Chapter 429: Pulling Silk Gu
All the officials were observing the situation in the court and secretly trying to figure out the emperor's thoughts, so they didn't dare to make any bets rashly.
At this time, the prefect of southern Fujian submitted a memorial stating that after the disaster, officials at all levels had begun to work on reconstruction efforts. Although the imperial court had allocated funds to repair damaged embankments, the widespread disasters had left the imperial court with insufficient funds. Fortunately, wealthy gentry and merchants in southern Fujian donated funds to repair embankments and help victims rebuild their homes, saving tens of thousands of lives.
Among them, the Zhao family, the grandfather of Prince Ning's mother, donated one million taels, leading the gentry. This philanthropy is truly inspired by Your Majesty's benevolent administration and demonstrates the merits of Prince Ning's education.
The news quickly spread throughout the capital, and people were talking about it, with people all over the streets praising the Zhao family's righteousness and Prince Ning's kindness.
In the court, all the officials praised Prince Ning, and the matter of Zhao Zhaoyi's house arrest was also mentioned. Many court officials suggested that no matter what mistakes Zhao Zhaoyi made, the Zhao family had indeed made meritorious deeds this time, so why not take advantage of this auspicious omen to lift Zhao Zhaoyi's house arrest?
Some court officials even submitted memorials requesting the establishment of a crown prince. Although they did not specifically mention Prince Ning, the implication in their words was obvious.
Emperor Defeng took in the attitudes of all the court officials.
He followed public opinion, released Zhao Zhaoyi from confinement, and sent people to reward her as a token of comfort and commendation.
In the court, Emperor Defeng also praised Prince Ning highly, and his words showed his satisfaction and reliance.
As for the matter of appointing a crown prince, he kept it to himself without saying anything.
Xiao Yanlin was commended by Emperor Defeng and his face was full of pride, but when he returned to the palace, his expression became even more gloomy.
Seeing this, the staff felt puzzled.
"Your Highness, Consort Zhaoyi has been released from confinement, and you have received a commendation from the Emperor. The situation is looking very good. Why do you still look unhappy?"
Xiao Yanlin sneered, "Fool! If my father truly relied on me, why hasn't he appointed a crown prince yet? My maternal family spent over a million taels, and all they got in return were these few fleeting words of praise. What does that even mean?"
After being scolded, the staff member realized belatedly that he had been too complacent and failed to see the essence through the surface.
One of the staff members spoke up.
"Your Highness, I dare to speak frankly. The news of the Zhao family's donation to build the dam came at an inopportune time. First, Empress Zhaoyi failed to frame Concubine Rou and was instead confined to her house. I'm afraid the Emperor has become suspicious of both Empress Zhaoyi and you."
"Now that this news has arrived, it's true that the Zhao family has made great contributions, but it's also a bit too much. When the emperor is happy, he can't help but wonder, the Zhao family can easily come up with millions of taels of silver, so how much wealth does the Zhao family have? Your Highness, your image of being aloof from the world is somewhat untenable."
Xiao Yanlin's face became even gloomier.
This plan was agreed upon earlier.
First, prove the affair between Concubine Rou and Gu Qishan, and let Xiao Yanci bear the stigma of having impure blood. The emperor will surely be extremely disgusted with them, mother and son.
At this time, the Zhao family's good deeds would add icing on the cake for Xiao Yanlin, and the court officials would then submit a memorial requesting that he be named the crown prince, and everything would come to fruition.
But something unexpected happened.
There was a problem with Zhao Zhaoyi.
Xiao Yanlin was originally hesitant about whether to put the Zhao family affairs on hold for the time being and look for a good opportunity.
But when he thought that Xiao Yanci was not dead and it would be difficult to make any changes to his bloodline, Xiao Yanlin became anxious.
He was a little aggressive and decided to take a gamble.
But he made the wrong bet.
He overestimated the importance of his son in Emperor Defeng's heart, and underestimated the importance of Xiao Yanci.
Xiao Yanlin's face was sinister. "Why are you talking about this now? What were you doing before?"
The aide defended himself, "I mentioned this before, but..."
But it was rejected by everyone and the prince did not adopt it.
Xiao Yanlin's eyes grew even colder, and the man had no choice but to swallow the rest of his words.
A smooth-talking person immediately spoke up, "Your Highness, the matter has been resolved. There's no point in regretting it. I believe the most urgent task is to get the Zhao family to deal with their dirty laundry. We absolutely cannot let the Emperor's people find out anything."
This reminder hits the nail on the head.
The Zhao family has made quite a splash this time, and Emperor Defeng is very likely to send someone to investigate.
Even if Emperor Defeng doesn't investigate, there's no guarantee that others won't.
There can't be any trouble on the Zhao family's side.
His businesses such as brothels and gambling houses in the capital could not be discovered.
Xiao Yanlin suppressed his anxiety and immediately discussed the follow-up matters with everyone.
After sending all the staff away, Xiao Yanlin still did not rest.
Princess Ning sent her maid to invite him, but she came back empty-handed.
Xiao Yanlin left home at night.
He went to the villa in the east of the city, where Zhao Shuning currently lived.
Zhao Shuning quickly packed up and came out to meet him. Xiao Yanlin didn't beat around the bush with her and went straight to the point.
"Has the Silkworm Gu been cultivated?"
Zhao Shuning looked respectful. "The previous attempts at cultivation all failed, but I've found the problem. This time, I'm sure it will succeed, but it will take some time."
Xiao Yanlin was impatient, "How long will it take?"
"Half a month."
"It's too long. Seven days. This king will only give you seven days. You must cultivate the Silkworm Gu."
Xiao Yanlin's words were unquestionable. Zhao Shuning said nothing more and just said "Yes."
Xiao Yanlin let out a long breath and changed his attitude to a gentle one.
"It's not that I want to force you, but the situation has changed and I have no choice but to hurry."
Zhao Shuning's eyebrows moved slightly. She knew everything that happened outside. He used the silkworm Gu because he was prepared for the worst.
The so-called "silk-pulling Gu", as the name suggests, anyone who is infected with this Gu will be like a puppet and can only be controlled by others.
Xiao Yanlin wanted to use this Gu on Emperor Defeng.
This Gu is extremely rare and difficult to cultivate. Zhao Shuning studied the notes and just figured out the trick.
Zhao Shuning couldn't guarantee whether it would succeed or not.
But she would try.
If this Gu is successful, Xiao Yanlin's journey to the top will be largely successful, and Zhao Shuning will also benefit from it.
This is a happy thing for everyone, not only for Xiao Yanlin, but also for herself.
And she also knew that Xiao Yanlin would not keep useless people.
If she fails to cultivate the silkworm, Xiao Yanlin will dislike her and will not protect her.
In the following days, Zhao Shuning locked herself up and concentrated on cultivating the poisonous insects. Even when someone came to her for medical treatment, she turned them away.
Xiao Yanlin didn't look for her again.
He also slowly suppressed his impatience and went to court diligently every day, just like usual.
But Xiao Yanlin didn't expect that the storm would come so quickly.
On this day, at midnight, Xiao Yanlin had already undressed and was about to have some intimacy with Princess Ning when there was an untimely knock on the door.
"My Lord, it's urgent."
Xiao Yanlin frowned slightly, feeling unhappy that his fun was spoiled.
"What is it?"
"It's the Zhao family's business."
Xiao Yanlin's heart skipped a beat, and a bad premonition came over him.
He no longer had any other thoughts, so he stood up, put on his clothes and walked out, leaving Princess Ning alone with a resentful look on her face.
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