Chapter 252: Are They Going to Rebel?

Chapter 252: Are They Going to Rebel?

The news of Lord Yongning, Xiao Huai, capturing the Kingdom of Rouli spread like wildfire through the capital city, thanks to the courier soldiers. The common folks rejoiced, scholars and students found it invigorating, and the minds of the nobility and politicians began to weave intricate plots.

At this moment, the Emperor sat in the Imperial Study, listening to the courier soldier's report: "Ten days ago, Lord Hou led his troops to the capital of Rouli. The Prince of Rouli killed the Emperor of Rouli and opened the city gates to welcome Lord Hou and his soldiers. Here is a letter from Lord Hou."

The courier handed over the letter, which Jiao Kangsheng presented to the Emperor. The Emperor's hands trembled with excitement. Conquering Rouli had been a wish of the late Emperor, and now he had finally integrated it into the vast territories of the Great Qian Dynasty.

The late Emperor had said that annexing Rouli was a matter of great significance for generations to come. If he could accomplish this, his deeds would be forever recorded in the annals of Great Qian.

Since his ascension to the throne, he had always strived to be a wise ruler. Though it was arduous, he felt he had done well. Now, with Xiao Huai's conquest of Rouli, he could be regarded as an emperor of great renown.

His heart swelled with pride and yet was filled with a myriad of emotions. Tearing open the envelope, he took out the letter. Xiao Huai's forceful and vigorous handwriting brought a measure of calm to his mind.

The letter detailed the conquest of Rouli's capital. Before attacking, Xiao Huai had met with Rouli's Prince several times to negotiate. Eventually, they reached an agreement: the Prince would kill the Emperor of Rouli, open the city gates, and welcome the Great Qian army. Rouli would henceforth be part of Great Qian. However, Great Qian must continue to recognize the Prince's royal status and grant him certain lands.

Xiao Huai had mentioned this in previous battle reports, and the Emperor had no objections.

Furthermore, in the letter, Xiao Huai requested that officials be sent over promptly as he intended to return to the court soon. The Emperor exhaled a sigh of relief upon reading this. Xiao Huai's initiative in requesting officials and not suggesting any candidates himself saved the Emperor a great deal of trouble.

But he was puzzled. Rouli was conquered by Xiao Huai; didn't Xiao Huai covet any power there? Did he truly harbor no thoughts of rebellion?

At this thought, the Emperor immediately quashed the notion. Xiao Huai must be removed, regardless of whether he had rebellious intentions or not.

Closing the letter, he laughed heartily, "Lord Xiao is indeed the foremost warrior of Great Qian. Reward him, reward him generously."

An hour later, a procession of eunuchs and palace maids, each carrying gifts from the Emperor for Lord Yongning, emerged from the palace. They did not ride in carriages but marched in a long line towards Lord Yongning's residence.

Along the way, many onlookers gathered, all bearing witness to the Emperor's favor towards Lord Yongning.

When Tang Shuyi received the news, she once again marveled at the current Emperor's theatrical prowess. His heart probably wished for nothing more than Xiao Huai's death, yet he managed to maintain such a façade of cordiality.

But this is also a good thing; after all, who doesn't like money?

She, accompanied by Xiao Yuzhu, received the imperial decree in the front hall. Upon rising, Jiao Kangsheng smiled and said, "Marchioness, His Majesty has declared that when the Marquis returns to the capital, he will personally greet him at the city gates."

Tang Shuyi bowed in the direction of the imperial palace, expressing her gratitude, "Thank you for His Majesty’s graciousness."

Jiao Kangsheng bid farewell with a smile. Tang Shuyi and Xiao Yuzhu then proceeded to inventory the rewards. The Emperor was as generous as ever, surpassing the bounty of the last reward.

"See what you like, pick a few and move them to your small storeroom," Tang Shuyi told Xiao Yuzhu.

Xiao Yuzhu giggled, "When father returns, the Emperor will surely bestow more rewards. I'll choose them all together then."

Tang Shuyi smiled and tapped her forehead, saying, "Alright, you can choose them all together then."

The mother and daughter together took stock of the items, recording them in the inventory. The Marquis's estate was now thriving and bustling, a time calling for even greater caution. Tang Shuyi continued to feign illness, staying behind closed doors, and Xiao Yuzhu did the same, spending her days with Tang Shuyi in the study, engrossed in books.

Seeing her so engrossed in her reading, Tang Shuyi couldn't help but say, "If you were to participate in the imperial examinations, our family might yet produce a female scholar."

Xiao Yuzhu laughed merrily upon hearing this.

In the blink of an eye, another two months passed, and the New Year was upon them. Tang Shuyi and Xiao Yuzhu became busy once again. They had to prepare for the New Year goods and close the year-end accounts.

Amidst the hectic preparations, soldiers from the northwest arrived at the residence. Upon meeting Tang Shuyi, they reported, "Madam, the Marquis will enter the capital in two days. Significant events may occur on the day of his arrival. The Marquis advised that if Madam goes out on that day, she should take more attendants with her."

Tang Shuyi was startled upon hearing this. What was Xiao Huai planning?

"Did the Marquis send any letters?" Tang Shuyi inquired.

The soldier shook his head, "None."

Tang Shuyi felt a sense of foreboding. Previously, whenever Xiao Huai sent soldiers to convey messages, they always carried letters. But this time there were none. Was it because he feared unforeseen changes might expose the letters?

Tang Shuyi felt that this was highly probable. But what exactly was Xiao Huai planning? Could it be a rebellion?

As soon as this thought emerged, Tang Shuyi suppressed it. If Xiao Huai were planning a rebellion at this juncture, he wouldn't have instructed her to take more attendants when going out; instead, he would have told her to flee immediately.

Therefore, it was very likely that whatever Xiao Huai was planning involved the Crown Prince and the Grand Tutor.

"Go back and tell His Lordship that I am informed," said Tang Shuyi.

After hearing this, the soldier bowed and took his leave. Tang Shuyi called over Steward Zhao and instructed, "Prepare the evidence of Consort Min's framing of Consort Ming. We'll be needing it very soon."

Steward Zhao hurriedly set about his tasks while Tang Shuyi leaned back on the brocaded couch, lost in thought. With Xiao Huai's return imminent, how were they to coexist? She could only take things one step at a time. However, she was resolute in one principle: she would not allow herself to be wronged.

"Tidy up the study in the front courtyard again," Tang Shuyi said to Cui Zhu and Cui Yun. "Check if anything is missing or needed. Also, prepare a few more sets of clothes for His Lordship and place them there."

Cui Zhu and Cui Yun were perplexed by her words. It made sense to clean up His Lordship's study, but why place extra clothes there? Weren't His Lordship's clothes always kept in the lady's room before?

The two wanted to inquire but saw that Tang Shuyi had already closed her eyes, so they quietly exited.

Outside the door, Cui Zhu whispered to Cui Yun, "Have you noticed that the lady didn't seem particularly overjoyed after learning that His Lordship wasn't dead? And now that His Lordship is returning, she doesn’t seem particularly enthusiastic either. In the past, whenever His Lordship was to return from the border, she would personally handle everything. But now..."

"Don't speculate wildly. The lady has her reasons for doing things this way," replied Cui Yun.

"I just can't help but worry," Cui Zhu said, glancing back at the room.

Concern was evident on Cui Yun's face as well. "The lady always has her own way of doing things. We just need to focus on our duties."

Cui Zhu nodded, and they both headed towards the study in the front courtyard.