Chapter 109



The autumn wind rolled up the fallen leaves, slapping against Lin Qingya's window frames, making a rustling sound. She was reviewing memorials at her desk, her slender fingers gently stroking the texture of the parchment. Suddenly, a palace maid ran in hurriedly, "Miss Zhao, Miss Zhao sent people to spread rumors that you had an affair with Prince Rui!" The palace maid's voice was a little trembling, obviously frightened by Zhao Sisi's power. Lin Qingya put down the pen in her hand, a meaningful smile appeared on the corner of her mouth, her eyes were calm as water, but with a chill. She slowly got up, walked to the window, looked at the autumn chrysanthemums blooming in the yard, and took a deep breath.

Lin Qingya ordered: "Collect all the ways and evidences of the rumors, I will tell you everything." Her tone was calm, but it was full of unquestionable majesty. The maid quickly responded and retreated, with hurried steps. A moment later, Lin Qingya received several anonymous letters and a so-called "love letter" written in fine sand. She picked up the letter and lightly stroked the paper with her fingertips. The handwriting was sloppy and clumsy, and it was obvious that it was written by someone else. She closed her eyes and used reading skills. In an instant, Zhao Sisi's sinister and vicious face appeared in her mind, and Zhao Sisi's distorted face was clearly visible. A conspiracy was completely outlined in her mind.

Lin Qingya walked to the dressing table, picked up the rouge and gently applied it on her lips, with a sly look in her eyes. She began to write a letter, her handwriting was beautiful and neat, and every stroke was full of confidence and strength. She listed the forged evidence and all the evidence of Zhao Sisi's crimes one by one. After she finished writing, she blew gently on the letter paper, and the corners of her mouth slightly raised. Lin Qingya handed the letter to her personal maid, "Send someone to deliver it to Li Rui immediately," her tone was still calm, but there was already a stern look between her eyebrows.

When the letter was delivered to Li Rui, he was discussing government affairs with several ministers. He opened the letter and read it quickly. A flash of surprise flashed across his eyes, followed by determination and a smile. He gently grasped the letter, stood up, and said to the ministers: "Everyone, I have something to report to Your Majesty." His tone was firm and unquestionable.

Li Rui openly admitted his love affair with Lin Qingya in the court. He confessed to the emperor that all the rumors were caused by Zhao Sisi, and took out the letter sent by Lin Qingya as evidence. "Your Majesty, it is true that Miss Lin and I are in love with each other," he said loudly, slamming the ground. The whole court was shocked by his frankness and courage. Li Chengqian's face was livid and his lips trembled. He did not expect Li Rui to take such a bold move. Emperor Li Heng looked at Li Rui's firm eyes and the letter with conclusive evidence. He was originally furious and silent for a long time.

Li Heng looked at the couple in front of him, with mixed feelings in his heart. After a long time, he sighed, waved his hand and said, "Forget it, let's end this matter." Although his voice was calm, it was helpless. Li Rui's actions weakened Li Chengqian's power to a certain extent and stabilized the court. And Lin Qingya, through this incident, not only succeeded in defeating Zhao Sisi's conspiracy, but also gained love and the tacit approval of the emperor, consolidating her position. She looked at Li Rui, with the corners of her mouth slightly raised.

On the long table carved from red sandalwood, there were exquisite teacups and dim sum, but at the moment, no one was interested. Lin Qingya sat in the main seat, wearing a simple and elegant palace dress, with an elegant posture, but exuding a majesty that could not be ignored. Beside her stood several solemn guards, their eyes were sharp, and they scanned the surroundings vigilantly. The atmosphere was so solemn that it seemed that water could be squeezed out.

"Everyone," Lin Qingya's voice was clear and pleasant, but with unquestionable firmness, "I have summoned you all here today to deal with a matter that concerns the safety of the country." She paused, and her slender fingers tapped lightly on the table, making a crisp sound. In the palace, many officials held their breath and waited for the next move. The dim candlelight reflected their nervous or suspicious faces.

"The Crown Prince Li Chengqian is plotting rebellion!" She spoke loudly and forcefully, and her words made a loud noise. Instantly, there was a cry of surprise in the palace, and officials were whispering to each other. Lin Qingya calmly opened the golden box in front of her, which was filled with densely packed letters and detailed drawings of military deployment. She pointed at the evidence and stated calmly: "These are all ironclad evidence that the Crown Prince secretly colluded with treacherous officials, stockpiled weapons, and plotted rebellion!" She raised her hand to signal the guards to distribute the evidence, and the sound of papers flipping could be heard in the hall.

Lin Qingya remained calm and continued, "I have also received news that the Queen Mother plans to launch a mutiny in three days in an attempt to control the imperial city..." At this point, she paused deliberately, scanning the crowd with a look that was difficult to detect. She revealed the false intelligence she had prepared in advance in a timely and veiled manner: "... and has even contacted the border..."

There was a sound of people sucking in gasps in the hall, and the officials turned pale. Lin Qingya's move undoubtedly exacerbated the panic of the people.

"However..." She changed the subject, her tone gentle but full of power, "Now, everything is under my control." She smiled confidently, her eyes showing that she was sure of victory. After a brief silence in the hall, officials began to express their loyalty to Lin Qingya and their willingness to help her maintain the stability of the court.

Lin Qingya calmly accepted the submission of the crowd, her expression calm but her eyes firm. She nodded slightly: "I accept your wishes. I have already reported all the evidence of the crown prince's crimes to the emperor." She handed a memorial to the eunuch outside the palace, "The truth will be revealed at the court tomorrow morning."

When Lin Qingya handed the memorial to the eunuch, she scanned the officials in the palace with a barely perceptible smile. She stood up and walked out of the palace slowly, followed by the officials' whispers and their awe and submission to her. The cold wind blew the fallen leaves flying against the palace walls, and Lin Qingya had already taken control of the fate of the Zhou Dynasty.

As night fell, everything was silent. Lin Qingya returned to her mansion and leaned back in her chair tiredly, her thoughts flooding in like a tide. Although the situation was now clear, the power in the court was intertwined and she still had to be careful. At this time, a mysterious letter was quietly delivered to her. The words in the letter made her look shudder. It turned out that someone had seen through her plan and used it to take advantage of her. Lin Qingya decided not to make any moves and secretly investigate the matter. Outside the window, a bright moon hung high, illuminating her determined face.


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