Chapter 382: Chapter 377: Imperial Concubine
In her previous life, she was a foolish romantic, prioritizing Ji Fei above all else. In fact, there was unrest at the border back then, which could have allowed the Ye Family to return and regain control of the military.
But under Ji Fei’s deceit, she felt that the border was dangerous and adamantly forbade anyone from the Ye Family from going there. This was the second weakening of the Ye Family’s military power, and it also shook the foundation of the Ye Family.
The person sent to take over the Ye Family’s military power was a confidant of Ji Fei. After arriving at the border, within half a year, he gathered "evidence" of the Ye Family’s "rebellion". Although there were courtiers who argued in favor of the Ye Family, under Ji Fei’s "furious" wrath, in a single night, all the male members of the Ye Family and the courtiers who spoke for them were beheaded. As an Imperial Concubine, she was also demoted to the Cold Palace. Thus, the once-glorious Ye Family became a taboo topic in the capital.
Does he, Ji Fei, intend to repeat the same old trick?
Ye Qiu looked at the memorial in her hand, a mocking smile appearing on her face. Since he made her unhappy, she would return the favor. It was such a joke that as a concubine, she now had the power to arrange for the transfer of officials from the previous dynasty.
Which of them are Ji Fei’s and Old Qiao’s people? Since they’re so capable, let them go to the cold and barren lands to bring benefits to the common people.
At the same time, there were subtle changes in the handwriting she used to review other memorials on behalf of Ji Fei, changes significant enough to catch the attention of certain observant individuals.
Perhaps still believing that Ye Qiu was deeply in love with him, Ji Fei headed straight to Changchun Palace after the morning court session, happily informing Ye Qiu of this news.
"Your Majesty knows that the beloved princess and the Marshal, as well as the Marshal’s wife, have been separated for many years. Now that they have come to the capital, make sure they stay a bit longer to keep the beloved princess company," Ji Fei said with a look of genuine consideration for Ye Qiu.
Ye Qiu internally sneered but sincerely responded, "To alleviate Your Majesty’s worries is my duty, as well as my family’s. However, the Liao People and the Western Regions people are despicable and ferocious; what if they all return and the border is left unattended?"
"The beloved princess need not worry. I have already dispatched a military general to temporarily take over the command. This man was last year’s Martial Arts Champion, and his martial skills are exceptional."
"Is that so? Then I can rest assured." Ye Qiu smiled and glanced at Ji Fei with Flirtatious Eyes, ensnaring Ji Fei once again in the System’s Skill.
"Emperor, I have already reviewed the memorials from yesterday. Would you like to check them?" Ye Qiu asked softly, her voice as crisp and pleasant as orioles and pearls, striking a chord in Ji Fei’s heart. She was employing two Skills from the Conquer Emperor System at the same time.
"There’s no need, I trust in the abilities of the beloved princess," Ji Fei said, his mind nearly in a haze, utterly lost in Ye Qiu’s control.
"Emperor, allow me to draft the decree to summon my father and uncle to the capital."
A struggle flickered in Ji Fei’s eyes but quickly vanished, leaving him feeling utterly soft and compliant, willing to agree to anything the Imperial Concubine suggested.
"Alright, I will heed your words."
Ye Qiu smiled charmingly at him, her red lips parting slightly, "I knew the Emperor is the best."
Hearing her say that, Ji Fei truly felt that everything was worth it.
For five consecutive days, Ji Fei stayed in Changchun Palace. Although Ye Qiu was the Favored Concubine, such an occurrence was indeed rare, and it was not only the people of the harem who were restless but also the courtiers of the former court, as the Emperor had not attended court for three days.
"This Evil Concubine!" After returning from the Imperial Palace without success once again, Old Qiao furiously hurled the cup in his hand to the ground.
"Elder Mr. Zhou, what should we do?" One of the courtiers led by Old Qiao asked in a subdued voice, worry evident between his brows.
"Where are Imperial Censor Zhang and the others? Don’t they usually love to meddle in these petty matters? The late Emperor’s sole favoritism towards the Noble Consort led to turmoil in the court. To put it gravely, we must make him believe that the Evil Concubine is leading the country astray," Old Qiao said with sinister intent.
"Yes, your insight is profound, elder."
After this courtier left, another official dressed in civilian attire entered through the back door of the Elders Mansion, his brows furrowed with anxiety.
"What’s happened to you now?" Old Qiao asked, seemingly unconcerned.
"Elder, Mr. Zhou has just been taken by the Ministry of Justice. Now the whole Zhou Mansion is surrounded by the Imperial Army," the man said, sweat beading on his forehead, "Elder, you must help him."
"What happened?" Qiao Zhenglian stood up abruptly, "Why would the Ministry of Justice arrest him?"
"I heard someone reported Mr. Zhou for embezzling military provisions, and they even presented evidence."
"Why haven’t our people received any news at all?" Qiao Zhenglian genuinely panicked now. No one knew the extent of the power he wielded from behind the scenes; everyone thought he was just an isolated elder. In reality, he had long since paved the way for his granddaughter and future great-grandson.
Zhou Hong was one of them, as the Minister of Revenue. Although they often held different political views, no one knew he was actually his own disciple. It had been a long time since he had met the destitute Zhou Hong while returning home to honor his ancestors. He had casually given him a hand and some books. Unexpectedly, Zhou Hong turned out to be clever, climbing all the way up to his current position through the imperial examination.
But perhaps because he was too poor in his younger years, he developed a penchant for greed. He himself had warned Zhou Hong to be cautious and not to give others anything to hold against him, but he had still slipped up.
Without Zhou Hong, who was like a moneybag, how would he bribe others in the future?
"I heard it was Mr. Zhang who personally submitted the evidence."
Hearing this name, Old Qiao’s pupils suddenly constricted.
To prevent the Prime Minister from having too much power, this dynasty had abolished the position of Prime Minister at its very beginning, instead establishing the role of elder. There were two elders, each with different responsibilities and powers, but due to the image of integrity and justice he had crafted over the years, his powers were slightly weaker than Mr. Zhang’s. He had been cautious and careful all these years just to mislead Mr. Zhang.
Could it be that the old wretch has been distrusting him all along? Was his sudden move against Zhou Hong genuinely for the sake of the court or to target himself?
Occupying the position of elder, Qiao Zhenglian did not believe that Zhang Zhongyuan never considered seizing power all for himself!
"Grandfather, why did sister expose herself to Zhang Zhongyuan?" At the Duke Mansion, Ye Mu asked his grandfather Ye Xing, puzzled.
Ye Xing chuckled lightly: "You do not understand that old wretch Zhang Zhongyuan. Although he has considerable prestige among scholars, he is by no means narrow-minded. Currently, your sister is favored, and our Ye Family holds great power. There is no benefit in offending us, and that old wretch is not really helping your sister. He must be happy in his heart to eradicate Zhou Hong, a malignant tumor."
"Isn’t he afraid that if our Ye Family fails, he will be implicated?"
"Do you think someone as cunning and calculating as him would leave behind any evidence? He, Zhang Zhongyuan, is a respected elder. Who would believe he colluded with a concubine?" Ye Xing countered, with an unspoken thought that the Ye Family has been loyal and good for generations - Zhang Zhongyuan must have trusted the Ye Family’s integrity!
What a cunning old fox, self-preserved while also gaining a favorable impression in front of the Ye Family.