After asking the guard who had escorted Xiahou Chengyu, he was even more certain.
From the guard's words, it was obvious that this was not a coincidence. Xiahou Chengyu had descended from the sky the moment he arrived, so it was clear that he had come for the Cold Palace. How did Xiahou Chengyu know that he would run into Zhan Ruyi at this time? It was very simple. Someone had figured out Zhan Ruyi's routine and knew that he would come out in the evening.
Zhan Ruyi's routine had been going on for many years. If Xiahou Chengyu had known, he would have come long ago. This showed that Xiahou Chengyu had not known for long.
There was no need to doubt Shangguan Qing's power in the Heavenly Palace. Shangguan Qing investigated and easily found out that Xiahou Chengyu and Concubine Li's actions were abnormal in Sunset Garden. Moreover, Concubine Li was present when the incident occurred.
When Wu Qu arrived, Sima Wentian briefly explained the situation to him.
Qing Zhu said in a low voice, "Immediately arrest Consort Li and investigate!"
"Yes!" Wu Qu cupped his hands and accepted the order.
The Heavenly Palace quickly responded. A group of guards rushed into Consort Li's courtyard, causing the maids inside to tremble in fear. They did not know what had happened, but they could tell that they had come with ill intentions.
When a general barged into the main hall, he found that Consort Li was already slumped over in her chair, her eyes wide open as if she had died with a grievance. Her face was green, and blood was flowing out of her orifices. Her two personal maids were also on the ground, showing the same symptoms.
The general reached out and found that the three were still warm. It was obvious that they had died not long ago.
The news quickly spread to the Cold Palace. Qing Zhu, who was in the main hall, suddenly turned around and swept his cold gaze across the people present. He said fiercely, "Poisoned to death?"
Wu Qu nodded. "Based on the initial situation, it is very likely that the three died at the hands of someone they knew and trusted. Otherwise, the servants outside would have known about it." As soon as he finished speaking, he took out the Star Bell. After making some calls, he said in a low voice, "In one of the rooms, we found a palace maid who died not long ago. From the medicine bottle in her hand, it seems that she committed suicide by poison, the same symptoms as Consort Li and the others. This palace maid was someone Consort Li usually trusted."
"It seems that someone cut off all the clues!" Qing Zhu chuckled coldly and said, "How interesting. Strange things are always happening in my harem. All of them don't take their lives seriously and commit suicide at the drop of a hat! If I remember correctly, this Consort Li is someone who can soar, right? "
Shangguan Qing nodded and said, "Yes, His Majesty has visited twice."
Qing Zhu's gaze swept across everyone's faces. "Is it Teng Fei's doing? What is his purpose! "
The few of them muttered to themselves. It was hard to say. Looking at it directly, it did seem like Teng Fei was behind it, but it was possible that someone else was framing Teng Fei. It was not uncommon for such things to happen in the harem, but the key was that there was no witness and no confession. Another problem was that Master Qing did not want to blow up the matter. If he really wanted to investigate the matter, Zhan Ruyi's departure from the Cold Palace and Xiahou Chengyu's actions would not be able to be concealed. More importantly, Master Qing was not willing to give up on Zhan Ruyi and would not let anyone question Zhan Ruyi.
Wu Qu slowly said, "If Teng Fei is behind it, then Teng Fei is probably planning to unify the eastern army's territory. Otherwise, there would be no reason for him to do something like this."
Sima Wentian pondered and said, "If that is the case, then what is the meaning of attacking the Heavenly Empress and Heavenly Consort? Could it be that he is trying to drive a wedge between His Majesty and His Highness's father and son relationship, creating trouble so that His Majesty will have no time to deal with them? But the Netherworld Army is under His Majesty's control, and His Highness does not have the ability to act rashly! "
Everyone's expression gradually turned serious. No matter what, if Teng Fei decided to make a move, then he must have enough confidence to gain the support of the other factions. Otherwise, he would not act rashly. Because of this suspicion, Qing Zhu, Shangguan Qing, and Sima Wentian subconsciously made eye contact. This would explain why Niu Youde suddenly left the Ancient Desolate Wasteland and did not return. Something big was about to happen, and Niu Youde had to come back to oversee it!
Qing Zhu gritted his teeth. If that was really the case, then Teng Fei had really ruined his plans.
But then again, if that was really the case, if it wasn't for the reason of Soaring Heaven, Niu Youde might not have left the Ancient Desolate Realm, and the people arranged by the other side might not have been able to find a chance to send the assassins in. Some things were really hard to predict.
Wu Qu still did not know about this matter, and he frowned in thought.
The hall fell silent for a long time before Qing Zhu sneered and said, "Regardless of whether Teng Fei is behind it or not, there is no harm in being prepared. The one who should be nervous is Cheng Taize. Inform Cheng Taize's side to make preparations and have him think of a way to deal with the other factions. The reason why I gave him control of the eastern army is so that he can balance the situation at the most crucial moment. The Right Overseer should gather another army and make preparations to reinforce Cheng Taize. If Teng Fei really wants to cause trouble, immediately make the first move with Cheng Taize! The Left Overseer Division should immediately make preparations to instigate Teng Fei's subordinates! As for the Western Paradise, we will inform Boss Fo to build up momentum and prepare to send out troops at any time to put pressure on these people with ill intentions! "
"Yes!" several people answered.
However, Wu Qu then reminded, "Your Majesty, if Teng Fei is acting against the Empress and Heavenly Consort, he will definitely have a reason. Could it be that Teng Fei wants to use the Empress to obtain the Xiahou Clan's support?"
"Immediately …" Qing Zhu stopped midway. He originally wanted to order people to cut off Xiahou Chengyu's connection to the outside world to prevent Xiahou Chengyu from instigating the Xiahou Clan. However, on second thought, if it really was Teng Fei's doing, then even cutting off Xiahou Chengyu's connection to the outside world would not be able to hide it from the Xiahou Clan. Teng Fei would definitely find a way to let the Xiahou Clan know, and the Xiahou Clan would definitely contact Xiahou Chengyu to clarify the situation. In the end, it would still be the same, so there was no need to make such an unnecessary move.
After a moment of silence, he said, "The Xiahou Clan is not a fool. Causing chaos in the world over such a small matter is not in their interest. Chengyu does not have that much influence over the Xiahou Clan. Shangguan, go and personally talk to Cao Man. Tell him that Chengyu has caused a ruckus in the Li Palace, and We are only giving him a light punishment. It won't be long before Chengyu's freedom is restored. We have no intention of making things difficult for the Xiahou Clan. You must remind Cao Man that he is not Xiahou Ta. If he causes chaos in the world, will he be able to resolve it? This should not be in his interest either. He also needs a stable time to manage the Xiahou Clan. Tell him our bottom line. We will not allow the divided eastern army to reunite. If the Xiahou Clan dares to act recklessly and force us into a dead end, the Xiahou Clan will not have an easy time either! "
Although Cao Man's name had been changed back to Xiahou Man, they were used to calling him Cao Man in private.
"Yes!" Shangguan Qing replied.
Wu Qu's heart skipped a beat when he heard this. Someone had made a move against Xiahou Chengyu and had already violated the Xiahou Clan's bottom line. Now that Qing Zhu had taken the initiative to talk to the Xiahou Clan, how could the Xiahou Clan not take the opportunity to make demands? The general who risked his life to protect Xiahou Chengyu was in trouble. He was afraid that he would be abandoned!
His thoughts turned quickly, and he was already prepared to secretly send the general away. Qing Zhu had his own considerations, but he also had to consider the morale of his subordinates. He had to protect the general, and some matters could be brushed off with a blur!
After making up his mind, Wu Qu reminded again, "No matter what, His Highness is still the nephew of the Xiahou Clan. Your Majesty, you must be careful if someone with ulterior motives causes trouble!"
Although he didn't say it clearly, everyone understood that the Xiahou Clan was pushing Qing Zhu and Yuan Venerate Qing out. The possibility of this happening wasn't high, as Yuan Venerate Qing was too weak. It would be too costly for the Xiahou Clan to push him out alone. Currently, it was unlikely that the Xiahou Clan would try to replace Yuan Venerate Qing. However, they were afraid of how much influence Xiahou Chengyu would have on Yuan Venerate Qing after this incident. Everyone knew that Qing Zhu's relationship with his son wasn't as good as Xiahou Chengyu's. His mother had been humiliated! How could he not hate Zhan Ruyi?
Shangguan Qing and the others knew very well that the root cause was Zhan Ruyi. As long as His Majesty hardened his heart and killed Zhan Ruyi, Xiahou Chengyu's anger would definitely dissipate. Instead, he would be happy and there wouldn't be any trouble. However, could His Majesty do that?
No one knew how conflicted Qing Zhu was. He pursed his lips and finally said, "If Tengfei really starts something, the Southern Army will probably send reinforcements. Once the Southern Army makes a move, immediately send the Netherworld Army to restrain Niu Youde … Get Wang Dingchao to keep an eye on him. If Yuan Venerate Qing has any other ideas, immediately strip him of his military authority and temporarily control him. Then, find a suitable place for him to train. When that time comes, Wang Dingchao can take over the position of Netherworld Governor and listen to your orders!"
The few of them sighed in their hearts. His Majesty still wanted to protect Zhan Ruyi. He would rather cause a rift between the family and control his own son than sacrifice Zhan Ruyi. They really didn't know what was so good about Zhan Ruyi. What else could they say …
In the Heaven's Palace, Xiahou Chengyu, who was filled with grief and indignation, immediately contacted Cao Man and explained the situation. At the same time, he asked if the Xiahou Family knew about this matter.
Actually, Cao Man already knew what had happened. E Mei had also reported to him afterward, but Cao Man pretended to be ignorant and said that he didn't know about this matter.
Xiahou Chengyu didn't care whether Cao Man knew or not. He only asked Cao Man to stand up for him.
Cao Man: Don't worry. Our family will not let off anyone who dares to touch you. We will definitely give you an explanation!
Xiahou Chengyu: What about that b * tch? Third Uncle, that b * tch left the Cold Palace and violated the laws of heaven. We will mobilize the court officials to force His Majesty to execute her!
Cao Man: You don't have to worry about this matter. I have my own plans!
Xiahou Chengyu: Third Uncle, that b * tch intends to give birth to His Majesty's child. This will affect the position of a Yuan Venerate. We can't let her off!
Cao Man: I don't need you to remind me. I have my own plans!
He was also angry. He didn't understand what Xiahou Tuo was thinking and what he was up to. Thus, his reply was a little harsh.
After ending the call, Xiahou Chengyu's shoulders trembled as she wept. She leaned her forehead against a pillar and shook her head as tears streamed down her face. She didn't believe that the Xiahou Family didn't know about this news if even Empress Li knew about it. This was clearly a lie! What made her even sadder was that it was fine for that b * tch to violate the laws of heaven. On the other hand, she, the Empress, had been offended by her subordinates and had been placed under house arrest. In her opinion, Qing Zhu was too heartless! Too heartless!
"House arrest … house arrest … haha …" Xiahou Chengyu hugged the pillar, tears streaming down his face. He was crying and laughing at the same time. Qing Zhu treated him like this, without the slightest consideration for his son's feelings. As a mother, she had no status in the palace, and it would affect her son's future. She felt that she was useless as a mother and had let down her son.
The palace maids were chased away by her, and no one dared to approach.
Heartbroken and desperate, Xiahou Chengyu took out her Star Bell and contacted Yuan Venerate Qing. "Zun 'er, I'm useless. I've let you down. Remember, it's better to rely on yourself than on others. You have to work hard!"
Yuan Venerate Qing was shocked and hurriedly asked, "Mother, what happened?"
Xiahou Chengyu immediately explained what had happened. Of course, it was based on her own thoughts and feelings.
Yuan Venerate Qing was already very sensitive when he heard that Zhan Ruyi might give birth to a son for Qing Zhu and replace him. He then heard that his mother had been humiliated and bullied by her subordinates. Qing Zhu had actually put his mother under house arrest.
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