A small problem? The imperial guards and local troops had been slaughtered to the point of forming a river of blood. Hundreds of thousands of people had died. How could this be considered a small problem?
Shangguan Qing muttered in his heart and was a little speechless. However, he knew that this world belonged to Master Qing. As long as he could please Master Qing, wrong was right. As long as Master Qing thought that you were right, then you were right. If you made Master Qing hate you, no matter how well you did, he would still suspect that you harbored evil intentions. This was how the human heart was. There was no reasoning at all.
He subconsciously looked at the undulating palaces around him. It was the same in the imperial harem. Countless stunning beauties wanted to please His Majesty. As long as they could win His Majesty's favor, not only could they show off in front of others, but they could also immediately benefit their families outside the palace. It was not a big deal to make a small mistake. For example, the Heavenly Lady Ruyi in the Eastern Palace had always kept a distance from His Majesty, but His Majesty thought it was his true temperament and often came to see her cold face, which made people speechless. This was the way to win His Majesty's favor. Although the situation was different, the principle was the same.
Shangguan Qing believed that he was not Defeating Armies, who dared to say anything to Emperor Qing. What Defeating Armies could say was not what he could say. Therefore, he would not go against Emperor Qing's words and force Emperor Qing to do what he should do like Defeating Armies.
Niu Youde's words had won His Majesty's favor. The Heavenly Lady Ruyi's indifferent attitude had won His Majesty's favor. As for Defeating Armies, he had won His Majesty's favor because he always talked back to His Majesty. These three seemingly unrelated ways to win His Majesty's favor were similar in Shangguan Qing's eyes. That was because all three of them were true temperaments in His Majesty's eyes.
Niu Youde had been doing this ever since His Majesty had learned of his name. He was someone who dared to call Heavenly King Ying a prostitute to his face. Anything that came out of Niu Youde's mouth could easily be taken as the truth by His Majesty. The Heavenly Lady of Ruyi had always treated His Majesty coldly and had never changed her attitude. If the other concubines imitated her, they would be seen as pretentious in His Majesty's eyes, which would only make His Majesty dislike them. As for Defeating Armies, he had been constantly arguing with His Majesty ever since he started serving His Majesty. He would definitely be killed by His Majesty.
Of course, there was no need for him to praise them. He followed behind Qing Zhu and changed the topic. "The three departments are working together. The western army has issued a complaint. Accusing Emissary Gao of intentionally detaining the men of the Four Heavenly Kings. "
Qing Zhu: "Who told them to run into Gao Guan? Gao Guan has already reported this matter! I asked Gao Guan to hurry up and close the case, but the four families are delaying, trying to force Niu Youde to compromise, especially the Guang family! Gao Guan had already cut off the connection between the four families and Niu Youde. At the same time, he was also using the four families as hostages. As long as the case in Yuding Domain was not settled, Gao Guan would not let them go. Gao Guan has already asked Zhen to let the Left Department of the Supervisory Department cooperate. If necessary, we will interrogate the four families to put pressure on them so that the case can be closed as soon as possible! Gao Guan handled this matter beautifully. We will help him block some of the pressure! "
"Yes!" Shangguan Qing nodded.
The upper echelons had reached a compromise. What happened below did not count. The outcome of the case in Yuding Domain was quickly decided.
The four families held the hostages in Gao Guan's hands. The idea of asking the Imperial Guards to join the Four Heavenly Kings under the command of the Four Heavenly Kings was suppressed as soon as it appeared. No one pursued Xuanyuan Zhuo's responsibility anymore. Did Niu Youde only lead his troops to defend himself in the case of the Youding Domain? Counterattack. The entire Yuding Domain was fine. They were only following orders. Everyone was fine, but someone had to bear the responsibility. Thus, the dead Chu Zishan was the unluckiest. All the blame was placed on the dead Chu Zishan.
Once the case was settled in the imperial court, Gao Guan finally had time to interrogate the Four Heavenly Kings. The result was naturally a compromise from the upper echelons. The four families were released without any consequences.
Such a shocking case would have stirred up a huge storm, but in the end, it was reduced to a small matter. A small matter was turned into nothing. It was lifted high up in the sky and passed by easily. Celestial Street quickly returned to its former bustling state.
Almost everyone was released. When he came out, Miao Yi noticed that something was wrong. Only Yun Zhiqiu was locked up and not released.
Miao Yi immediately went to the Spring Flower and Autumn Moon Tavern to ask Yu Zhongzhen for an answer. However, at the entrance, he ran into Gao Guan, who was about to leave with his troops. He stopped Gao Guan on the spot and bowed. "Emissary Gao. May I ask, isn't Yun Zhiqiu fine now? Why are you still keeping her locked up? "
"The ones in charge of the prisoners are your imperial guards. You shouldn't be asking me about the execution." Gao Guan left with his men.
Miao Yi stood at the entrance in silence. He understood what Gao Guan meant. The one keeping the prisoners locked up was Yu Zhongzhen. It had nothing to do with Gao Guan.
He was about to enter the Spring Flower and Autumn Moon Tavern when two groups of people suddenly appeared and called out.
"Lord Niu, the Star Moon Tavern invites you to a banquet!"
"Lord Niu, Qi Guangxuan has prepared a banquet. Let's renew our agreement."
Miao Yi turned around and saw that it was the same annoying people again. He wasn't in the mood to deal with them. "Lord Lieutenant has summoned me. We'll talk about it later." He strode into the Spring Flower and Autumn Moon Tavern.
In Scenic Cloud Hall, Tang Henian was dressed in casual clothes after his bath. As soon as he stepped out of the bathroom, Kou Wenlan and Head Steward Shen Dingchen, who had been waiting outside, immediately came over. Obviously, they had something important to report.
"Only Yun Zhiqiu hasn't been released?" Tang Henian muttered as he stroked his beard. He furrowed his brows and pondered for a while, then suddenly chuckled. "I knew the matter with the Heavenly Palace wouldn't be over so easily. Let's go. They're done messing around, and everything is settled. It's time for us to make our appearance."
Kou Wenlan and Shen Dingchen looked at each other, then quickly followed.
Spring Flower and Autumn Moon Tavern, inside a lavish pavilion. As soon as Miao Yi saw Yu Zhongzhen, he cupped his fists and asked, "Lord Lieutenant, the matter has been resolved. May I know why you still haven't released Yun Zhiqiu?"
Yu Zhongzhen gave some instructions to his subordinates, then waved his hand to dismiss them. He then slowly walked up to Miao Yi with his hands behind his back. He stared at Miao Yi for a while, then sighed. "Niu Youde, even though this matter has been resolved, everyone knows the truth. You've caused such a huge mess. If we don't punish you, how can we appease the masses? So what if everyone tries to imitate you in the future? The higher-ups have already heard of your intentions. I'm afraid you won't be able to keep your position as head commander anymore. It's very likely that you'll be demoted by two ranks and demoted to Senior Commander. You must be mentally prepared. Since you've done such a thing, you must bear the consequences! Have the subordinates prepare themselves. We'll return to the Imperial Garden and await the outcome! "
Miao Yi cupped his fists again. "I'll accept whatever the higher-ups want to do. What I don't understand is why Yun Zhiqiu isn't released?"
Yu Zhongzhen calmly replied, "I didn't say she wouldn't be released! It's just that the concubines of the heavenly palace heard that the Glorious Cloud Pavilion's jewelry is quite good. Head Steward Shangguan then instructed Yun Zhiqiu to bring the jewelry to the heavenly palace. "
"…" Miao Yi was taken aback. So that was the reason. However, he was still a little worried. He didn't want Yun Zhiqiu to get dragged into the mess of the harem. He replied, "Yun Zhiqiu has never seen such a scene before. I'm afraid she might offend the concubines. Why don't I discuss this with Yun Zhiqiu first? I'll just bring the jewelry along."
Yu Zhongzhen replied, "There's no need. Head Steward Shangguan has specifically requested for Yun Zhiqiu to go personally."
'What's going on?' Miao Yi was shocked. "Why must Yun Zhiqiu go personally?"
Yu Zhongzhen scoffed. "Niu Youde, are you really that stupid, or are you just pretending? Don't think the higher-ups don't know why the Four Heavenly Kings' trusted aide is here. Do you think the four families will let Yun Zhiqiu off so easily? The higher-ups are worried that the four families will use Yun Zhiqiu to force you to submit. Do you think you can stop them with your current strength? Head Steward Shangguan is doing this out of goodwill. The concubines aren't interested in the jewelry. Their real motive is to find an excuse to protect Yun Zhiqiu and allow you two to be together. Do you understand now? "
'So that's how it is!' Miao Yi breathed a sigh of relief. However, his brows furrowed again. Yun Zhiqiu couldn't possibly stay in the heavenly palace forever. Even if she could, the Four Heavenly Kings' influence had long since reached into the harem. Even if Yun Zhiqiu's safety could be guaranteed by staying in the heavenly palace, she would still be a hostage in the hands of the Heavenly Court. Once his secret was exposed, Yun Zhiqiu would be the first to suffer.
"I know what you're worried about. Don't worry. Head Steward Shangguan has no problem protecting someone in the heavenly palace. Even the Heavenly Empress has to respect the Head Steward. Who would dare to touch someone protected by Head Steward Shangguan? Unless they're tired of living and don't want to stay in the heavenly palace anymore. So, you don't have to worry too much!" Yu Zhongzhen patted Miao Yi's shoulder and said, "It's not safe for you to stay here either. The four families won't let you go. They will find an opening to attack you. Immediately gather your men and return to the imperial garden. With me as your shield, I doubt they will have the guts to do anything! Do it now. Don't delay any further! "
"Understood!" Miao Yi slowly nodded. He took out the Star Bell and ordered Mu Yulian to gather her men and return.
Soon enough, all the guards in Nine Rings of Star Sky Street were gathered together. Under the escort of the guards, Yun Zhiqiu also went to the Glorious Cloud Pavilion to retrieve quite a number of accessories. After that, she met up with Miao Yi at the Spring Flower and Autumn Moon Tavern.
After receiving the news, Gou Yue, Zuo 'er, and Duan Hong all revealed themselves after disguising themselves. They met up at the tavern opposite the Spring Flower and Autumn Moon Tavern at the same time. They stood by the window and watched as Miao Yi blended into the crowd of guards and exited the tavern.
They tried to send someone to get close to Miao Yi several times, but to no avail. Yu Zhongzhen stopped them all. Her reason was that the guards wanted to take Niu Youde back to be interrogated by the guards. The incident in the Yuding Domain was over, but the matter of killing the guards in Heaven Street was not over yet.
No matter how bold the three families were, they still wouldn't dare to snatch Miao Yi from Yu Zhongzhen's hands. Yu Zhongzhen had left them at a loss for what to do. The Sky Palace's advantage was not something the other families could compete with.
"Where's Tang Henian?" Zuo 'er suddenly realized something and asked around.
The three families exchanged glances and finally noticed that something was amiss. The Kou Clan had been a little too quiet the entire time.
Outside the city, the guards had just left the city and were in mid-air when a few figures suddenly rushed over. Finally, Tang Henian appeared and stopped the advancing army.
Yu Zhongzhen waved her hand to stop the army. She stared at them warily and barked, "What are you trying to do?"
Unexpectedly, Tang Henian slowly bowed to Yun Zhiqiu in the crowd and respectfully said, "This old servant greets the Young Miss!" His voice rumbled.
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