Shangguan Yao, seeing his attitude, was already anxious. The cloud of suspicion dispersed, and he cast a sidelong glance at Shangguan Lin. Shangguan Lin immediately stood up, stepped forward, and spoke courteously.
"Sir, you misunderstand. The Emperor and I were merely unsure how to begin."
"Mm."
Ximen Yao stopped and did not turn back. His leisurely and distant voice rang out, "Speak. I owe a favor, and I will only help you once."
His expression was completely professional. This cold, aloof pride did not anger Shangguan Yao and Shangguan Lin; instead, it eased the suspicion in their hearts.
This reclusive figure must be arrogant and solitary. They sought the outcome and saw no need to quibble over his arrogance and rudeness.
Shangguan Yao's eyes darkened, and his cold voice suddenly sounded, "Eliminate Yun Mo."
In the Imperial Study, all the eunuchs had been dismissed. Only Ximen Yao, Emperor Shangguan Yao, and Prince Shangguan Lin remained.
Ximen Yao was indifferent throughout. He had already understood the current situation from Shangguan Lin's words. He frowned slightly and spoke faintly.
"In other words, the Regent is currently willing to relinquish power, but the Empress Dowager is obstructing it. Therefore, to make this happen smoothly is not difficult. Why doesn't Your Majesty use the Regent's hand to achieve his goal?"
As Ximen Yao finished speaking, a light flashed in Shangguan Yao's eyes. He had considered this, but due to concerns about his mother and the uncertainty of Yun Mo's sincerity in handing over power.
He might be left with nothing, so he had not acted on it. He did not expect Mr. Ximen to suggest striking at Yun Mo from the outset.
"You mean?"
"Your Majesty could send Prince Lin to secretly meet with Prince Yun and reach an agreement with him to feign illness and recuperate. Everyone eventually grows old and dies; no one can prevent it. Does the Empress Dowager not even care if Prince Yun falls ill?"
"Good."
Shangguan Yao nodded grimly and struck the dragon table with his long hand. The matter was settled. However, he did not only wish to seize Yun Mo's great power.
He did not want to spare anyone from Prince Yun's household. Shangguan Yao's black pupils, bloodthirsty and cruel, stared sinisterly into the air.
"Shangguan Lin, heed my decree. You shall handle this matter."
"Your subject obeys the decree." Shangguan Lin rose and respectfully took his leave. The Emperor still had matters to discuss with Mr. Ximen. Since he did not wish for him to know, why should he force himself? It was better to have fewer complications.
But did Yun Mo truly deserve to die?
Shangguan Lin looked up at the unpredictable clouds in the sky. The late emperor had been wise and brilliant. Was it senility that led him to place such trust in Yun Mo?
Shangguan Lin did not know if what he was doing was right or wrong, but a ruler's command was paramount. Even as the Emperor's own brother, he could not disobey his decree, otherwise?
Shangguan Lin walked out of the Imperial Study.
Inside the Imperial Study, Ximen Yao waited quietly. He held a delicate tea cup, sipping his tea leisurely and elegantly. The swirling mist enveloped his face, his eyes hazy, his expression indifferent, as he quietly awaited the Emperor's next words.
"Mr. Ximen, what should we do next?"
"When the opportunity arises, you will know what to do. Your Majesty need not be anxious. As for the unknown, it is best to wait."
Ximen Yao put down the tea cup and slowly stood up, no longer looking at the unpredictable Emperor behind the dragon table. He was never one to care about others' expressions, so no one could threaten him.
"Mr. Ximen, would you be willing to stay and lend me your strength? I will not mistreat you concerning this prosperous land and your bright future."
Ximen Yao did not turn around. He was bathed in golden light, like a celestial being. His dark hair cascaded naturally, like magnificent cloud brocade from heaven, shimmering and shining. It complemented his elegant scholar's robe, unstained by dust, as he strode away with firm steps.
This time, Shangguan Yao was completely reassured. This person had no desire for power; he had come merely to repay a favor.
"Someone, escort Mr. Ximen to the Qingfeng Pavilion to rest."
"Yes, Your Majesty." Little Tingzi entered, bowed respectfully, and led several young eunuchs to escort the immortal-like Ximen Yao to the Qingfeng Pavilion to rest.
The Qingfeng Pavilion was located near the Jingfu Palace, a little further from the rear palace. It was secluded yet possessed an elegant environment, surrounded by a lake and shores lined with abundant flowers.
There were also fragrant, verdant branches and leaves. Most commendable was a patch of green bamboo, rustling in the wind, most suitable for a person like Ximen Yao.
Little Tingzi assigned several people to attend to Ximen Yao. Mr. Ximen was the Emperor's honored guest, and he could not afford to offend him. If he was even slightly negligent, his own life might be forfeit.
"If Mr. Ximen requires anything, tell them."
Ximen Yao nodded, waved his hand, and gracefully entered the main residence of the Qingfeng Pavilion.
The remaining eunuchs exchanged glances. Was this gentleman perhaps too arrogant? He had barely looked at them directly. The eunuchs felt somewhat dejected and muttered softly.
"Who is this?"
"So arrogant."
The head eunuch, Little Tingzi, his face darkened, glared at them coldly and warned them.
"All of you, be careful. This is the Emperor's honored guest. If you offend him, I fear none of you will have a good outcome. Don't say I didn't warn you."
"Yes, yes, your servants know their mistake."
The young eunuchs behaved respectfully. Little Tingzi glanced at them with satisfaction and finally led them away.
In the Changxin Palace.
Lin An reported the news to the Empress Dowager seated on her throne. She saw that the Empress Dowager's expression was grim and exceedingly sinister.
"You say the Emperor has invited Ximen Yao into the palace? That martial world strategist."
"Yes, he is currently residing in the Qingfeng Pavilion."
Lin An detected the darkness in the Empress Dowager's voice and dared not speak loudly, reporting cautiously.
Not a single stir in the palace could escape the Empress Dowager's watchful eyes, so as soon as Ximen Yao moved into the Qingfeng Pavilion, the news was delivered.
Lin An dared not be negligent and immediately reported to his mistress. However, his mistress's expression was more than just displeased. Her usually charming and captivating face was now dark, shrouded in the tranquility before a storm.
"What exactly does he want to do? Has his wings grown so strong that he no longer listens to my words?"
The Empress Dowager could no longer suppress the anger in her heart. Angrily, she flung her hand, sending the tea cup on her side flying. Her chest heaved up and down; she was clearly extremely angry.
The Emperor doing such a thing was clearly a silent confrontation with the Empress Dowager, and how could the Empress Dowager not be angry?
Lin An had served the Empress Dowager for many years. He was intimately familiar with her methods and did not believe that the Emperor, nor that so-called martial world strategist, could deal with the Empress Dowager.
"Your Ladyship?"
"Immediately summon Grand Tutor Ye to the palace to see me."