Chapter 196: Breaking the Stalemate
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“Given that all of you are in the capital, you should have a clearer understanding of what has happened than me and Shizi.”
In the room, there was a table with six chairs, perfectly fitting for them to sit. Qu Chenzhou sat at the table, casting a quick glance downward, then looked over at the next table.
“Is Shizi better now? Have you heard about the Empress Dowager’s matter?”
“Fine, fine,” Liu Zhongming’s face was still ashen, and he suppressed the pain as he replied calmly, “I returned to the capital yesterday and have already heard about it. During the Empress Dowager’s birthday celebration, Ning Wang attacked with a knife. Xi Gonggong personally witnessed it.”
He turned to the person on his right and asked, “Has the Emperor indicated that you should intervene?”
“No,” Ling He shook his head. “It’s a matter of the imperial family. The Dali Temple has no place to interfere. I accompanied the Emperor to meet Xi Gonggong once. Xi Gonggong insisted that they had just rested in the Longcui Courtyard not long before Ning Wang used the pretext of visiting the Empress Dowager to gain entry, catching them off guard, and they opened the door for him.”
“I heard Xi Gonggong was also injured,” Liu Zhongming asked, “How serious is the injury? How did the attack happen?”
“I’m not sure. Xi Gonggong swore to the Emperor that his words were true. He hanged himself that night, committing suicide by hanging. Initially, the Emperor didn’t ask for forensic examination of the injuries, but on the Empress Dowager’s side…”
Ling He turned to Rong Jiuan and gestured for him to continue.
“In the end, both sides can only compromise a little. Based on the results of Xi Gonggong’s autopsy, it’s indeed consistent that he was wounded by the blade in Ning Wang’s hand. The direction of the knife and the bloodstains on both sides match.”
“Tang Shizhong had nothing to say, so he wanted to meet Ning Wang, but the Emperor didn’t allow it.”
Ling He nodded. “If this case were handled by the Dali Temple, I wouldn’t allow it either. The Tang family has too many ways to manipulate things. If both sides coordinate their testimonies, it would mean the Empress Dowager died in vain.”
“How does Ling He see it?” Qu Chenzhou lightly tapped the armrest with his fingers. “Is Ning Wang really the culprit?”
“I’m not sure if he’s the culprit or not. But based on the forensic results, the knife was indeed in Ning Wang’s hand during the attack.”
“Isn’t that easily resolved?”
Bai Shiyan stood up, as if holding the hilt of a knife in his hand, and gestured to Fang Wuyang.
When Fang Wuyang approached, Bai Shiyan swiftly moved behind him, covering Fang Wuyang’s mouth with one hand and placing the knife in his other hand. He thrust forward once, and then reversed the motion, making a few stabs toward his own side.
Everyone understood what was happening. The height difference between these two individuals was similar to that between Xi Gonggong and Mu Jingzhao. Especially with Mu Jingzhao’s stunned state, the difference in strength was even more significant, leaving little room for resistance.
“Very well,” Qu Chenzhou agreed. “So, in other words, everyone actually agrees that instead of saying the Empress Dowager was murdered, it’s more accurate to say that she used Ning Wang’s hand to take her own life and framed him.”
No one refuted this statement. In fact, the speculation was partly what caused the conflicts in the previous imperial harem between Tang Shizhong and the Empress.
However, all the witnesses from the scene had already died, and Ning Wang’s testimony was empty words, insufficient to prove his innocence.
Out of habit, Ling He’s focus was on the case itself. “I can’t understand why the Empress Dowager did this. What was her motive?”
Liu Zhongming glanced at Qu Chenzhou and smiled ambiguously at Ling He. “Thinking too much is useless. If you could understand the intricacies of the harem, you wouldn’t be far from having your family wiped out.”
Ling He wisely closed his mouth.
Rong Jiuan leaned slightly toward him. “Brother, how about…”
“No need.”
Ling He understood what his younger brother wanted to say – suggesting that he leave first. This open and bloody manipulation used to be what he detested most.
However, the source of justice had already been distorted, leaving him with no choice but to counter absurdity with absurdity.
“I understand. The wicked have their own ways of dealing with the wicked.”
The “wicked” raised an attractive eyebrow, giving a faint smile. “Exactly. The wicked have their own ways of dealing with the wicked. The Emperor now appears undecided, but in reality, he has inclinations. He’s just missing a wicked person to relieve his worries.”
“What do you mean?” Bai Shiyan didn’t understand.
Liu Zhongming provided clarification for him: “There are numerous doubts in the case involving Ning Wang. If the Emperor genuinely wishes to clear his name, there are many angles he can investigate.”
At this point, Bai Shiyan also understood: “So, the Emperor doesn’t want to keep Ning Wang?!”
“It’s more than just not wanting to keep Ning Wang,” Qu Chenzhou replied. “Ning Wang has been spoiled to the point that the Emperor might have long given up on the idea of him succeeding the throne. However, he’s likely concerned about being blackmailed by the Tang family. Restricting Ning Wang to the palace this time is also a way to restrain the Tang family.”
Fang Wuyang had remained silent all along and now furrowed his brows, not understanding. “Restraining the Tang family? I don’t get your roundabout way of speaking, but from what you’re saying, does that mean that even if the Tang family regains control of Ning Wang, they wouldn’t dare to attempt anything treasonous?”
“Whether they dare or not is one thing, but the Emperor doesn’t want to push them into a corner where they’d go all out, revealing old skeletons in the closet,” Liu Zhongming explained, gradually sorting out his thoughts amid the analysis.
“Understood, he’s keeping the Tang family on their toes, expecting something from them. Shiyan.”
“Yes?”
“Have there been any movements in the Northern Bureau these days?”
“Yes,” Bai Shiyan responded promptly. “Half a month ago, the Emperor said he wanted to observe a martial demonstration at the Northern Bureau, so I ordered the Left and Right Dragon Cavalry units to be stationed at Guanshan Pavillion. However, the Emperor fell ill afterward, and the troops are still stationed there.”
Just after he finished speaking, he seemed to realize something. “Could it be that the Emperor is preparing for…”
Guanshan Pavillion was situated between the capital and Ten Li Pavillion. If there was any disturbance at Ten Li Pavillion, the Left and Right Dragon Cavalry would become deadly hidden troops.
This should have been a confidential matter within the military, not known to outsiders. If it weren’t connected to the current discussion, it wouldn’t have been so spine-chilling.
“It’s not just about guarding against them, but also about anticipating something,” Qu Chenzhou corrected him. “With only the suspicion of a heavily plotted assassination, even if it can cut off Ning Wang’s path to ascend, it’s not enough to thoroughly suppress the Tang family. The current situation is at a deadlock and requires a person…”
“This person, after being entrapped halfway by Qu Sitian, managed to survive, and is about to return to the capital,” Liu Zhongming smoothly added, “His merits were stolen, and he’s eager to gain recognition. If this matter succeeds, he’ll undoubtedly take a step further. For those who want to curry favor, they won’t forget to act early.”
Bai Shiyan was left dumbfounded, looking back and forth between his two little brothers sitting beside him.
“You… Have you two already coordinated this plan in advance?”
“No, I just met Shizi a moment ago,” Qu Chenzhou answered earnestly. “It’s just that the conversation led to this. This is the path that should be taken. If we want to break the deadlock, the Emperor is also waiting for such a person, and Shizi is the best choice.”
There was a moment of silence in the room.
No one refuted. They knew more about the situation than outsiders, and everything seemed to fall into place, but it was deeply unsettling.
Ling He seemed to want to leave but hesitated, deciding to sit back down.
“Shizi, if that day comes, will Little Highness also end up like this?”
“I can’t be completely certain about the future, but my sister won’t instruct Little Highness like this,” Liu Zhongming stood up solemnly, bowing to the others. “In the future, I will rely on all of you for your support. Overcompensating for a wrong will make things right. Liu Zhongming thanks you all in advance.”
Ling He remained silent for a moment before also returning the gesture.
The tense atmosphere from earlier finally eased.
Liu Zhongming sighed softly, “Now that Ning Wang and Huai Wang are still around, I won’t be overly arrogant. Please take care, everyone.”
“The most important thing right now is to prevent the Tang family from having a chance to turn the tables. Otherwise, it could tarnish the Emperor’s reputation and destabilize the foundation of the country.
“If everything goes well on my end, it might not just involve the Tang family’s matters later. If the Emperor…”
He paused for a moment.
“If the Emperor indeed has deep-seated grievances against the Tang family and intends to implicate them, Chenzhou and I will naturally find ways to avoid it. We will need your assistance.”
“Later, we will also consult with my father. While securing the throne is crucial and those who grovel for benefits must be rooted out, we must avoid implicating the innocent.”
“Whether the Emperor inquires from Jiuan or someone falls into the Dali Temple, please all gauge the situation.”
“Even though Huai Wang is restricted to his residence, he cannot be completely inactive behind the scenes. All of you must take care of yourselves. If anything unexpected happens, Chenzhou and I will surely offer our full support. Avoid fighting alone.”
Having said that, there was no need to say more.
He saw the four of them off and turned to see Qu Chenzhou suppressing a smile. He couldn’t help but ask, “Why are you laughing?”
“Zhongming just showed great momentum a moment ago. Truly, you’re a different person when the past.”
Liu Zhongming dreaded this topic the most and knew that this little fox was deliberately taunting him. He moved forward and teased, “You’re not returning to the palace tonight? Can’t sleep?”
Qu Chenzhou stopped him, saying, “Shizi just assigned tasks to them. How did I get left out?”
“I wouldn’t dare to order you,” Liu Zhongming said as he pressed the chair from both sides, making it impossible for Qu Chenzhou to move. “What do you want now? You’re speaking in circles again.”
“It’s not about what I want, but what Shizi wants. The control over Ten Li Pavillion’s troops right?”
Liu Zhongming chuckled. “Nothing can escape your notice. Does Qu Sitian want to divine something for me?”
“The Emperor has issued an order. I can’t privately divine. Does Shizi want to use force?”
Qu Chenzhou twirled his finger around Liu Zhongming’s hair, gradually suppressing his smile and letting out a sigh.
“Once Ning Wang causes trouble, not to mention that the Emperor won’t allow your family to rise uncontested, Mu Jingyan himself will take advantage of the situation. Unfortunately, he doesn’t have much leverage at the moment.”
“Once Ten Li Pavillion’s power is released… Not to be pessimistic, but Shizi might not be able to surpass him. Especially since the Dragon Cavalry of the Northern Bureau is stationed so close. In fact, it’s not favorable for Shizi.”
Even Qu Chenzhou couldn’t predict things like this, let alone make bold promises.
“I understand. I’ll do my best to strive for it. Even if I can’t achieve this goal, the Emperor should consider rewarding me in a different way. If I could use this opportunity to secure a title for Lan Er, that would be progress.”
Qu Chenzhou fell silent for a moment and shook his head slightly.
“Not appropriate.”
“I personally experienced the chaos of the forced abdication. I know too well how Ten Li Pavillion’s power will be in Mu Jingyan’s hands. Even if Little Highness is titled, it will be a significant threat on the other side. We must smother it in the bud.”
His eyes lifted, bearing that lazy and cunning smile.
“Just now, when Shizi asked what I wanted, I really do want something. Will Shizi be willing to grant it?”
“Of course, I’ll be willing to grant it,” Liu Zhongming used his finger to scratch Qu Chenzhou’s chin, watching him tilt his head back with narrowed eyes. “What do you want?”
“I want… Shizi to share half of Ning Wang’s achievements with me.”
Feeling a swaying motion, Zhiwei realized the sedan chair was bouncing a bit too fast, but he had no idea where they were heading.
Everyone in the building envied his good fortune, and he thought the same himself. He didn’t know what made him stand out, allowing him to be kept in the building by Shizi, not having to entertain guests.
Over half a month ago, someone directly took him to Shizi’s private residence, but he hadn’t seen Shizi yet.
Today, he was called out again, yet he didn’t know where they were going.
Always being tossed around like this made him feel uneasy, fearing that he might be sold off again.
Lost in his thoughts, he suddenly heard a coarse and heavy voice from outside the sedan chair sternly ask, “Who dares to block the way? Such audacity!”
One of the accompanying servants went forward outside the sedan chair and said something, but the other party clearly wasn’t convinced.
The curtain of the sedan chair was suddenly lifted.
Without waiting for anyone to reprimand him, Zhiwei hurriedly got out of the sedan chair and knelt down, prostrating himself on the ground.
“I am Zhiwei, bowing to the distinguished officers. This lowly one has unintentionally caused offense. I deserve ten thousand deaths. I humbly implore the officers to consider Shizi’s face and spare me.”
The area in front became quiet. He didn’t dare to lift his head and could only hear someone being helped off a horse and approaching him with measured steps.
In his limited field of view, he saw blue and white patterns embroidered on the hem of a robe, beneath which was a sandalwood color. He hadn’t encountered anyone of this rank among the nobles he had seen before, and he wasn’t sure how to address them. He could only bow deeper, saying, “I beg your pardon, sir.”
A coiled riding crop pointed at his chin, lifting his head.
“Little… Little Brother Qu…” Zhiwei was taken aback.
Someone angrily shouted above his head, “Outrageous! This is Qu Sitian!”
Zhiwei was at a loss and wanted to lower his head in confusion, but his chin was held up and he couldn’t move.
“Shizi’s face?”
It was the voice of that Little Brother Qu he recognized, but the mocking tone wasn’t like him.
“Nice outfit. Where is Zhiwei going?”
A servant beside him quickly answered on his behalf, “To report to Qu Sitian. Shizi instructed Zhiwei to serve him personally and he is looking for Shizi.”
Zhiwei’s trembling hand supported him on the ground.
He had chatted casually with people in the building and heard some things occasionally, but it was still too distant for him. Regardless of how much he had heard, it couldn’t compare to seeing Qu Chenzhou in person like this.
“Qu… Qu Sitian, spare my life…” He was acutely aware of whose position he was about to take over: “This servant doesn’t dare…”
“What don’t you dare?”
Qu Chenzhou calmly surveyed him, tapping his riding crop on Zhiwei’s shoulder twice. “Serve well.”
It was only when the sound of hooves and footsteps had moved away from his side that he slowly got up.
“Little Brother Qu… Why do you seem like a different person?”
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