Lin Qingya took a deep breath, closed her eyes, and the dignified face of Li Heng appeared in her mind. The suspicion and uneasiness hidden between his eyebrows seemed to be within reach. A sneer appeared on the corner of Lin Qingya's mouth. She had decided to take the initiative and use this opportunity to completely eliminate Li Heng's suspicion of her.
"Someone, go and inform all the important officials in the court that I am holding a banquet in Fengyi Palace and invite them to gather together." Lin Qingya said to the doorman, her voice cold and firm.
"Yes, Your Majesty." A palace maid responded and retreated. She lowered her head and walked away quickly, not daring to look up and meet Lin Qingya's eyes.
Lin Qingya watched the maid leave, her mind churning. She had to arrange everything for this banquet perfectly, without any omissions. She had to use mind reading to find out the true thoughts of Li Heng and the court officials, and at the same time demonstrate her ability to let them know that she was not colluding with the Western Region masters, but had always stood by them and worked hard for the peace of the Great Zhou Dynasty.
"Lin Qingya, what are you going to do this time?" Li Rui walked into Fengyi Palace with a trace of worry on his face. Although he didn't know what Lin Qingya was planning in her heart, he knew that this banquet was by no means a simple banquet.
"Don't worry, I know what I'm doing." Lin Qingya looked at Li Rui with a soothing smile on her face. She gently smoothed Li Rui's brows with her hands and said softly, "I will prove my innocence and show you my strength."
Li Rui nodded, his eyes full of trust.
On the day of the banquet, the Fengyi Palace was decorated with lanterns and ribbons, creating a festive and prosperous scene. The tables were filled with all kinds of delicious food, and the aroma was so fragrant that it made people salivate.
Lin Qingya was wearing a bright yellow phoenix robe and sitting in the main seat. She smiled and scanned the people in the hall. The atmosphere of the banquet was lively, but Lin Qingya could feel the tension in the air. She could sense the suspicion and vigilance in the eyes of the ministers, as well as their inner uneasiness and fear.
"My Lords, today's banquet is held to celebrate the great harvest of the Great Zhou Dynasty and to thank you for your support." Lin Qingya raised the wine glass in her hand, her tone gentle but firm, "I believe that as long as we work together, the future of the Great Zhou Dynasty will be even better."
"Your Majesty, you are too kind. As subjects, it is our duty to share your worries and solve your problems." A short and fat minister stood up. His tone was respectful, but there was a hint of cunning in his eyes. Lin Qingya could clearly sense that he was full of suspicion and even a hint of malice.
"Lord Wang is right." Lin Qingya put down her wine glass, her lips slightly raised, and she turned to another minister beside her and asked, "Lord Chen, how have you been lately?"
"Thanks to the queen, I am fine." Lord Chen stood up quickly, bowed slightly, with a hint of flattery on his face.
A sneer appeared on Lin Qingya's lips. She could clearly feel that Lord Chen was filled with uneasiness. He was afraid that she would expose the secret of his secret collusion with Li Chengqian.
"I heard that Lord Chen has been researching a new method to cure diseases recently?" Lin Qingya's tone was gentle, but it hit the most secret corner of Lord Chen's heart.
Lord Chen was stunned for a moment. He was confused and panicked on his face.
"Your Majesty, you...how do you know?" Lord Chen spoke hesitantly, with a slight tremor in his tone.
Lin Qingya did not answer Lord Chen directly, but turned her head and looked at Li Heng who was sitting next to her.
"Your Majesty, do you think that the medical treatments researched by Mr. Chen can benefit the people of the Great Zhou Dynasty?" Lin Qingya's tone was calm, but full of meaning. She deliberately led the topic to Li Heng, trying to make him aware of the collusion between Mr. Chen and Li Chengqian.
Li Heng's face was gloomy. He said nothing but stared at Mr. Chen, his eyes full of suspicion.
Lin Qingya sneered, and continued: "I heard that Mr. Chen's treatment requires a special herb, this herb..."
Lin Qingya paused for a moment, and she deliberately lowered her voice so that everyone present could hear her.
"This kind of medicinal material is only produced in the Western Regions."
As soon as Lin Qingya said this, the hall fell silent, and everyone's eyes were focused on Lord Chen.
Lord Chen's face turned pale, and he explained in a panic: "Your Majesty, you misunderstood. I...I have heard of this medicinal herb, but I have never seen it."
"Really?" Lin Qingya's eyes were cold. She stood up and said sternly, "But I see that you are full of fear. You are afraid that I will reveal your secret, right?"
Lin Qingya's voice was like a sharp sword, piercing Lord Chen's heart. His body trembled, his forehead was covered with cold sweat, and he fell to his knees, begging bitterly.
"Your Majesty, please spare my life. I was just confused for a moment. Please have mercy on me."
Lin Qingya looked at Lord Chen kneeling on the ground with a hint of sarcasm on her lips.
"Do you think that kneeling down can atone for your sins?"
Lin Qingya's voice was as cold as ice and snow, leaving Lord Chen in despair.
"Come here, take Mr. Chen away and interrogate him strictly!"
Lin Qingya gave an order, and several guards rushed forward and took Mr. Chen away.
"This banquet was quite successful."
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