his eldest daughter would have such great ambitions. A mere woman would even dream of the throne: "Your father will make you the Grand Princess..."
"Father," Empress Cao interrupted, "I've been managing the palace for over twenty years. I'm afraid even Xia Ming doesn't know how many people I have under my command."
Cao Yuan took a deep breath and said, "You have never been involved in government affairs in your life. I am afraid you will be led by the nose by those old foxes in the court."
Empress Cao smiled slightly and said, "That's fine. I can cultivate my own confidants and let them handle government affairs. Once I'm familiar with government affairs, it won't be too late to take over."
"Father, the most urgent task right now is how to get Xiaowu to abdicate, isn't it?"
"If you ask who Xiaowu is closest to, who he can let down his guard the most around, it's definitely me."
Empress Cao couldn't hide her smugness in her tone. She fetched a brush and ink and said, "This is a matter of great importance. How about father sign a deed as proof?"
The veins on Cao Yuan's forehead were throbbing as he stared at the wolf-hair brush that Empress Cao handed to him. After a while, he gritted his teeth, took it, dipped the brush in ink, and began to write at his desk.
After the contract was written and stamped with his private seal, it was placed in front of Empress Cao.
"Are you satisfied with this?" Cao Yuan threw away his private seal and said coldly, "Get this done as soon as possible."
If Prince Rui is sent to the Marquis Wen'an's Mansion as soon as possible, he can also obtain the jade seal and tiger talisman as soon as possible.
As for the former emperor who must appear at the abdication ceremony, just find someone to disguise him.
Empress Cao picked up the contract, read it word by word, and slowly smiled: "Father, please wait for good news from your daughter."
-
Two more days passed like this.
Du Qingtang was "reflecting on his mistakes behind closed doors" in the Marquis Wen'an's mansion, reading books, practicing calligraphy and painting, and occasionally playing chess with the uninvited guest who occupied five rooms in the main house. Time passed quickly.
The Qianqing Palace was still guarded by the imperial guards. Apart from the head of the Lan Court and two deputy heads of the court, not even a fly could fly in.
The princes and officials could not find out the latest situation of Emperor Qingyuan, but they had got the answer from the solemn expression of Lan Yuanshou day after day.
"So many days have passed, and there is still no improvement. I'm afraid Your Majesty is really in trouble."
"His Majesty had just begun to realize his political ambitions, but it came to an abrupt end here. What a pity."
"I'm afraid I won't be able to wait until after the New Year."
In the Golden Palace, everyone looked at each other, their faces filled with sorrow, and sighed.
At the hour of Mao, Prince Rui appeared on time in his royal robes and sat on the armchair at the lower left of the dragon throne.
All officials knelt and kowtowed, shouting "Long live the emperor" three times.
"My Lords, please stand."
"Thank you, Your Majesty."
After all the officials had settled in, Prince Rui, with a solemn expression, suddenly made a startling statement: "Last night, I was assassinated. The palace guards apprehended the assassin, and after severe interrogation, the assassin confessed that he was from Da Qi and that Lord Du, Marquis of Wen'an, had instructed him to assassinate me."
As soon as these words were spoken, there was an uproar in the Golden Palace.
"Although Marquis Wen'an is a bit overbearing, he is a loyal and patriotic minister. He must have been framed by the assassin!"
"Marquis Wen'an is a sinister villain. It's not impossible that he collaborates with the enemy and betrays the country."
"Your Majesty, please imprison Wen An...Du Qingtang immediately!"
Prince Rui held the walnut in his palm, every inch of his skin trembling with excitement, and his chest was filled with extreme joy, almost bursting with it.
"Lord Du is a meritorious official, and this is a matter of great importance to the Great Qi. We cannot neglect him lightly. It would be better to first imprison Marquis Wen'an and interrogate him thoroughly. Then, we can send people to search the Marquis Wen'an's mansion to clear Lord Du's name."
Everyone shouted: "Your Majesty is wise!"
After an incense stick of time, a hundred imperial guards broke into the mansion and scattered throughout the Marquis Wen'an's mansion, searching through all the drawers and cabinets.
Deputy Commander Zhang stood at the main courtyard gate and said with a bow, "The prince has ordered that Lord Du be imprisoned in the Ministry of Justice for questioning regarding the assassin of Da Qi. I apologize for the offense."
Du Qingtang was wearing a cyan uniform and had a calm expression: "It's okay, you are just following orders."
Deputy Commander Zhang turned sideways and raised his hand to signal, "Master Du, please come in."
Du Qingtang left the main courtyard. A moment later, he saw a guard holding up several letters. His voice was as resounding as a bell: "We've found them! Correspondence between Marquis Wen'an and the Da Qi spies!"
......
"Come in."
The jailer pushed open the cell door with a complicated expression, one of disappointment and anger.
Du Qingtang turned a blind eye, just nodded, and walked into a cell located in the deepest part of the Ministry of Justice prison.
The jailer locked the cell door, still filled with rage. He gritted his teeth and said, "I would rather you die in Caishikou in the eighteenth year of the Qingyuan era."
Du Qingtang ignored him and sat cross-legged on the damp and tattered straw mat.
The young jailer snorted angrily and stomped away with heavy steps.
Du Qingtang ignored the rustling sounds that reached his ears, closed his eyes and silently recited the Four Books and Five Classics.
After reciting Mencius, I heard a barely audible clicking sound, as if something was slowly opening.
Du Qingtang opened his eyes as if he had realized something, and a secret door appeared in the most hidden corner of the cell.
The secret door connects to a secret passage leading to an unknown distance.
Du Qingtang: “…”
Is he a mole?
Open secret doors and dig secret passages everywhere.
As I was speechless, a man walked out of the secret door.
Her raven-colored hair was casually tied into a bun, secured with a wooden hairpin.
The blue uniform is embroidered with cloud patterns, which is fresh and elegant.
Eyes like stars and moon, cold as ice.
Du Qingtang stared at the person who came and was surprised to find that she was like looking in a mirror.
Almost the same height and build.
Even the expressions are exactly the same.
The stand-in bowed, took a step to the right, and raised his hand to signal.
Du Qingtang narrowed his eyes slightly and walked into the secret passage.
The stand-in closed the secret door, imitated Du Qingtang's sitting posture just now, sat cross-legged on the straw mat, and entered a meditative state.
On the other side, an oil lamp was hung on the wall of the secret passage, and the road ahead was clearly visible, even the bats hanging upside down above could be seen clearly.
Du Qingtang walked along the secret passage and soon reached the end.
When you open the door, you see the familiar bunk bed and bookshelves full of books.
It was her bedroom in the Marquis Wen'an Mansion.
Du Qingtang: “…”
The uninvited guest sitting outside waved enthusiastically: "Master Du, please come here and play two more games of chess with this old man."
Du Qingtang walked forward and spoke calmly, "This secret passage has existed for a long time, but this is the first time I've experienced it firsthand."
uninvited guest:"......"
"I watched coldly. That substitute and I seemed to be cut from the same mold. If one day you dislike me or think I am useless, will you send someone through this secret passage to assassinate me and replace me with that substitute?"
uninvited guest:"......"
......
After the morning court session, Prince Rui went straight to the Qianqing Palace, but was stopped outside the palace by the imperial guards as expected.
"Your Majesty has ordered that no one is allowed to enter or leave the Palace of Heavenly Purity."
Prince Rui took a step back and said, "In that case, I will go and take care of government affairs. I hope your Majesty will rest well. The others are waiting for you to return to the court."
The imperial guards clasped their fists and said, "Farewell, Your Highness."
After Prince Rui left the Qianqing Palace, he did not go to the Imperial Study immediately.
"We should have found it, right?" Prince Rui muttered to himself as he looked at the clear blue sky.
To this day, he has blocked all her paths.
If she didn't want to die, she could only kneel at his feet and beg for mercy.
At this moment, a palace maid came over and bowed to Prince Rui: "Your Highness, the Queen invites you over."
Prince Rui suddenly remembered that he had not visited Kunning Palace to pay his respects for several days since Emperor Qingyuan fell into a coma due to poisoning.
"Let's go."
Prince Rui got on his sedan chair and headed straight for Kunning Palace.
Entering the main hall, Prince Rui bowed and said, "Your son pays respects to your mother, the queen."
Before he could even bend down, Empress Cao pulled him forward, looked him over carefully, and said with a tone of heartache, "You've lost weight."
Prince Rui raised his eyebrows and smiled: "This is just the beginning. When I ascend the throne in the future, I will handle even more government affairs every day than I do now."
"Yes, yes, from now on, you will shoulder the heavy responsibility of the family and the country, and naturally you will be busy with many affairs." Empress Cao asked him to sit down. "My mother personally made a bowl of chicken soup for you to nourish your body."
The palace maid placed the chicken soup in front of Prince Rui and left quietly.
Prince Rui rubbed his hands and picked up his chopsticks impatiently: "Your Majesty, I love the chicken soup you stew the most. I haven't had it for a long time and I miss it very much."
Empress Cao looked at Prince Rui lovingly and said with a smile, "Since you like it, you must drink up all the chicken soup."
Prince Rui nodded in agreement, ate a bowl of noodles under the gaze of Empress Cao, and drank all the chicken soup.
The maid brought a handkerchief, and Prince Rui wiped his mouth: "Your son still has government affairs to attend to..."
Before he could finish his words, Empress Cao interrupted him: "Look at the black bruise under your eye. Someone who didn't know you would think you were punched. Government affairs are important, but you can't neglect your health either."
Empress Cao said this and ordered the palace maids to prepare a bed in the side hall. "Sleep here with me for an hour or two to catch up on your sleep. Then you can be refreshed and handle government affairs."
Prince Rui really hadn't had a good rest these days, especially after Empress Cao said these words, he suddenly felt sleepy and couldn't help yawning.
"I'll go to sleep for a while. You must wake me up in half an hour."
Empress Cao readily agreed and watched Prince Rui go to the side hall yawning. The smile on her face gradually faded until it disappeared completely.
Half an incense stick of time later, a man dressed as a eunuch entered the main hall and knelt down to pay his respects: "I pay my respects to the Empress. May the Empress live a thousand years!"
Empress Cao stroked her hair and said casually, "Go."
The man bowed his head and went next door with the medicine box.
In the side hall, Prince Rui was unconscious in a deep sleep.
After drinking a bowl of Ma Fei San, the man stripped off his underwear and inserted a silver needle into his acupuncture point.
But in a moment, Prince Rui's legs were covered with silver needles.
Half an hour later, the man took out the silver needle, wiped the sweat from his forehead, and returned to the main hall. He bowed and reported, "Your Majesty, it's done."
From now on, Prince Rui became a disabled person paralyzed in bed, unable to walk anymore.
Empress Cao raised her hand, and the nanny beside her presented ten thousand taels of silver and led the man away.
"Send him out of the palace."
"yes."
Empress Cao's confidant changed Prince Rui into a eunuch's uniform, put him on the manure cart waiting at the side door of Kunning Palace, and then left the palace.
When they arrived at the place, there was a special person to pick them up and carry the dung bucket containing Prince Rui onto another cart. They drove straight to the east of the city and stopped at the back door of the Marquis Wen'an's Mansion.
At the back door, Du Yi and Du Er had been waiting for a long time.
The two of them took King Rui out of the dung bucket and threw him into an abandoned cellar.
"Bang!"
The door fell, plunging the cellar into darkness.
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