It was merely to verify how much credit the evidence Xiao Changqing gave to Pei Zhan could yield.
"Your Highness, what merit did you present to my grandfather?" Shen Xihe believed that at this point, the Youning Emperor could directly promote Tao Zhuanxian.
"Four years ago, during the battle between Annan and Wenshan Kingdom, Annan suffered consecutive defeats. It was because Wenshan Kingdom discovered a shortcut, secretly transporting elite troops inside, catching them completely off guard." Since it was his doing, he naturally wouldn't keep her in the dark. "Later, local officials, unwilling to bear responsibility, tried to shift the blame onto the Pei family army. Xiao Ba managed to recapture the cities and secure Annan partly because the reason how Wenshan's troops had infiltrated so silently back then remained undiscovered."
Many speculated there must be a secret passage that allowed the sudden appearance of a secret army, though the truth had never been uncovered all these years.
"Your Highness knows how they infiltrated and presented this information to His Majesty through my grandfather." If that were the case, the Youning Emperor would have no choice but to reward Tao Zhuanxian heavily, as this resolved a major concern for His Majesty.
"Now the Xue family exists in name only, while the Cui family dominates alone. His Majesty has decided to promote Xue Cheng to Minister of War. Although Imperial Censor Tao is Youyou's grandfather, in His Majesty's eyes, I am a man with not long to live. Moreover, I haven't established any power within the court over the years. Having an additional Grand Secretary's maternal family can also enhance the Crown Prince's prestige upon his marriage—His Majesty isn't wary of this." Xiao Huayong stood with his hands behind his back, apricot blossoms stretching naturally above his head. Under the vast, clear sky, his calm demeanor suggested he held the universe in his grasp.
Xiao Huayong wouldn't live many more years, and the Tao family had little foundation. Even if they did gain influence over the next few years, without Xiao Huayong, it would be futile.
Promoting Tao Zhuanxian would also create the illusion that His Majesty was safeguarding the Crown Prince's status and authority, making these people focus on him—which was better than having His Majesty watch alone.
The Youning Emperor's control over the court ran far deeper than anyone imagined. Over the years, Xiao Huayong had remained inactive precisely to make His Majesty believe he stood isolated and helpless, with neither ministers nor brothers by his side. It was precisely because of this that Tao Zhuanxian's promotion based on merit now came easily.
Shen Xihe was grateful to Xiao Huayong for his scheming on her behalf, but expressing too much thanks displeased him. She stayed at the Eastern Palace for a long time, originally planning to leave after the evening meal. Unexpectedly, Xiao Huayong proactively said, "There's a restaurant outside the palace. Today, I'll take Youyou to try it."
They left the palace and arrived at the restaurant Xiao Huayong had reserved in advance. The owner was a beautiful woman, and the cuisine turned out to be floral delicacies.
Each dish incorporated a type of flower as an ingredient—elegant and delicious—attracting a continuous stream of customers.
Shen Xihe found it novel and ate quite a bit. After the meal, they walked back to the Princess Manor from the Flower Cuisine Pavilion under the glow of the setting sun.
"Would Your Highness like to have a cup of tea before returning to the palace?" Shen Xihe rarely invited Xiao Huayong.
Xiao Huayong was quite tempted, but he glanced at the sky—he still had matters to attend to. "Not convenient today, but I'll remember Youyou's invitation this time. I'll collect on it another day."
With that, he smiled at Shen Xihe, turned, and walked straight away.
Shen Xihe, who had inexplicably incurred a promised engagement:
Hongyu couldn't help but laugh aloud. Shen Xihe shot her a glance: "What are you laughing at?"
Knowing Shen Xihe wasn't angry, Hongyu said, "This servant recalled what Sister Zhenzhu said about the day the Princess dealt with Worldly Son Bu at the teahouse."
Shen Xihe thought about it and couldn't help smiling too. Back then, hadn't Bu Shulin also inexplicably owed her favors and even a life debt?Thinking it over, she and Xiao Huayong actually shared some similarities in their occasional approaches to handling matters.
Xue Heng's resignation from office was like dangling a piece of fatty meat in front of everyone—something all coveted. Naturally, no one continued to fixate on Xue Hui. Apart from Xiao Changqing, no one harbored discontent, including the Pei family. After uncovering how the troops from Wenshan Kingdom had infiltrated years ago, their focus shifted away from Xue Hui.
"Brother, let's drop this matter for now," Xiao Changying urged upon learning of Xiao Changqing's plan to assassinate Xue Hui, rushing to stop him.
If someone were assassinated right after His Majesty had released them, it would be a direct insult to His Majesty. Moreover, Xiao Changqing intended to frame His Majesty, making everyone believe he was a hypocrite who acted one way in public and another in private—just after gaining Xue Heng's official position, only to turn around and have him assassinated.
"Drop it? Absolutely impossible." For Xiao Changqing, the Gu family was a forbidden topic. Since Xue Hui dared to bring it up, he must pay a painful price, lest any random person in the future dare to use the Gu family as a pretext. She and her family were already dead—why couldn't these people let them rest in peace?
"Brother, the Crown Prince met privately with Xue Heng, which led to Xue Heng retiring early to protect Xue Hui. This means the Crown Prince doesn't want Xue Hui dead. If you kill Xue Hui now, you'll offend not only His Majesty but also the Crown Prince," Xiao Changying pleaded earnestly.
They might handle one side with ease, but if they offended both the Crown Prince and His Majesty, they would be caught between two fronts.
"Don't worry, I'll handle it—"
"Your Highness, the Crown Prince has arrived," the steward of Prince Xin's Residence reported before Xiao Changqing could finish.
The two brothers exchanged a glance and hurried out to respectfully welcome him.
After the formal greetings, Xiao Huayong got straight to the point: "Xue Hui—I will not allow him to die."
"The Crown Prince is rather domineering," Xiao Changqing retorted coldly.
"I am indeed this domineering. What can you do about it?" Xiao Huayong glanced at him indifferently. "The fact that I came personally to inform you is already a grace, sparing your dignity."
"Do you truly believe you have no vulnerabilities in my hands?" Xiao Changqing stood his ground.
"However many vulnerabilities you hold, feel free to expose them. Let's see if I can turn the tide," Xiao Huayong remained composed, his gaze steady and his tone heavy and deliberate. "I wonder what would happen if the Gu daughter were brought before His Majesty? Secretly replacing a death row inmate—Fifth Brother, you truly have audacity."
Xiao Changqing's eyes turned sharp and cold, glaring icily at Xiao Huayong.
Xiao Changying was also shocked, looking at Xiao Changqing in disbelief. After a moment, it made sense—his brother cared so deeply for his fifth sister-in-law. Back then, he could have avoided overseeing the execution but accepted without hesitation. He must have planned to swap the prisoner from the start.
"Where is she?" Xiao Changqing demanded coldly.
"One life for another. Will Fifth Brother make the exchange?" Xiao Huayong asked calmly.
It was more than just one life for another. If Gu Qingshu were brought before His Majesty, court officials would all condemn Xiao Changqing—a capital offense.
However, Xiao Huayong didn't want Xiao Changqing's life. Keeping him alive would be more interesting.
In the future, with Xiao Changqing to counterbalance His Majesty and others, Shen Xihe could reap the benefits and grow stronger while lying low.
After a long silence, Xiao Changqing finally spoke: "I request the Crown Prince to deliver her to the Consort of Prince Xin."
Xiao Huayong left Prince Xin's Residence with a satisfied smile.
"Brother, did you really replace the death row inmate?" Xiao Changying asked, both shocked and angry.What kind of leverage is this? Unless Gu Qingshu dies, this can never be concealed and will always leave one vulnerable to manipulation!
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