Chapter 74 Responding to All Changes with Unchanging Principles
In the Wanshou Palace behind the Linde Hall, Emperor Xiao Xuan was leaning against a couch, with the clothes he would wear later laid out beside him.
Emperor Xiao Xuan was playing with a jade pendant in one hand, while his other hand supported his head, and he closed his eyes and pretended to be asleep.
Besides Xue Anhua, the chief eunuch, the only other person in the palace was Zheng Wanwan, a palace maid.
A moment later, a fifth-rank eunuch walked to the palace gate and whispered a few words.
Eunuch Xue immediately followed him out.
Emperor Xiao Xuan still didn't open his eyes, and continued to play with the jade pendant in his hand.
Zheng Wanwan glanced worriedly outside the palace, wondering if she should find an excuse to go out for a while.
I wonder if the master has arrived yet. It's already this late; the master should have arrived at Linde Hall by now!
How can I relay the message to the adults without alerting anyone...?
"Want to go out and see your master?" Emperor Xiao Xuan suddenly spoke up.
Zheng Wanwan...
Was it that obvious?
"This servant wouldn't dare!" Zheng Wanwan quickly whispered a defense.
Emperor Xiao Xuan kept his eyes closed, but he stopped playing with the jade pendant in his hands.
"Don't worry! Your lady isn't coming to the palace today. I arranged an important task for her a couple of days ago."
Let her finish her errand before entering the palace.
She has never liked such occasions, and this is a perfect excuse for her to look at the account books at home! Emperor Xiao Xuan said slowly.
Zheng Wanwan immediately breathed a sigh of relief.
"My lord isn't going to the palace! That's wonderful! That way, whatever happens today won't concern you, and I won't have to worry about you..."
"Are you at ease now?" Emperor Xiao Xuan asked with a smile.
Zheng Wanwan quickly and respectfully curtsied.
"Your Majesty, would you like some tea? Would you like me to brew you another cup?" Zheng Wanwan asked softly.
Emperor Xiao Xuan waved his hand.
"I'm not drinking anymore! We're going to Linde Hall soon. I'll take this short break to rest, because I might not be able to rest later."
Emperor Xiao Xuan had just finished speaking when Eunuch Xue entered from outside.
"Your Majesty!" Eunuch Xue approached Emperor Xiao Xuan.
"Speak!" Emperor Xiao Xuan sat up straight.
"His Highness Prince Qi just reminded this old servant at the door that there are many people here today, and they are all different kinds of people. He asked this old servant to keep an eye on your side."
Make sure the guards don't stray too far.
"It's better to be vigilant than to let some unscrupulous people take advantage of the situation!" Eunuch Xue said in a low voice.
Emperor Xiao Xuan smiled.
"Where did Seventh Brother come from?"
“Xingde Courtyard! His Highness Prince Qi came from Xingde Courtyard, and he must have stayed there for quite some time,” Eunuch Xue said immediately.
Emperor Xiao Xuan nodded.
Indeed, the message has been sent to the Crown Prince's men and the King of Zhao's men, firstly to warn them to be mindful of their own safety.
Secondly, Emperor Xiao Xuan also wanted to see how the two princes would react after receiving such news.
The seventh prince has always followed the crown prince and came from the crown prince's side, so this must also be the crown prince's intention.
My own crown prince... he really needs to be careful in his actions!
Emperor Xiao Xuan smiled with satisfaction. "Not bad, the Crown Prince did a good job."
"Has the King of Zhao made any moves?" Emperor Xiao Xuan continued to ask.
"Not for now! But a messenger from below said that he took the King of Wu to Zhongli Pavilion."
After talking inside for a while, they left, and not long after, the King of Wu also left. "Eunuch Xue hurriedly said.
Emperor Xiao Xuan's smile faded slightly.
This son...
Well, we can't expect too much. In this situation, it's good enough to be able to protect ourselves. Not everyone is like the Crown Prince, so eager to think about his father, the Emperor.
"Alright! Change your clothes! Inform the Crown Prince that he will come with me to the Linde Hall later!"
Emperor Xiao Xuan stood up as he spoke.
Eunuch Xue and Zheng Wanwan quickly stepped forward to help Emperor Xiao Xuan change his clothes.
...
Inside the Linde Hall, Song Zhimian was already waiting next to Xiao Jingjue's seat.
Xiao Jingjue will arrive later with Emperor Xiao Xuan, the Crown Prince, and the Crown Princess.
Song Zhimian came early not only to settle Xiao Jingjue in as soon as possible, but also to scout out the place first.
After all, she already knew that something big was going to happen, so she must have something on her mind.
She needs to come and take a look first, to see where it would be suitable for Tibetans...
Song Zhimian had already considered all the possible scenarios.
In the beginning, those people probably didn't have a chance.
The only time they had a chance to make their move was during a song and dance performance, when they would have the opportunity to enter the Linde Hall.
Did I leave with Xiao Jingjue when the song and dance performance started?
Would that keep us away from danger?
But Song Zhimian quickly ruled out this plan.
It's not feasible; it's extremely dangerous.
What if those bad guys have hidden people elsewhere by then?
When the incident occurred, almost all the Imperial Guards rushed to the Linde Hall.
In other places... no one will care.
What if I'm not in Linde Palace with Xiao Jingjue, and we run into bad people?
Isn't that just handing yourself over to be slaughtered?
Therefore, Song Zhimian concluded that the most dangerous place was the safest place.
Even if she tries to hide, she can find a good place to hide with Xiao Jingjue in the Linde Hall...
In addition, Song Zhimian also hid a gold hairpin in her sleeve and asked Ruyi for it under the pretext that her hair was a little itchy.
After all, if I were to be kidnapped by accident, I could at least throw a hairpin at the thugs...
And those porcelain dishes, bowls, and plates on the table, we can throw them at those bad guys later...
These tables and chairs in the hall...
Yeah, if we lay him down and push Xiao Jingjue behind the table, he can be used as a shield or something.
Song Zhimian looked through almost everything usable in the Linde Hall.
I mentally rehearsed the possible scenarios many times...
"Master Song, are you alright?" Ruyi, who was standing with her, asked softly.
"Oh? I'm fine! It's just a bit hot in this hall," Song Zhimian said quickly.
Ruyi nodded.
"It is a bit hot, but Linde Hall is already the largest palace, and banquets are held here every year."
There were quite a few people here today, and with everyone gathered together, it inevitably got a bit hot.
However, the Imperial Household Department also sent a lot of ice, so even though it's hot, it's still better than being outside.
By the way, the Imperial Household Department prepared ice bowls for the palace servants and eunuchs serving at Xingdeyuan.
"If you get too hot later, go over there and use some!" Ruyi said kindly.
Song Zhimian immediately agreed.
Just then, a shrill voice came from behind.
"His Majesty has arrived!"
Everyone in the Linde Hall quickly stood up and bowed.
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