She spoke, and Murong Chong and Lan Qinglun both looked at her, awaiting her next words. Unexpectedly, Can Hong Mo Ru Yan grew angry. With a *ceng* sound, she stood up and pointed at Yun Xiao.
"Who are you, daring to be so presumptuous? Do you think you have the right to butt into our affairs?"
Mo Ru Yan's heart seethed with fury. She knew this woman was brought by the Palace Master and must have a close relationship. But what they were doing was none of her business.
Most importantly, this woman, whom she thought didn't exist, actually did. This was the woman in the portrait brought by Murong Yingxue of Yun Shui Mountain Villa. She was plain-looking, only deserving of the description "delicate and pretty," yet she was deeply favored by her master.
While they, beautiful as jade, were not even glanced at by their master.
As Mo Ru Yan finished speaking, Murong Chong's cold eyes suddenly narrowed. He raised his large hand, about to discipline this ill-bred subordinate.
Lan Qinglun quickly pulled Mo Ru Yan back to her seat. Turning to Murong Chong, he said, "Palace Master, please spare her. She is simply too impatient. Let us listen to Miss Yun's words first."
At this moment, Lan Qinglun looked at Yun Xiao with a faint plea in his eyes.
Yun Xiao knew that at this juncture, she couldn't let one person disrupt their plan. While Mo Ru Yan might be detestable, she was insignificant compared to Murong's grand scheme. Recovering the throne was the true goal, and so many people were entangled in this affair.
"Murong, let it go. At a time like this, we should focus on what's next."
Yun Xiao reached out and blocked Murong's raised hand, clasping his own.
Murong Chong felt the warmth in his palm and looked down. The atmosphere finally eased slightly, and he spoke coldly, "Leave."
Mo Ru Yan was stunned by what she saw. This woman not only called their master by his given name, but with just a glance from her, the master's ferocity retreated. What did this mean? Did it mean the master loved this woman deeply?
But not long ago, hadn't he fancied that Leng Yue?
Why had he now taken a liking to this woman who had appeared out of nowhere?
Mo Ru Yan was filled with bewildered doubt, but she dared not utter another word. She could only walk out resentfully to guard the door.
Inside the room, Yun Xiao released his hand and glanced at Murong and Lan Qinglun, raising an eyebrow faintly.
"Although the Ye family has stumbled this time, Shangguan Yao is naturally suspicious by nature. He might not be willing to hand over military power to you. Therefore, this matter still needs careful handling."
Yun Xiao spoke slowly. She might not understand others, but she understood Shangguan Yao. Having been in the palace for so long was not for nothing.
This man was extremely narrow-minded and naturally suspicious. Otherwise, why would the Yun Wang Fu have faced so many tribulations? Such a person would likely not trust anyone easily. It was still uncertain who would ultimately hold the military power.
"This?"
Lan Qinglun looked up at Murong Chong. What should they do next?
Murong Chong's brow furrowed slightly. He had already had a vague premonition that the man would not easily trust Lan Qinglun.
But at present, he could not solely grasp the military power. According to the ancestral teachings of Dong Qin, to prevent the emperor from becoming tyrannical, the emperor could not command more than thirty thousand troops.
The rest was jointly managed by the Ministry of War and military generals. He had to rely on others.
Before Murong Chong could formulate a plan, Yun Xiao spoke calmly.
"Actually, you need not worry. In the current situation, Lord Lan has a significant advantage. Since you saved the Emperor's life, you naturally have an edge over others. The Ye faction will not stand idly by. By tomorrow's morning court, the Emperor will definitely bring this matter up for discussion. At that time, the Ye faction will put forth a candidate. You can support the Ye faction's candidate, and in doing so, you will elevate yourself."
Yun Xiao had accurately gauged Shangguan Yao's mindset. Shangguan Yao actually wanted to heavily rely on Lan Qinglun, but if Lan Qinglun accepted it directly, it would only arouse his suspicion. Therefore, a strategic retreat was the best advance.
Shangguan Yao would absolutely not accept the candidate put forth by the Ye faction. Otherwise, why would he have imprisoned the Ye family? It was precisely because the Ye family acted on the Empress Dowager's orders.
If the military power was not in the hands of his own people, then he would not be the true holder of power.
Murong Chong and Lan Qinglun exchanged glances, both somewhat disbelieving. They hadn't expected Yun Xiao to be so shrewd in this regard.
Advancing by retreating was indeed the best course of action at the moment.
"Good, let's proceed as planned. Tomorrow, you will act according to Xiao'er's strategy."
Murong Chong said with a deep voice. Lan Qinglun cupped his hands: "Yes, your subordinate obeys."
"Next, let's discuss the second plan," Murong Chong continued. The room was silent, with only his deep voice resonating.
"If we obtain military power, we must quickly replace personnel with those we can trust. We cannot replace everyone at once. In this vast imperial palace, there are many guards and patrols. Replace ten today, then a few tomorrow. Slowly infiltrate. Remember not to be too hasty. When the time is right, we will apprehend that person."
The pupils of Murong Chong's eyes suddenly flashed with dazzling light. He had spent four years on this, and it was nearing completion. How could his heart not be filled with joy?
Now he had people at his disposal, along with his own imperial brother, Shangguan Lin. Additionally, there was Prime Minister Sima Qingyun and Prince Yun. It was likely that half the officials in court had already sided with them.
And the Ye faction, having suffered such a blow, what ability did they have left to turn the tide?
Lan Qinglun nodded: "Yes, your subordinate accepts the order."
He stood up, exchanged greetings with Yun Xiao, and slowly withdrew. Outside the door, Mo Ru Yan, with a stern face, followed him out. As they walked, she tentatively asked, "Who is that woman?"
Lan Qinglun stood on the stairs, looking down at Mo Ru Yan. He and the others knew her intentions, but they also knew one thing: their master could never like her. Why was she still struggling?
"You'd best not harbor any wicked thoughts. You cannot bear the master's wrath. Don't bring death upon yourself."
Lan Qinglun warned coldly and then flashed away from the back stairs.
Under the moonlight, Mo Ru Yan's face was somewhat pale, and a coldness like water filled her eyes.
Yes, they all knew her feelings, and they also knew their master wouldn't like her. She had never asked for his affection; she only wished to be by his side. Was even that wrong?
Mo Ru Yan turned and left the Feng Yue Tower. It seemed she needed to meet that Young Master Leng Yue to find out what his relationship with their master was.
And Miss Yingxue wanted to know where the woman in the portrait was? Then why not let her know?
Her beautiful and moving face contorted with an inexplicable ruthlessness, becoming ugly as it hid in the moonlight.
As Lan Qinglun left, Murong Chong immediately embraced Yun Xiao, gently resting his head against hers and softly saying, "Xiao'er, you were truly amazing tonight."