Chapter 341: Killing the Donkey
Emperor Defeng had only just begun to speak when Xiao Yanci told him the whole story without hiding anything.
He had a hunch that his father would not ask about this matter casually.
This may be a temptation.
He hasn't figured out the connection yet, so the safest thing to do is to tell it all, the clearer the better.
Even if he didn't tell others about these things, his father would have a way to find out, so there was no point in him hiding it.
Emperor Defeng asked in confusion, "Your mother actually possesses such a holy antidote? I've never heard her mention it before."
Xiao Yanci: "Father is fine, why did she bring this up to you? You don't need it. I only learned about it by chance when I overheard Mother and Aunt Jinse chatting."
That makes sense.
Emperor Defeng asked about Gu Qishan's health again, but Xiao Yanci answered evasively.
"I think the General Zhenxi is still as brave as ever. I couldn't last more than three moves under his hand. But I don't understand medicine, so I wonder if he still has any ailments."
Emperor Defeng was silent for a moment.
Xiao Yanci then asked, "Father, are you worried about General Zhenxi's health?"
Emperor Defeng sighed deeply, "I do worry about this. If he falls, there's no guarantee that there won't be further unrest on the Xiping border."
"Why don't you give him some tonic, and show your kindness to him?"
Emperor Defeng said, "The conditions in Xiping are harsh. Even with the best tonics, I'm afraid we won't be able to recover peacefully."
Xiao Yanci's mind moved slightly, and he vaguely guessed what Emperor Defeng was thinking.
My father might be afraid of Gu Qishan and wants to recall him to the capital from Xiping.
When the birds are all gone, the bows are put away. It is nothing more than this.
Xiao Yanci felt a little worried, but he could not express his opinion on the matter and could only deal with it vaguely.
After discussing this matter, Xiao Yanci took his leave.
He did not go to Xiyan Palace, but turned and went to the clean room on the east side of the imperial study.
Although it is a clean room, it is luxuriously decorated, the incense is fresh and pleasant, and there is no strange smell at all.
Xiao Yanci waited here for a while, and indeed, Feng Youcai showed up.
He served by Emperor Defeng's side throughout the morning court session, never leaving his post.
People have three urgent needs, and Xiao Yanci was waiting for him here specially, and it turned out to be right.
Seeing Xiao Yanci's smiling face, Feng Youcai shuddered and almost couldn't hold back his laughter.
"Eunuch Feng, what a coincidence."
Feng Youcai smiled apologetically, thinking that this master might be waiting for him here.
He apologized and went into the clean room. When he came out, Xiao Yanci was still there.
Feng Youcai was a servant, so naturally he had no right to chase anyone away. He could only follow him respectfully.
Xiao Yanci began to ask Emperor Defeng indirectly why he suddenly asked about Gu Qishan.
Feng Youcai laughed and said, "The emperor misses his old ministers, and he suddenly thought of them today, so naturally he cares about them."
Xiao Yanci changed the subject, "I heard that Lord Qin entered the palace yesterday. Could it be that the criminal in Xiping has made a new confession?"
Feng Youcai continued to laugh, "How did I know about such an important case?"
Xiao Yanci smiled and said, "Eunuch Feng serves the emperor at his side, and no one is better informed than you. This prince witnessed the events of Xiping firsthand, so naturally I'm paying close attention to the follow-up to this case. This prince only asked casually, and Eunuch Feng, please just treat it as idle talk."
The smile on Feng Youcai's face froze, and he continued to practice Tai Chi vaguely, not daring to utter a single word.
Seeing that the old fox was so tight-lipped, Xiao Yanci became more and more certain that the confession was not simple.
Since he really couldn't get any answer, Xiao Yanci stopped pestering him.
"The emperor can't leave you alone for a moment, so Eunuch Feng, please go and do your work."
"I'll take my leave."
After saying this, he bowed and took his leave. At the end, he turned around and asked something casually.
"Empress Rou is a wise and thoughtful woman, as perceptive as seeing through fire. Your Highness Prince Jin, please consult with her on all matters, perhaps you will be able to see the light."
After saying that, he left quickly.
Xiao Yanci listened to his words, with a thoughtful look on his face.
His words didn't seem to be aimless, could he be referring to something else?
Xiao Yanci couldn't help but think in his heart.
He walked towards Xiyan Palace. Concubine Rou and Ye Hanyi were both there. Concubine Rou was preparing perfume with great interest, while Ye Hanyi was obviously absent-minded. When she saw Xiao Yanci, she felt as if she was saved, and her eyes brightened up.
"My cousin is here."
It's not that she doesn't want to accompany Concubine Rou, it's just that she is not good at making perfume and doesn't like these scents.
Concubine Rou greeted him with a smile, "Come quickly, Ah Ci, and smell my new blend of spices."
Her spices have always been highly sought after in Jinxiufang. Some time ago, Xiao Yanci's life or death was uncertain, so Concubine Rou stopped thinking and did not research new recipes for a long time.
Now, she finally regained her spirits and became as cheerful as ever.
Seeing this, Xiao Yanci was hesitant to mention anything else for a moment, as this would spoil his mother's interest.
But Concubine Rou was observant and soon realized that he was worried.
"Aci, what difficulties have you encountered?"
Xiao Yanci hesitated slightly, but still spoke.
"There is indeed a matter concerning the General Zhenxi."
Upon hearing this, Concubine Rou's expression changed slightly. Ye Hanyi, who was standing beside her, pricked up her ears and quickly chimed in, "What happened to General Zhenxi?"
Xiao Yanci briefly repeated what Emperor Defeng had said earlier, and Ye Hanyi blurted out, "The Emperor is going to get rid of the donkey after it has served its purpose!"
This was extremely disrespectful. Ye Hanyi knew that he had said something wrong and quickly covered his mouth.
Xiao Yanci and Concubine Rou did not refute her because her words were reasonable and it was indeed the case.
Xiao Yanci: "I have other vague concerns in my heart, but I can't find the root cause."
Concubine Rou hurriedly asked what was going on, and Xiao Yanci briefly explained the matter.
"Your Majesty, your father, suddenly asked about the Zhenxi General. This is probably related to Zhao Shuning's confession. But I just asked Feng Youcai about it, and that old fox refused to say anything."
Just let him come and discuss with Concubine Rou.
Xiao Yanci looked at his mother, whose brows were furrowed, and she seemed to be at a loss as to what to do about the matter.
Ye Hanyi felt angry when he thought of Zhao Shuning.
"It's that troublemaker again. If I had known she could stir up more trouble, I should have killed her with a single blow back in Xiping."
This was just an angry remark. Zhao Shuning was an important witness. If he really killed her, he would only get himself into trouble.
Seeing that they had no clue, Xiao Yanci spoke to comfort them.
"Maybe I'm overthinking it. Leave this matter to me. You don't have to worry about it."
He added, "My son is getting married soon. Mother, please prepare the gifts for the new bride."
After hearing this, Concubine Rou put on a smile again.
"Don't worry, mother will never treat Zhiran unfairly."
Xiao Yanci did not stay in Xiyan Palace for long. After he left, Concubine Rou no longer had the heart to continue making perfume.
She was thinking about Gu Qishan's affairs, and a feeling of uneasiness lingered in her heart for a long time.
A guess suddenly popped up in her mind: Could it be that the emperor had heard some rumors?
The thought startled her, but then she felt it was impossible.
Jinse also comforted her, "Don't worry, your majesty. You have behaved uprightly and honestly. Even if something really happened, you have no regrets."
Only then did Concubine Rou feel a little relieved.
More than 20 years had passed since she and Gu Qishan separated. They had never met again since they separated. She had not done anything to offend the emperor and could not withstand investigation.
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