"Has Yu Ze really sent his troops?" Zhongli Mingye's expression was grim. "Was it instigated by Zhongli Shuoyi?"
"Does he even know what he's doing?"
By the time he reached the palace, the emperor had already sent troops to surround the entire Prince Cheng's Mansion. And Zhongli Shuoyi and his family were kneeling straight in front of the main hall.
Recalling that he and Song Jinyu had once knelt like this to plead, Zhongli Mingye's heart grew colder. Not to mention there was no evidence proving that Yu Ze's rebellion was directly related to the Prince Cheng's Mansion.
Even if there was, they shouldn't be tortured like this. Moreover, the young heir of the Prince Cheng's Mansion was still a child. His phoenix eyes narrowed slightly.
"This matter doesn't need further persuasion. Yu Ze is Yu Duanya's cousin. He launched his troops so quickly. I don't believe Prince Cheng was unaware."
"For now, just place them under house arrest. Father has summoned General Cheng back to discuss this together."
He had expected the war to come soon, but he never thought Yu Ze would dare to betray the court.
Yu Duanya's heart grew more and more panicked. Holding the young heir in her arms, her face was pale. Zhongli Shuoyi, who was no longer as energetic as before, just comforted her, "Father will make a fair investigation..." But even he wasn't sure about his words, because when Zhongli Mingye came out just now, his expression was complex. I'm afraid... Yu Duanya's life was in danger.
Even worse things were yet to come. The letter that Yu Ze had initially sent to Zhongli Shuoyi was dug out, directly confirming the guilt of the Prince Cheng's Mansion.
Zhongli Shuoyi was furious. It turned out that one of his concubines was arranged by the former empress. Looking back on the past, he always thought the crown prince was incompetent and the emperor was tired of him.
After thinking deeply recently, he realized that he, his third and fourth brothers were just being tested! Zhongli Mingxi and Zhongli Mingye had long seen through the emperor's intentions and never directly confronted the crown prince. Only he himself thought he was the most talented among the brothers.
Now it seemed that he, Zhongli Shuoyi, was the stupidest one.
Now Yu Ze had rebelled. Leading the Yu family's army, he crossed the Min River and colluded with Yanqiu. His target was directly half of the territory of the Great Xia Dynasty.
And he, Zhongli Shuoyi, knew that Yu Ze had the intention to rebel but didn't report it to the court in time.
What was his intention?
At this time, the crown prince, Zhongli Chengze, in order to completely knock Prince Cheng down, joined hands with the court officials and continuously submitted memorials, demanding that everyone in the Prince Cheng's Mansion be executed.
Only Zhongli Mingye gave him a cold look.
Fortunately, many neutral ministers in the court redirected the discussion to Yu Ze's rebellion. Finally, the emperor ordered to dispatch the Tiger Guards Camp, the Snow Leopard Camp and other troops to encircle and suppress Yu Ze on the front line.
And he ordered to execute the Southern Courtyard King of Yanqiu.
However, an accident happened during the execution.
The Southern Courtyard King was hijacked and taken out of the capital. The court was shocked. But as Yanqiu launched a large - scale attack on Chengzhou, this matter was only assigned to the Six Gates to track down with all their strength.
"This medicine won't kill you, but it won't let you live comfortably either." Song Jinyu never failed to deliver when she took action.
Last night, the couple had discussed in the secret room all night. "The situation in Yanqiu is too stable, so that mother - son pair can't wait to start a war against the Xia Dynasty."
"If the Southern Courtyard King returns, will there still be a show for that mother - son pair?"
His little princess was calm and wise. Although her actions were a bit unruly, this was the most effective way at the moment. But the Southern Courtyard King was also an ambitious man. "Aren't you afraid..." Looking at the glazed medicine bottle handed over by those soft hands, Zhongli Mingye smiled.
Looking at him being laughed at in a daze, Song Jinyu weakly asked, "But, is there any problem?"
"Not really. When did you come up with this idea?"
"Just now!"
"And this medicine?"
"I originally planned to give it to the crown prince. Now it's not bad to use it on the Southern Courtyard King." Song Jinyu looked nonchalant. She just hoped the war would end soon.
Zhongli Mingye pondered thoughtfully and gave Song Jinyu a deep look. It seemed that she had made preparations early. Was she afraid that he would go to the battlefield?
The Southern Courtyard King was unwilling. He had finally escaped from the prison, but now he had fallen into Zhongli Mingye's hands again. "I can let you go, but you must take this medicine!"
Seeing that he didn't take it, Zhongli Mingye said, "I heard that Empress Dowager Li killed your eldest son and married your second daughter to a slave."
"Not to mention your youngest son who was only a few months old when he was born."
"I've had my men rescue your youngest son. What to do next depends entirely on you!" Zhongli Mingye's voice was full of temptation, drifting with the wind.
The Southern Courtyard King knew well that if he missed this chance, he might not have the life to return to Yanqiu, let alone protect his youngest son.
He calmly took the pill and let the snow - white liquid slide down his throat. After a moment, he didn't notice any abnormality. "My lord, aren't you afraid of the consequences of doing this?" The Southern Courtyard King didn't believe that Zhongli Mingye was willing to be subordinate to others. Now threatening him, he must have great plans.
"You don't need to worry about what I want to do."
"Your Highness, the Southern Courtyard King, you must live well. The Li mother - son pair still need you." His phoenix eyes shot out a terrifying look. Under such calculations, who would dare to act rashly?
The Southern Courtyard King didn't know what the reaction of this medicine would be.
Until he suddenly broke out in a cold sweat all over his body and couldn't move. He saw Zhongli Mingye utter a strange sound with his own eyes and knew that he must have found a secret medicine.
"I'm not the only one who knows this secret incantation... There are five hundred other people in the world who can recite it." The threat in the words, coming from Zhongli Mingye's mouth, was chilling.
However,
The Southern Courtyard King suddenly remembered his princess. Such a meticulous person might also have a weakness.
So, at this moment, he didn't dare to doubt any more and had to set off to return to Yanqiu.
Back at the mansion, Song Jinyu was playing with a handkerchief in the Liuyun Pavilion. "Look..."
This was Yu Duanya's handkerchief. Maybe she felt the crisis and was asking for help from her?
Zhongli Mingye shook his head with a smile. "This handkerchief got into your hands so easily. I'm afraid someone has evil intentions." Would Yu Duanya ask Song Jinyu for help?
"You're right. Then my lord, have you guessed something?"
"Some people are really too idle..." The couple looked at each other and suddenly laughed. They had thought of the same thing.
Song Jinyu planned to play along with the scheme.
Early the next morning, she invited Rong Shuang'er to go to the Ganquan Residence together. "This place is really elegant." Since Rong Shuang'er stopped chasing Ming Ruyi, she had been in a much better mood.
"Ming Ruyi is coming back soon!"
Song Jinyu casually reminded her. "Actually, he's not indifferent to you. He just doesn't dare to show his feelings." Then she told Rong Shuang'er her speculation. After some consolation, Rong Shuang'er felt much better.
"I... don't care about him anymore!" Rong Shuang'er's eyes were shining as she looked at Song Jinyu. She was really a good woman. No wonder Ming Ruyi was so infatuated with her. Even she herself liked her. After all, they had experienced many things together.
Strangely enough, if Ming Ruyi liked other women, Rong Shuang'er might not be able to be as calm as she was now. But it was different with Song Jinyu. Maybe it was because they sympathized with each other. Maybe it was because Ming Ruyi would never have any connection with Song Jinyu in this lifetime.
After all, there was Prince Yu by her side!
Just... when they were happily chatting,
The door of the private room was suddenly forced open!
"Arrest them for me..."