Shen Nanzhi looked at her with complicated eyes, his suppressed emotions barely concealed. "When I came to see you yesterday, your maid said that she saw you were in a bad mood and went outside the city."
Mu Chenshuang smiled and explained, "It's nothing. I've been cooped up in the manor all day, so I just wanted to go out for a walk to clear my head."
Shen Nanzhi's eyes darkened. Without asking any further questions, he took out an invitation from his pocket and handed it to Mu Chenshuang, saying, "My mother's fortieth birthday is in three days. Please come and attend, Shuang'er."
Mu Chenshuang lowered her eyes to look at the invitation that was handed to her, and took it. "It is my duty to attend on behalf of the Marquis's family for Madam's birthday celebration."
Shen Nanzhi hummed in agreement.
At this moment, Linglong and Honghua came over with dinner. Since things had come to this point, Mu Chenshuang had no choice but to invite Shen Nanzhi to dine with them.
Shen Nanzhi did not refuse.
Linglong and Honghua busied themselves in the kitchen preparing more dishes.
The two chatted idly, and the topic turned to the Empress.
Shen Nanzhi said, "The Empress Dowager pleaded for the Empress, and His Majesty ordered her to be confined for a month. During this month, the affairs of the inner palace will still be managed by Consort Xian."
Mu Chenshuang continued, "How does Your Majesty intend to deal with Consort Rong?"
Shen Nanzhi picked up his chopsticks and put some food in Mu Chenshuang's bowl, saying, "This matter was discussed in court yesterday. Some people suggested that Consort Rong be sent to the Cold Palace, but His Majesty did not respond to this suggestion. Of course, some ministers also defended her because of insufficient evidence."
Mu Chenshuang's eyes darkened. "So His Majesty has no intention of severely punishing Consort Rong."
"As for how to deal with Consort Rong, it is still up to His Majesty to decide."
"Judging from this, Consort Rong must have considerable power behind her."
"Yes."
Mu Chenshuang couldn't help but sneer inwardly. Although the Empress had made mistakes, the real culprit was the Emperor himself. However, since he was unwilling to admit his mistakes, others had to bear the burden.
If an emperor is unwilling to admit his mistakes, how can he possibly make sound judgments when faced with matters of principle? After all, with the Imperial Observatory in his ear, he would likely only hear slanderous words. The Prince of Libei is perhaps the best proof of this.
"Is the military power of the Libei Army still undecided?"
"Not yet confirmed."
Mu Chenshuang sighed and said, "I think His Majesty is hesitant to make a decision because he wants to see who is willing to compete. Whether he shows concern or not, it will arouse suspicion. So it is not easy to be moderate in front of a suspicious emperor. However, in my opinion, many people will recommend Nan Zhi."
Right now, whether people are on Shen Nanzhi's side or his opponents, they are probably all recommending him in the court.
However, excessive military power will only backfire.
Shen Nanzhi's expression turned somewhat solemn. "Indeed, that's why I'm trying my best to extricate myself now."
"The more you try to extricate yourself, the more someone will prevent you from doing so," Mu Chenshuang said, then suddenly thought of something. "I do have a way that might allow you to extricate yourself."
"What method?"
"You'll be putting on a show for the emperor, but you'll have to suffer a bit. There are many people vying for military power in the court. If you survive an assassination attempt and are seriously injured in it, people will probably only think that someone doesn't want you to have military power, and you won't be the subject of any gossip."
Shen Nanzhi's eyes darkened. "That could indeed be used as a reason to shirk responsibility to His Majesty, but to orchestrate a flawless assassination, carefully planning the timing, location, and personnel, is no easy task."
Mu Chenshuang said softly, "Wouldn't three days later, Madam's birthday, be the best time? We can choose the time after the birthday celebration."
Shen Nanzhi frowned slightly, his expression clearly hesitant.
Mu Chenshuang continued, "On a birthday, there will be many guests, and it is inevitable that some people with ill intentions will get mixed in. It is the most appropriate time. I know that you, Nanzhi, do not want to disturb your mother's birthday, but you can consider the matter carefully."
Shen Nanzhi pondered with deep eyes, his face darkening, and his fingers involuntarily clenched tighter.
After a while.
He slowly said, "If an assassination is staged, the investigation afterward must find out who actually committed the assassination."
In other words, someone has to take the blame and become a scapegoat.
Looking at Shen Nanzhi's solemn expression, Mu Chenshuang knew that his righteous and upright character made it probably more painful for him than to kill him to do something insidious and malicious.
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