Chapter 235: What Game Are They Playing?

Chapter 235: What Game Are They Playing?

Judging from the actions of this emperor and his usual behavior, he is far from being forthright. In fact, he seems to relish engaging in secretive schemes.

Take today's incident, for example. It was clearly a coordinated act between him and Consort Liang. He feigned the sorrow of a father grieving his lost son, allowing Consort Liang to create chaos, all the while seeking an opportunity to kill Xiao Yuming.

Afterwards, he could shift the bulk of the blame onto Consort Liang, claim he was distraught with grief and wasn't thinking straight, and then offer some form of compensation. They would be left with no choice but to swallow their grievances in silence.

An emperor whose daily concerns aren't about governing the state or strengthening the country, but rather engaging in petty conspiracies like some palace matron, is truly despicable.

"Until your father returns to the capital, don’t go anywhere, especially not to the general’s place. Just stay at home. Even if you go out, take extra guards with you," Tang Shuyi advised Xiao Yuming.

Nowhere is as safe as home, and now that Xiao Huai is alive and firmly holds the military power of the Northwest, Xiao Yuming needn't worry about his future.

Xiao Yuming, a restless spirit by nature, nodded in agreement. He understood the gravity of the situation.

"Don't be too anxious," the Duke of Tang reassured Tang Shuyi, "At this juncture, even if the emperor desires Yuming's life, he won't act rashly."

He has to devise a foolproof plan, leaving no trace behind. If his method of killing Xiao Yuming is even slightly crude and Xiao Huai catches a hint of it, it could give Xiao Huai an excuse to rebel. Even without rebellion, Xiao Huai could simply take the Rouli Kingdom and proclaim himself emperor there.

Therefore, the one with the most concerns right now is the emperor, especially given his indecisive and suspicious nature. With this thought, he couldn't help but sigh, "The Leisure King should have succeeded the throne from the beginning."

Hearing this, Tang Shuyi thought of the calligraphy and paintings of the Leisure King she had seen. Those works revealed a person of magnanimity and resilience. Even if not considering his capability to govern, his magnanimity alone puts him streets ahead of the current emperor.

At this thought, Tang Shuyi felt a chill in her heart. Could the death of the Leisure King have been the emperor's doing?

She looked towards the Duke of Tang and whispered, "The death of the Leisure King, could it have been..."

She gestured in the direction of the imperial palace, and the Duke of Tang scoffed coldly, "Hard to say."

Tang Shuyi pondered the disdain and subtle loathing the Empress Dowager seemed to bear when she mentioned the emperor. Some details are easily overlooked if one doesn't pay attention, but once one does, a careful observation can reveal a lot.

So, if the Empress Dowager knew the Leisure King was killed by the emperor, why would she adopt the Seventh Prince? And if she suddenly became kind to them, did she already know about Xiao Huai's survival?

Then, is the Leisure King truly dead?

If the Empress Dowager knew about Xiao Huai's survival, what game were they playing?

Suddenly, Tang Shuyi felt overwhelmed by the many things she couldn't see through or control, a very unsettling feeling indeed.

Upon arriving at the Marquis of Yongning's residence, Tang Shuyi alighted from the carriage to see Xiao Yiyuan anxiously waiting at the entrance. Seeing him brought her some relief. Regardless of the reasons, those who worry for you in times of crisis are worth befriending.

Upon seeing Xiao Yuming's lively return, Xiao Yiyuan was relieved. Approaching Duke Tang and Tang Shuyi, he paid his respects. Duke Tang surveyed him with approval and said, "All's well, rest easy."

Xiao Yiyuan nodded, and they all proceeded indoors. As they walked, Xiao Yiyuan informed Tang Shuyi, "The second elders are worried about Yuming; they're all still in the hall."

They entered the hall together, and upon seeing Duke Tang, Xiao Chengming and the others immediately rose, unsure of what to say in their agitation. It was Duke Tang who spoke first, addressing Xiao Chengming, "How was the journey from the southern frontier?"

Xiao Chengming hastily replied, "Smooth, very smooth."

Duke Tang gestured for everyone to sit and scanned the room, mentally noting their honest and straightforward demeanor. He continued, "Today's incident was a misunderstanding. The Second Prince's death was unrelated to Yuming. There's no need for concern."

This statement visibly relaxed Xiao Chengming and the others. Observing Xiao Yuming, still brimming with vigor, they realized once more that the Marquis of Yongning's residence was indeed extraordinary. A prince had died fighting Xiao Yuming, yet he emerged unscathed.

After all, that was a prince!

Not to mention anything else, if such an incident occurred in their village, even if just an ordinary villager died, the victim's family wouldn't have let it go so easily.

Even Tao, who always felt entitled to a share of the marquis's estate, was now preoccupied. If they could casually return home after causing the death of the emperor's son, wouldn't dealing with them be as easy as squashing ants?

"All's well, that's good, that's good," Xiao Chengming said, looking at Xiao Yuming.

In his eyes, although Xiao Yuming wasn't raised under his watch, protecting a member of the Xiao family was a given. His concern was genuine, even though he knew he couldn't offer much protection.

Xiao Yuming, seeing the genuine concern in his eyes, smiled at him, and Xiao Chengming's heart bloomed with joy.

At that moment, Duke Tang announced, "Fresh news: Xiao Huai is not dead but has achieved military honors on the battlefield. It shouldn't be long before he returns to the capital."

The room fell silent for a moment at this revelation, then Xiao Chengming asked with a trembling voice, "Duke, are you speaking the truth?"

Duke Tang chuckled, "Of course, it's the truth."

Just then, Steward Zhao approached, bowing as he reported, "A soldier from the northwest requests an audience."

Tang Shuyi paused, then quickly said, "Show him in."

As she stood, she whispered to Duke Tang, "Let's go to the study."

Duke Tang nodded in agreement. After Tang Shuyi instructed Xiao Yiyuan to ensure that Xiao Chengming and the others returned to their residence to rest, she, Duke Tang, and Xiao Yuming headed to the study.

Meanwhile, Xiao Yiyuan said to Xiao Chengming, "Second Uncle, let's go back first. With the Marquis alive, there will be much to attend to in the residence."

Xiao Chengming nodded, and then the group returned to the residence they had previously occupied.

Over here, shortly after Tang Shuyi and the others arrived in the study, Steward Zhao came with the soldier from the northwest.

"This humble soldier, Lu Zhiguo, pays his respects to the Duke, the Marquess' wife, and the Second Young Master," Lu Zhiguo said, greeting them with a fist and palm salute as he entered.

Tang Shuyi gestured invitingly, "Please, take a seat."

"Yes," Lu Zhiguo replied and sat down squarely.

A smile played at the corners of Tang Shuyi’s mouth. Soldiers from the army truly were different from ordinary folks!

She asked, "Did you come from the northwest?"

"Yes," Lu Zhiguo responded, pulling out a letter from his bosom and presenting it with both hands to Tang Shuyi, "This is a letter from the Marquess to the lady."