"What's wrong?" Zhen Qizhong gently stroked his back, asking with concern and heartache.
Zhao Bi buried his face in his chest and murmured, "Was I wrong?"
"Every man for himself, you're not wrong," Zhen Qizhong replied softly.
Xiao Ruanzi didn't understand the meaning behind Zhao Bi's words, but Zhen Qizhong did. Zhao Bi was now driven to a dead end and had decided to force Zhao Bi to abdicate.
Although he was ruthless and merciless, and killed without blinking an eye, the person he was trying to force out was his own father, his biological father, who had never been unloving towards him.
Ask yourself, who wouldn't feel heartbroken to lay a hand on a father who loves them so much?
He was so heartbroken that he felt like he was suffocating.
Zhen Qizhong didn't know what words to use to comfort him, so she just held him tightly in her arms.
At this moment, silent companionship is the best comfort.
Xiao Ruanzi wisely withdrew, but he shouldn't have, because Hao Shumei arrived shortly after he left.
She looked at the two embracing each other with tears streaming down her face, too choked to speak.
All the humiliations of a lifetime were piled up in this moment.
When the two found her, she smiled like a flower, so beautiful, so captivating, like the most beautiful flower in the world blooming in the spring.
It makes one reluctant to disturb or desecrate it.
She parted her lips slightly and said softly, "In the end, I lost to myself. I shouldn't have disbelieved those rumors."
She actually believed it, but she was unwilling to accept it. As it turns out, unwillingness can lead to a person's utter ruin.
Before Zhao Bi could react, Hao Shumei left after saying those words. She couldn't let herself be embarrassed any longer. Even if she lost, she wouldn't admit that she wasn't good enough.
Zhen Qizhong asked Zhao Bi, "Aren't you going to chase after them?"
Zhao Bi shook his head. "There's no need for that anymore." After he finished speaking, he called out, "Someone come here."
Upon hearing the sound, Xiao Ruanzi and his trusted confidants rushed over and bowed respectfully before him. "Your Highness, is there anything you wish to do?" someone asked.
Without consulting his advisors, Zhao Bi directly said, "Take men and take Peng Rui, Peng Shouge and the others into custody. Make sure Qin Ji doesn't get close to them. Also, bring troops into the city."
"Your Highness, is an uprising about to begin? Then, Your Highness, should we also take control of the Yong Prince's residence and the Seventh Prince?"
Zhao Bi nodded. "Bring them all under control. Place the entire city on martial law. No one is allowed to leave, only to enter."
"yes."
The most capable intelligence operative in the entire capital was Zhao Shu. Combining the intelligence networks of Sun Yun, Wei Tingsi, and herself, she could keep a clear eye on every little thing happening in the capital.
She received the news as soon as Zhao Bi ordered martial law to be declared throughout the city. Of course, she didn't have to do anything yet. She instructed Xiao Zhuzi, "Spread the news to Consort De and let her know. At the same time, have the Crown Prince pretend to be sick. Understand?"
"Yes, Princess, do you still want to stay in Cining Palace?" He was very worried, as the palace was the most unsafe place now.
Zhao Shu nodded. "It's alright, go ahead and do as I say." The palace is both the most dangerous and the safest place.
Soon, Consort De received the news. She was overjoyed and said to Zhao Xiu beside her, "Xiu'er, quickly go and inform Lord Yang that Zhao Bi is plotting a rebellion! Such a serious crime, I want to see how he can escape!"
Zhao Xiu was overjoyed and hurriedly left the palace to find Yang Zhong.
He just didn't realize that he was making too much of a difference. But someone like him didn't need to know too much. All the young master needed to know was that the princess needed these two to fight like dogs.
Zhao Bi never expected that Zhao Shu would receive the news so quickly. After instructing his men to carry out the task, he spent some time with Zhen Qizhong. Zhen Qizhong then asked worriedly, "Is it really going to come to this?"
"Now, rumors about you and me are circulating everywhere. In addition, Zhao Shu has a very high reputation among the people. I can't keep her locked up for too long. My father is quite dissatisfied with me, and Lord Yang has created that irreconcilable misunderstanding. Xiao Qi, I have nowhere to turn."
Zhen Qizhong sighed, "No matter what, I will stand behind you and support you."
"Having you is enough," Zhao Bi said. That's why he didn't pursue Hao Shumei anymore. There was no need for it now. Even if he exposed their affair, he wouldn't be afraid.
After leaving the Fourth Prince's residence, Hao Shumei was heartbroken. As if possessed, she walked to the Seventh Prince's residence, where Xiao Fuzi happened to be returning from outside. Upon seeing her, he harbored selfish intentions.
He was determined to prevent this woman from seeing His Highness!
However, Xiao Fuzi couldn't stop her from invoking her status as a Noble Consort.
However, Xiao Fuzi was quick-witted and immediately went to inform Qiu Tong.
Upon seeing Zhao Yi, Hao Shumei felt as if she had been transported to another world. Seeing Zhao Yi, who was dignified and like a hidden sword concealed in its sheath, she felt a mix of emotions.
"What brings the Imperial Concubine here?" Qiu Tong arrived just in time and stood beside Zhao Yi with the air of a hostess.
She wasn't particularly beautiful, but she possessed a quiet and noble air, like a peony blooming silently in the morning, or like clouds drifting in the sky. Her serene and graceful demeanor, standing naturally beside Zhao Yi, made them seem as if they were destined to be a perfect match.
Indeed, this is how fate should be.
If she realizes her mistake now, is it too late? She doesn't know what she's resentful about—being humiliated by Zhao Bi? Or the hopelessness of becoming empress?
Or perhaps, some unrealistic fantasies still linger in one's mind.
She stared blankly at Zhao Yi and said softly, "I want to talk to you alone."
Zhao Yi bowed respectfully, showing the manner of a junior, and said, “I wonder what Your Majesty has to say? Perhaps you should speak with my wife. It would be improper for me to speak with Your Majesty alone; Your Majesty should avoid any appearance of impropriety.”
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