No matter whether this incident was considered important or not, it at least indicated one thing - someone was already jumping the gun.
The grand re-opening of Hua Manlou had only occurred a few days earlier, and already it had been targeted. She was aware of the saying ’the shot hits the bird with its head out’, and she had prepared for it. For Hua Manlou to thrive, it was natural to get some attention; what she didn’t expect was that it had come so fast.
Seems like early preparations are indeed necessary.
While she was thinking, she heard Shulan’s voice from outside, "The master is back."
Xin He rose to welcome him, "You’re back?"
These days, Marquis Mu Houchu had been unusually busy. It seemed that there were significant upheavals in the capital, making it difficult for him to have free time.
Mu Houchu’s lips curved slightly as he casually wrapped his arm around her waist, "What, missed me?"
Xin He glaring at him lightly. This man, always joking around.
Mu Houchu’s gaze was very gentle. He reached up to tuck a strand of hair behind her ear: "Don’t overwork yourself. You’ve been busy with Hua Manlou these past few days, and I’ve been indulging you. Now that Hua Manlou is open, there’s no need to rush everything. Take it slow, okay?"
Xin He pressed her lips together. Sure enough, Mu Houchu understood her thoughts.
She was anxious to strengthen her own power as much as possible to support him. But who was Mu Houchu? After all these years, when had he ever relied on help from others? He was a born ruler.
But he also appreciated Xin He’s heartfelt intentions. At least his wife was wholeheartedly dedicated to him. Because of this, he was willing to let her do what she wanted.
But if she became too impatient and ended up worsening her own conditions, what then?
"I get it," Xin He said sulkily, and then looked at him, "Is there any news from the capital?"
Mu Houchu nodded lightly and smiled, "Nothing significant. The Shen family has fallen, which has created some opportunities for us to nurture our courtiers in the capital. You can rest assured."
Only then did Xin He nod in relief. She had never been involved in the political affairs of the capital nor had she deliberately sought information about them. But she trusted her husband deeply. No matter how significant the issue, it wouldn’t go awry with him around. Since he said it’s okay, then it’s okay.
Xin He’s heart relaxed. Raising on her tiptoes to reach his neck, she laughed, "Seeing that you have a rare day off at home, shall I cook for you personally?"
She had been quite preoccupied with Hua Manlou for over a month, and had indeed neglected him quite a bit.
Mu Houchu gave a soft laugh, his hands starting to roam, "I think we should just eat what’s available."
Even if she didn’t understand the hidden meaning in his words, from the glint in his familiar eyes, Xin He knew what he intended to do.
Xin He’s face reddened. He was shameless even in broad daylight!
Xin He immediately pushed him away, "I’m going to the kitchen now." She then ran off as quick as a bunny, and in the blink of an eye, her figure was gone.
Mu Houchu was left shaking his head, smiling.
However, as her figure disappeared from his sight, the smile on Mu Houchu’s lips also gradually disappeared. The gentleness was replaced with a hint of sharpness in his eyes, which were tinged with a cold hardness.
"Enter."
Ling Feng entered sharply and was immediately taken aback by the killing intent radiating from Mu Houchu. He knelt and saluted, "Master."
Just now, he had been watching his mistress depart with a joyous and shy expression, leading him to assume the master was in a good mood. But he didn’t expect that his master’s mood could switch so quickly. He probably used all his good temper on his mistress, leaving none for his subordinates.
While thinking about it, Ling Feng couldn’t help but shiver.
Mu Houchu’s voice became much colder, "The scout in the capital reported that the Shen family has fallen. The Emperor hasn’t made any public statement, but secretly, he has begun to support Duan Lan."
When he said "Duan Lan," his voice got even colder.
Ling Feng was startled and looked up, "Elder Duan’s third son?"
Wasn’t he always removed from political affairs?
In a flash of realization, Ling Feng remembered some past events and seemed to understand something.
The emperor is becoming smarter today, Duan Lan has never been involved in political affairs before, if the emperor supports him secretly, the outside world is afraid that they would never suspect him. By the time they realize it, the power in Duan Lan’s hands would have expanded significantly."
Those words were never spoken. Duan Lan and he had always been enemies. The emperor was keen on nurturing a loyal man to help him stabilize the imperial court, and also needed a candidate to suppress Mu Houchu. Duan Lan was the ideal candidate.
Cold sweat suddenly broke out on Ling Feng’s back, and he tentatively asked, "Should we eliminate him directly?"
However, Mu Houchu shook his head, "He’s not as weak as you think."
Killing Duan Lan wasn’t as easy as Ling Feng thought.
Besides, the emperor was keen on fostering a loyal man. If it weren’t Duan Lan, it’d be someone else. If one were killed, there would be definitely be a second."
"What does the master mean?"
"Keep a close eye on the Duan family’s movements! Inform our planted officials in the court, suppress the Duan family’s influence necessary, subtly, without making it obvious. As for this Duan Lan," he paused, a hint of irritation in his eyes, "let’s see."
"Yes!"
Upon receiving his command, Ling Feng prepared to leave.
Just as he reached the door, he heard Mu Houchu say, "Wait."
Ling Feng’s heart tightened. He knew full well the Master was not in a good mood. Staying a second longer could mean imminent danger.
"Master, is there anything else you need?" Ling Feng asked while making a fist salute.
As Mu Houchu’s cold gaze swept over him, he felt a chill.
"Don’t mention a word about Duan Lan to the mistress."
Ling Feng immediately replied, "I understand!"
"You can go now," Mu Houchu commanded in a deep voice.
After Ling Feng hurriedly withdrew, he heaved a sigh of relief and wiped the sweat from his brow. Such torment!
The emperor could have chosen anyone. Why did he have to choose the third son of the Duan family? Just mentioning Duan Lan was like slapping the master across the face.
Remembering the ominous expression on Mu Houchu’s face, Ling Feng couldn’t help but shiver. Since moving to Lian’an Town, the master’s days had been peaceful, and his temper had improved a lot. Now, it was as if they were back to square one.
Meanwhile, Xin He was oblivious to all of this. She finally had some spare time and ran to the kitchen to prepare a meal. All the dishes were those that Mu Houchu liked. After bustling for half an hour, she hadn’t returned yet.
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