"Your Majesty, what does this mean?" Chu Qianli looked at the token that Eunuch Qing sent to her.
"I know you have a good relationship with Fulong," the Emperor said, sitting on his jade throne and glancing at her.
Chu Qianli's expression remained unchanged, nor did she try to hide anything.
"When I went to Black Wind Cliff with Commander Fu to gather information, Commander Fu saved my life. Therefore, I have always remembered this kindness."
It was only a matter of time before the Emperor knew about her close relationship with Fulong.
As long as they did not do anything too outrageous that harmed the Emperor's interests under his nose, the Emperor would not pay too much attention for the time being.
With so many people inside and outside the court, who didn't have connections with whom?
These relationships were intricate and complex, and as long as they were not excessive, the Emperor could turn a blind eye.
"Although you can ask Fulong to help you, Fulong has his own duties, and he may not always be able to assist you."
Eunuch Qing explained to her, "Therefore, His Majesty has specially bestowed this token upon you. When necessary, you can mobilize the Imperial City Guards."
It was actually a token for the Imperial Guards!
Chu Qianli's heart trembled, and she immediately leaned forward, "Your Majesty, this subject is humbled!"
Her obedience was feigned, but her fear was half true.
There was no such thing as a free lunch. How could this old fox be so generous to her?
He definitely had something he wanted.
The Emperor smiled faintly, "Little girl, I find that I like you more and more."
"Your Majesty..." A hint of disgust flashed in Chu Qianli's eyes, but she kept her head down, so the Emperor and Eunuch Qing could not see it.
The Emperor's expression suddenly became serious, and his voice turned indifferent, "Although it was Qiu Qinghai who was captured, the person behind the medicine-man army may not necessarily be Prince He."
Chu Qianli remained silent, her head bowed, waiting for him to continue.
The Emperor added, "This matter must be thoroughly investigated, but it may not be suitable to hand it over entirely to Prince Xuan."
"Your Majesty fears that Prince Xuan might conflict with Prince He during the investigation?"
"Neither Xuan'er nor He'er are that simple."
The Emperor sighed with a hint of helplessness, his gaze fixed on her lowered face.
"Therefore, it is not suitable to assign this matter to any prince for investigation."
Chu Qianli pursed her lips, finally understanding his intention.
She raised her eyes, looking at him with a calm expression.
"This subject understands, but this matter concerns Prince He, and this subject may not be able to..."
"Chu Qianli, you are a clever child."
The Emperor waved his hand, not wanting to hear any of her polite refusals.
"I know your ambition is not to be an obscure concubine. I can promise you this: if you can help me solve the problem of the medicine-man army within three months, I will bestow upon you the title of Great General. How about it?"
Chu Qianli was startled, a flicker of surprise in her eyes.
But she had always known how to control her emotions, and this surprise was fleeting.
Her voice remained calm, "This subject... obeys!"
After Chu Qianli left, the Emperor's brow furrowed.
"Qing De, what do you think? Was her surprise genuine? Does she truly wish to be a general?"
Eunuch Qing bowed and whispered, "When she was Prince Xuan's consort, she was also proud and arrogant, and did not put Prince Xuan in her eyes at all."
"Your Majesty, this old servant has never seen a woman like her. This old servant doesn't even know what she wants, but..."
"Hmm?" The Emperor raised an eyebrow.
"Unexpectedly, Miss Chu desires to leave a name for posterity. Her ambition is truly lofty!"
Eunuch Qing shook his head with a smile, "Truly a... special girl. No wonder Prince Xuan likes her so much."
The Emperor said nothing, but the doubt in his eyes finally lessened.
Great General... her ambition was indeed not small.
She preferred military attire to needlework!
No wonder she was so eager to cast aside the royal marriage.
He was a monarch who valued talent, and Chu Qianli was indeed capable, even more capable than he imagined.
If this was truly her desire, what was wrong with giving her the opportunity to defend the country?
She wanted to leave a name for posterity, and he wanted to exploit her value to the fullest. It was merely mutual achievement.
But...
The Emperor's eyes slowly narrowed.
If she had ulterior motives, then he would absolutely not tolerate her.
...
After Chu Qianli left the Imperial Garden, the smile and surprise in her eyes instantly vanished.
Great General, hah, even a Great General was merely a tool for the Emperor to use!
If he were a wise ruler, and she a true citizen of the Northern Ming Kingdom, she would naturally be willing to be a Great General who defended the country.
But her country was the Dragon Teng Kingdom!
This Emperor might not be unrelated to her grandmother's death.
However, it was better to let them mistakenly believe she had such ambitions. At least for now, the Emperor would not actively seek trouble with her.
But if she could not find the mastermind behind the medicine-man army within three months, not only she, but the entire Duke's mansion would likely be in danger.
Three months...
Chu Qianli put the token into the space of her bracelet.
Within three months, she had to find the Imperial Jade Seal and uncover the truth of Long Xiyue's untimely death.
The palace was vast. Just after leaving the Imperial Garden, she saw a small rockery and woods ahead.
Chu Qianli was a little lost and was about to find a young eunuch to ask for directions.
Suddenly, a figure rushed towards her!
Chu Qianli's breath hitched, and she quickly retreated.
But she did not expect the person's speed to be even faster than she imagined!
As she retreated, he instantly accelerated his pace.
With a bang, Chu Qianli, caught off guard, collided with a rockery behind her.
Just as she was about to make a move, her wrist was suddenly gripped tightly, and her hands were seized by his large palm.
"So Prince He is also a hidden master. I have witnessed it today!"
She remained expressionless, her fingertips slowly tightening.
Feng Qihe held her hands, pressing them against the rockery on either side of her head, his tall body suddenly closing in!
So close, almost touching her.
His breath was heavy and rough, clearly filled with fury.
"Do you think that by helping Feng Yexuan, you can truly deal with this King?"
"Didn't you see that even though Qiu Qinghai was captured alive, Father Emperor did not mention this matter at all? Even Father Emperor dares not touch this King, so what are you and Feng Yexuan?"
His angry breath hit Chu Qianli's face, feeling scorching hot.
His cultivation was deeper than she had imagined.
This was indeed somewhat unexpected.
But she remained calm, as if she had no fear at all, even though all her escape routes were blocked by him.
"So, Prince He admits that you trained those medicine men?"
Feng Qihe let out a cold snort, lowered his head, and pressed closer to her, "You and Feng Yexuan are trying to frame this King for all of this, aren't you?"