After the court meeting was dismissed, Qing Zhu led a few of his close officials out of the rear hall. He stopped halfway and turned around to look at them. He slowly said, "Sima, tell them about the unusual movements of the southern army."
"Yes!" Sima Wentian immediately told them about Niu Youde's capture of Wen Ze and the others, as well as the urgent movements of the southern troops.
They were deep in thought. Lord Qing said, "The Left Division only found out that the southern troops were ordered by the Xiahou family. Xiahou Ling did not attend the meeting today. What do you think?"
Wu Qu said, "It might be a little strange."
Gao Guan said, "It's hard to say."
Lord Qing looked at Shangguan Qing. "It's about time. Have Chengyu ask about Wen Ze and the others' capture. See if Niu Youde knows anything."
"Yes!" Shangguan Qing replied.
Shangguan Qing came to visit Heaven's Valley Palace. Xiahou Chengyu was shocked to hear about it. "Niu Youde captured the people His Majesty sent to the Netherworld Governor's Office?"
Shangguan Qing nodded slightly.
"Is he trying to rebel?" Xiahou Chengyu said hatefully.
She hated him not just verbally, but in her heart as well. How could she not understand that she had been used by Niu Youde? Niu Youde had his own troops and was no longer someone she could command. She wanted to test him and spread the news that she wanted to transfer Miao Yi to Celestial Avenue, but the big shots of the Celestial Court did not agree. They were worried that Miao Yi would cause trouble in Celestial Avenue again. Even the Xiahou family refused, and Hao Defang's faction supported her. Miao Yi hinted to her that if he left the Netherworld Governor's Office and his subordinates caused trouble, she would have to face the consequences.
Only now did she realize that at Miao Yi's level, he had already grown too powerful. Even the slightest move could affect the entire situation. Too many people's interests were implicated, so he wasn't someone she could simply touch as she pleased. Even Qing Zhu had warned her not to act recklessly.
However, she didn't dare to fall out with Miao Yi. Miao Yi still publicly announced that he was still working for the Heavenly Night Palace and that he had never stopped sending her money. If there was anything she wanted, Miao Yi would do it for her. He was still respectful to her son, Yuan Venerate Qing. At least to outsiders, Miao Yi still expressed his support for her. If she forced Miao Yi to fall out with her, then she would truly be humiliated. She would probably become the laughing stock of the harem.
Shangguan Qing naturally understood her hatred. In fact, His Majesty was also well aware of it. He was also very angry with Niu Youde. However, His Majesty naturally had his own considerations. Why did he split Ying Jiuguang's forces into two? They wanted to gradually disintegrate the big forces of the world, one by one, and cut them into small forces. When the time came, the Heavenly Palace would be the biggest force, and it would be easier to control them. The world was only so big, and so were the benefits. Niu Youde had risen, but it was not a long-term solution for so many of his subordinates to be trapped in the Netherworld. Sooner or later, there would be conflicts with other forces. His Majesty could not wait for those people to fight, and then he would take the opportunity to strike!
At the same time, His Majesty also wanted Xiahou Chengyu to see that the Xiahou Clan could not be trusted, nor could a foreign official like Niu Youde.
"I don't think so. He doesn't have that ability yet." Shangguan Qing said lightly.
Xiahou Chengyu suppressed the resentment in his heart, took out the Star Bell, and contacted Niu Youde. He asked if Wen Ze and the others had been arrested, and why.
Miao Yi casually gave an excuse, saying that Cao Man had reported Wen Ze and the others for robbery. He did not arrest Wen Ze and the others, but only put on a show for Cao Man. He did not mistreat Wen Ze and the others at all, and did not even interrogate them. They were living well in prison, with good wine and good food every day. He guaranteed that they would be released soon.
After Xiahou Chengyu passed on this reason to Shangguan Qing, Shangguan Qing was also speechless. When faced with this reason, it was hard to investigate.
If it were anyone else, such an explanation would not work. However, Miao Yi now had the confidence to resist. In the past, he would never have dared to say such things.
King Hao Tian's Manor. The master and servant were pacing between the pavilions.
"Xiahou Ling did not attend court?" Hao Defang muttered, pondering.
Su Yun said, "Guarding the mausoleum must be an excuse."
Hao Defang narrowed her eyes. "Last time, the Xiahou Clan said they encountered bandits and asked for help. What happened? Could it be related to this?"
Su Yun shook her head. "There's no way to verify it from the Xiahou Clan. They won't tell the truth anyway."
Mao Road Marshal's Manor. After returning from court, Pang Guan went straight to the study and sat behind the long table.
Chen Huaijiu placed a cup of tea in front of him. Noticing the strange expression on his face, he asked, "Master, did something happen in court?"
"Xiahou Ling did not attend court …" Pang Guan explained the situation in court.
Chen Huaijiu nodded. "Looks like something really did happen. If Cao Man and Xiahou Ling were just acting in a roundabout way to deal with Master, then it would not make sense. Xiahou Ling is probably dead!"
"This Marshal is not qualified to cause trouble for the Xiahou Clan!" Pang Guan knew his limits. With one hand on the teacup, he seemed to have made up his mind. He asked, "Have you sorted out the situation below?"
Chen Huaijiu took out a jade archive and presented it with both hands. "I have listed all the people that Hao Defang might have planted."
Pang Guan took it but did not look at it in detail. He put it aside, his eyes flickering.
Chen Huaijiu asked tentatively, "Master, have you really made up your mind to make a move?"
Pang Guan looked up. "If you miss this opportunity, I'm afraid there won't be another one like this in the future. Do you think it's inappropriate?"
Chen Huaijiu said, "No. This old servant just wants to remind Master that once you do this, there's no turning back. It's either succeed or die trying!"
"Of course, I understand that!" Pang Guan nodded. Then, he leaned back in his chair and sighed. "If we fight them head-on, our chances of success are slim. So, the biggest problem is Hao Defang. As long as we get rid of Hao Defang, we'll be halfway to success. The southern army will be in chaos. Hao Defang's subordinates will lose their backbone. Who will obey whom? Without a leader, it will be difficult to organize an effective attack. With Niu Youde's troops in the netherworld and the help of the Xiahou family, we can succeed! Hao Defang's base has a strong army, and it's not realistic to attack directly. We have to think of a way to lure Hao Defang out of his base. Once he comes out, he won't be able to bring all of his troops with him. Only then will we have a chance to strike. But Hao Defang is not to be trifled with. If we use unusual methods to lure him, I'm afraid it will arouse his suspicion. "
Chen Huaijiu pondered for a while. "It's not impossible to lure him out. This old servant has thought of a plan these days, but I'm not sure if I should say it."
Pang Guan looked up. "There's no need to be like this between us. Just say it!"
Chen Huaijiu seemed to find it difficult to say. Finally, he reminded him of a name. "Wang Lao!"
"Wang Lao?" Pang Guan frowned. This person was one of his generals, but he used to be Hao Defang's bodyguard. After Pang Guan was promoted to Marshal, Hao Defang placed him under his command. Everyone knew that he was there to keep an eye on Pang Guan.
And this Wang Lao was an orphan adopted by Hao Defang in the early years. He was Hao Defang's confidant and had been brought up as a bodyguard by Hao Defang. Wang Lao's marriage and children were all arranged by Hao Defang. He was loyal to Hao Defang. Later, his wife died in battle and he didn't remarry for many years. What's more, he fell in love with his daughter, Pang Yuniang. The reason was that Pang Yuniang looked a little like his dead wife.
Damn it, you're the same age as me. We called each other brothers in the early years. Your son is already so old, and you still want to marry my daughter. I, Pang Guan, don't need to curry favor with you. Is there a need for that? If that's all, it's fine. But that guy is loyal to Hao Defang. You're loyal to Hao Defang, keeping an eye on me, and still want to marry my daughter. Is there such a good thing? So even if Hao Defang had mentioned it, Pang Guan had rejected it.
But that bastard Wang Lao's intentions were clear. He had said some nonsense and was also Hao Defang's confidant. Who would fight with Wang Lao for a woman? So Pang Yuniang couldn't get married for so many years. It wasn't that she couldn't get married, but no one dared to marry her.
Pang Guan guessed that Niu Youde wanted Pang Xiaoxiao instead of Pang Yuniang for this reason.
Pang Guan asked suspiciously, "You mean to marry Yuniang to him?"
Since he had already made it clear, Chen Huaijiu didn't need to hide anymore. "If Miss Yuniang marries someone else, Hao Defang might not show up. But if she marries Wang Lao, even if it's to buy people's hearts, he will definitely show up personally to congratulate her! Once they leave their nest and enter the area under Master's absolute control, the advantage of both sides will be immediately reversed. It's a good opportunity to strike! "
Pang Guan thought for a while and finally shook his head and waved his hands. "No, no! I didn't agree for so many years. If I suddenly agree to let Yuniang marry him, Hao Defang will definitely be suspicious! "
"What if it's because she has to marry him?" Chen Huaijiu pointed out. Then he changed his tone and whispered telepathically, "In half a month, the Unparalleled Splendid Association will be held. If Miss Yuniang goes, Wang Lao will definitely go …"
Pang Guan's eyes gradually brightened. He nodded slightly and stood up. After pacing around the study, he suddenly turned around and said, "You handle this matter. Don't let Madam know!"
Blue Island Star. In front of the carved railings on the cliff, the Demon Monk Nan Bo was like a stone statue.
He often closed his eyes and stood there motionlessly. Even the physical body he occupied had become much darker, as if he was feeling something.
In the blue sea under the cliff, a few huge figures were swimming underwater. Occasionally, they would cause huge waves and jump out, smashing into the water with their spines. They were the ferocious monsters of the sea.
Zuo Er carefully came behind Nan Bo and greeted him.
Nan Bo said lightly, "How's the progress?"
Zuo Er was a little nervous. "We are still trying to find a way to refine the treasure. However, there is progress on the Great Ensemble. There are not many people who can know the secrets of the Great Ensemble. Huangfu Liankong, the Clan Head of the Huangfu Clan, is definitely one of them. The other one might be Huangfu Liankong's son, Huangfu Yan. He has always been valued by Huangfu Liankong and has a lot of power in the Huangfu Clan …"
Nan Bo said, "You? Luo Huo Xin Ye Jia? Collapse? Plaque? Slack!
"Yes!" Zuo Er responded and said, "Recently, we have been setting up a trap for Huangfu Yan, but we haven't found a chance. However, the Unparalleled Splendid Association will be held in half a month. At that time, many influential people will attend the meeting. We will start from then and bribe one of Huangfu Yan's mistresses. Huangfu Yan promised to bring her to the Unparalleled Splendid Association to gain experience. At that time, we will find a chance to make our move!"
PS: Well, I have added more chapters. Can I get a monthly ticket?
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