"I underestimated him," the Emperor's handsome face was unusually cold, his eyes sharp.
At the same time, news reached Fengluan Palace. It was the Prince of Nan'an who had sent someone to deliver the message. After her initial surprise, Mu Qingyao calmly dealt with the matter.
She knew without a doubt that Chu Qianyi was behind the rumors. This man seemed to possess some real power, but where did it stem from?
First, the Chu family's military power had been confiscated, and all their members were thrown into prison. Logically, no one would dare to help him further. So, from where did this immense capacity for adaptation come?
Mu Qingyao sat in the main hall, pondering deeply. Her final analysis was that Chu Qianyi had colluded with people from other countries, and it was likely that this was the source of his external support, and the reason he could still move freely.
However, with the current incident, which was neither a major nor a minor issue, if the Emperor suppressed it with force, in the eyes of the world, Emperor Xian would be seen as a tyrant. Would people willingly accept a tyrannical ruler?
If even the common people rose up in opposition, his dream of unifying the seven kingdoms would be in vain. Chu Qianyi's move was truly insidious, pitting king against king, ensuring that neither would end up well, while he reaped the benefits. Which country had he colluded with?
As Mu Qingyao was lost in thought, Mochou entered.
"Your Highness, is there no news of Eunuch Li in Guangyang Palace?"
"Hmm?" Mu Qingyao frowned, then rose gracefully and paced back and forth in the hall.
Eunuch Li was still the Empress Dowager's personal eunuch. He had been confined to Guangyang Palace by the Emperor. Who would dare to provoke him? Furthermore, Guangyang Palace was guarded by eunuchs. How could he have simply disappeared? And who would have a grievance with a eunuch? Mu Qingyao's eyes lit up, and her expression darkened.
"Mochou, you and Moyou take two people to Weiyang Palace. If my guess is correct, Eunuch Li must be held in Weiyang Palace by Ximen Xinyue. If it is indeed her who made the move, teach her a good lesson for me, let her know that this is the imperial palace, not her Ximen residence."
"Yes, Your Highness."
Mochou and Moyou accepted the order and left, instructing two or three eunuchs to accompany them to Weiyang Palace. Who did that Ximen Xinyue think she was? She was merely a candidate for the harem, daring to cause trouble within the palace. She was courting death.
Meixin saw her mistress's displeased expression and quickly stepped forward, "Your Highness, don't be angry. It's not worth it for such a woman."
"This woman is too detestable," Mu Qingyao flicked her sleeve and walked out. Thinking of the Su family's previous incident, she became even more furious. This woman was not only cruel and ruthless but also seemed eager for chaos. She was desperate to enter the palace, but she shouldn't harm innocent people.
"Where is Your Highness going?" Meixin followed Mu Qingyao, asking. Mu Qingyao stood gracefully and said lightly, "To Liuli Palace."
Originally, this matter did not concern her, but her father, the Prime Minister, must be in a difficult position. As the Prime Minister and a role model for all officials, with such a major event happening in the court, the Emperor must have summoned them to the palace.
If she went now, it would be good to have an extra person to discuss matters and get through this difficult period sooner.
Mu Qingyao sat in her sedan chair towards Liuli Palace, with Meixin beside her and several palace maids walking swiftly along the jade path towards Liuli Palace. By the time she arrived at Liuli Palace.
The Left Prime Minister, Mu Hen, the Prince of Nan'an, and the Censorate had already arrived. The atmosphere in the hall was somber. Seeing the Empress approach, everyone rose to salute.
"Greetings, Empress."
"Sit down," Mu Qingyao waved her hand and looked up at the Emperor on the high seat.
The Emperor appeared furious, radiating an icy aura. This was the first time Mu Qingyao had seen the Emperor so out of control. This must have been something he did not anticipate.
"Greetings, Your Majesty."
"Rise," the Emperor patted the seat beside him, not speaking further. Mu Qingyao slowly ascended to the higher position, her movements graceful and elegant. She slowly sat down. At such a time, it was best to hear everyone's plans.
"I have summoned you all to the palace to hear your opinions, my esteemed ministers."
As the Emperor's deep voice paused, the Prince of Nan'an abruptly stood up. "Reporting to Your Majesty, this matter must be quelled as soon as possible, otherwise it will undoubtedly damage our imperial majesty."
"Yes, this old subject also thinks so. We must quickly devise a plan to stop this matter from spreading further. I fear it will only get worse."
The Censorate did not speak, but stroked his beard, appearing deep in thought. At this moment, whatever action the Emperor took would likely be seen as a mere show. He feared that people would increasingly accuse him of acting guilty.
"I am asking for feasible methods. I am aware of these points."
Murong Liuzun's voice remained steady, but an inexplicable aura of thunderous rage permeated its calmness.
The three ministers below looked at each other, then silently gazed at the Emperor on the high seat. "Your subjects are unable to devise a plan."
As the three voices fell, Mu Qingyao slowly spoke, "I am also aware of this matter. It was the Prince of Nan'an who sent someone to inform me, so I have thought of an idea, but I don't know if it is feasible?"
As Mu Qingyao finished speaking, the Emperor's piercing gaze turned towards the Prince of Nan'an. This imperial brother was now reporting everything to the Empress. He, the elder brother, was the one in charge of the overall situation.
However, it was good that Yao'er had come up with a good idea. The Emperor set aside reprimanding the Prince of Nan'an and turned his attention to Mu Qingyao. Besides the Emperor's somber gaze, the three pairs of eyes below also fixed on her.
"Yao'er, please speak."
"Since the rumors are so malicious, we can only fight poison with poison. This is also the only way. Your Majesty can issue a decree to quell this rumor, stating that the King of Beijin was actually born to the former Empress Dowager and Monk Kong, and is not of royal blood. This will quell the rumors. Although this may tarnish the reputation of the late Emperor, it is better than causing chaos. The rumors have already spread. Even if Your Majesty explains that the King of Beijin intends to usurp the throne, there will still be those who spread rumors and cause trouble, and Your Majesty's reputation will still be affected."
As Mu Qingyao finished speaking, voices of opposition immediately arose from below.
"Absolutely not, Empress. This is an insult to the late Emperor's reputation. As the saying goes, family shame should not be publicized, let alone something utterly baseless and born from thin air."
Mu Qingyao's father, the Left Prime Minister, immediately stepped forward to object. He was a trusted minister of the late Emperor. How could he allow the Emperor's bloodline to be slandered? Although the King of Beijin was causing trouble, the royal bloodline should not be so casually discussed. xxs1
The Censorate also shook his head in disagreement, believing the Empress's idea was too unorthodox. How could she come up with such a suggestion?
Only the Prince of Nan'an remained silent. He believed that the Empress had more to say. His two accompanying ministers were extremely anxious. Truly old and corrupt.
"Alright, Left Prime Minister and Censorate, do not be anxious. I have not finished speaking," Mu Qingyao snorted coldly. If it weren't for the fact that he was her father, would she bother with such thankless work?