Lixiang agreed and poured tea into the potted plants beside her as usual. Suddenly, she found that the branches and leaves of the green plants were a little dull and withered, no longer as bright as before.
"This potted plant has been watered like this by the tea water. It seems I need to change it." Lixiang said secretly in her heart.
The emperor returned to the Yangxin Palace in his dragon chariot, and Cheng Ming had been waiting for a long time.
Cheng Ming saw the edge of the bright yellow robe and cupped his hands, "Cheng Ming greets His Majesty."
"How's the investigation going?"
Cheng Ming slowly reported everything he had found, word for word, "...the Lord Seal Holder is the son of the late emperor, who had an affair with an embroiderer when he traveled south of the Yangtze River."
Upon hearing this, the emperor's face was filled with astonishment. "You said Chu Hewang is the descendant of the late emperor?! Do you have any evidence?"
Cheng Ming said frankly, "Eunuch Liu, the chief steward of the late emperor, can testify to this."
The emperor's eyes flickered, deep and dark, and his voice made it impossible to discern any emotion. "I remember that Eunuch Liu is living out his days in the suburbs of the capital. Please go and invite him over."
Cheng Ming agreed and quickly invited Eunuch Liu over.
Eunuch Liu looked at the towering palace gate in front of him, which looked like a greedy beast, and a sense of melancholy emerged in his heart.
Eunuch Liu stepped over the threshold and knelt before the emperor, "This old servant greets your majesty. Long live your majesty."
A majestic voice came from above, "Get up."
Eunuch Liu was old and barely stood up. The emperor's deep voice came to his ears, "Eunuch Liu, do you still remember the time when the late emperor went to the south of the Yangtze River and met an embroiderer..."
Eunuch Liu said truthfully, "It is true. I remember that the embroiderer even went to the late emperor and begged him to take the child away. But when the empress dowager learned of this, she immediately drove the person away..."
The emperor narrowed his eyes slightly, staring coldly at Eunuch Liu, his tone full of murderous intent, "Cheng Ming, drag him away and kill him."
Eunuch Liu did not struggle at all, as if he already knew his fate.
A quarter of an hour later.
Cheng Ming walked into the imperial study with a hint of blood surrounding him, his face cold and indifferent, "Your Majesty, Eunuch Liu is dead."
The emperor stared at Cheng Ming with a threatening tone in his voice, "Cheng Ming, you are a smart person. You know what to say and what not to say, right?"
Cheng Ming lowered his eyelids, "I understand, and I swear to be loyal to Your Majesty until death."
"I sent Chu Hewang to eliminate the bandits half a month ago. You will lead your troops to assist Chu Hewang immediately." The emperor paused for a moment and said, "Cheng Ming, as long as he dies, the position of the seal will be yours."
Cheng Ming's emotions fluctuated slightly, his blood boiling, and he could hardly contain his excitement. "Yes, Cheng Ming will definitely live up to your majesty's trust!"
Cheng Ming turned and left.
Half a month later.
When the news of Chu Hewang's death at the hands of bandits reached the capital, the whole city was in an uproar, especially the powerful ministers who were afraid of Chu Hewang, who were overjoyed and cheered.
On the contrary, Deputy Commander Cheng Ming lived up to expectations and killed all the bandits without leaving any room for them. He replaced Chu Hewang's position and gained more power.
When the news reached Lixiang's ears, she finally understood why the Master Seal had not come to Kunning Palace for some time.
Lixiang looked at the queen who was coaxing the eldest prince and the third princess, and she couldn't bear it, so she didn't dare to tell Ning Yu about it.
Ning Yu glanced at Li Xiang, who looked troubled and worried. She stood there for a long time, dismissed the people around her, and asked with concern, "What happened? You look so grim."
When Ning Yu asked this, Li Xiang's eyes reddened slightly, "Your Majesty, the Master Seal Holder... has passed away!"
Ning Yu was stunned for a moment, and it took him a long while to react, his face full of disbelief, "How is this possible! How could he die?!"
In the book, he is the villain, but he survives to the end.
Li Xiang saw that Ning Yu didn't believe her, and her heart ached for the Empress. "Your Majesty, the Emperor has ordered the funeral of the Master Seal Holder, and the coffin will be buried today..."
Ning Yu's lips trembled slightly, and she clenched her fingers tightly, tears falling unconsciously, "Impossible, I don't believe it..."
At this time, the sound of greetings came from outside the door.
Li Xiang picked up the handkerchief and quickly wiped away the Queen's tears. "Your Majesty, His Majesty has arrived. You must hold back."
The emperor stepped over the threshold, the hem of his bright yellow robe fluttering in the air. His voice was cold, "Why doesn't the queen bow to me when she sees me?"
"Greetings, Your Majesty." Ning Yu said softly.
The emperor vaguely caught a glimpse of the queen's red eyes, and her expression was gloomy and unclear. "Raise your head."
Continue read on readnovelmtl.com
