Chapter 246 Gathering at the Princess's Mansion 2
At that moment, Xue Chen, the Marquis of Zhenbei, strode in. He wore only a dark brocade robe with dark patterns, and stood tall and sturdy. Though his temples were already graying, the solemn aura in his steps was still undeniable. His eyes were like lightning, and in a single glance he had already taken in the entire room.
Seeing Prince Zhao and his wife present, his eyes flashed with a sharp light, but he was not overly surprised. He just bowed slightly to Xiao Yuluan and clasped his fists, with a sincere look of joy on his face, "Congratulations, Your Highness."
Then he simply saluted Xiao Ji and Qing Wu and said, "Greetings, Your Majesty, Princess."
As for Shen Yushan, he naturally ignored him subconsciously. Shen Yushan felt that "confidants" were closer than "own people", so he did not bother with him.
Moreover, Xiao Yuluan, who was at the head of the group, had already spoken: "Now that everyone is here, I will just say some things directly." Everyone immediately became solemn and stared at Xiao Yuluan.
"The Emperor's vitality is severely damaged, and the elixir has taken its toll. I'm afraid his days are numbered. Although I hold the power of regent, it will take time to secure it. King Wu and King Wen will never accept this. King Ying will be returning to the capital soon. He controls the border troops, and his attitude is unclear, which is also a variable. Although King An is imprisoned, his former subordinates must also be guarded against."
"We don't have much time." Xiao Yuluan's voice was clear and calm. "We must seize absolute advantage before His Majesty passes away, or before something worse happens to others."
She looked at Shen Yushan and said, "Yushan, you must keep a close eye on the movements of the civil officials at court, especially the cabinet and the six ministries. Those who can be won over should be won over, and those who cannot be won over...you know what to do. The emperor's condition must also be reported truthfully."
"I understand." Shen Yushan accepted the order solemnly.
She looked at Xue Chen again and said, "Marquis Xue, your old subordinates are stationed in the defense of the capital. How many of our men are there in the Five City Military Command, the Patrol Battalion, and even the Imperial Palace Guards? I want the exact number and confidence. Extraordinary times call for extraordinary measures."
"Don't worry, Your Highness!" Xue Chen patted his chest, his eyes gleaming. "If there is any unusual movement of soldiers inside or outside the capital, it will definitely not escape my eyes! I still have some students in the army."
Finally, her gaze fell on Xiao Ji and Qing Wu, and her tone softened a little, but still carried a sense of responsibility: "Ji'er, Qing Wu."
"Grandma, please give me your instructions." They both said in unison.
I thought Grandma was going to give them some tasks, but I heard Xiao Yuluan's gentle voice: "You two are in the open, and every move you make will attract attention. Protecting yourselves is the most important thing."
This pure love from the elders made the young couple's eyes warm. After a few breaths, they nodded heavily, "Yes!"
How could Xiao Ji have the nerve to just sit back and enjoy the fruits of his labor? He quickly pulled out the half of the ring token from his sleeve and presented it to the emperor, adding, "My nephew still has five thousand former crown princes leading troops, who might be able to lend a helping hand."
Xiao Ji finished speaking and presented the half ring with the obscure phoenix pattern with both hands. The study suddenly fell silent.
Shen Yushan and Xue Chen's eyes instantly focused on the token. Their pupils shrank slightly, and their faces were filled with shock! As Xiao Yuluan's core allies, they naturally knew of the existence of the "Hidden Phoenix Guard".
They were the elite force left behind by Emperor Yang, and they took orders directly from her. They had always believed that the Hidden Phoenix Guard was under Xiao Yuluan's control, but they never expected that there was another half, who was always in the hands of Prince Zhao Xiao Ji!
Xiao Yuluan looked at the half token, a complex wave of emotion flashing in her eyes. Although she had known he was going to offer it, seeing how decisive he was, she still wanted to ask again: "Ji'er, this is the support given to you by the Yang family. Have you really thought it through? Do you want to hand it over to me?"
If they really did become friends, and she had other thoughts, he would be at a disadvantage. The world is truly unpredictable.
Xiao Ji's expression was firm, and he nodded without hesitation: "I understand the importance of this matter. It is for this reason that it should be handed over to you, Grandma. The Hidden Phoenix Guard is originally a whole. When divided, we are weak, but when united, we are strong. Now that we need people, I am willing to put all my strength under your command to help you achieve your great cause and stabilize the country. I am fortunate to have Qingwu trained by you, Grandma, and I am grateful for that."
His words were spoken with great sincerity, without the slightest reluctance, causing ripples in the hearts of Shen Yushan and Xue Chen.
Although they both knew that the throne would most likely be passed on to Xiao Ji after the success because of Xiao Yuluan's relationship, deep down, they always felt that he seemed to be reaping the benefits and easily entering the core by virtue of his relationship with the eldest princess.
Knowing Qing Wu's existence just now, this idea was further strengthened. However, at this moment, Xiao Ji handed over his important trump card without hesitation. This attitude of complete trust and unreserved support dispelled the last bit of grudge and consideration in Shen Yushan and Xue Chen's hearts.
Shen Yushan paused stroking his beard, and his gaze towards Xiao Ji was filled with a hint of appreciation and approval. A flicker of approval also crossed Xue Chen's resolute face, and he nodded slightly.
This boy is sensible, courageous, and knows his limits! So, if he were to inherit the throne in a few years, he would be quite willing.
Xiao Ji also clearly felt the change in the eyes of the two important ministers. He did not avoid them at all, but instead looked at them one by one to let them see his determination.
Seeing this, Xiao Yuluan finally reached out and took the half token. When the two halves of the token merged into one in her hand, becoming a complete phoenix-patterned jade ring, it seemed as if something had come to fruition.
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