“My men find it difficult to enter Nanzhao, while Changqing’s men can travel freely. Only now have I realized Nanzhao’s scheme. They must have been plotting this intentionally to sow discord.” Xiao Yugan’s expression was solemn, his eyes cold.
"Who...who is Changqing?"
Lin Xihe looked bewildered and asked softly.
Xiao Yugan's serious expression froze instantly, his lips twitched slightly, and after a brief pause, he explained, "Ji Zhuo."
Lin Xihe suddenly realized that this was Ji Zhuo's courtesy name, and that the emperor had addressed him in this way.
The previously oppressive atmosphere was broken by this question. Xiao Yugan remained silent for a long time before continuing, "The Great Hao territory is vast, with complex and diverse terrain and abundant resources. However, apart from facing the sea on one side, it is bordered by the North, the Western Regions, and the Southern Zhao. For hundreds of years, these three sides have been annexing surrounding small countries, growing stronger day by day, and eyeing the Great Hao with covetous intent. Now, the three sides are even showing signs of uniting, attempting to divide up the Great Hao's territory."
Upon hearing this, Lin Xihe pondered to herself that the emperor's words revealed many hidden secrets.
Previously, on her way back from Nanzhao, she and Gu Qinghuai were intercepted, which she had always believed was the work of the emperor. Could it be that someone deliberately disguised themselves as the emperor's shadow guards to sow discord between the emperor and Gu Qinghuai?
Lin Xihe recalled that it was Mu Ruoyan who first pointed out the identities of those men in black, and it was also he who told her the truth about her father's death and the emperor's attitude.
Mu Ruoyan had tormented Gu Qinghuai in every way, but in the end, she helped them return.
If you previously thought that Mu Ruoyan was doing this because he liked you, now that you think about it, was it all a conspiracy?
Because of the defeat in the northern border and the death of his mother, he meticulously planned to turn Gu Qinghuai and Xiao Yugan against each other, and he himself was just a pawn in the scheme.
Gu Qinghuai might think that way because he had been imprisoned for a long time and was misled. The information he knew was also carefully designed by Mu Ruoyan.
As she pondered this, Lin Xihe also realized that Xu Qi's sudden appearance was quite strange.
Mu Ruoyan had already agreed to let her leave, but then sent Xu Qi instead, which was really puzzling. She now felt that Xu Qi was a spy, and his purpose in coming to Da Hao was definitely not just to protect her.
Furthermore, the relationship between Mu Ruoyan and Nanzhao is shrouded in mystery and is truly difficult to fathom.
However, regardless of whether Mu Ruoyan's words were true or false, or whether Xiao Yugan's words were untrue, Lin Xihe was certain that her father, Lin Bin, was not a traitor.
Thinking of this, Lin Xihe felt a surge of unease. She quickly lowered her head, knelt in fear, and tried her best to hide her emotions, daring not to reveal them in the slightest.
Xiao Yugan paused, gazing into the distance, and slowly said, "I am telling you this today not to punish your family further. Qinghuai is my right-hand man; I was already heartbroken when I couldn't save him. If a misunderstanding causes a rift between ruler and subject, that would be a great loss for my Great Hao..."
Xiao Yugan's voice was tinged with sorrow: "As an emperor, if I harbor suspicions about Gu Qinghuai and seek to find some charges to frame him, or even deliberately frame him, it would be perfectly legitimate in the name of the emperor. Even if Gu Qinghuai wanted to resist, his chances of winning would be slim."
After Xiao Yugan finished speaking, he stared intently at Lin Xihe. He believed that it was already difficult for an emperor to do what he had done.
He seemed to genuinely value Gu Qinghuai's talent. Even though he was in the rigidly hierarchical ancient times and was the supreme emperor, he was willing to condescend to patiently explain to Lin Xihe.
"Your Majesty, neither I nor General Gu would dare to harbor the slightest disobedience."
Lin Xihe maintained her fearful and apprehensive demeanor, her voice trembling slightly, her lowered eyes filled with submissiveness.
Xiao Yugan sighed softly, his expression revealing a hint of weariness and helplessness, and said, "Stop kneeling, get up and answer."
Lin Xihe slowly got up as instructed and sat back down, her posture still reserved, not daring to relax in the slightest.
"Now that you have returned safely, I am greatly pleased. Since you are back, let's get married as soon as possible." Xiao Yugan looked at Lin Xihe with gentle eyes, his tone carrying an unquestionable determination.
Lin Xihe no longer needed to pretend; her face was genuinely filled with surprise, her eyes widened, and she was momentarily speechless.
"Qinghuai has always been a man of his own mind, and even his parents could not sway his thoughts. So I will make the decision for you. I will summon the Imperial Observatory later to select an auspicious day for you in the near future." Xiao Yugan's words were firm and resolute, revealing the emperor's authority and concern.
Lin Xihe felt exhausted and secretly groaned, because she had to kneel down again.
"Your Majesty, I will not marry General Gu."
As Lin Xihe spoke, she slowly knelt down, muttering to herself that she was utterly exhausted from kneeling and getting up repeatedly today.
"Not marrying?"
Xiao Yugan's voice suddenly rose, a hint of surprise and displeasure flashing in his eyes as he stared intently at Lin Xihe: "Are you trying to disobey the imperial decree?"
"Your Majesty, I have another in my heart and I cannot marry General Gu..." Lin Xihe said, forcing herself to speak. Her voice was soft but firm.
Lin Xihe's words of refusal had barely fallen to the ground, and before their echoes could fade, a eunuch's sharp and urgent shout suddenly rang out behind her.
"Lord Ji! You absolutely mustn't go over there! His Majesty is having a private conversation with Miss Lin!"
The eunuch jogged along, his robes billowing up and almost tripping him. His expression was as if he were facing imminent disaster.
"Lord Ji, please, please wait!"
The eunuch raised his voice again, almost pleading, trying to stop Ji Zhuo from stepping forward, but out of awe he dared not actually touch this minister who was so favored by the emperor.
Although he was extremely anxious, he knew in his heart that His Majesty favored Ji Zhuo greatly. If he rashly summoned the guards to forcibly stop him, he might anger His Majesty and be in deep trouble. He could only rely on his own words to persuade him.
Amidst the series of shouts, Lin Xihe subconsciously turned around to look.
Ji Zhuo strode forward, his steps hurried, seemingly unaffected by the eunuchs' attempts to stop him.
His robes fluttered with his steps, the jade pendant at his waist clinked crisply, and his expression was full of anxiety, his eyes fixed on Lin Xihe's direction.
Xiao Yugan took in everything, his gaze sharp as a hawk, scanning back and forth between Ji Zhuo and Lin Xihe, his eyes flashing with scrutiny and inquiry. Then he slowly spoke, his voice not loud, but carrying an air of authority: "Is this your 'other person'?"
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