Chapter 270 Taking Advantage of This Opportunity
Inside the West Warm Pavilion of the Qianqing Palace, the candlelight cast long shadows of the emperor onto the cold, golden bricks.
On the table were several secret reports, still fresh from the ink, which pointed out that several officials in the court had recently been in close contact with Liu's former subordinates.
Emperor Zhaoheng tapped the hard purple table with his fingertips, producing a dull but rhythmic sound that was particularly clear in the silent hall.
Before him, his trusted commander of the secret guards stood with his hands at his sides like a shadow, his aura almost imperceptible.
"Although the Liu family has fallen, its followers have not all scattered."
Emperor Zhaoheng spoke, his voice revealing neither joy nor anger, only a fleeting glint of icy light passing through the depths of his eyes.
"Very well, let's take advantage of this opportunity to clean up the hidden silt as well."
His long, slender fingers lightly tapped on a name in one of the confidential reports.
Emperor Zhaoheng pondered for a moment: "Lian Chenxi."
"This person came from a poor family and rose to where he is today step by step through his own talent. He has a sharp edge and an ambition that is not willing to be inferior to others."
Emperor Zhaoheng's lips curled into a cold smile. "I want to see how many demons and monsters of the Liu family are lurking beneath this seemingly calm surface, and how many opportunists and treacherous individuals are hiding there."
The commander of the secret guards understood immediately; this was a plan to lure the enemy out and capture them all in one fell swoop.
He replied in a deep voice, "Your subordinate understands and will make proper arrangements."
Emperor Zhaoheng nodded slightly and waved his hand.
The commander of the secret guards retreated as silently as if he had just arrived.
The hall fell silent again, with only the crackling of the candlelight.
Emperor Zhaoheng sat alone on the dragon throne, his fingertips unconsciously tracing the cold dragon patterns on the corner of the table, his eyes filled with a cold light that looked down upon the world and seemed to have it all under his control.
Fishing always requires patience and good bait, and he never lacks either of these.
at the same time.
The inner hall of the Lihe Palace is filled with an atmosphere completely different from that of the Qianqing Palace.
A faint, slightly bitter medicinal scent has replaced the usual elegant incense.
Yongning, dressed in soft pajamas, had a flushed face and nestled listlessly in Shuixian's arms, occasionally letting out a suppressed cough that made one's heart tighten.
"Yongning, drink another sip. You'll get better if you drink the medicine."
Narcissus simply tied her hair into a bun and wore plain everyday clothes.
She held the warm medicine bowl steadily in one hand, and with the other hand, she used a soft cotton handkerchief dipped in warm water to gently wipe the sweat from her daughter's forehead and the sticky little palms.
She was humming a soothing nursery rhyme softly, trying to calm her daughter's anxiety caused by her discomfort.
"Mother...you're suffering..."
Yongning wrinkled her little nose, muttered aggrievedly, buried her face in the nape of the narcissus's neck, and refused to drink anymore.
Narcissus's eyes were full of heartache, but she did not force him; she simply patiently put down the medicine bowl.
She picked up a candied plum from a small dish beside her and coaxed softly, "Then let's eat a plum to sweeten our mouths, and then have a little sip of water, okay? Your mother will stay with Yongning."
Just then, slightly hurried footsteps came from outside the hall, accompanied by a low voice of dissuasion from a palace attendant who had not had time to announce it.
The next moment, Emperor Zhaoheng strode in, carrying with him the lingering chill of the night dew.
He first walked a few steps to the bedside, bent down, and placed his broad, warm hand directly on Yongning's forehead.
The touch was scalding hot, causing his handsome, sword-like eyebrows to furrow instantly.
"How did it get so badly burned?"
His voice was low and filled with obvious anxiety.
When Shui Xian saw him arrive, she breathed a slight sigh of relief and said softly, "The imperial physician has come to see you and said that you have caught a cold. You will feel better after taking the medicine and sweating it out."
Emperor Zhaoheng did not ask any further questions. His gaze fell on the bowl of brown medicine in Shui Xian's hand, and he naturally extended his hand: "Give it to me."
He took the medicine bowl and sat down by the bed.
The previously listless Yongning, upon seeing her father, seemed to have found an even greater support. She stretched out her burning little hand and softly grasped the sleeve of Emperor Zhaoheng's dragon robe, calling out in a tearful voice, "Father..."
Emperor Zhaoheng's heart instantly melted.
He held the medicine bowl steadily in one hand, and immediately grasped his daughter's small hand with the other, his tone gentler than he had ever been when speaking to his ministers.
"Yongning, don't be afraid, your father is here. Come on, let's drink your medicine. After you drink your medicine, your father will take you to ride a big horse, okay?"
He even tried to imitate Narcissus by scooping up the medicinal juice with a spoon, but his movements were far less skillful and steady than Narcissus's.
While Emperor Zhaoheng's attention was focused on Yongning, Tinglu quietly approached Shuixian, who was standing to the side.
Narcissus noticed her approach and lifted the curtain to leave the inner room.
Tinglu followed behind her and whispered something very quickly in a volume that only the two of them could hear.
"Your Majesty, we have been keeping an eye on the movements of the previous dynasty as you instructed. It seems that Lord Lian... has received a secret decree."
Upon hearing this, Narcissus's eyes flickered almost imperceptibly before regaining their composure, and she responded with a very soft "hmm".
Her gaze, though through the curtain, remained tender and worried, fixed on her daughter and husband, as if all her attention was consumed by the warmth before her.
Even after nightfall, the Dengdi Inn outside the palace remained bustling with activity.
In a secluded private room in the backyard, Zhou Yan was sitting and drinking with several students who were dressed simply, even somewhat shabbily.
One of the young students, his face contorted with anger, gulped down a glass of wine and slammed it heavily on the table, his voice filled with the frustration of unfulfilled potential.
"The corrupt practices in the imperial examination system have been entrenched for a long time! The powerful and wealthy control the path to promotion. We study hard for ten years, but without connections, it's all just a mirage, and we can never truly leap over the dragon gate!"
Zhou Yan remained calm as he refilled his cup, his voice even: "Brother, do not be too agitated. Thunder and rain are both blessings from Heaven. The court has its own laws, and now... the new emperor also intends to reform. Waiting for the right opportunity and accumulating strength is the right path."
As they were talking, the door to the private room was gently pushed open, and Yinzhu walked in carrying a tray.
She had styled her hair in a married woman's bun, and her demeanor was even more gentle and graceful than when she was in the palace.
She gently placed several delicate dishes on the table, smiled tenderly at Zhou Yan, and said softly, "There's still some porridge warming on the stove. Please call me anytime if you need anything."
Zhou Yan raised his eyes and met his wife's gentle gaze. His brows and eyes, which had been slightly stern when they discussed politics, softened instantly, and he nodded slightly: "Thank you for your trouble, Madam."
These subtle interactions, observed by several students, made them feel that the Zhou couple were trustworthy, genuine, and humane people.
In stark contrast to the warmth of Lihe Palace and the earnest conversation at Dengdi Inn was Consort Wan's palace.
Consort Wan was facing a polished bronze mirror, slowly inserting a gold and kingfisher feather hairpin into her meticulously styled hair bun.
She listened as her trusted palace maid whispered a report that Princess Yongning had fallen ill and that the Emperor and Empress were both at Lihe Palace to keep watch over her.
Her exquisitely drawn lips slowly curved into a cold arc.
"Oh? You're sick?"
Her voice was melodious, yet chillingly cold. "Our Empress, who is blessed with good fortune and whose virtue is renowned throughout the land, is she not favored by Heaven? How come she can't even take care of her own daughter, letting her catch such a severe cold?"
She put down the jade comb in her hand, her fingertips lightly tracing her beautiful face in the mirror, her eyes flashing with calculation.
"His Majesty must be heartbroken right now... This is precisely the time when he needs someone to comfort him."
She was already quickly devising in her mind how to subtly put a bad word about Shui Xian in front of the Emperor by taking advantage of Yongning's illness.
Even if it doesn't shake the foundation, it would be good if it could leave the emperor with the impression of being negligent and derelict in his duties.
Inside the Lihe Palace, night was deepening.
After taking the medicine and sweating it out, Yongning's body temperature finally dropped a bit, his breathing became steady and long, and he fell into a deep sleep.
Emperor Zhaoheng looked at the faint dark circles under Shui Xian's eyes with pity, knowing that she must have spent a lot of time and energy taking care of her daughter today. He waved his hand, dismissing all the palace servants who were standing in the hall.
Only the two of them and their sleeping child remained in the vast inner sanctuary.
He walked behind Narcissus, reached out, and with extremely gentle movements removed the few remaining simple jade hairpins securing her hair.
Her long, flowing black hair cascaded down, making her face appear even smaller and more delicate, carrying a hint of tired vulnerability.
He picked up the jade comb beside him and patiently combed her smooth, long hair, his deep voice sounding particularly mellow and moving in the quiet hall.
"Xian'er, you've worked so hard today. It pains me to see you like this."
Narcissus closed her eyes, feeling the comfort of being treated gently.
At this moment, facing her sleeping child and her husband who exuded tenderness and gentleness, her tense heartstrings seemed to relax slightly. She temporarily let down all her defenses and schemes, instinctively leaning back and resting her weight against his strong and warm chest.
Emperor Zhaoheng clearly felt her complete dependence on him, and his heart was filled with a great sense of satisfaction and protectiveness.
He put down the jade comb and wrapped his arms around her slender waist.
With a slight effort, he lifted her up horizontally.
Narcissus gasped softly and instinctively wrapped her arms around his neck.
Emperor Zhaoheng lowered his head and placed a tender kiss on her smooth forehead, then carried her to the large dragon and phoenix canopy bed.
The curtains were gently lowered, creating a private space.
He didn't do anything more, but carefully placed her on the inside of the bed, lay down on the outside himself, and then stretched out his arms to hug her tightly.
His embrace was warm and strong, carrying a reassuring aura.
Narcissus nestled in his arms, the familiar scent of ambergris emanating from him mingling with the crisp night air.
Listening to his steady heartbeat and feeling the rise and fall of his chest, the fatigue and tension of the past few days gradually dissipated, and sleepiness came over her.
Emperor Zhaoheng felt the person in his arms gradually relax and become soft, and his heart was filled with peace.
He lowered his head and kissed the top of her head, which exuded a faint fragrance, before pulling her closer.
Although they were just sleeping in each other's arms, it was filled with tender affection.
The next morning.
When Emperor Zhaoheng awoke, he was refreshed and his gloom, caused by the political situation and the remnants of the Liu family, seemed to have dissipated considerably.
He looked at the narcissus who was still fast asleep beside him, her face serene, the dark circles under her eyes lessened, and his affection for her deepened.
As he got up to wash and dress, he casually mentioned to Shui Xian in a rather cheerful mood, "I've heard that Lian Chenxi... is involved in the recent rumors circulating in the capital. Do you know anything about him, Xian'er?"
Shui Xian was adjusting the collar of his court robes when she heard this, but she didn't stop and looked up at him.
In the morning light, her unadorned face was beautiful and captivating, her eyes clear as a stream, carrying a simple worry unrelated to politics, as she spoke softly.
"Lord Lian... Although I am not familiar with the major events of the previous dynasty, I have occasionally heard palace servants mention them. It seems that their reputation is quite good, unlike those petty people who gossip."
"His Majesty has a discerning eye for talent, and his decision to employ people is based on his own divine will."
She frowned slightly, her worry appearing genuine.
"Your Majesty, I only hope that these troublesome matters can be resolved as soon as possible, that the court can be stable, and that government orders can be effectively implemented."
Her words sounded like the most basic concern of a virtuous empress who lived deep in the palace and cared deeply for the emperor and the people.
It does not involve specific political matters, but only expresses the most basic wishes.
Emperor Zhaoheng listened, looking into her clear, dependent eyes.
The last bit of gloom in my heart caused by recent events seemed to be dispelled by the morning light.
He grasped her hand and laughed loudly, "Don't worry, Xian'er, with me here, this world will not descend into chaos."
He turned and left with a triumphant air, ready to continue his scheme against the Liu family.
Narcissus stood at the palace gate, watching his tall figure disappear into the morning light. The gentle smile on her face gradually faded, turning into a deep tranquility.
She turned around, her gaze sweeping across the window lattice, looking towards the vast sky beyond the palace walls, her eyes distant, lost in thought.
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