Chu Qianli did not want to say more to the Empress Dowager.
However, she still asked the Empress Dowager for three days.
So, for the next two days, Chu Qianli indeed had two peaceful days.
The Empress Dowager issued an imperial decree, forbidding anyone from disturbing her.
Thus, everyone in the Duke's mansion had to remain quiet for these two days.
But on the third day, a major figure arrived at the Duke's mansion.
The Liyuan, where Chu Qianli resided, was heavily guarded tonight.
Yet, in the side hall, there were only two people.
One was Chu Qianli, who had been "invited," and the other was the Emperor, seated on a jade chair.
"I heard the Duke is gravely ill and has not yet recovered?" the Emperor stared at Chu Qianli.
Chu Qianli remained neither humble nor arrogant: "If Your Majesty has anything to say, please speak directly."
The Emperor frowned, a hint of displeasure.
Up to this point, only one person had dared to be so disrespectful in his presence.
That person was Prince Xuan, Feng Yexuan.
And this young girl, with no power and no influence, actually dared to do so!
"I must admit, your courage and insight are truly beyond my expectations."
His expression suddenly darkened, and he said in a deep voice, "The one who led the Xuanwu Army and annihilated more than half of the Black Tiger Fort's forces overnight was not Leng Ji, it was you, wasn't it?"
Chu Qianli was not surprised that he knew.
If the Emperor did not possess some ability, how could he secure his reign?
"Then, Your Majesty, what is it you want from me?" Since he had come, he must have a purpose.
The Emperor glanced at her and said, "Xuan'er is my most favored son. In the future, my throne is very likely to be inherited by Xuan'er."
He actually revealed such important information directly to her.
Chu Qianli showed no excitement; instead, a sense of caution arose in her heart.
"You are indeed exceptionally intelligent," the Emperor chuckled.
He truly had some admiration for her.
After all, women with such capabilities were truly rare in this world.
"Your mother, Qin Liuyan, was a singing girl. The daughter of a singing girl cannot become the Empress of our Beiming Kingdom."
"Therefore, it is impossible for me to let you become Xuan'er's consort. However, if you still wish to be with Xuan'er, it is not impossible."
Chu Qianli, however, laughed: "So, Your Majesty has come to give me an opportunity to continue staying by Prince Xuan's side?"
She understood now, looking at him faintly, her smile carrying a hint of disdain:
"Your Majesty fancies my combat abilities and hopes I will assist Prince Xuan in conquering the world?"
The Emperor was somewhat displeased.
After learning of her uncanny foresight in leading troops, he had indeed been surprised.
The current Qiong Cang Continent was in turmoil, making it an opportune moment to expand one's territory.
His most favored son was Feng Yexuan, precisely because Feng Yexuan's combat prowess was the strongest among all his sons.
But now he had discovered that this unknown young girl before him also possessed such formidable military leadership!
How could he let go of any talent?
"I can promise you, in the future, you can become Prince Xuan's concubine..."
"Hmph!" Chu Qianli laughed dismissively: "What a pity, I'm not interested."
"You!" The Emperor's face sank, almost to the point of ordering her execution!
This damnable girl was truly too audacious!
"Are you truly not afraid of death?"
"Who isn't afraid of death? However, I truly do not fancy these 'gifts' from Your Majesty!"
A concubine!
She didn't even want to be Prince Xuan's main consort, so why would she want to be a concubine?
"Then what do you want?" The Emperor's expression gradually turned grim.
Chu Qianli then stopped being polite and stated frankly: "I want a formidable team."
...
That night was the third night as Chu Qianli had said.
Feng Yexuan had not yet woken up, but according to Chu Qianli, his condition had stabilized and he would wake up soon.
The Emperor ordered him to be sent back to Prince Xuan's mansion.
At the same time, he issued a secret decree that no one was to mention his three-day recuperation here.
After the royal entourage had all departed, Chu Hongtao and the Duchess, along with the families of the second and third uncles, rushed into the Duke's courtyard.
At this moment, Chu Buqu had just finished his medicine and fallen asleep.
For these three days, Chu Qianli had been treating Feng Yexuan day and night, so Chu Buqu's care had naturally been somewhat neglected.
Unexpectedly, his condition had worsened during her three-day absence.
"Chu Qianli, you get out here!"
"You unfilial daughter, come out quickly!"
Steward Han blocked their entry, so Chu Hongtao and the Duchess could only shout from outside the door.
Chu Qianli did not want them to disturb her grandfather's rest. She tidied her clothes, tucked her grandfather in, and then went out.
"Chu Qianli, you unfilial daughter, you've finally decided to come out?"
Chu Hongtao's face turned green with anger: "You actually took Father's token! How dare you commit such a theft! I will beat you to death, you unfilial daughter, today!"
Chu Hongtao lunged forward.
Han Zhan stepped forward and blocked him: "Grand Tutor, let's talk this through."
"She stole Father's token and ordered people to lock up our Duke's mansion's treasury! She's practically robbing us!"
Everyone knew that the treasury contained all the most valuable items in the Duke's mansion.
There were also many deeds for properties and real estate, as well as deeds for shops outside!
They had worked hard and curried favor with Chu Buqu, all with the hope that one day this treasury key would fall into their hands.
But who would have thought that this damnable girl, taking advantage of Chu Buqu's critical illness, would monopolize everything? Where did she get the nerve?
"Who are those people outside the treasury? If you don't make them leave, I will report you to the Emperor!"
The Duchess also stepped forward and said, "You dead girl, quickly hand over the key and the token!"
"They are guards I invited back."
They were people the Emperor had sent her, all elite imperial guards.
But the Emperor had said that he could not openly participate in the Duke's mansion's affairs.
These guards were considered a gift from the Emperor, but whether she could manage everything in the Duke's mansion in the future would depend on her abilities.
Of course, there was no such thing as a free lunch.
Since the Emperor had helped her, naturally, she also had to agree to some things for him.
Han Zhan also did not expect her to be so bold as to actually take the token and the key.
"Regardless, the token and the key should at least be decided who to hand over after the Duke has completely recovered."
"Meaning, you also want me to hand them over?"
Chu Qianli smiled at him, but it was a cold smile.
Han Zhan was stunned, and under her sarcastic smile, he did not know what to say.
Chu Huaiyu walked to Han Zhan's side and said softly, "Fifth Sister, Grandfather has not woken up yet. The key and token should first be kept by Grandmother, or at the very least, temporarily managed by Father."
"How... how could it possibly be your turn, Fifth Sister?"
"What does it have to do with you, you imposter?" Chu Qianli snorted coldly.
Chu Huaiyu was stunned, her face immediately flushed red.
Then, tears instantly welled up in her eyes.
"I just... I just don't want to see you conflict with everyone..."
She looked back at Han Zhan, her voice carrying a hint of hoarseness: "I'm sorry, it's all my fault, I've angered Fifth Sister again."
Seeing this, Han Zhan still felt some reluctance: "Huaiyu, it's not your fault."
Looking at Chu Qianli again, her face was cold and devoid of any warmth.
One was delicate and fragile, the other was cold and heartless. Han Zhan's heart immediately felt a sense of disparity.
Just two days ago, because of Chu Qianli, he had joined everyone in thinking that Huaiyu was a bit annoying.
He was truly mistaken.
Huaiyu was so good, why did everyone bully her?
Seeing the tears in Chu Huaiyu's eyes, Han Zhan felt a pang of discomfort and glared at Chu Qianli:
"Huaiyu is right. The key and token should rightfully be given to the Duchess. It's not your place as a young lady to hold onto them."
"Chu Qianli, if you don't hand them over, don't blame me for being impolite!"