167 conspiracy
ers. "There wasn’t much to say."Forget about those dampening people, let's go and sit down to have some tea instead. I really envy Zhen'er; Prime Minister Qin never forces her to attend banquets she d...The Prime Consort of Prosperous Times Chapter 167: Conspiracy Daily Book Bar
In the Imperial Study Room...
Sitting on a high imperial throne, Mo Jingqi's expression was unpredictable and gloomy. After a long moment of deliberation, he finally spoke out, "Summon Duke Mu Yang to come see me immediately!" The eunuchs who served in the Imperial Study knew that the Emperor was not in good spirits at this time and dared not say much, quickly responding and leaving.
Duke Mu Yang arrived very swiftly. In fact, ever since his only beloved son had followed Princess of Ding Kingdom to the battlefield, he hadn't felt reassured once. Even news about Duke Nan's death due to a raid on his mansion failed to bring him peace. The Mu Yang Mansion was absolutely loyal to the Emperor, and it was precisely because of this that Mo Yang's mission with Princess of Ding Kingdom was fraught with danger. Although
he had received two letters assuring safety from Mo Yang during this period, how could they provide any real comfort With the northwest being thousands of miles away from the capital city, if anything were to happen, by the time the Emperor sent someone over, his son might have already decomposed. More importantly, Duke Mu Yang was well aware of the young Emperor's character—his suspicion and paranoia were unmatched in the world. Mo Yang had not reported any information detrimental to the Ding Kingdom Mansion these days, which utterly contradicted what the Emperor intended. By then, there would even be a possibility that the Emperor might suspect collusion between Mo Yang and the Ding Kingdom Mansion. Then... The Mu Nan Mansion could very well serve as a warning for the Mu Yang Mansion. Therefore, upon receiving the message from an eunuch, Duke Mu Yang only made brief preparations before rushing into the palace to see the Emperor without any delay.
"Your humble servant greets Your Majesty." Stepping into the Imperial Study and seeing the emperor's menacing expression that had not been concealed in time, Duke Mu Yang felt a chill run through him. He knelt down promptly and announced his presence with a loud voice.
The Emperor appeared quite pleased with Duke Mu Yang's respectfulness; his originally gloomy face softened somewhat. "Minister, you may rise." Mo Jingqi detested when officials had special privileges and treatments, such as the Ding Kingdom Mansion not having to kneel before him. He repeatedly cursed in his heart about the ancestral decree that allowed the Princes of Ding and their consorts to remain standing while addressing the Emperor. If they were all his subjects, why did they have such special treatment
Can the people in the王府actually not kneel For example, throughout history, old officials over seventy have been granted exemption from kneeling on the palace steps as a favor from the emperor. However, including Marshal Huaguo with his outstanding military achievements and all other senior ministers never received this honor. Mo Jingqi enjoyed having everyone kowtowing before him.
"Thank you, Your Majesty. May I ask what His Majesty summoned me for" Mu Yang Hou stood up respectfully to inquire. Mo Jingqi did not speak but stared intently at Mu Yang Hou in silence. Although Mu Yang Hou was anxious and worried, he dared not reveal any of it on his face; instead, his expression grew increasingly respectful. After a long while, Mo Jingqi asked solemnly: "Have you received a letter of peace from your son"
Mu Yang Hou quickly replied: "Yes, Your Majesty, I have received one. The most recent was half a month ago."
"Oh What did the letter say" Mo Jingqi asked indifferently.
“My son only reported that he is safe and mentioned in passing that Prince Ding has arrived in Xinyang to meet with Princess Consort Ding. I believe… it won’t be long before we reclaim the entire northwest.” Mu Yang Hou said, although Mo Jingqi knew what was written in the letter. Smiling at Mu Yang Hou who seemed a bit nervous, Mo Jingqi suddenly said: "Mu, there’s no need to worry. It has been so long since your son wrote two letters, and he doesn’t seem concerned about his father worrying back home. Do you know where Mu Yang is now"
Mu Yang Hou carefully replied: “Your Majesty… I don't know. My son left with the army and should be at the front of Prince Ding’s forces right now.”
Mo Jingqi snorted lightly, saying: "That's correct. Prince Ding is currently leading 500,000 troops from our family army in battle against the armies of Nanzhao, Xi Ling, and King Li within the pass. Your son is the vanguard commander." Mu Yang Hou’s heart skipped a beat as he looked at the emperor's face and pretended to be shocked: "Your Majesty… outside the pass… northwest…"
Mo Jingqi smiled and said: “Northwest Princess Consort Ding personally commands 200,000 troops in battle against Prince Zhen Nan. Currently... she has retreated to Hongzhou. Mu, take a look at this…” He pointed at several memorials on the imperial desk. After receiving thanks from Mu Yang Hou for passing them over, he looked and saw that they were requests to go to war sent by local garrisons near the northwest. Although there was intense fighting within the pass now, the orders received by these garrisons indeed instructed them to stay put and not move rashly. As a result, those generals could only watch as Prince Ding dealt with the combined forces of three sides while they were unable to act. Even though they dared not say anything out loud, anyone with any backbone would be somewhat dissatisfied with this secret order. Therefore, it was not entirely unexpected for these generals to request permission to exit the pass and reinforce Princess Consort Ding. However, the emperor clearly had different plans.
Frequently discontented. Mu Yang Hou斟酌著言辭道：“Your Majesty, the generals have a sincere patriotic heart. The northwest is still part of Greater Chu and Your Majesty's territory. This also shows their loyalty to Your Majesty.”
Mojingqi didn't really doubt the generals' loyalty. He looked at Mu Yang Hou and asked, "According to Minister Mu, who is more suitable to lead an army out now"
“This...” Clearly not expecting the emperor to agree so easily with reinforcing Princess Consort Ding's plan, Mu Yang Hou was momentarily taken aback and hurriedly replied, “Of course, Your Majesty makes wise decisions.” Mojingqi stared at him intently and said, "I need someone I can absolutely trust to do this." For some reason, Mu Yang Hou suddenly felt that something wasn't right. Facing Mojingqi’s gaze, he tried to maintain his composure and smiled weakly: “There are many ministers in the court who are loyal to Your Majesty, so why should Your Majesty worry about a lack of people I… am willing to lead an army out.” Mojingqi was satisfied with this response and said smilingly, "This is great. Minister, you may depart for the northwest tonight or leave early tomorrow morning. All troops from the two provinces nearest to the northwest are at your disposal." Mu Yang Hou forced a smile: “Thank you Your Majesty, I will not let Your Majesty down and will swear to drive away the enemies and restore peace to the northwest.”
Mojingqi's gaze turned cold and he said coolly, "I am pleased that Minister Mu is so dedicated. However... there is still one matter I need to instruct you on." Mu Yang Hou felt his heart racing faster. His instinct told him it would be better not to hear what the emperor had to say next but in fact, he could only bow even more respectfully and said: "Please give your instructions Your Majesty."
The voice in the hall dropped low. After a long while, an insignificant eunuch came out of the side chamber and cautiously glanced around to see if anyone was watching before quickly heading towards the palace of the empress.
Regardless of what was happening elsewhere, the battle for Hongzhou continued. Prince Zhen Nan seemed to finally lose patience with the current situation, launching uninterrupted strong attacks day after day and increasingly fierce night raids. The small-scale ambushes by Mo Family's army could not stop Xiling’s troops from advancing forward decisively and steadily. Thankfully, Mo Hua finally arrived in Hongzhou with his Shadow Guards, allowing Feng Zhiyao to finally breathe a sigh of relief. He had been on tenterhooks ever since the dark guards that protected Ye Li had been transferred elsewhere. With Prince Zhen Nan's increasingly intense attacks, it was clear that Hongzhou would soon fall.
"Princess Consort, please leave Hongzhou immediately," Mo Hua said in his usual expressionless manner, looking at the woman who was frantically writing on a desk before him. If one looked closely, one could see admiration and concern swirling in those dark eyes. The former Mo Hua had been somewhat unsatisfied with Ye Li's attempt to change the Shadow Guard system although he did understand her abilities to some extent. However, coming to Hongzhou, he discovered that this graceful and composed woman was still pregnant. He finally believed that Princess Consort Ding was a unique woman unlike any other in the world. And because of this, he must ensure her safety—both for his master’s sake as well as for future young Master Ding and simply out of concern for what could happen to such an extraordinary woman.
Ye Li nodded and said, "I know. I will leave here in three days." According to her calculations, Hongzhou City could hold out for at most three more days. After that, it would be the day when Xi Ling forces breached the city walls of Hongzhou—and also the day when they were utterly destroyed. A hint of ruthlessness flashed across Ye Li's eyes as she calmly put down her pen and ink. Mo Hua remained silent for a moment before saying, "There are Dark Guards who are adept at disguise; we could use one to impersonate the princess and remain in Hongzhou." Ye Li shook her head helplessly and said, "Do you think that would fool Prince of Zhongnan Mo Hua, don’t worry. I will have already left Hongzhou before then." Gently stroking her still flat abdomen with a look of melancholy in her eyes, Ye Li felt a sense of regret. In any case… for the sake of the unborn child, she could not put herself in danger… although she would much rather stay and fight alongside the soldiers of Mo Family Army to defend Hongzhou.
Seeing that Ye Li had stood up and turned towards the bookshelf behind her without further intention of speaking, Mo Hua realized there was no point in trying to persuade her. He could only leave with a sigh.
Beyond the northern gate on the road leading to Hongzhou City, several horses quietly grazed by a group of trees. Nearby, beside a small fire, Mo Xiya stood pensively, his handsome brows often furrowed in deep thought.
"Your Highness, an urgent letter from the capital!" Ah Jin walked over and hurriedly handed him a sealed red-wax missive. Mo Xiya’s eyes flashed as he accepted it, then opened it to read its contents, which caused his expression to change instantly. Standing beside him, Ah Jin involuntarily stepped back a pace; in all the years he had served by the prince's side, he could not remember seeing such a grim look on the prince’s face before. "Your Highness… has something happened in the capital"
After a long moment, Mo Xiya gritted his teeth and said, "Mo Jingqi!"
Ah Jin was startled; he wasn’t particularly clever and often had trouble understanding complex matters. Nevertheless, this did not prevent him from realizing that the relationship between His Majesty and their prince was actually quite different from what ordinary people thought it to be. Had the emperor done something again that angered their lord
Mo Xiya slowly crumpled the letter in his hand into a ball and then, with a slight exertion of strength, turned it instantly into powder which fell softly to the ground like a thin layer of pale dust. "Mo Jingqi… you’d better pray that Ah Li is unharmed! Ah Jin, take my token and head north at once; order our troops stationed there to reinforce Hongzhou immediately!" At this, Ah Jin was taken aback. “Your Highness… we only have five thousand men in the north now, for defending against Nu Rong…” Mo Xiya’s lips curled into a cold smile. "If even Mo Jingqi doesn’t care about them, what makes him think I will Send out orders immediately—reinforce Hongzhou!"
Ah Jin finally realized that his prince was serious and said in a solemn tone, “Ah Jin accepts the order; Ah Jin takes leave.” He took the token which Mo Xiya had thrown to him without hesitation and spurred his horse off at top speed.
Watching Ah Jin’s silhouette as it disappeared into the distance, Mo Xiya clenched his fists tightly. Slowly uttering words that chilled one's heart to the bone, he said, "Mo Jingqi… do you really think my tolerance is limitless If anything happens to Ah Li or Hongzhou City… I will make your life a living hell!; she shook her head with a smile, "It's just a scrape; it has already stopped bleeding. It heals faster this way.""Nonsense." Mo Xiuyao scolded softly and took out several small medicine bottles he c...