"It's time to start tightening our net."
When Lin Wanwan uttered those words amidst the steaming heat of the small kitchen, an invisible operation targeting the private residences of all the powerful and wealthy in the capital quietly began.
In the following days, Emperor Xiao Che completely transformed into a tyrannical ruler who "lingered among women."
He no longer set foot in Kunning Palace. During the day, he and the Regent still had occasional friction in the court over political affairs; but at night, he devoted all his energy to "pacifying" the harem.
He frequently visited various palaces, discussing musical skills with Consort Li, who was proficient in music, one day, and appreciating masterpieces from the previous dynasty with Consort Rong, who was skilled in calligraphy and painting, the next day. He even went to the palace of the newly promoted Consort Zhao, who came from a family of military generals, under the guise of "listening to her tell interesting stories about the border."
He visited frequently and rewarded the guests generously. Gold, silver, jewels, silks, and satins were sent to the various palaces like flowing water.
The entire harem was in an uproar because of the emperor's sudden "favor." Jealousy, factionalism, and all sorts of rumors flew around, making it quite a lively affair.
Xiao Che successfully created the illusion for himself that he was a foolish ruler with an unstable harem, who indulged in pleasure and had no ambition.
These true and false messages, naturally, were gathered word for word and continuously on Regent Xiao Yuan's desk through various channels.
"...His Majesty stayed overnight in Consort Chen's palace last night, and did not leave until late at night..."
"...His Majesty bestowed a pair of pearls from the East Sea upon Consort Li today. I've heard that Consort Li's brother is none other than the Vice Minister of Revenue..."
"...I heard that His Majesty and Consort Zhao discussed the defense of the northern frontier..."
Inside the Regent's study, Xiao Yuan leaned back in his chair, closed his eyes, and listened quietly to the report from his trusted advisors.
His fingers tapped rhythmically and gently on the rosewood table.
"Oh."
After listening to all the reports, he slowly opened his eyes, and a cold, undisguised sneer curled at the corner of his mouth.
"He's still just a greenhorn after all." He picked up the tea beside him, took a slow sip, and spoke with an air of confident composure. "I thought that after he purged the Imperial Guards and took control of the military, he would have become much more capable. I never expected that after being swayed by that Lin woman, he would lose his composure and become completely disoriented."
The aide beside him quickly bowed and echoed, "Your Highness is right. Since ancient times, even heroes have found it hard to resist the charms of a beautiful woman. Although that Lady Lin has no background, her looks and cunning are indeed remarkable. Now that the Emperor and Empress have fallen out, it is only natural for His Majesty to indulge in pleasures in the harem in his distress."
"Human nature?" Xiao Yuan sneered, a hint of disdain flashing in his eyes. "He's just a greenhorn, utterly useless! Does he think he can appease those restless courtiers with a few women? How naive!"
He slowly stood up, walked to the window, and looked at the thriving courtyard outside, his eyes gleaming with ambition and lust for power.
He knew that the moment he had been waiting for had finally arrived.
The emperor lost his composure, and the harem was engulfed in turmoil. The empress fell out of favor and was confined to her quarters, becoming a lonely figure.
Now is the time for this wise king, who is "devoted to the country," to step forward, clean up the mess, and completely take control of the court!
"Pass down the order," he commanded coldly without turning his head, "have the Minister of Personnel and the Vice Minister of War place all our men in there tomorrow!"
"Since His Majesty is preoccupied with 'family affairs,' then 'state affairs' are no longer his concern!"
...
The subsequent morning court session confirmed all of Xiao Yuan's judgments.
In the imperial court, the officials of the Regent's faction became arrogant once again. Under various pretexts, they began to extensively install their cronies in core departments such as the Ministry of Personnel, the Ministry of War, and the Ministry of Revenue, eliminating dissidents.
Xiao Che, sitting on the dragon throne, showed an unprecedented level of "exhaustion" and "indulgence" in this matter.
He no longer argued with them as he used to; instead, he often seemed absent-minded, and when it came to personnel appointments and dismissals, he would only ponder briefly before nodding in agreement.
This posture, in the eyes of the royalist ministers, was one of extreme anxiety.
But to the Regent's faction, it was pure elation!
They were convinced that the young emperor, after the devastating "fire in the harem," had completely lost the will to fight against them and had become a puppet that could be manipulated at will.
Thus, after completely taking control of the court, Xiao Yuan's ambition began to extend towards his most desired and core goal—military power.
On this day, the morning court session began.
After successfully placing several trusted confidants in his service, Regent Xiao Yuan seemingly "unintentionally" made a suggestion to Xiao Che.
"Your Majesty," he stepped forward to report, his face showing concern for the country and its people, "I have recently heard that a band of bandits seems to be causing trouble in the mountains and forests near the capital, frequently harassing the people and robbing merchants. It is truly despicable. Although it is a minor ailment, they are still citizens of our Great Liang and cannot be ignored."
Xiao Che, sitting on the dragon throne, rubbed his temples, looking like he was still hungover, and lazily asked, "Oh? Then, in your opinion, Uncle, what should be done?"
"I believe," Xiao Yuan's voice was full of "loyalty," "that the defense of the capital is of utmost importance and should not be taken lightly. It would be better to transfer an elite force from the capital's main camp to carry out the suppression. In this way, we can both relieve the people's worries and train the troops, achieving two goals at once."
Upon hearing this, the entire court fell silent instantly.
Everyone's heart skipped a beat!
Jingji Grand Camp!
That was the only field force guarding the capital that wasn't part of the Imperial Guards and possessed heavy cavalry! It was also Xiao Che's most important military trump card besides the Dragon Scale Guards!
The Regent's proposal, seemingly aimed at "suppressing bandits," was in reality intended to completely deplete the last and most important line of defense in the capital!
His heart... is despicable!
In an instant, the hearts of all the royalist ministers were in their throats!
However, Xiao Che, sitting on the dragon throne, seemed completely oblivious to the danger lurking within.
He merely yawned and said in an almost perfunctory tone, "Hmm... Uncle Wang is right. These mere bandits are indeed troublesome. Then... let's do as Uncle Wang says."
He... he actually agreed?!
Not only the royalist ministers, but even the regent himself was slightly stunned, almost unable to believe his ears!
He never expected that Xiao Che would agree to his fatal suggestion so easily, without even the slightest hesitation.
ecstasy!
An overwhelming surge of joy instantly welled up in Xiao Yuan's heart!
He suppressed his excitement and continued tentatively, "Your Majesty is wise! Then... I wonder, Your Majesty, who do you think should lead the troops to this matter?"
Xiao Che seemed genuinely too lazy to think, casually waving his hand: "Uncle, you can handle this matter. You can discuss it with the Ministry of War. I... am tired. Court is adjourned."
After saying that, he actually stood up and, with the help of the eunuch, left the Golden Palace without looking back.
All that remained were the court officials and a regent who was somewhat dizzy from the overwhelming fruits of victory.
...
Late at night, in the Imperial Study.
When Lin Wanwan returned through the secret passage, she saw Xiao Che with an uncontrollable smile on his face.
"He's getting anxious."
Xiao Che looked at Lin Wanwan and only said these three words, but the joy and smugness in his tone could not be concealed.
"Today, he finally couldn't hold back any longer and proposed to mobilize the capital region's military camp."
A victorious smile appeared on Lin Wanwan's face.
"Then Your Majesty..."
"Of course I grant your permission." Xiao Che smiled and pulled her over to sit on his lap, then recounted the events of the day in court, embellishing them with his own words.
When Lin Wanwan heard Xiao Che say he was "tired" and leave the court abruptly, she couldn't help but burst out laughing. She leaned against him, laughing so hard she was shaking.
"You really are..." She laughed so hard she couldn't speak.
“Fish,” Xiao Che said, holding her close and gently rubbing his chin against the top of her head, his voice filled with a confident and composed tone, “Finally, it’s taken the bait.”
After so many days of buildup and acting, the Regent, this suspicious and cunning big fish, finally let down his guard completely and revealed his most fatal flaw, which was also what they had been waiting for the most...!
Lin Wanwan stopped laughing, looked up at him, her eyes sparkling with excitement: "Then...did he say who he'll send?"
"This is why I have been waiting for you tonight."
A sly glint flashed in Xiao Che's eyes.
He not only "happily" agreed to the regent's proposal to mobilize troops, but even went further.
He looked at Lin Wanwan, deliberately feigning a troubled expression, and asked her for advice:
"Your Majesty, my uncle has asked me to decide on the commander of the army. I am truly at a loss. Tell me, which general should I send to 'suppress the bandits'?"
He is... enticing the Regent to completely expose the core military force he has placed in the capital's military camp!
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