Not to mention Qing Zhu, even Shangguan Qing was shocked by Niu Youde's words. He realized that Niu Youde had always been a blabbermouth. Just think about who he had scolded for selling his daughter for glory. If it wasn't for Pojun's protection, Niu Youde would have almost been killed. Niu Youde was still as stubborn as ever! He had just said that he and His Majesty would never be on the same page, and now he said that His Majesty was no longer worthy of his loyalty. He was courting death!
"Did he really say that?" Qing Zhu stared into Sima Wentian's eyes with a solemn expression. He was a little suspicious of whether Niu Youde was really that stupid. Didn't he know what could be said and what couldn't be said in front of others?
Sima Wentian was stunned for a moment, but soon realized the problem with his words. It made Qing Zhu wonder if he was trying to trick Niu Youde. He didn't know whether to laugh or cry. Was a mere Niu Youde worth his time and effort to kick him when he was down? He had no grudge with Niu Youde. He hurriedly explained, "He did say that, but it was a private warning to his woman. The spy from the Left Division has now gained Niu Youde's complete trust."
"Hmph …" Qing Zhu let out a cold laugh before falling silent.
Shangguan Qing and Sima Wentian were observing Qing Zhu's expression, but after a long while, Qing Zhu didn't say anything else. Instead, his gaze shifted from time to time.
In the end, Qing Zhu didn't say anything. Instead, after a long silence, Qing Zhu slowly said, "The spy from the Left Division was well placed. That spy is not bad. You can reward her handsomely."
"Yes!" Sima Wentian acknowledged, but he was grumbling in his heart. The Left Division had done so many great things, yet they didn't receive any praise. Niu Youde's spy reported such a small matter, yet His Majesty actually praised her and even personally asked for a handsomely reward.
He glanced at Shangguan Qing's reaction. He didn't know what had happened just now. He was a little confused. Could something have happened on Niu Youde's side?
Alas, he couldn't ask Shangguan Qing in front of Qing Zhu.
Who would have thought that this wasn't the end. Qing Zhu continued, "The Left Division must protect the spy's identity with all your might. Don't let her be exposed. I have other uses for her in the future."
What was going on? Sima Wentian was even more confused, but he still replied respectfully, "Yes!"
Qing Zhu didn't explain much and waved his hand to dismiss him. After thinking for a while, he slowly got up and walked to the railing with his hands clasped behind his back, looking at the distant palace.
"Yuan Venerate, this kid looks like an adult, but he's still very tender." Qing Zhu sighed softly.
There was no one else here, so he was naturally talking to himself. Shangguan Qing stepped forward and chuckled. "Your Highness is actually not young anymore. Compared to your peers, you are considered to be a rare calmness."
Qing Zhu shook his head slightly. "His so-called composure was forced out of him by his mother. Becoming my son is both his fortune and his misfortune. He still lacks experience. Can a Yuan Venerate handle the things that Niu Youde did at his age?"
Shangguan Qing hurriedly said, "His family background and experiences are different. It's understandable that there are some differences. After all, Your Highness is still young. You will naturally mature after a few more years."
Qing Zhu pointed at him. "Earlier, you said that Yuan Venerate is not young anymore. Now, you say that Yuan Venerate is still young. Even you are like this. This is the biggest difference between Yuan Venerate and Niu Youde. One is in good times, while the other is in bad times."
Qing Zhu didn't wait for Shangguan Qing to spout nonsense again. "Xiahou Tuo has just died, so it's inevitable that people will want to test Xiahou Ling's worth. What are the movements in the palace?"
Shangguan Qing pondered for a moment. "There are no big movements, but the concubines in the palace are more diligent in contacting the outside world."
"See that? That's my woman!" Qing Zhu sneered. "What's the news from House Xiahou?"
Shangguan Qing replied, "I don't see any movements for the time being, but many people have mysteriously disappeared."
"Mysteriously disappeared?" Qing Zhu turned around and asked, "Who?"
Shangguan Qing replied, "All of Xiahou Tuo's concubines have disappeared, except for a few who have children and have followed them. According to reports, when spies were investigating Xiahou Tuo's cenotaph, they found hundreds of female corpses. Although they didn't dig them up, they should be the concubines who had disappeared. They should have been buried with Xiahou Tuo. "
Qing Zhu nodded slightly. "This is reasonable. All of them were rare beauties, and there were so many of them. With Xiahou Tuo's status, the descendants couldn't control them too much. They couldn't bear the loneliness, so it was inevitable for them to do some dirty things. Xiahou Tuo was a wise man, so how could he be a laughing stock because of this? If I can't get through the gates of hell … "He paused and looked around at the buildings of various sizes in the majestic palace before saying coldly," My concubines will do the same! "
Shangguan Qing was a little shocked. The number of people who would be buried with him would be in the tens of thousands. However, he said fearfully, "Your Majesty will definitely be able to get through that!"
"Since you are using your beauty to entertain people, if the person is not here, who else is there?" Qing Zhu snorted coldly. He had no intention of dwelling on this and returned to the main topic. "Xiahou Tuo's prestige is still there. Although there are people who want to test Xiahou Ling's capabilities, they don't dare to act rashly. Then let me give a signal to give some people courage. Let's start with my harem!"
"Ah!" Shangguan Qing was shocked. Who else could it be from the Xiahou family besides the Empress? He hurriedly asked, "Your Majesty, how can His Highness look at his birth mother …"
Qing Zhu raised his hand to stop him. "That child should also encounter some setbacks. If I don't do something here, who would dare to touch him?"
Shangguan Qing suddenly realized that it was not Xiahou Chengyu but His Majesty's own son. "Your Majesty, isn't this a little too cruel to His Highness?"
Qing Zhu said expressionlessly, "I can still be merciful to him, but once it is someone else's turn to be cruel to him in the future, who will be merciful to him? An uncut jade is worthless! "
Shangguan Qing sighed lightly. "If His Highness hates His Majesty because of this, wouldn't it be self-defeating?"
Qing Zhu said, "Hate depends on whether he has the ability or not. As long as I am on the throne, he will have to endure no matter how much he hates me. If I disappear like Xiahou Tuo, then let him hate me. As long as he can live well … pass down my decree, summon the Heavenly Concubine Zhan Ruyi back to the palace!"
Shangguan Qing sighed inwardly. Xiahou Tuo's corpse was not even cold yet, and he was already summoning Zhan Ruyi back. It would be hard for some people not to have some improper thoughts. Some people would definitely use this to test Qing Zhu's attitude. However, Qing Zhu had already made the decision. He could only bow and accept the order. "Yes!"
After leaving Sunset Garden, Shangguan Qing was stopped by Sima Wentian who was guarding outside.
"What is the situation today?"
Sima Wentian was a little confused. If he didn't understand clearly, he was afraid that he would make a fool of himself. Naturally, he had to ask Shangguan Qing about it.
"What, what is the situation?"
"Why are you pretending to be confused? Is His Majesty really not going to punish Niu Youde?"
Shangguan Qing nodded, indicating that it was true. Then, he turned around and left. He still had something to do.
Sima Wentian grabbed his sleeve. "Today's matter is so senseless. Do you like to see me doing things in a muddle, or are you trying to trick me?"
"What are you talking about? Why would I cheat you?" Shangguan Qing tried to shake his sleeve but didn't get rid of it. Sima Wentian grabbed it tightly. Shangguan Qing finally realized that if he didn't give a clear answer today, Sima Wentian would definitely pester him endlessly. So, he said indifferently, "We are old and can't accompany His Highness forever."
Sima Wentian instantly understood and was a little surprised. He secretly sent a voice transmission: "Could it be that His Majesty is doing this for His Highness …"
Shangguan Qing nodded slightly with deep meaning.
Sima Wentian was bewildered. "But Niu Youde said such treasonous words and clearly showed that he wasn't willing to be loyal to His Majesty. How could His Majesty tolerate this?"
Shangguan Qing said, "He did say that he wasn't willing to be loyal to His Majesty, but he also said that His Highness was the only way out. He could only be loyal to His Highness in the entire world. He would listen to His Highness, and His Highness would listen to His Majesty!" After saying that, he flicked his sleeve away from Sima Wentian's grip and left.
At that moment, Sima Wentian finally understood why Lord Qing had asked him to protect that spy and why he had said that he would have other uses in the future. It turned out that he had been prepared for His Highness. He couldn't help but mutter to himself. "Nothing happened to him? He actually got lucky after saying such treasonous words. That lad's luck is really … Ha! "He shook his head and turned around to leave.
Yuan Venerate Qing, who had entered the palace, naturally came to visit his mother. Before he could leave, he saw Emei rushing in with the news that Lord Qing had summoned the Heavenly Consort Zhan Ruyi back to the palace.
Yuan Venerate Qing, who was sitting at the side with a teacup in his hand, was stunned. He had only seen the Heavenly Consort Zhan Ruyi at Yuan Qing, but he hadn't had any real contact with her.
Xiahou Chengyu's expression turned ugly as he asked, "Is this news confirmed?"
E Mei also said worriedly, "Your Ladyship, it can't be wrong. When Chief Steward Shangguan ordered someone to deliver the edict, a palace maid heard it from the side. It was His Majesty's edict. The person who delivered the edict has already set off."
Xiahou Chengyu's face turned pale as he stumbled back a few steps and sat down weakly. He said with grief and indignation, "His Majesty is so ruthless. Even if you dote on that slut, you have to consider the dignity of my mother and my son. My grandfather just passed away, and his corpse hasn't even gotten cold yet!" Then, he suddenly stood up. "Where is His Majesty? I want to see His Majesty!"
Emei stopped her. "Your Highness, His Majesty went to Imperial Consort Qin's place. I'm afraid His Majesty is in high spirits. If Your Highness goes and spoils His Majesty's mood, I'm afraid it will backfire. My family's opinion is that His Majesty must have thought this through. It's useless for Your Highness to go, as His Majesty might not even see you. If Your Highness makes a ruckus and doesn't even get to see His Majesty, you will become a laughing stock. My family's opinion is that Your Highness should wait and see before making a move. Stopping the Heavenly Consort from returning to the palace now will have no effect! "
It was obvious that she had already reported the situation to the Xiahou Family before she came to report.
Xiahou Chengyu bit his lip and remained silent, looking as if he had lost his soul.
Yuan Venerate Qing sat there with his lips pursed. He knew that once the woman his father doted on the most came, even his mother would have to be wary. The situation in the harem would immediately change, and with the other side having a backbone, the harem would no longer be under his mother's control. How would he deal with that woman?
"Let me have some peace and quiet!"
Everyone in the room, including Yuan Venerate Qing, was chased out by Xiahou Chengyu. When there was no one else left, Xiahou Chengyu immediately took out the star bell and contacted Miao Yi to ask for advice.
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