Three days later, inside the Imperial Palace in the capital.
"Hmph, that poisonous woman, she's simply delusional!"
Emperor Cheng, Xiao Jinheng, and Xiao Xitian were gathered around a screen, watching Consort Hui 'manipulate蛊虫' and uttering a string of unrealistic demands.
For example, she wanted Emperor Cheng to immediately hand over military power to her father and cede land from the southern coastal regions to establish a separate nation.
Furthermore, Consort Hui desired for her son, Xiao Yue, to control the mining rights of all gold, silver, and iron mines within the Great Liang Kingdom...
Including the Grand Canal transport, which they, the Xing Jia family, would take over without imperial interference.
This way, they would control the military and economic lifelines of the Great Liang Kingdom, effectively rendering the imperial court powerless.
Xiao Jinheng narrowed his eyes. "Father, do you see her ambition now?"
Fortunately, they discovered it early, otherwise, the Great Liang dynasty would have been utterly ruined by this poisonous woman.
"I don't think these ideas are entirely Consort Hui's own," Xiao Xitian said softly.
She had a throat lozenge in her mouth and rubbed her throat.
She hadn't rested well these past few days and had a bit of a fever, her throat feeling as if it were being scraped by blades, making even swallowing painful. She had taken a throat lozenge from her space.
Emperor Cheng was slightly taken aback and asked curiously, "How do you see this matter, Xitian?"
"Your Majesty, Consort Hui is backed by the Fourth Prince and Marquis Jingnan. Their intentions are as clear as day, requiring no deep thought. Therefore, I believe Consort Hui's absurd and outrageous actions are all instigated by Marquis Jingnan or the Fourth Prince from behind the scenes..."
As she spoke, Xiao Xitian glanced around. Seeing that all the important court officials gathered around the screen were trusted by Emperor Cheng, she lowered her voice and revealed her thoughts.
"Your Majesty, why not summon Marquis Jingnan and the Fourth Prince back to the capital, stating there are important matters to discuss? As soon as they see Consort Hui, they are bound to reveal their true colors, and then we can capture them all in one fell swoop!"
Emperor Cheng fell into thought upon hearing this.
Although he found the idea good, he worried that summoning Marquis Jingnan and Xiao Yue back to the capital during such a sensitive period might arouse their suspicion.
Marquis Jingnan was an exceptionally shrewd individual, even willing to have his own daughter become a nun to clear his path.
"Xitian!"
Just as Emperor Cheng was about to voice his concerns, Eunuch Zhao suddenly entered the great hall. "Your Majesty, Your Majesty, something terrible has happened!"
Emperor Cheng: "???"
What was the rush?
Didn't he see they were discussing important matters?
"What is it, Eunuch Zhao?" Xiao Jinheng asked with a frown.
Eunuch Zhao trembled, pointing outside the hall with wide eyes. "Your... Your Majesty, Your Highness, Marquis Jingnan and the Fourth Prince have returned. They are currently waiting outside the hall and wish to see His Majesty!"
Upon hearing this, everyone fell silent.
Well, they were just about to summon them back for reporting duties, and unexpectedly, these two had returned on their own.
Emperor Cheng glanced at Consort Hui, who was mumbling on the screen, then stood up. "Take them to the Hall of Diligent Governance, and have Minister Gu receive them..."
Eunuch Zhao looked puzzled. "Your... Your Majesty, aren't you going to meet them personally?"
"Nonsense!" Emperor Cheng slammed the table in anger, tapping the screen. "She has made me bedridden. The Crown Prince has been deposed, Prime Minister Yang has been dismissed. Besides Minister Gu, do you expect me to send you to meet those two rebels?"
Since they were acting, they had to be convincing and dedicated.
If Emperor Cheng were to meet Marquis Jingnan with a ruddy complexion now, he would surely reveal his hand.
Eunuch Zhao said "Oh," wiped the cold sweat from his forehead, and then looked at Gu Baoquan, the Minister of Works. "Minister Gu, please, please!"
Gu Baoquan: "..."
I haven't done anything, yet I've been pushed into the spotlight.
Alas, it couldn't be helped. Since His Majesty was 'seriously ill and bedridden,' the Crown Prince's position was vacant, and Prime Minister Yang's family had gone to the southern border to grow sweet potatoes, he had to share the burden of the court at this juncture.
Xiao Xitian exchanged a look with Xiao Jinheng, and they both covered their mouths, stifling their laughter.
It seemed that the matter was about to reach a conclusion.
Inside the Hall of Diligent Governance.
As Minister Gu walked in, he was met by a plump, white-haired elder with a face full of flesh. This was none other than the renowned Marquis Jingnan.
Standing beside him was a young man, about twenty-three or twenty-four years old, with fair skin and a handsome face, the Fourth Prince Xiao Yue.
"Oh my, Marquis, Fourth Prince, thank you for waiting!" Minister Gu's eyes darted around as he quickly stepped forward and bowed.
Marquis Jingnan smiled slightly. "Minister Gu, why are you here? Where is His Majesty?"
Gu Baoquan: "..."
Aren't you asking the obvious?
"The Marquis might have heard that His Majesty has been unwell recently, so much so that he cannot even attend morning court. He has been recuperating in bed, his breath faint, and I fear... I fear he may not survive the autumn!"
As he spoke, Gu Baoquan wiped away tears in a convincing manner, his face filled with sorrow.
Upon hearing this, a flicker of excitement and eagerness flashed in Marquis Jingnan's eyes.
It seemed the蛊虫 had already infiltrated His Majesty's mind and vital organs. Everything was proceeding according to plan, which was a good sign.
Xiao Yue heard this and feigned anger. "How... how dare you speak so recklessly! My... my Imperial Father's health is... is fine. How could he suddenly... suddenly fall ill? If you dare to speak nonsense again, I... I will cut out your... your tongue, hmph!"
Gu Baoquan: "..."
My heavens, Fourth Prince, look at how you speak. Stuttering like this, it's harder than passing dried intestines.
With your demeanor, you'll probably never become Crown Prince, let alone Emperor.
"Your Highness is right to reprimand me. This minister should not speak such disheartening words. I beg Your Highness for forgiveness..." Minister Gu bowed his head submissively and clasped his hands in apology.
Xiao Yue took a few deep breaths and ignored him.
However, Marquis Jingnan, with a turn of his mind, suddenly said, "Since His Majesty is so seriously ill, this Marquis wishes to see him. Coincidentally, upon returning to the capital, this Marquis has brought some high-quality ginseng and tonics for His Majesty to consume and recuperate..."
This request was rather sudden, and Minister Gu was completely unprepared.
His Majesty's complexion was now rosy, and his health had recovered well. If Marquis Jingnan discovered any clues, all their previous efforts would be in vain.
Just as he was wondering what to do, a voice suddenly entered the hall. "Since Marquis Jingnan wishes to see His Majesty, then let him see him!"