Without waiting for Jiang Ruan to open her mouth, Xuan Pei had already taken the initiative to speak, "Mu daren insisted on Mu Xirou entering the palace. Initially, I had met her once and promised her freedom. In any case, she had to enter the Palace, so I promised her that one day, when the Great Jin Dynasty changed dynasties, it would be the time for her to have her own life. "
"She believed you so easily?" Jiang Ruan was a little surprised. Xuan Pei's true strength was only gradually revealed after he had entered the palace. In the long days that had passed, in everyone's eyes, he was just an unfavoured and useless prince who did not even have the qualifications to fight for the throne. How could such a person win Mu Xirou's trust and even make Mu Xirou willingly become a chess piece?
"People always have weaknesses, and she is no exception." Xuan Pei said vaguely, "Since she is already destined to enter the palace, rather than being depressed for the rest of her life, it is better to use her life to fight for a future. Perhaps, she will also have a magnanimous freedom." Xuan Pei was talking about Mu Xirou, but in Jiang Ruan's ears, it sounded more like he was talking about himself. Jiang Ruan looked at the youth in front of her and sighed softly in her heart. She thought that she had protected Xuan Pei very well, but in reality, in the days when she and Xuan Pei had not known each other, Xuan Pei had already made too many preparations for this day. The hatred and forbearance had never left his heart for a single day, but she had actually neglected it.
Although she did not know how Xuan Pei had persuaded Mu Xirou to become a chess piece, he must have paid a great price. Jiang Ruan did not ask any further. Xuan Pei was no longer the child who needed her to plan everything. He was using his own way to protect her and pave the way for her.
"Good." Jiang Ruan said, "Now, I want you to give me one of the imperial edicts."
Xuan Pei was slightly startled, but did not refuse. Instead, he subconsciously asked, "What does Imperial Mother want the imperial edict for?" He did not specify which imperial edict it was, but both of them were well aware that it must be the imperial edict with Xiao Shao's name on it. Since Jiang Ruan had said that Xiao Shao would not fight for the throne, Xuan Pei believed that he really did not have such thoughts. But now, what did Jiang Ruan want the imperial edict for?
"It's not safe to leave the edict in the palace." Jiang Ruan shook her head and said, "Xiao Shao's identity is a secret. If news of this matter were to spread, I am afraid that the entire Great Jin dynasty would be thrown into chaos. At that time, even if you had the Emperor's imperial edict to bestow you the title of Crown Prince, I am afraid that it would not be able to convince the masses and would only give Xuan Li an opportunity to take advantage of. Now that Eunuch Li was killed, Xuan Li must have noticed that something was wrong. He had people everywhere in the palace, so it was not impossible for him to investigate Mu Xirou. I'm afraid that at that time, even you will be controlled by him. It's too unsafe to leave this imperial edict in the palace. I'll take it away and destroy it. "
"But …" Xuan Pei felt that something was strange, but he couldn't tell what it was. He was hesitating. He heard Jiang Ruan say, "It's not so easy to enter Jinying Wangfu. The Jinyi Guards are loyal and powerful compared to the palace guards. Moreover, if I take the imperial edict away, you only need to reveal a little information to Xuan Li. Or perhaps you don't need to reveal any information at all. Xuan Li's people will also know about this matter. In that case, he will point all his spears at Jinying Wangfu. On the contrary, the imperial edict in the palace will be safer. In this way, it will also buy you a lot of time. Xuan Li will also not have to watch you day in and day out. "
What she said was correct, but Xuan Pei did not know that Jiang Ruan had cleverly substituted herself for Jinying Wangfu. Indeed, Xuan Li might still lack some courage in dealing with Jinying Wangfu, and Xuan Pei was well aware of the strength of the Jinyi Guards. Even if Xuan Li wanted to make a move, he would have to carefully weigh the pros and cons. However, dealing with Jiang Ruan, especially when she had no protection, was much simpler.
Jiang Ruan did not give Xuan Pei the slightest chance to think clearly about the crucial moment and said, "Alright, take me to get the imperial edict now."
"Now?" Xuan Pei was somewhat astonished as to why Jiang Ruan was so anxious today. Feeling somewhat wronged, he said, "Does Imperial Mother not want to stay here for a while longer? After taking the imperial edict, we will have to leave the palace. "
"Today, there are still some things that need to be done," Jiang Ruan stroked his head, "Moreover, you have two imperial edicts here. Take advantage of the fact that it is not too late to bring them back. There have been some unforeseen events in the palace, so I have to return to the fu to think things through. As for you, Pei 'er, for the next few days, you must not act blindly without thinking. No matter what happens, just remember to let nature take its course. If there is any decision, remember to discuss it with Xiao Shao. Do not be rash. "
Xuan Pei curled his lips, "Why should I look for him?" Seeing Jiang Ruan's serious expression, he lightly coughed twice and said, "I understand. If there is anything, I will definitely think of a way to discuss it with him."
Jiang Ruan then smiled, "Alright, let's go."
Countless pairs of eyes in the palace were staring at the Southern Yuan. Under such circumstances, Xuan Pei was still able to control the direction of the current situation without batting an eyelid. On the surface, it seemed that Xuan Li had the upper hand, but in reality, the person who shared the Emperor's bed was someone Xuan Pei had arranged. Xuan Pei responded to the myriad of changes by remaining unchanged, which was the safest method. In this game of chess, whoever knew more had a greater chance of winning. Obviously, Xuan Li knew too little.
Mu Xirou was the clearest about where the Emperor had placed the imperial edict. Speaking of which, it was very ironic. Since ancient times, the Emperor had been the most suspicious. Towards Mu Xirou's coldness and the Emperor's displeasure, the Emperor instead thought that she was the most sincere. The older they got, the more they distrusted the people around them. Those gentle whispers, they were deeply afraid that they contained hidden arrows. Mu Xirou was out of place among them, and instead, she became the Emperor's most trusted person. The imperial edict was placed in Mu Xirou's hands. Mu Xirou did not interact with the inner palace or the previous court. No one would have thought that such an important thing as the imperial edict would be known by a woman.
In the end, Jiang Ruan still received the imperial edict under Xuan Pei's arrangements. In front of Xuan Pei and Mu Xirou, she unfolded the imperial edict without a care and roughly scanned it. Her heart was slightly at ease. Sure enough, Xiao Shao had been appointed as the Crown Prince. It even clearly stated that Xiao Shao was the son of Crown Prince Hong Xi. This imperial edict was as heavy as Mount Tai in her hands, but Xuan Pei did not care. It was only after Mu Xirou left that he hesitantly asked, "Imperial Mother, if we do this, will it bring trouble to Jinying Wangfu?"
He did not want to care about the life and death of Jinying Wangfu, but Jiang Ruan was now Jinying Wangfei. They were bound together for good or bad. If there were any problems with Jinying Wangfu, Jiang Ruan herself would also be implicated. Therefore, Xuan Pei had to compromise for the sake of Jinying Wangfu.
While he was thinking, Jiang Ruan had already tidied up the imperial edict and placed it in a wooden box together with some of the toys that the Empress Dowager had bestowed upon her. She got up and prepared to leave. Xuan Pei was startled. On one hand, he felt that it was a pity that Jiang Ruan did not stay for long before she left. On the other hand, he was surprised that she had placed the imperial edict so carelessly. Although he felt that Jiang Ruan's actions were already very prudent, Xuan Pei still felt somewhat uneasy and reminded her, "Imperial Mother, why don't you change the location of that thing? In this case, it would be rather …"
"Rest assured, the most dangerous place is also the safest place," Jiang Ruan smiled slightly, "If it is really done too covertly, on the contrary, it would be revealing that there are 300 taels of silver hidden here, and it would arouse people's suspicions for no reason. I am fine, so you do not need to send me off, lest people become suspicious. Nowadays, you must not make any mistakes, so it is better to be more cautious. "
Xuan Pei felt that Jiang Ruan was somewhat strange today, but he could not pinpoint what was strange. However, it had been a long time since Jiang Ruan had given him such detailed instructions. This made Xuan Pei feel that the current situation was more difficult than he had imagined. He ordered Ming Yue to send Jiang Ruan out of the palace, and Ming Yue did as she was told.
However, there were many eyes and ears in the palace, and on a daily basis, there were countless eyes staring at Nan Yuan. Today, when Jiang Ruan entered the palace, it aroused everyone's suspicions. When they saw that Jiang Ruan and Xuan Pei spoke for a long time before coming out, and when she went to visit the Emperor, she seemed to have seen Mu Xirou there as well. This made people puzzled no matter how they thought about it.
Xuan Li stood in the room, listening to his subordinate's report. His gaze was somewhat deep. Ever since the Emperor fell ill, he wanted to be a filial son. Of course, in order to make it more convenient for him to search for things around the Emperor, he did not return to his fu, but had been living in the palace, personally boiling water and decocting medicine for the Emperor. Those who did not know would really sigh at his filial piety. From time to time, there would be people in the court who would write memorials to sing praises of Xuan Li's filial piety. Xuan Li naturally did not mind that his reputation would spread far and wide. When serving the Emperor, he also tried his best to be perfect. He did not need to use any tricks in the medicine. Even Xia Qing could not do anything about the illness, so there was no need for him to do anything.
However, Xuan Li furrowed his brows tightly. Originally, he had thought that as long as the Emperor continued to sleep like this until he died, it would be the most perfect method. However, looking at it now, the Emperor's illness did not break out at the right time. Up until now, he still had not found that imperial edict. The Emperor had long written the imperial edict, and that imperial edict did not have his name on it. This was something he had long guessed. Later, he had confirmed this point from Eunuch Li's mouth. There was no one who knew a son better than a father, and there was no one who knew a father better than a son. Having been father and son with the Emperor for so many years, Xuan Li had already forgotten when he no longer saw the Emperor as a father, but as an opponent and a stumbling block. In all these years of fighting in secret, he had never been able to stand on the upper hand.
Xuan Li was very clear about the Emperor's secret care and protection for the Crown Prince. Because of this, he could not carry out a better plan. Sometimes, Xuan Li also did not understand. The Emperor clearly disliked the Crown Prince. The Crown Prince was incapable and without virtue, so why did the Emperor protect him and not let him give up that position? Anyone could see that the Emperor was keeping the Crown Prince because he temporarily did not want anyone to take that position. Who was he keeping the position of Crown Prince for? Xuan Li had always thought that among the princes of the Great Jin court, only he was the most qualified. But he also clearly felt that the Emperor admired him, praised him, always encouraged him, and treated him extremely well. But in his heart, he had never thought of letting him sit in that position.
Xuan Li did not understand, and then he was unwilling. Under the suppression of these emotions, he had already become incomparably twisted. In the struggles in the palace, he had eliminated every possible threat, but in the end, the Emperor still had no intention of making him the Crown Prince. He finally gave up the last shred of mercy in his heart and drugged the Emperor's food.
Since ancient times, regicide, patricide, and usurpation of the throne were not uncommon. Xuan Li was no longer the person who had been conflicted over this decision. He calmly believed that this was the right thing to do, that this was the best method. In this world, if you wanted something, you would snatch it, and you would fight for it. He had always been the most patient and outstanding hunter, and would definitely have the last laugh.
Unfortunately, halfway through, Xuan Pei had appeared.
From an incompetent and good-for-nothing prince to an opponent who could stand up to him as an equal, every time Xuan Li faced Xuan Pei, he would feel an uncontrollable anger and malice in his heart. In the beginning, in his heart, Xuan Pei was not even qualified to be an opponent. But now, the Emperor actually had the intention of making him the Crown Prince, and Xuan Pei had even obtained the support of Jinying Wang fu. How could Xuan Li feel good in his heart? If he could, he would have already hacked Xuan Pei into a thousand pieces.
Just now, his subordinate had come to report that Jiang Ruan and Xuan Pei had stayed for a long time, and he had some suspicions in his heart. When he heard that they had gone to see the Emperor together, and that Mu Xirou had also been there, a conjecture emerged in Xuan Li's heart.
In this world, the safest place to keep an imperial edict would undoubtedly be in Jinying Wang fu. Perhaps the civil and military officials would say that the imperial edict taken out from Jinying Wang fu was not convincing at all, because this was simply a house of rebels and traitors. But only Xuan Li knew that the Emperor had always trusted Xiao Shao a hundred and twenty percent, and that trust sometimes made him feel jealous. In the past, Xuan Li had even thought that the Emperor and Xiao Shao had some kind of blood relationship, but the spies that he had sent later had not found anything. Xuan Li clearly knew that the Emperor had never doubted Jinying Wang fu.
Therefore, that imperial edict could really be in Jinying Wang fu.
As long as he thought about it, Xuan Li could not help but feel a little irritated. If he knew where the imperial edict was, the next step would naturally be to snatch it back. But what kind of place was Jinying Wang fu? It was not a place that people could easily get close to.
The spy also said, "Just now, when Jinying Wang Fei entered the Southern Yuan, she also brought the Empress Dowager's reward."
Xuan Li's subordinate spies had always been proficient in this field, so naturally, they would not miss the slightest detail. Bringing the Empress Dowager's reward to the Southern Yuan was not a big deal, perhaps Jiang Ruan wanted to select some reward for Xuan Pei. But to mention this matter here, it seemed to have touched a chord in Xuan Li's heart. Could this be …. A way to conceal it?
Immediately, Xuan Li shook his head. How could it be? Even if someone really came to retrieve the imperial edict, Jiang Ruan should not have come alone. Xiao Shao would be more likely. How could she have come so carelessly and so brazenly?
But, what if this was her cover?
Xiao Shao and Xuan Pei did not have much interaction. If Xiao Shao came, perhaps it would be the real confirmation that the imperial edict was in Jinying Wang fu. In order to avoid such a thing from happening, Jiang Ruan had concealed the whereabouts of the imperial edict and made a risky move. She planned to come to the most dangerous place, which was also the safest place. So what?
Xuan Li's gaze was heavy, already immersed in his own thoughts. However, he did not know that his road to death had already been led by the nose by Jiang Ruan all the way here. Jiang Ruan knew his suspicious nature, so she had followed the weaknesses in his character to set up this trap. If he let Jiang Ruan go, Xuan Li would be anxious and fearful. If he caught Jiang Ruan, he feared that it would be like drawing water with a bamboo basket and exposing himself. Xuan Li was at a loss. After thinking for a long time, he finally seemed to have made up his mind. He clenched his fists and said, "Go, send a letter to Dan Zhen. Now, there is an opportunity in front of her. Capture Jiang Ruan and do not expose yourself."
The subordinate received the order and left. Only then did Xuan Li loosen his grip and stand with his hands behind his back. Looking at the clouds outside the palace walls, he slowly revealed a cold smile. So what if he could not act rashly? After all, there was still a good sword in front of him. Dan Zhen's hatred for Jiang Ruan was deep to the bone, and Qi Man had been lurking in the capital for many years and was proficient in the art of concealment. Using the hands of these two people to kill someone with a borrowed knife was the most suitable. Most importantly, they would definitely succeed.
Never underestimate a woman's jealousy.
….
On the carriage back to the fu, Lian Qiao and Lu Zhu sat on Jiang Ruan's right side, while Tian Zhu sat on Jiang Ruan's left. Perhaps Lian Qiao and Lu Zhu also felt the unusual atmosphere today. Although Jiang Ruan did not say anything, after following Jiang Ruan for so long, they could still catch some clues from Jiang Ruan's expression. At this moment, even Tian Zhu also showed a little nervous expression. Although Lu Zhu and Lian Qiao did not know what was going on, they also became nervous.
Fortunately, nothing happened along the way. Just when Lu Zhu and Lian Qiao began to feel a little relieved and were still chatting and laughing in the carriage, they suddenly heard a loud noise coming from outside. That noise was getting closer and closer, and Lian Qiao was startled. The coachman sitting in front was a newly recruited person of the fu. Although he was calm, there was a hint of panic in his words, "Young Madam, there's a dead person in front!"
The carriage suddenly jolted, and Lu Zhu cried out in alarm. She lifted the curtain of the carriage to take a look outside, and saw that the crowd seemed to have been scattered by something. It was a mess, as if there was something terrible chasing them from behind. When she took a closer look, there seemed to be some unusual people mixed among the ordinary people. These people were dressed the same as ordinary people, but they had long knives in their hands. They chopped at anyone they saw without any order, and whenever they caught a person, they would casually chop him down. Outside, there were wails of ghosts and howls of wolves. Many people had already fallen to the ground, and the blood slowly accumulated. It was a ghastly sight.
"Not good, Young Madam," Lu Zhu said in horror, "There are assassins outside, and they are randomly chopping people with knives."
The crowd fled in all directions, and the screams of knives piercing flesh could be heard vividly, causing one's heart to tremble. Jiang Ruan frowned. Tian Zhu had already pulled out her sword and stood in front of Jiang Ruan to protect her. At this time, she could not leave Jiang Ruan even half a step. Lian Qiao said, "Coachman, quickly go to the side, don't go that way."
It was obviously not rational to get off the carriage at this time. Who knew how many assassins were mixed in the crowd, and how many people had been cut in the throat when they were defenseless? It was safer in the carriage, as long as they were far away from the crowd. Lian Qiao was a little annoyed. Why didn't she remind Young Madam to bring more guards with her when she went out today? Now that there was only Tian Zhu, even if Tian Zhu was highly skilled in martial arts, she was still somewhat overwhelmed.
Just as she was thinking about this, she suddenly felt the carriage shake violently, and a clear streak of blood splattered on the curtain in front of the carriage. The carriage seemed to have suffered a violent collision, and it started to run forward crazily.
"Coachman! Coachman! "Lian Qiao used her hands to support Jiang Ruan so that she wouldn't be knocked into the ruts of the carriage, and shouted with all her might. However, there was no response for a long time. Then, she pulled the curtain open, and her heart instantly sank. The coachman had a curved knife stuck in his chest, and at this moment, half of his body was bent over the horse's back. Obviously, he was already dead. There was also a small dagger on the horse's back. The horse was in pain, and it started to gallop wildly, unable to stop for a while. The crowd in front of it would occasionally bump into the carriage, and the carriage would sway left and right from the collision, but it still ran forward with all its might, as if it would fall in the next moment, and be trampled into a pile of mud by the crowd.
Tian Zhu protected Jiang Ruan, but the carriage seemed to have suddenly collided with something hard. The horse neighed, and the entire carriage swung forward fiercely. Unexpectedly, the whole carriage was flung out.
"Ah — —" Dewdrop screamed. She was sitting at the outermost position, so she was directly flung out of the carriage. Jiang Ruan and Tianzhu Lian Qiao were dizzy from the fall and had just stopped when they heard Dewdrop's scream. She hurriedly pulled open the curtain of the carriage and looked outside. She saw that Dewdrop had indeed been flung into the crowd. She had been flung too quickly and directly fell to the ground. The chaotic crowd was screaming and fleeing. How could they look at their feet? One by one, they stepped over Dewdrop. Jiang Ruan's gaze focused, and she saw that one of the men, dressed in coarse hemp clothing, had already quietly pulled out a short knife from his waist and stabbed Dewdrop's back — —
"Dewdrop!" Lian Qiao also saw it, and suddenly cried out involuntarily. Dewdrop's back was unexpectedly stabbed, and it was so painful that she could hardly speak. That man was about to strike again, but Jiang Ruan had already made a prompt decision and instructed Tian Zhu, "Tian Zhu, quickly go and help Dewdrop!"
"Young Madam..." Tian Zhu was somewhat hesitant. It was not that she did not have feelings for Dewdrop. After such a long time of being together day and night, she had already regarded Dewdrop as a friend. However, the rule of the Embroidered Uniform Guard had always been to protect the master to the greatest extent. If she had to protect Dewdrop, who would protect Jiang Ruan and Lian Qiao, who did not know martial arts?
"Quickly go!" Jiang Ruan's tone became heavier. She saw Tian Zhu's hesitation and coldly ordered. Tian Zhu paused. Her master's orders could not be disobeyed, so she immediately ran towards Dewdrop without any hesitation. Dewdrop was watching the knife coming towards her chest, but no matter how hard she tried, she could not avoid it. Just as she was feeling extremely frightened, she saw Tian Zhu block the knife coming towards her chest with a long sword, and with a backhand, she stabbed the long sword into the man's throat. The man fell down. Dewdrop looked at Tian Zhu with lingering fear. Ignoring the faint pain of the wound on her back, she clenched her teeth and said, "Go, go and find Young Madam..."
Before she could finish speaking, she was stunned. She saw that in front of the already dilapidated carriage, Lian Qiao's body was lying on the ground, and there was a ghastly smear of fresh blood. She did not know whose it was, but no matter how she looked, there was no sign of Jiang Ruan.
"Oh no!" Tian Zhu said.
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