Chapter 70: The Emperor's Concubine

  "Where's my elder brother?" Chu Yuexian's voice was shrill and menacing.

  "Your Ladyship, Lord Changsun has given orders that no one is to disturb him."

  "I want to see my brother!" Chu Yuanyan said, brushing him aside and rushing in.

  She was indeed Chu Qi Hui's younger sister, Zhang Lin just blocked it as a matter of course and didn't say much, knowing the situation, she retreated to one side.

  Chu Yuanyan pushed open the door and went in.

  It was just getting dark outside, and Chu Qi's study didn't have any lights on. A person sat behind a large desk, eyes closed in exhaustion.

  Hearing the commotion outside, he frowned and looked over, saying displeased: "How did you get here?"

  His voice sounded a little hoarse and husky from long disuse.

  Chu Yu Yan looked at his listless expression, and for a moment she couldn't pull herself together, it wasn't until after a while that she gathered her scattered thoughts and spoke up.

  "I just met Nagamori in the garden. I've heard everything that happened during the day." said Chou Getsuen, closing the door with a wave of her hand.

  The light in the house was a bit dim, and she didn't have the leisure to help with the lamp. She just walked over, propped her hands on Chu Qi's desk, and said: "That dead girl is simply lawless, daring to give you a hard time right to your face, Brother, are you going to continue tolerating her?"

  Chu Qi Hui's eyebrows furrowed slightly, but she didn't say a word.

  "Big brother!" Chu Yuexian's voice grew heavier as she coquettishly called out again.

  "Otherwise?" Chu Qi Hui finally spoke up, letting out a depressed sigh, "Father dotes on her, you're not unaware of that——"

  "What's the big deal?" Chu Yu Yan's eyes flashed with a fierce light, her sharp tone cutting off his words. She slapped the table and said, "It's precisely because Father spoils her that you're not afraid she'll climb over your head one day? Big Brother, you're the imperial grandson, the future ruler of the country, yet now you're being restrained by that little servant girl everywhere? If this gets out, won't it become a joke?"

  Chu Qi Hui's face turned cold and she warned: "Don't talk nonsense!"

  Even if he is the emperor's grandson, the four words "the ruler of a country" are also something that cannot be brought up openly.

  Chu Yu Yan realized her mistake and turned pale, but then she thought that this was Chu Qi Hui's study, where outsiders couldn't enter, so she calmly said: "I just can't stand it! Big brother, don't you think that dead girl is getting more and more out of line? Today she dared to openly threaten you, who knows what she'll do tomorrow, maybe she'll even stab you directly, will you still tolerate her then?"

  Chu Youyang's attitude indeed made Chu Qihui extremely angry, but he didn't take the bait and just listened with an unpleasant expression.

  "Don't forget -" Seeing Chu Qi Hui's indifference, her eyes flashed and she coldly smiled again: "There is still a Chu Qi Feng behind her!"

  Chu Qi Hui's eyes sparkled.

  Chu Yu Yan couldn't help but feel a sense of urgency, and she quickly walked around the table, grabbing his arm with force. "Big brother, are you really going to sit back and wait for death? Those two have good fortune, being born at the time when Da Rong City was broken and defeated. The emperor's grandfather has always treated Chu Qi Feng differently. Although you are the eldest son, because of that woman Fang Shi blocking your way, in terms of status, it is still one level lower. In the past, everyone could still pretend to be peaceful, but now? Just look at how Chu Mo Yang treated you today, do you still think that in the future we can coexist peacefully?"

  As soon as he mentioned Chu Nanyang's performance today, a flash of anger appeared on Chu Qihui's elegant face.

  Chu Yu Yan gazed at him, her thoughts turning again, and she continued to press on: "Big brother, you know that Father dotes on her. Even if you cherish the fraternal bond between siblings, it's hard to guarantee that she won't stab you in the back for the sake of pushing Chu Qi Feng into power."

  This sentence hit Chui Qi Hui's heart.

  Chu Youyang once again received Chu Yi'an's favor, but in the end, she was just a woman who didn't have what it took. The person he truly guarded against—

  It's actually Chu Qi Feng!

  This younger brother, youthful and wise, was born at the best opportunity. Although Chu Yi'an treated his brothers equally, Chu Qi Feng was extremely valued by the Emperor.

  Thinking of this, Chu Qi Hui became even more anxious and flustered.

  He pulled open Chu Yuanyan's hand and stood up, walking to one side with his eyebrows deeply furrowed. He slowly pondered before speaking: "Your meaning... is that she will take action against me, clearing the way for Eldest Second Brother?"

  "Hmph!" Chu Yuexian didn't say yes or no, and instead let out a cold laugh from her nose as she sat down in that chair.

  She casually picked up the white jade paperweight on the table and observed it in her hand, saying: "Big brother, do you still think she will show mercy? Do you think I don't know? She even dared to openly kill Su Wei, what is there in this world that she wouldn't dare to do?"

  Chu Qi's face suddenly changed color, and she turned her head back in anger, scolding: "Have you seen Su Wei again? Didn't I tell you to have less contact with those people from now on?"

  Chu Yu Yan was intimidated by his severe tone and expression, but she also got angry, threw the paper on the table and stood up, unwilling to show weakness: "So big brother you also know about this matter? Since you knew, why didn't you take advantage of the situation at that time and expose her?"

  The crime of severely injuring the daughter of a high-ranking official is weighing heavily on her, and no matter how capable Zhe Chuyu is, she is destined to be abolished.

  Because of the past conflicts between Su Wei and Chu Xiu Yang, when Chu Yue Yan first received this news from Su Wei, she didn't believe it. Now that she has confirmation from Chu Qi Hui, she is naturally filled with regret.

  Her face turned bright red with anger, glaring at Zhu Qi Hui with hatred.

  Chu Qi Hui knew that it was useless to explain the pros and cons of the situation to her, so she simply said: "You also know that her actions are inappropriate. If this gets out, our Eastern Palace will also be implicated."

  Chu Yu Yan actually believed it to be true, and immediately followed with a sarcastic cold laugh: "You take others as your sister, as one of your own, but they may not necessarily recognize you as their brother. Big Brother, now that things have come to this point, give me an honest answer -"

  She said, pausing for a moment, the two clusters of flames at the bottom of her eyes seemed to burn even more fiercely, and she said coldly: "This matter, how do you plan to deal with it?"

  Chu Qi Hui was also in a difficult position. The consideration for Chu Nian Yang's nature was only one aspect, the main reason being that there was no way to explain things to Chu Yi An.

  "After weighing it in his heart for a long time, he let out a helpless sigh and said, 'Fighting with each other under the same roof is not what Father would want to see.'"

  If Chu Zhaoyang were here, he would probably sneer at this as "hypocrisy".

  Chu Yu Yan heard this and put her heart at ease, coldly smiling: "With big brother saying so, that's enough. This matter doesn't need us to take action at all. Who let her offend people arbitrarily? It's just that later on..."

  "That's enough!" Chu Qi Hui's eyebrows jumped, and she suddenly cut off her words with a resolute tone.

  Chu Yu Yan furrowed her brow in confusion.

  Chu Qi Hui looked at her with a cold expression and said: "Don't say anything to me, don't interfere either, got it?"

  The last three words, his voice suddenly slowed down and lowered, even with a clear warning tone.

  Chu Yu Yan was startled and immediately became somewhat anxious, hastily taking a step forward: "But ——"

  "Remember my words!" Chu Qi Hui still didn't let her finish speaking, coldly saying, "From now on, you are not allowed to leave the mansion again. You also cannot go see Su Wei anymore. Whether it's the Nanhe Wang Fu or the Su family's affairs, they have nothing to do with us. You must not interfere."

  Chu Yu Yan was shut down by his cold and hard tone, fidgeting with the hem of her clothes but unable to speak.

  Chu Qi Hui didn't want to say more and turned around to leave.

  Chu Yu Yan stood still, staring at his back for a long time, but ultimately couldn't say anything, and turned to leave with a sense of discontent.

  Chang Lin Shou stood at the gate and hastily bowed: "Young Mistress, slow down!"

  Chu Yu Yan's face sank as she hummed a sound, but she didn't look back and quickly ran out of the yard.

  Chang Lin had been guarding the door just now, and he naturally heard the movements in the study room.

  Lost in thought, he glanced at the back of Chu Yu Yan and then turned his head to look towards the door, trying to say: "Your Highness, the young lady's temper is stubborn, does she need someone arranged to go over and keep an eye on her?"

  Chu Qi Hui said that Chu Yue Yan is not allowed to go out again, but Chu Yue Yan may not necessarily follow.

  Chu Qi Hui stood there motionless, facing the gate with only a sideways shadow, her facial expression hidden under the slowly descending night curtain was extremely unclear.

  Upon hearing this, he didn't say a word, but slowly raised his hand and made a gesture to stop.

  Whatever?

  Is it still necessary for Chu Yueyan to go back and get entangled with Su family siblings?

  A chill ran down Changlin's spine, and his eyes widened in an instant.

  Chu Qi Hui remained silent for a long time before turning around and walking step by step towards the gate.

  The sky outside was not yet completely dark, and his facial features also became clear as the footsteps approached.

  His face was still that face, elegant and handsome, but the expression in his eyes had a coldness and gloom that Lin couldn't understand.

  He walked step by step towards the outside, passing by the side of the tall forest.

  Chang Lin subconsciously wanted to step back, but he suddenly stopped in his tracks, raised his hand and gently pressed it on Chang Lin's shoulder, and smiled wryly: "No matter what, Chu Nanyang was right about one thing - This palace cannot do things that would make Father feel cold."

  Because he is not a legitimate child, if Che Ye An abandons him, then he will be nothing.

  Now his only reliance, the only place where he is more prominent than Chu Qiufeng, is that he occupies the position of the eldest son of the crown prince. Once he provokes Chu Yi'an, he really has nothing left.

  Changlin's heart skipped another beat—

  He didn't want to anger Chu Yi'an for this, so he chose to be a bystander, but instead let Chu Yuexian take the lead?

  Is this going to abandon Chu Yuexuan and make her a stepping stone?

  Even if something happens later and Chu Yi'an gets angry again, he can't take it out on him because he has already advised and warned him, everything...

  It's all because of Chu Yu Yan's own doing!

  Who said that the emperor's grandson is gentle and warm in temperament?

  Or more accurately, is it that there isn't room for such weakness in the blood of any member of the royal family?

  "Yes!" Chang Lin lowered his eyes and responded with a single word.

  Chu Qi Hui then stepped out.

  Time reversal.

  In the Jinhuatang, Chu Sunyang returned to his room after seeing Chu Qiuhui and sat silently on the couch.

  That couch was placed in front of the east-facing window, directly opposite the garden. The window was intentionally left ajar, and normally when sitting here, whether playing chess or reading books, one could also enjoy the flowers and scenery. Even during the most boring times, Chu Yan would habitually lean against the windowsill, staring at the outside garden, lost in thought.

  This time, however, she sat down there at will, and then didn't move. The book and handkerchief beside her were all ignored.

  The weather outside is fine, but for some reason, the atmosphere in this house inexplicably gives off a few degrees of chilly coldness.

  "Master——" Qingteng cautiously opened his mouth, his expression no longer the same as his usual smiling and scolding self. He deliberated for a long time before asking, "Are you——angry?"

  No matter how excessive Chui Qi Hui was in the past, Chui Fu Yang always took it lightly.

  But this time—

  It was undeniable, even Qingteng could feel her surging coldness and murderous intent.

  Chu Youyang's lips pursed slightly, but his expression didn't change much. After a moment of thought, he suddenly said: "Take a look at what Qing Luan is doing. If there's nothing wrong, call her to see me."

  "Yes!" Qingteng responded, carefully glanced at her expression again before quietly turning around and walking out.

  Chu Youyang's gaze inadvertently swept over the handkerchief beside him, picked it up and felt uneasy again, so he put it down. After hesitating for a while, he still went to Chu Yian's study in the front yard.

  Chu Yi'an was in charge of the Ministry of Revenue, the Ministry of Justice and the Ministry of Rites, and also needed to assist the emperor in handling some government affairs, most of the time during the day was spent in the palace.

  Chu Youyang was indeed not there this time either.

  "See the county master!" The guards who were guarding the yard all knew that Chu Yi'an was not reserved towards her, so they didn't stop her either.

  "Hmm!" Chu Nanyang nodded slightly and went straight into the study.

  In some ways, Chuyi An's preferences are the same as hers, both liking simple and bright layouts. The lighting angle in this study is excellent, with a wide desk and several tall bookshelves standing against the wall, exuding an air of grandeur amidst simplicity, yet lacking a luxurious style that would match his status as the crown prince.

  Chu Youyang's heart was heavy that day, and he wandered aimlessly around the house, almost touching every single item in the room. After some thought, he opened the secret door and entered the hidden chamber beneath his study.

  This secret room is located underground, in his previous life, Chu Yan Yang had only followed Chu Yi An into it a few times when he was young and playful. As the years passed, his curiosity also decreased, and he didn't think much of it again until the last time...

  Yin mistakenly thought Yang was wrong, Chu Qi Yan actually had a wild idea and wanted to trap her here.

  The layout of the secret room below is simpler than that of the study, and it's more like a secret library than a secret room. The three walls are almost fully occupied by tall bookshelves, which are filled with all kinds of books, from travel notes to historical classics and military strategy books, everything you can think of.

  Chu Nanyang didn't know why Chu Yi'an stored so many books here, the only thing she valued was the few old letters in the secret compartment that he carefully preserved, written by Liang Qian, which only recorded some trivial matters, but were...

  He spent the rest of his life relying solely on one person.

  Chu Youyang stood in front of the dark grid for a long time, several times raised his hand to touch the small box made of purple sandalwood inside, but his heart was in a mess, struggling for several times before finally giving up.

  Some things, although she has already been involved in them, still don't want to break this superficial peace.

  After a long time, she pressed the hidden button on the wall again and turned around. Her gaze happened to be facing the only blank wall opposite her, where a familiar crack appeared.

  Her eyes widened in shock, and suddenly she seemed to see again the tragic scene of that day when the Eastern Palace was slaughtered and the execution ground was stained with blood.

  Those skulls that rolled on the ground, those bodies that were splashed with hot blood, strictly speaking, all of them died for her, and in the end...

  Even if she killed Chu Qiyan and Chu Qihui, the blood that had congealed in the coldness under the blade could never be warmed again.

  Chu Qi Hui is the son of his father, but for her, he can be nothing at all!

  Chu Youyang's thoughts were racing, and just as he was about to lose himself in thought, he heard the sound of the secret door in the hidden chamber above him opening quietly.

  She calmed herself down, looked up and saw Chu Yi'an walking down from upstairs with big strides.

  Because he had rushed back from the palace, he was still wearing his court attire.

  "Father!" said Chu Yuanyang with a smile.

  "Hmm!" Chu Yi'an responded with a murmur, walking up to her and looking around, "I heard Zeng Qi say you were looking for me, how did you end up here?"

  "I don't know when Father will be back, so I'm just wandering around out of boredom." Chu Jiu Yang said, suddenly remembering something and looked at him with a puzzled expression, "Is there something going on? Why did Father come back so early?"

  "Hmm!" Chu Yi'an nodded, "This morning after the imperial court session, His Majesty has already given the order. Before the grand wedding of An Le, we need to hold a celebration for the empress's enthronement first. It is said that the imperial edict will be issued in a few days, I went to the Imperial Household Department ahead of time to give them a heads up, and then came back directly."

  The Grand Master of the Inner Chamber was Rui Qinwang Chushi.

  The Grand Rites of Empress Nüjie could not be carried out without the cooperation between the Imperial Household Department and the Ministry of Rites.

  As they spoke, the father and daughter had already returned to the study.

  As for this news, Chu Nanyang was still somewhat unexpected, and he blurted out: "What about Tuoba Huai'an? His queen candidate..."

  Chu Yi'an's lips curved slightly, and he patted her shoulder with a profound meaning: "Your Majesty is taking a concubine, and the identity of the fifth prince of Mobei will also rise with the tide. Your Majesty means to compromise him in this matter of An Le, this matter follows his heart, can be postponed and discussed later."

  Once Tuoba Yuyao entered the palace first, then in terms of seniority, Tuoba Huan would be considered the emperor's elder uncle. Although no one cared about this in the distant north, this seniority calculation...

  "Could it be that we have to choose from outside the family?"

  The Chu family suffered a great calamity before the emperor ascended to the throne, and there were not many people in the family. If they had to suppress their generation, then the only suitable one in the imperial family would be the eldest daughter born to Qu Xian's wife in the Ruiqin Wangfu.

  However, the emperor's suspicious mind was heavy and he may not necessarily allow Shi Xin and Mo Bei to get involved.

  In that case, it should be possible to choose from outside the family name.

  "There's already a Princess of Mengbei entering the palace, so whether or not this marriage is to be concluded is just that." Chu Yi'an, however, seemed rather unbothered and let out a soft sigh before sitting back down at his desk.

  Chu Youyang thought for a moment, then suddenly burst out laughing: "Father, these two months of fuss over the marriage alliance with the people of Mo Bei, it seems... we've all been calculated into their plans!"

  The emperor's superficial efforts were well done, and he took a polite and humble attitude towards Tuoba Huai'an and his party, creating an opportunity for him to choose his own concubine, but in reality, he should have grasped Tuoba Huai'an's cautiousness about this matter, using a delaying tactic, right?

  Just then, Chu Lingyun's incident happened again. He took it as a sign of his disgust with the matter and directly wanted to issue an edict to demote her to a concubine.

  As a result, Tuoba Huai'an was outsmarted and nearly suffered a loss.

  Chu Yi'an's gaze deepened, but his expression remained calm as he said, "Actually, it was we who were blinded by a single leaf and didn't think far enough ahead. No matter which family in the imperial court is connected to Mobei, I'm afraid none of them can gain Your Majesty's trust. Now that I think about it, this outcome isn't unexpected."

  Chu Youyang sighed and said, "An old ginger is still spicy."

  But I won't comment on this matter anymore.

  The Emperor was good at calculations, but no matter how meticulous his calculations were, he would never have thought that Tuoba Rongyao was actually the biggest trump card for Tuoba Huan'an in this matter, and he wouldn't leave empty-handed.

  Putting aside these unrelated matters for now, Chu Youyang hesitated for a moment and still somewhat uncertainly slowly raised his eyes to look at Chu Yi'an: "Father..."

  Chu Yi'an was taken aback, and then furrowed his brow: "What's wrong? Why are you still being so evasive in front of your father? Is there something that can't be said to your father?"

  His face wore a serious expression as if it was born with him, but his tone was gentle and he joked.

  Chu Qi Hui's matter, although she didn't want to make things difficult for Chu Yi An, but also wasn't a hesitant person. Since it had already been decided, then there was no need to hesitate anymore. Taking a deep breath, she said: "It's big brother's matter, Father you know about it. The relationship between me and Lei Ce Fei isn't good, it's been that way since ancient times. Although we're family, it's unavoidable that conflicts will arise at times. At that time——"

  After all, it was guilt that made Chu Mo Yang pause for a moment before continuing, "I'm afraid you'll be troubled, Father!"

  Chu Yi An stared at her steadily, but remained silent.

  In the vast study room, it suddenly became quiet enough to hear a pin drop.

  Zhuo Rouyang's heart was filled with anxiety.

  She can look down on anyone, but has no regard for Yu Yi An.

  She can't help but consider his position and feelings in every one of her actions.

  Because her own existence is a burden on him, she doesn't dare ask and can't ask her father to give up his biological children for her.

  In the room, waiting for her was Chu Yi An's long silence.

  Chu Youyang pressed her lips tightly together, looking at him with a complex expression.

  It wasn't until much later that Chu Yi'an slowly came back to his senses, as if from a daze. He raised his head and looked at Chu Yan with an expression that was no different from usual, and finally waved his hand, saying: "You know your own limits!"

  "Hmm!" Chu Nanyang responded, letting out a sigh of relief.

  "Hesitated for a moment, then said: 'Thank you, Father!'"

  "Silly girl!" Chu Yi'an's lips curled up into a smile, and then he immediately buried his head to read the documents on the table.

  He was a person who didn't show his emotions on his face, but at the moment he lowered his eyes, Chu Yan heard a faint sigh that was almost desolate coming from his nostrils.

  But at this moment——

  But she had no room for choice at all.

  Seeing that he still had official business to attend to, Chu Mianyang didn't linger and bid farewell, walking out until she reached the door. She couldn't help but turn her head back and take another deep look at the man who was busily working with his head buried in papers.

  "Father, if it is destined that history will repeat itself one day, then I can only ask for your forgiveness." She said to herself in her heart.

  Then, turn around.

  Leave resolutely!

  The gate closed and the house returned to its spotless tranquility once again.

  Chu Yi'an's eyes were fixed on the ground, his expression complex, staring at the dappled shadows for a long time until the sound of Chu Mo's footsteps outside the courtyard disappeared before he spoke up and called out: "Lu Yuan!"

  "Your Highness!" Lu Yuan pushed open the door and entered.

  "Go and call Zeng Qi!" Chu Yi'an said.

  "Yes!" Lu Yuan responded, turned around and walked out quickly, soon bringing Zeng Guanjia over.

  When Zeng Guanjia entered the house, Chu Yi'an was still in his original posture, staring blankly at the sunlight falling on the brick floor.

  "Here!" Seeing him enter, Chu Yi'an leaned back against the chair behind him.

  Zeng Guanjia roughly knew what he wanted to ask, so without waiting for him to ask, he voluntarily explained the previous events at Jinhuatang.

  "I didn't think much of it at first, but later I heard that the young lady from the county suddenly came here and felt that something was off, so I went to ask. Finally, Zeng said to the housekeeper, with a serious expression, 'The people from Long Sun's residence have already withdrawn from around Jin Hua Tang.'"

  Chu Yi'an listened with an expressionless face, neither affirming nor denying.

  If in the past, Zeng Guanjia would not have interfered with his family affairs, since he respected Yi An as the master, he naturally had to maintain a certain degree of distance from Chu Qiuhui and those people.

  But now——

  "Your Majesty, I dare to speak out of turn, but the secret actions behind the scenes in the South River King's Palace are getting bigger and bigger. Your Highness still needs to protect the princess, and at this time, it can be said that the situation is precarious, and there is no room for any mistakes. If we are not careful, it will be a disaster! After careful consideration, Zeng Guanjia still knelt down, "Your Majesty, I know you have difficulty making a decision on this matter, but in all fairness, even if it's just for the princess, the King of the County is the most suitable candidate. Moreover, the King of the County has tolerance and elegance, and he will not pursue the Long Sun Palace to the death, but on the other hand... I'm afraid it will really become a disaster within the palace walls."

  It wasn't that Chu Yi'an's means were questionable and he hadn't noticed Chu Qi Hui using underhanded tactics on Chu Mo Yang, but rather from the very beginning, he had never been on guard against this. He was a bit biased towards Chu Mo Yang, but he was also sufficiently tolerant and magnanimous towards his other children, yet he had never thought that his usually loyal and honest eldest son would do such a thing.

  No wonder Chu Xiangyang was furious, and he—

  Not just angry, but also disappointed!

  Two sons, he had never wanted to differentiate between them, but Qu Qi Hui's actions made him.

  "After talking for half a day, why do you still need to beat around the bush in front of me? Just say it directly." Chu Yi'an thought to himself, but couldn't help smiling, "Qi Hui's actions, at this point saying they're aimed at Xin Bao, are actually already plans targeted at Qi Feng. Xin Bao can't block his way, but..."

  His position was originally meant for Zhu Qiuhui.

  His face turned red with shame, his expression awkward, he hung his head and said nothing.

  "Qihui, as the eldest son, would be more suitable for the position anyway." Chu Yi'an didn't respond to him, lost in his own thoughts. "So, does this mean I should start making my move now?"

  His eyes were deep and staring into some unknown direction in the air, lost in thought.

  Zeng Guan's bitter smile: "Your Majesty, actually it wasn't necessary to go to so much trouble..."

  "Zeng Qi!" Chu Yi'an smiled slightly, with a hint of sadness and desolation in his eyes, as if there was a faint glimmer of water floating around.

  Then he suddenly closed his eyes, shutting out the world in front of him. A low and distant voice floated over: "You know, that position, I cannot take! I'm afraid..."

  His words repeatedly floated away, ultimately unable to be spoken out loud.

  He personally buried her home and country, which was already a road of no return. If he had to tread on her blood-stained dignity again the next day to occupy the rivers and mountains that fell from her hands, he was afraid...

  Even on the Yellow Springs Road in the future, I will have no face to see her again!

  Now he is under the spotlight of thousands, countless people are staring at the position right in front of him, but no one knows that from the very beginning, he never had any intention of touching that position.

  Even if Da Rong is dead, even if the Liang family is destroyed, even if this world plunges into war and chaos again, everyone in this world can fight to the death for that position, except him.

  No!

  At this moment, he is firmly holding onto the position of Crown Prince, only to pave the way for Chu Qi Hui. He didn't have high expectations for Chu Qi Hui, just to dispel the emperor's suspicious and jealous heart, allowing him to ascend to the throne smoothly. He also thought that having an mediocre son was a good thing, so that when he ascends to the throne in the future, he would only be a guardian of the status quo, and at least after his death, Chu Yu Yang wouldn't have any risks.

  But now——

  Everything is out of balance.

  "Your Majesty, there is no room for choice at this time." Zeng Qi said, "From the beginning, your move to occupy the city of Xiangyang first and surround it has always been a thorn in the emperor's heart. Even if the death of Princess Chang temporarily dispelled his doubts and made him unable to investigate, you clearly know that these years he has never completely eliminated his vigilance against you. Now, let alone Long Sun Palace's private heart is too heavy, it is fundamentally impossible for him to protect the county master wholeheartedly after your death, just talking about Long Sun Palace's talent - whether the emperor will really allow him to take the throne in the future is still uncertain."

  Chu Yi'an did not express approval or disapproval.

  No one has ever known that he had also been living with caution and trepidation all these years, just to suppress the emperor's vigilance against him to the greatest extent.

  At that time, when he learned that the emperor's army was going to overthrow the Great Rong Dynasty, he took advantage of the emperor's occupation of the imperial capital and rushed south to Xunyang, wanting to take Liang Quan away. However, Liang Quan saw his situation very clearly and refused without hesitation.

  He had also considered taking her away by force at the time, but he was very clear about the woman's strong temperament. If she dared to use force, she would never be able to get her forgiveness again in the future.

  Under the circumstances, he had no choice but to push the boat and make that play, taking the initiative to create a situation where he would seize power and prestige by besieging Jiangdu City. It was because of his arbitrary actions that the emperor began to suspect him at the time, but because that battle was indeed significant, he also made great contributions, so the emperor did not dare to criticize him and let it go.

  Outsiders may not know, but he himself is very clear that the emperor has always been resentful about this matter in his heart. Now, as the years go by, this suspicious mind has become more and more severe, and it's hard to stop once it starts.

  Zeng Qi knew he had concerns and wanted to say something else when Chu Yi'an suddenly raised his hand, blocking the words behind him.

  "Please pass on a message for me to Qi Feng, I'll think of a way to get him back soon." Chu Yi An said.

  Zeng Qi was taken aback for a moment, then quickly composed himself: "Yes! I'll go and take care of it right away!"

  Chu Yi'an nodded and thought for a moment before saying: "As for Xinbao's place, don't interfere with anything. Let her do whatever she wants."

  Zeng Qi's head suddenly jerked, and he already understood what was being referred to. He said: "The Su family..."

  "The military power of the Su family, it's time to transfer it." Chu Yi'an said, his eyes had already regained their usual calm and determined appearance, still the steady and decisive Crown Prince.

  He has been holding back all along, but it doesn't mean he is really unable to move.

  He wants to replace the heir's idea once it is put into action, which will inevitably trigger the emperor's extraordinary vigilance again. This is a hard battle and can only win but not lose!

  Zeng Qi saw that he had made up his mind and was relieved.

  In fact, whether Chu Qi Hui or Chu Qi Feng takes the upper hand is of no concern to him, but Chu Yi An's obsession with past events runs too deep, and weighing the pros and cons, only Chu Qi Feng coming forward can achieve the most ideal effect.

  Zhu Yi'an's actions were unknown to Zhu Mo Yang, but within three days, all the royal palaces had exploded in a frenzy because the Emperor suddenly issued an imperial decree, taking Murong Yu Ruo as his concubine and welcoming her into the palace with the rites of a princess consort, naming her Rong Fei!

  As soon as the news came out, Luo Huanghou in Wanshou Palace was caught off guard and lost her composure for a moment, cutting off a small potted landscape she was trimming by the waist.

  "What did you say? The Emperor is going to take in the little girl?" After being stunned for a while, Empress Luo suddenly burst out laughing incredulously.

  "Yes!" Cai Yue, who had brought back the message, knelt on the ground, not daring to look up at her face.

  The color on the face of Luo Huanghou changed from pale to white, and the muscles on her cheeks kept twitching. She seemed to want to endure something with great effort, but in the end, she still burst out completely, slamming the scissors in her hand heavily on the table, and shouted: "Ridiculous!"

  As soon as he finished speaking, his body suddenly sank into the chair as if he had lost all his strength.

  Liáng yíng yíng came in from outside the door, heard this and was shocked, hurriedly made a gesture to Cǎi Yuè indicating her to go out and guard the door.

  Even in the Shoukang Palace, one cannot let their guard down.

  The queen's face turned iron-green, and her eyes were even colder.

  At her age, she had long given up the idea of competing for favor, as long as the harem was still under his control and the emperor gave her the respect she deserved, she would turn a blind eye to those women.

  But this time——

  The emperor had been keeping it from her from start to finish, and it wasn't until today when the imperial decree was issued that she finally realized.

  "It's just a concubine, after all." Lady Liang sighed inwardly and stepped forward to persuade her, "Moreover, she's still wet behind the ears and has no backing in the imperial court. Isn't she completely under your control?"

  The Empress Luo sneered, her eyes sharp as a knife, slanting at her, saying word by word: "But this matter, the Emperor actually thoroughly deceived me, where do you want me to put my face?"

  But it was just Nafei who said that, let alone the fact that Queen Luo had previously asked about Tuoba Rongyao's whereabouts, but the emperor didn't mention a word, wasn't this clearly slapping her in the face?

  Li's wife did not dare to comment on this either, and only frowned and lowered her head.

  Empress Luo got angrier the more she thought about it, her chest heaving violently. But then suddenly, as if she had thought of something, she abruptly calmed down and pressed the edge of the table: "What you said is right, this matter does indeed have a problem. If it was just taking in a concubine, the Emperor wouldn't need to deliberately hide it from me either. There must be something else going on here!"

  "What is 'Niang Niang'?" asked Liang's nurse.

  Empress Luo furrowed her brow in deep thought, but ultimately still couldn't figure it out and sighed: "For the time being, this palace also can't guess what's going on."

  He paused for a moment and then said in an angry tone: "Since it's about taking a concubine, just make the arrangements quietly!"

  "Yes!" Liang's nanny took orders and hurried down to help with the arrangements.

  Tuoba Rongyao's coronation ceremony was on the sixth day of next month, and Qu Lingyun's wedding date was only ten days apart. However, it is not known whether it was due to the negligence of the officials of the Imperial Observatory that the auspicious day calculated turned out to be a snowy day starting from dawn.

  The capital city in the twelfth lunar month is already withered and barren.

  The royal family's wedding ceremony was held in the evening, while the concubine's ceremony was much simpler. Chosen by the Imperial Observatory for an auspicious time, Cao Zhenyuan followed the crowd into the palace early in the morning to attend the ceremony.

  At noon, a banquet was set up in the palace, and there was a spare hour or so with nothing to do. Chu Xiangyang casually strolled through the snow in the imperial flower garden.

  In the garden, there was a plum forest, a large area of red plums as bright as blood, in full bloom. Chu Yan walked along the corridor path, and unintentionally glanced sideways, only to meet a gaze that sparkled like clear water at the end of the corridor.

  By the way

  The old emperor has taken a new concubine again, and Qiulingyun is also getting married soon, so many happy events!

  PS: I'm making a military order, starting from tomorrow, I'll update at 3 pm every afternoon. You all take out your whips to supervise me! If I don't update, beat me to death!