20demayo Chapter 1043 Yu Shu Breaks into the Palace?
Chapter 1043 Yu Shu Breaks into the Palace?
What's more, directly targeting himself, the Prime Minister, who hasn't yet clearly chosen sides? This is by no means a wise move; it's more like a reckless gamble, or... perhaps he received some kind of instruction from a higher level that he is unaware of?
Just as Xiao He's mind raced, steady, rapid footsteps echoed from the courtyard outside the study. The old steward was about to peek out when a cold steel blade was already pressed against his neck, pinning him firmly against the door, rendering him immobile.
Immediately, a middle-aged man dressed in a blue robe, with a cold and aloof demeanor and eyes as sharp as a hawk, strode into the study. Ignoring the restrained steward, he went straight to Xiao He, bowed respectfully with perfectly measured movements, and spoke in a calm yet undeniably authoritative voice:
"Qinglong, commander of the Qingyi Society, pays respects to Lord Xiao He!"
"Commanders?" Xiao He frowned even more deeply. Among the four commanders of the Green Robe Society, Qinglong was the leader, holding a transcendent position. Although they did not hold explicit court ranks, their actual abilities were by no means inferior to any of the Six Ministries officials. For Qinglong to personally take action meant that this matter was no small thing.
Xiao He suppressed his anger and tried to keep his voice calm, but it still carried the authority of the chief minister: "Since you know who I am, how dare you lead men to break into my residence in the middle of the night and detain all my servants! Qinglong, do you know what you are doing? This is tantamount to treason!"
Qinglong's expression remained unchanged, and his tone was still respectful but unyielding: "My lord, I know what I am doing and I know your identity, Lord Xiao. Unless absolutely necessary, I would never dare to disturb your peace. I have come here on the orders of the young master to invite you to come and talk. I hope Lord Xiao He will understand and not make things difficult for me."
"Young master? Which young master?" Xiao He's doubts deepened. He carefully examined Qinglong, trying to find some clues on his face. Which young master could so precisely mobilize the Qingyi Society at this time, and dare to "invite" him over in this way?
Qinglong, however, remained tight-lipped, simply stepping aside to make way and gesturing for him to enter: "My lord, you will know once you arrive. Please!"
Xiao He stared at Qinglong for a moment, seeing that the other's eyes were firm and there was no room for negotiation, he knew that further words would be useless. He took a deep breath, straightened his slightly disheveled clothes, and said in a deep voice, "Very well, I will go with you on this trip. I want to see which young master has such a grand gesture and such audacity!"
Xiao He's decision was not rash. He knew that if the other party truly wanted to take his life, there would be no need for such elaborate methods; the Green Robe Society had far more covert means. Since it was done under the guise of an "invitation," and Qinglong himself was involved, his personal safety should be assured, at least for the time being.
Moreover, the Qingyi Society's blatant intrusion into his residence would have attracted numerous witnesses, and the news would quickly spread throughout Xianyang. Under such circumstances, his disappearance or accidental death would undoubtedly cause a stir in the court and among the public, and those behind the scenes would be implicated. This, in effect, became a form of protection. More importantly, he developed an extremely strong interest in the "young master" who could mobilize the Qingyi Society. The implications of this were far from insignificant.
As Xiao He had predicted, news of the Green Robe Society's nighttime intrusion into the Xiao residence spread like wildfire throughout Xianyang City. Those spies lurking around the Xiao residence, belonging to Lü Zhi, Yu Shu, or other observing forces, immediately relayed this explosive intelligence back.
In an instant, all factions in Xianyang were alarmed, and undercurrents surged. Everyone was speculating and analyzing: Who exactly had made a move against Xiao He? Was it Empress Lü Zhi trying to eliminate dissidents? Or was it Lady Yu Shu who struck first? More importantly, which young master was able to command the Qingyi Society left behind by Gao Yao?
Did Gao Yao already choose his successor before his "death"? If so, whoever gains the loyalty of the Green Robe Society will undoubtedly possess a powerful tool for monitoring officials, gaining access to a wealth of information and incriminating evidence against courtiers. In the struggle for the throne, they will occupy an extremely advantageous position, potentially even disrupting the current balance maintained by powerful ministers like Xiao He and Er Niu! This sudden change has made the already murky political situation in Xianyang even more unpredictable.
Qinglong showed no disrespect to Xiao He, maintaining impeccable manners throughout the journey. He remained silent and escorted Xiao He out of the mansion, disappearing into the vast night, his whereabouts a mystery.
Meanwhile, in Xianyang Palace, in Empress Lü's sleeping quarters.
The hall was brightly lit, and incense wafted through the air. Prince Gao Lin sat below Lü Zhi, meticulously reporting the results of his planned visits to several important court officials that day, analyzing which individuals had ambiguous attitudes, which seemed worthy of being won over, and which had explicitly expressed their support.
"Mother, the Imperial Censor Wang Zhen seemed to be evasive and neutral, but he is actually cunning; the Chief Clerk of the Ministry of Justice is ambiguous, but judging from his expression, he seems to have concerns; only the Junior Treasurer Zhang Han praised Mother's leadership in his words, and may be able to be relied upon for support..." Although Gao Lin was young, under Lü Zhi's tutelage, he had already begun to understand the art of power and his analysis was very logical.
Empress Lü nodded slightly, her eyes flashing with calculation. Just as she was about to speak, a trusted palace maid rushed in and reported, "Your Highness, Lady Yu Shu is requesting an audience."
"Yu Shu?" Lü Zhi's brows furrowed instantly, a hint of surprise and wariness flashing across her face. "What is she doing here so late?"
Now, for the sake of their respective sons' futures, the two sides have long been outwardly friendly but inwardly at odds, and have secretly competed with each other many times. Yu Shu's sudden visit at this moment is definitely not a casual reunion; she must have ill intentions, probably related to the news she just received about Xiao He.
"Greetings, Your Highness." A soft yet subtly cool voice rang out. Before Lü Zhi could issue a summons, Yu Shu had already stepped into the hall. She was dressed in an elegant palace gown, her makeup exquisite, and a faint smile on her face, though the smile did not reach her eyes.
Empress Lü's face instantly darkened, and her tone turned icy: "Yu Shu, you have trespassed into my bedchamber without my permission. Do you not even intend to abide by the most basic rules of the palace?" She deliberately emphasized the word "rules" in an attempt to suppress the other party with her aura.
Yu Shu seemed not to hear the reproach in Lü Zhi's words. She gave a slight curtsy, keeping her posture extremely humble, but her voice was crystal clear: "Why is my sister angry? I have come here late at night because there is a matter of life and death that I have to ask of you."
She raised her eyes, her gaze earnest, even with a hint of determination, and said, word by word, "If you, elder sister, are willing to grant my request, Yu Shu... is willing to kneel down here, kowtow to you, and admit my mistake! And I swear that from this day forward, I will always respect you and never have any other thoughts!"