Given the limitations of the conditions here, research is even more difficult, and Ye Qingcheng became even more engrossed in her work.
For two or three consecutive days, she remained confined to her room, not stepping out. Besides the servants who delivered meals daily, no one saw her.
Xiao Wangye, having just tasted a bit of sweetness, was naturally unhappy. He felt displeased that she had put him aside, yet unwilling to disturb her research.
Thus, he personally took over the servants' duties each day, delivering meals and using the opportunity to play the victim and win her sympathy.
Xiao Wangye and Ye Qingcheng had settled down somewhat.
Just as the Wangfu's people departed, imperial guards arrived at the Wangfu to announce that the Empress wished to see Ye Qingcheng and for her to enter the palace. However, anyone with discernment knew these were imperial guards, meaning this was the Emperor's will.
When this group of people entered the Wangfu and stated their purpose, the estate fell into a state of panic.
The real Ye Qingcheng had already left with Xiao Wangye. The maid who had been impersonating the Wangfei inside the estate absolutely dared not be sent to the palace.
The Emperor, Empress, and various concubines in the palace all knew Ye Qingcheng. If this matter were truly brought before the young Emperor, it would be a grave offense of deceiving the ruler!
For a moment, the steward found no excuse to evade the issue and could only truthfully explain.
The Wangfei had already accompanied the Wangye to their fiefdom.
The guards returned without success and had no choice but to report back to the palace.
Upon hearing this news, the young Emperor's writing paused momentarily, then resumed as before, his expression unchanged.
"Alright, you may withdraw."
He calmly dismissed the crowd, leaving himself alone in the imperial study.
Just as everyone thought the matter was dropped, that night, clamorous sounds of breaking porcelain were heard from the imperial study.
The young eunuch guarding the door stayed up all night, trembling, not daring to open the door and enter.
Only after the young Emperor, with his attire somewhat disheveled, emerged from within did the eunuch bow and cautiously escort him away.
Upon entering the room afterward, he found it in utter chaos; the entire imperial study had been smashed!
No one knew the extent of the young Emperor's rage. Everyone only knew that the next day, urgent intelligence arrived in the imperial court!
Ningcheng, situated on the border, had been harassed by the neighboring country of Wō for several days. The armies guarding it were also constantly on edge due to the enemy soldiers' drills.
For years, Wō had been restless, seemingly with ulterior motives.
Not only border harassment, but many Wō merchants within Ningcheng had deliberately inflated food prices, leading to vicious competition.
The common people of Ningcheng suffered immensely, and the prefect of Ningcheng was struggling to control the situation, which led to a memorial being submitted.
Sitting on the dragon throne, the young Emperor's anger flared as he read the memorial, causing him to slam the table.
"This Wō country is simply too overbearing! Do they think I am easily bullied?"
He stood up, tossed the memorial aside, and his anger reached its peak.
The ministers in the hall were terrified and all knelt on the ground.
"Let me dispatch an army to utterly defeat them, so we don't have to endure this humiliation!"
The young Emperor slammed the armrest in fury, his eyes filled with rage.
However, a minister soon stepped forward to offer his counsel.
"Your Majesty, this absolutely cannot be!"
This minister was none other than the Prime Minister, who held a position second only to the Emperor. He righteously refuted:
"Currently, Wō country is merely harassing the border; they have not committed any acts causing loss of life. If our country were to rashly dispatch troops, there would be no good pretext!"
Upon Prime Minister Ye's words, all the civil and military officials agreed, clearly supporting his statement.
War between two nations inevitably required a legitimate reason; otherwise, it would be difficult to announce to the world.
There are no winners in war, and it should not be initiated lightly unless absolutely necessary.
Publicly refuted by his ministers, the young Emperor did not continue his outburst. Instead, he composed himself, his expression steady as he looked down.
Upon careful consideration of this matter, he realized he had been too impulsive.
Prime Minister Ye was correct; rashly sending troops would only damage the country's reputation, and even if victorious, it would not be glorious.
Moreover, the country was bordered not only by Wō but also by other regions such as the barbarians. If a war were to break out at this time,
Regardless of who won or lost, it was feared that other countries would not stand by idly and would inevitably cause trouble.
The young Emperor, realizing his loss of composure, graciously nodded and accepted the steps laid out by his ministers.
"My esteemed ministers speak wisely. It was I who became too agitated."
He sat back down and looked up, his expression calm as he gazed at Prime Minister Ye.
"Prime Minister, how do you suggest this matter be handled?"
The prefect of Ningcheng had already submitted his memorial regarding the harassment by Wō's army and merchants in Ningcheng. They still needed to address this issue.
Upon this question, Prime Minister Ye was stumped, as he had not yet formulated a plan.
Other ministers were also discussing the matter, deliberating on how to resolve it.
Just as everyone was troubled, the young Emperor suddenly recalled the matter that had enraged him yesterday, and a hint of calculation flickered in his eyes.
He cleared his throat, looked up, and said:
"I do have an idea."
The ministers, led by the Prime Minister, all looked over, their eyes filled with curiosity and confusion.
The young Emperor casually pointed out:
"Isn't the Regent King currently handling affairs in his fiefdom of Fengdu City? I heard that the strange illness in Fengdu City has been completely resolved. Coincidentally, Ningcheng is adjacent to Fengdu City. Since my Imperial Brother's abilities are so outstanding, why not have him investigate this matter as well? It would also be a form of service to the nation."
After saying this, his eyes gleamed, but the ministers standing far away could not discern the slightest trace of it.
The ministers who heard this all nodded in agreement, praising the young Emperor's brilliant idea.
They did not care whether this matter was difficult to handle or not. Since the Emperor wished for the Regent King to undertake it, and it did not burden them, why should they object?
Prime Minister Ye opened his mouth, intending to say a few words on behalf of his son-in-law, but the court's situation was clearly decided.
The young Emperor was still the Emperor. Without a valid reason, how could he refuse on Xiao Wangye's behalf?
Thus, the matter was settled. Xiao Wangye, far away in Fengdu City, was unaware that he had inadvertently taken on another arduous task.
To avoid any further complications, the young Emperor had the chief eunuch draft an imperial decree immediately after the morning court, which was then swiftly dispatched to Fengdu City.
Meanwhile, Xiao Wangye was still in the city, living a blissful life in harmony with Ye Qingcheng.
Perhaps fate was on his side, for since their arrival, the weather had been favorable, and all the natural disasters and calamities that occurred in previous years had disappeared.
The people lived in peace and contentment, and there was no longer any exploitation by corrupt officials in the city, making it a veritable paradise.
In these peaceful and stable days, Xiao Wangye had almost forgotten the schemes and the heavy responsibilities he carried in the capital.
However, someone clearly did not wish for them to live so comfortably, and the tranquility was soon shattered.
"Wangye, an urgent dispatch has arrived from the capital!"