Upon hearing this, all the ministers were shocked. The Sea King and the Chen King had been planning this for decades, yet the Emperor actually wanted the King of Chu to settle the matter within three months. Was he trusting the King of Chu's ability too much, or was he trying to take the opportunity to make things difficult for the King of Chu?
"Your Majesty, the Sea King and the King of Chen have been meticulously planning for so many years. This time, those two are launching simultaneous attacks from the four corners of Western Chu. I'm afraid that three months is too much for this humble servant. I'm afraid that deploying troops during this period will also waste a lot of time." Chu Feiyang saw the current situation clearly and reported it truthfully. He did not become complacent or arrogant because of his past military achievements. Instead, he clearly analyzed the current situation based on the current state of both sides, hoping to make the best judgment and choice.
His reaction was beyond Emperor Yugan's expectations. He had initially thought Chu Feiyang would readily agree, but Chu Feiyang, possessing a deep mind, not only didn't immediately agree to his request, but even shamelessly rejected it. Chu Feiyang, seemingly less loyal to his former lord, seemed increasingly difficult to control. For a moment, Emperor Yugan felt a surge of murderous intent, but as his eyes fell on all the generals and ministers in the tent, he forcibly held back his anger and didn't react immediately.
Emperor Yugan clenched his fists tightly. After a long pause, his expression darkened. He slowly relaxed and said indifferently, "Even if I could wait, can you bear to see the people of this world suffer from the flames of war? You have always been a master of military strategy. No matter how difficult the problem is, you will easily solve it. Why is it that this time, you have been hesitant to deal with the two traitors Haiquan and Jiang Muchen, as if you can't bear to take action against them? King of Chu, think carefully about who is responsible for the chaos in Western Chu! I have received news that Concubine Yuande went to the Prime Minister's Mansion to deal with the Princess of Chu, but as a result, her whereabouts are still unknown. Although I know that the King of Chu loves his wife deeply and will be extremely anxious and confused, in the face of national affairs, I am afraid that personal honor and disgrace can only be dealt with later. King of Chu, please think carefully about what I said and take care of yourself."
During the one or two days that the ministers in the tent and Emperor Yugan had been hiding in the secret room, they had not had any contact with the outside world. Now, when they suddenly heard Emperor Yugan mention the matter of Princess Chu, the ministers were shocked and looked at Chu Feiyang in surprise. There was surprise in their eyes, either wonder, astonishment, pity, gloating, or sudden enlightenment.
The obscure gazes that fell on Chu Feiyang seemed mostly to be accusing him of delaying the rescue of Emperor Yugan for a woman, putting the ruler of a country in danger. Furthermore, he disregarded their camaraderie and allowed the lives of all the civil and military officials to be threatened by the rebellious king. This act was simply detrimental to the country, and instantly aroused the dissatisfaction and accusations against Chu Feiyang among the court officials.
Chu Feiyang saw that the expressions of many ministers changed in an instant. A hint of sarcasm was reflected in their dark pupils, and when they turned to Emperor Yugan, there was a hint of coldness on their faces, which made people dare not get close to them.
Those generals who had followed Chu Feiyang in his campaigns for several years were furious when they saw that the emperor had framed Chu Feiyang in this way. However, they also knew Chu Feiyang's temper and the current situation. If they spoke rashly, it would be an opportunity for the emperor and others to make trouble. If they were then forced by the emperor to accuse him of delaying military affairs, it would be harmful to Chu Feiyang.
Thinking of this, although the generals were angry, they remained calm and did not do anything to embarrass Chu Feiyang.
Emperor Yugan didn't wait for Chu Feiyang to speak, and immediately asked, "Where is Chu Nanshan now? I have something to ask him."
"Grandfather is at the western camp on the outskirts of the city." Chu Feiyang's face was calm, not showing any hesitation at the Emperor Yugan's question. He answered the Emperor's questions calmly. His face was full of calmness, as if he had not heard the Emperor's deliberate embarrassing and slanderous words just now, which made those who were worried about him breathe a sigh of relief.
Upon hearing this, Emperor Yugan frowned suddenly, his eyes suddenly turned sharp and shot towards Chu Feiyang, but his mind was in turmoil.
"The old prince is still strong and dedicated to the country. The emperor had originally allowed him to live out his days in the Chu Palace, but he did not expect that when the country was in crisis, he would volunteer to share the emperor's worries. Such a spirit is really touching." At this time, the empress dowager, who had been silent for a long time, spoke.
Hearing this, Chu Feiyang glanced at the Queen Mother quietly with his indifferent eyes, but there was an extremely strong warning in that cold look.
The Empress Dowager's words, while seemingly praising Chu Nanshan's patriotic act, were actually accusing him of assuming official duties without the Emperor's permission, secretly directing the officials' thoughts, and deliberately misleading them. Chu Feiyang's eyes flashed with such malice, that he met the Empress Dowager's calm, smiling gaze. Neither side yielded, and a battle raged in the distance.
However, after hearing the news that Chu Nanshan had joined the war, all the ministers looked relieved and were very grateful for Chu Nanshan's appearance. As long as Chu Nanshan was there to support them, King Hai, King Chen and others would surely suffer heavy losses.
"Report!" At this moment, Xi Lin's loud shout came from outside the tent, and then the curtain was lifted. Xi Lin strode into the tent, knelt on one knee in front of Chu Feiyang, and said loudly: "Your Highness, new enemy information has been discovered."
"Stand up and answer." Seeing that all the ministers were standing in the tent, Chu Feiyang knew that the military information must not be leaked, so he signaled Xi Lin to stand up and answer.
Xi Lin was also worried that the news would leak out. With Chu Feiyang's permission, he immediately stood up and reported the battle situation in front to Chu Feiyang in a very low voice.
Seeing that Chu Feiyang and the other two were acting in secret, all the ministers were very curious. Even Emperor Yugan and the Queen Mother cast scrutinizing and questioning glances at Chu Feiyang.
Unexpectedly, Chu Feiyang's face was as gloomy as water, and he didn't reveal a single thought, which really made everyone anxious.
"King Chu, what happened?" Emperor Yugan's face darkened when he saw Chu Feiyang remained silent for a long time, and he asked in a cold voice.
Chu Feiyang noticed the anxiety in Emperor Yugan's eyes, and a hint of embarrassment flashed between his brows. After a while, he spoke, "Your Majesty, this matter still needs to be discussed with Grandfather. Why not wait for Grandfather to come..."
"No need, you escort me to the West Camp immediately." Chu Feiyang was interrupted by Emperor Yugan before he could finish his words. However, Emperor Yugan made this order without hesitation and did not give anyone the chance to stop him.
"Yes, I will go out and prepare right away." Chu Feiyang agreed without hesitation, and then did not give Emperor Yu Gan a chance to regret, turned around and left the tent to prepare for the journey.
"Princess, in the wooden house over there, Concubine Yuande is in a bad mood. Breakfast and lunch were sent over, but she didn't eat a single bite." Yingxia walked into the room angrily, bowed to Yun Qianmeng, and began to report the situation of Concubine Yuande to Yun Qianmeng.
Hearing this, Yun Qianmeng put down the military book in his hand and turned to look out the window. He saw that the weather outside was clear and the sun was shining. It was really a good day for a walk and relaxation.
Yun Qianmeng put down the military book in her hand and stood up, saying with a smile, "She seems to be unwilling to give up. Let's go and see her."
Concubine Yuande originally thought that she could be sentenced to death, but she didn't expect that the people she brought with her were all shot to death by her, and Concubine Yuande herself was abducted to this wilderness. It is no wonder that Concubine Yuande, who has always lived a life of luxury and played with others at her fingertips, would be furious.
"Princess, you're pregnant, so don't go near Concubine Yuande." Mu Chun secretly glared at the quick-tempered Yingxia, blaming her for reporting the incident to the princess. Concubine Yuande was furious, losing her temper at everyone she met, but Yingxia had no sense of propriety, not even considering the princess's current health. If something happened, who would be able to bear the consequences? And who knew if Concubine Yuande's actions weren't just an excuse to lure the princess over?
Receiving Mu Chun's slightly reproachful look, Yingxia lowered her head and stuck out her tongue, secretly cursing herself for being so stupid. The princess is now a double, what if she is angered by the shrewish Concubine Yuande? What should she do then?
"It's okay. I have to go see Concubine Yuande. I'm in good health, so you don't have to worry." Yun Qianmeng smiled lightly as she stepped out of the clean and tidy wooden house and led the two maids down the steps in front of the house.
Seeing this, Qiao Ying, who was guarding outside, immediately followed the three of them and protected Yun Qianmeng closely.
"Get out of here! I won't accept charity. I let Yun Qianmeng come here so I can see what her intentions are. If she kidnapped me to threaten Chen'er, I would rather die than let her succeed."
From a distance, one could hear Concubine Yuande's scolding, along with the sound of her smashing lunch.
Fortunately, the utensils used in this wooden house are wooden bowls and bamboo chopsticks, which can be reused even if they are dropped on the ground.
"Greetings, Princess." The secret guards guarding the door saw Yun Qianmeng coming and stepped forward to salute.
Yun Qianmeng nodded slightly and said in a clear voice, "Open the door."
"Yes." The secret guard took the key from his waist and opened the copper lock on the wooden door.
Yun Qianmeng stepped onto the wooden steps and slowly walked into the wooden house, only to see that the house was in a mess. Not only had all the food been spilled on the ground by Concubine Yuande, but even the quilt that was originally spread on the bed was thrown on the ground.
Meanwhile, Concubine Yuande was sitting at the table with incredible elegance, staring at Yun Qianmeng as she walked in with a look of sarcasm on her face. She spoke with remarkable calmness, "What's the matter, Princess Chu, are you here to laugh at me? You actually had all my clothes and hair accessories replaced! You insult me like this, I will never forgive you!"
As she spoke, Concubine Yuande's well-maintained white and slender fingers pointed directly at Yun Qianmeng's nose, as if she wanted to pounce on her and tear her into pieces.
Ignoring Concubine Yuande's rage, Yun Qianmeng walked on the clean floor and sat down gracefully opposite Concubine Yuande. With a smile on her face, she instructed the maids behind her, "Muchun, Yingxia, clean up this room. Since the Concubine doesn't like your cooking, send some ingredients over from now on and let her take care of it."
"Yes, Princess." The two maids acted quickly and cleaned the house in just a cup of tea.
"The quilt is also dirty. Send a wooden basin to the concubine later so that she can wash it herself. If the concubine feels that these ordinary things are too burdensome, she can just cover herself with the dirty quilt." Yun Qianmeng glanced at the soup and vegetable stains on the quilt and gave all the instructions calmly.
"Bang!" Before Mu Chun and Ying Xia could respond to Yun Qianmeng's request, Concubine Yuande slammed the table hard.
As if she had just discovered the presence of Concubine Yuande, Yun Qianmeng turned to look at her with surprise. Her astonishment instantly turned into a faint smile, and she said reasonably, "So the Concubine is here."
"Yun Qianmeng, stop pretending. I don't need your pity." Concubine Yuande shot hatred at Yun Qianmeng, wishing she could tear her to pieces.
Yun Qianmeng's smile remained unchanged. She took the bamboo cup from Mu Chun, lowered her eyes to look at the clear boiled water inside, and spoke in a clear voice, "This concubine does not pity the Concubine Dowager. The Concubine Dowager is loved by Prince Chen and respected by the people. She has everything she wants. When and why does she need my pity? I only pity the common people. They work hard in the fields and weave brocade, but in return, all they get is the Concubine Dowager's random trashing. She shows no respect for their labor. In fact, the people are the most pitiful. I had the Concubine Dowager change her clothes just as a precaution, to avoid attracting some people who shouldn't be here. At the same time, I also want the Concubine Dowager to understand that in this world, besides silk and satin, there are also coarse linen clothes. The purpose of these clothes is to cover the body and keep out the cold. Those so-called statuses are just icing on the cake. Without them, it does not affect our survival."
Yun Qianmeng's words had hidden meanings. She took advantage of the incident of Concubine Yuande smashing food and clothes to accuse Concubine Yuande of not understanding the suffering of the people.
Hearing the accusation in Yun Qianmeng's words, Concubine Yuande sneered and retorted sharply, "I don't need your lecture. Put away your compassionate face. I am in a high position, a dragon among men. How can I be compared with the lowly common people?"
Hearing this, Yun Qianmeng shook her head helplessly, lowered her head, took a sip of the bamboo-scented water, and spoke elegantly, "I always thought the Concubine Dowager was an intelligent woman, but now it seems that you are as stupid as an ox. Water can carry a boat, but it can also overturn it. Don't you understand such a simple truth? A single drop of water cannot accomplish anything, but thousands of rivers can eventually overturn your magnificent and noble ship. When it sinks to the bottom of the lake, you will be worse than the lowly people. What qualifications do you have to act superior and demean others? You, like someone like you, still dream of sitting on the throne of the Queen Mother? You don't even have a heart for hypocrisy, so how can you truly be the mother of the country?"
"Enough." Being accused by a junior, Concubine Yuande was furious.
She instantly stood up from her seat, pointed her right finger at Yun Qianmeng's face, and angrily said, "Don't think that just because you've captured me here, I'll listen to your nonsense. Chen'er has already proclaimed himself emperor in the capital. Once he ascends the throne, the world of Western Chu will belong to me, Chen'er. Who in the world dares to say a word? Besides, compared to Qu Ruoxuan, I'm more suitable to sit on the position of empress dowager."
Seeing that Concubine Yuande was so presumptuous, Qiao Ying was about to swing her hand around her waist, but was stopped by Yun Qianmeng.
"Why is the Concubine Dowager angry? If what Qian Meng said is wrong, why should the Concubine Dowager be angry out of shame? Regardless of whether the Queen Mother truly cares about the people in her heart, at least she behaves like the mother of a country. And you? For your own personal grudges and desires, you have put the people of the world in dire straits. Do you know how many people in Western Chu have lost their families because of the fierce behavior of Prince Chen and Prince Hai in seizing the city? How many children have lost their parents and relatives? But in your eyes, there is only the illusory throne, which is really outrageous." Yun Qianmeng said slowly, but the expression on her face became more and more solemn and dignified, and she rushed towards Concubine Yuande with murderous intent.
Yun Qianmeng rarely showed an expression other than a smile. Concubine Yuande was slightly startled. Remembering the trick Yun Qianmeng had shown at Mengxin Cottage, a sense of uncertainty rose in Concubine Yuande's heart. Her anger gradually calmed down. She sat down again and sneered, "The victors are kings and the losers are bandits. If Qu Ruoxuan and Emperor Yugan hadn't cheated, how could Chen'er have lost his kingdom? We just want to take back what originally belonged to us. I still say the same thing. If you want to use me to threaten Chen'er, I would rather die."
After she finished speaking, Concubine Yuande stopped talking and refused to look at Yun Qianmeng. Her face was as cold as night frost, which made people feel intimidated.
Yun Qianmeng, however, remained unperturbed. She stood up, propping herself on the table with both hands, and smiled faintly, "In this world, all is fair in war. Prince Chen forced the emperor to leave the palace this time, so how could his methods be considered honorable? However, the Concubine Dowager is already paranoid and will likely not listen to any persuasion. So, you'll have to fend for yourself. However, I, too, have said the same thing: as long as I and Prince Chu are around, Prince Chen will never succeed. It is absolutely not good for the people if someone who doesn't care about the people ascends the throne."
After saying this, Yun Qianmeng no longer looked at Concubine Yuande's angry expression, and slowly walked out of the wooden house with a few maids.
A breeze blew across her face, dispelling the depressed air in her chest and making Yun Qianmeng's mind clearer.
Without turning back to his room, Yun Qianmeng walked down the stairs and walked slowly along the lake, as if he was taking a stroll or thinking about something.
"Princess, why are you so polite to Concubine Yuande?" Mu Chun carefully protected Yun Qianmeng and spoke with some annoyance in his heart.
Ever since the princess was the eldest daughter of the Yunxiang Mansion, Concubine Yuande had always disliked the princess and opposed her in every way. Now that she had finally fallen into the princess's hands, she didn't expect the princess to be so lenient with her.
Yun Qianmeng let out a light breath, raised her eyes to look at the shimmering lake in front of her, and gently tapped Mu Chun's little head with her finger. Then she said calmly, "Just now you were worried that I would get angry with Concubine Yuande and hurt the fetus in her belly. Why are you blaming me for being too polite now? Besides, she is the mother of Prince Chen after all. We can't touch her until the prince succeeds. Don't forget that the capital is now in the hands of Prince Chen. The lives of millions of people can be decided by his whim. If Concubine Yuande gets into trouble now, I'm afraid the people will suffer."
This is also the reason why Yun Qianmeng asked people to change all the clothes and jewelry on Concubine Yuande, so as not to give Concubine Yuande any chance to commit self-harm and ruin the whole game that has already started.
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