Why did the emperor rebel?

Chapter 998

In the study of Duke Cheng's mansion, after hearing Zhu Yi's explanation, Shu Liang's expression softened, and he smiled.

"My lord is too worried."

"Currently, Chengguo's government and the British government's government are related by marriage, but they can't be as close as a family after all. It's a matter of course to strengthen ourselves."

While speaking, Shu Liang paused for a moment, and said cautiously.

"It's not appropriate to say that those bosses in the cabinet of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs also have their own interests in many court affairs. This is a common thing."

"The current conflict between Duke Guo and Second Master Zhang, in the final analysis, is because Duke Cheng's mansion is getting stronger, so it threatens the status of the other party."

"But this is something that can't be helped. Just like Zhang Erye wants to take power this time, if the Duke of the country has been hiding behind the scenes, there will be many things that are difficult to control."

"Therefore, the Duke of the State has a sense of propriety in his heart, just don't make the British government feel anxious."

After hearing these words, Zhu Yi nodded first, but soon, a look of embarrassment appeared on his face.

As an eunuch, Shu Liang is best at observing words and expressions. Seeing this situation, he immediately knew that he had missed the point.

With a slight smile on his face, Shu Liang asked.

"Why, the Duke still has doubts?"

Seeing this situation, Zhu Yi hesitated for a moment, but did not deny it, and spoke.

"Of course I understand what my father-in-law said, but now Chengguo's mansion is helping the Supreme Emperor, but in fact it was conspired by His Majesty. In the past, he has never been restored to the title, and the second master of the Zhang family is standing in front of him. Naturally, it is not easy to be suspected." .”

"However, as my father-in-law said, now Chengguo's government has re-intervened in the court, and it will inevitably conflict with the interests of the British government and other nobles. I'm on my guard."

Seemingly feeling that the atmosphere was a bit serious, Zhu Yi laughed at herself, and Fang continued.

"Of course, now that the Duke of Cheng's title has been restored, he is not afraid of the other party, but the father-in-law also knows that in terms of background, my Duke's Cheng is not as good as the British's."

"So, I'm just afraid that Zhang Min will ask me something in private in order to catch me. I know that this may be unfounded worry, but it's always about being careful, what does your father-in-law think?"

After these words, Shu Liang was not in a hurry to speak. On the contrary, he looked Zhu Yi up and down, thought about it seriously, and then suddenly smiled and said.

"It turns out that the Duke of the country has gone around such a big circle, and that's what it means..."

Zhu Yi didn't speak, but obviously he knew what Shu Liang was talking about.

Seeing this situation, Shu Liang said.

"Our family is just worried that for such a big matter, if Qingfeng comes to spread the word, the Duke will be suspicious, so I made a special trip today. It seems that there is nothing wrong with our family."

Seeing Shu Liang clarify the words, although Zhu Yi was a bit embarrassed, she still nodded and asked.

"To be honest with my eunuch, if this matter is completed, I will no longer be afraid of random investigation by the British government. However, it is precisely because this matter is too contrary to His Majesty's usual actions, so... Please forgive me!"

As she spoke, Zhu Yi got up and cupped her hands as an apology.

The other party spoke politely, but Shu Liang was naturally not arrogant, he quickly got up and saluted, and then sat down with Zhu Yi again, Fang Zheng said.

"Even if the Duke doesn't mention this matter, our family will talk about it."

"As the Duke said, it is precisely because this matter is different from the emperor's usual style, so if it is done, the position of the Duke will be more stable, and it will no longer be suspicious, even if it occasionally reveals something. There are clues, if there is this matter, everything can be eliminated."

Hearing this, Zhu Yi's face was startled, and she asked subconsciously.

"My father-in-law means that His Majesty's move is for the concern of Cheng Guo's government?"

But after he finished speaking, he felt a slip of the tongue.

Because, Shu Liang looked at him with meaningful eyes.

But fortunately, in the end, Shu Liang didn't say much, just said.

"The Lord of the Kingdom knows that the Sacred Heart cannot be guessed. Our family dare not speculate in private about what the emperor's intentions are. However, no matter what the emperor's intentions are, they have their own reasons after all. We just need to be careful. Just do the job."

"What's more, no matter whether the emperor planned this matter for Duke Cheng's government or not, after all the matter is done, the Duke of Guo will no longer be suspected by Nangong and the British government. This is enough..."

Shu Liang didn't feel inappropriate when he said these words, but at the end of the words, seeing Zhu Yi's face, he suddenly stopped talking, his expression became a little weird, said.

"Could it be that the Duke is worried that our family will falsely preach the Holy Will?"

Zhu Yi looked a little embarrassed and didn't speak.

However, this performance is enough, Shu Liang nodded and said.

"Our family understands. It seems that this matter is too big. Therefore, even if our family came here in person, the Duke would not dare to believe it rashly. If this is the case, the Duke might as well come with our family into the palace."

"Now?"

Zhu Yi looked up at the pitch-black night outside, feeling surprised.

You know, at this time, the palace has already released the key.

Seeing this situation, Shu Liang also smiled and said.

"You don't need to worry, the Duke. According to the time, the Emperor should not be resting yet. However, since the key has been released in the palace, it is inconvenient for foreign ministers to enter. I'm afraid, I will wrong the Duke..."

what?
Zhu Yi didn't react for a moment.

However, he soon understood what Shu Liang meant, because, not long after, a set of robes of a servant in the palace was placed in front of him...

Outside the Qianqing Palace.

Zhu Qiyu stood on the porch, as if waiting for something.

Not long after, under Wynn's guidance, Shu Liang stepped forward lightly, saluted respectfully, and said.

"Slave Shu Liang, please greet the emperor."

"Get up, how are you?"

Zhu Qiyu didn't turn around, still looking at the silver-clad imperial city in front of him, and asked directly.

"Going back to the emperor, as the emperor expected, the matter is of great importance. Even if the servants go there in person, Cheng Guogong still dare not believe it easily."

"So, the slave has already taken him outside the palace, waiting to be summoned."

Hearing this, Zhu Qiyu's eyes were a little more inexplicable, but he didn't express too much, turned around and waved his hands.

So, a servant handed a gold medal to Shu Liang. Shu Liang respectfully took it, then left in a hurry, and went to pick up someone at the gate of the palace again.

You must know that not everyone in the palace can come in and out at will, even if Shu Liang is the admiral of the East Factory, it is impossible for him to bring an unknown person into the palace late at night for no reason.

Shu Liang himself has an identity token, so he can come in and out at any time, but if he wants to bring Zhu Yi into the palace, even if he is disguised, he must have the emperor's warrant.

Not long after, Shu Liang returned, and there was already a young "neihuan" behind him.

This person is naturally Zhu Yi, looking at the figure in the dragon robe standing in the corridor, Zhu Yi stepped forward, said in a respectful voice.

"Minister Zhu Yi, greet Your Majesty!"

"Be flat!"

Zhu Qiyu turned around, looked at Zhu Yi with a half-smile, and asked.

"I heard from Shu Liang that you suspect that he falsely preached the imperial decree?"

The words were calm, but cold sweat broke out on Zhu Yi's forehead, and she secretly looked at Shu Liang who seemed to have nothing happened beside her, biting her bullet, Zhu Yi still said.

"Your Majesty, this matter is of great importance, and it involves... Therefore, I have to be more cautious."

In fact, from the moment Shu Liang came out with the emperor's golden order to welcome him into the palace, Zhu Yi already understood that what Shu Liang said was true.

You know, he also served in the imperial army before, so he naturally recognized that gold medal, like other imperial objects, that gold medal is exclusive to the emperor, and is used to pass through the palace on special occasions.

Although it can only be used for traffic, there are very strict procedures and restrictions for both storage and use.

Even as the admiral of the Shuliang East Factory, it is impossible to win the gold medal without the emperor's nod.

In other words, when the gold medal appeared, it was already able to prove that Shu Liang did not pass on the imperial decree.

However, everyone had already reached the gate of the palace, so naturally they couldn't retreat, so Zhu Yi obediently followed in.

It's just that at this time, his heart is also in a state of ups and downs, and he doesn't know what the emperor's attitude is towards his move.

Fortunately, the emperor was not angry because of this, but nodded in relief, saying.

"You did the right thing. For such a big event, if you haven't seen the decree, it's time to see me face to face."

"Thank you Your Majesty..."

Only then did Zhu Yi cautiously raise her head, hesitated for a moment, then Zhu Yi said again.

"Reporting to Your Majesty, Eunuch Shu sent Qingfeng to deliver a message earlier. He only said something, but he didn't say how to do it in detail..."

"Such an important matter, to be done seamlessly, requires far-reaching ingenuity, and the minister is dull and dare not be expert. How to proceed, boldly ask Your Majesty to show you."

Now that it is confirmed that the words from Shu Liang are true, the next thing Zhu Yi has to consider is naturally how to get things done.

However, what happened this time was different from the usual ones, and it could be said that it was the most troublesome thing Zhu Yi felt so far.

Even with the cooperation of the emperor, it may be very difficult to do it reasonably and without revealing any flaws.

Therefore, although Zhu Yi knew that it was not appropriate to ask the emperor, she still chose to ask the question...

Fortunately, the emperor was clearly aware of the situation, so he didn't get angry, but waved his hand lightly, and then Shu Liang stepped forward and said.

"Grandpa, although this matter is difficult, His Majesty has already laid the groundwork in advance. However, in order to prevent people from seeing the clues, the next thing needs to be done by the Duke. The specific method is..."

Zhu Yi stayed in the palace for a full two sticks of incense before leaving the palace gate under the escort of Shu Liang again.

Taking advantage of the night, Zhu Yi was still wearing the eunuch's robe, stood under the carriage, bowed her hands to Shu Liang apologetically, and said.

"Forgive me, father-in-law, I was reckless today."

"The Duke is being polite. This is what you should do. You are doing everything for the emperor. How dare our family be dissatisfied."

Shu Liang smiled as usual and cupped his hands.

However, just when Zhu Yi was about to leave, Shu Liang suddenly handed over a brocade box. Zhu Yi was surprised for a while, but still took it. Just a change, looking up at Shu Liang's eyes was full of shock.

This brocade box was nothing but the gold medal given by the emperor just now for Shu Liang to take him into the palace.

"Eunuch Shu, this..."

Seeing Zhu Yi's expression, Shu Liang said seriously.

"Your Majesty ordered this item to be given to the Duke of the State. In case of emergency, the Duke of the State can use this item to enter and leave the palace. However, it is only for one time. After using it, His Majesty will take it back."

Holding the brocade box in his hand, Zhu Yi's expression changed for a while, and finally, he let out a long breath and said.

"Thank you, Your Majesty, please tell Your Majesty, eunuch, I will definitely make good use of it, and never disappoint Your Majesty's trust!"

After finishing speaking, Zhu Yizhen put the brocade box away with great care, then said goodbye, turned around, got into the carriage, and left slowly.

Shu Liang just stood there, watched Zhu Yi leave, then turned around and returned to the palace.

"...My lord, this is what the Duke said when he left."

Under the corridor of Qianqing Palace, Zhu Qiyu stood with his hands behind his back, while Shu Liang stood behind, and said respectfully.

"Well, Zhu Yi is a smart person. Come to think of it, she can understand what I mean..."

Zhu Qiyu nodded slightly, still turning his back and asked.

"How is Yiwang these days?"

The topic changed a bit abruptly, but Shu Liang obviously didn't feel this way, so he replied immediately.

"Returning to the emperor, since the confinement was lifted, the prince Yi has been cooperating with the prince Min in the clan affairs in peace and contentment. However, the prince Yi has been quite close to the prince Xiang during this time, and the servant girl I also found that Prince Yi is extraordinarily caring about the matter of clans from all over the world entering Beijing, he almost has to personally take care of all the details, big and small."

"Besides, there are quite a few clan vassals who are entering Beijing. After hearing that Prince Yi was lifted from the ground restraint, they all wrote letters from home. However, the specific content is unknown, but from the person who wrote the letter From the perspective of his identity, it is probably the palace that suffered a lot of losses during the rectification of the army, so the servant feels that it should be related to the rectification of the army..."

After hearing these words, Zhu Qiyu was silent for a long time.

Shu Liang just stood there silently, and also didn't speak anymore.

After an unknown amount of time, he finally heard the voice of the Son of Heaven resounding again.

"It's less than a month before the end of the year, isn't it?"

"Yes……"

"The person who asked you to prepare, how is the preparation?"

"Everything is in order, the emperor can rest assured that it is very secretive. The background, experience, and situation are all real. The slaves did not show up in person, and they kept their hands clean. Even if there are suspicions, nothing can be found."

Seemingly sensing that the Son of Heaven's emotions were not too high, Shu Liang spoke very carefully. At the end of the sentence, he hesitated for a moment, but he still asked.

"My lord, do you want to wait any longer?"

After the words fell, there was another silence, so that Shu Liang felt that he might not get a definite answer.

However, at the end, he still heard a sigh, said.

"At least, after this New Year's Eve..."

"Yes……"

Shu Liang retreated quietly, leaving Zhu Qiyu alone, still standing on the porch, looking into the distance.

The bright silver moonlight sprinkled on the snow, reflecting the silver light of the stars, quiet and beautiful.

As the cold wind blew, Zhu Qiyu's gaze crossed the night and fell faintly in the distance outside the imperial city.

At this time, if anyone saw his expression, they would see that there was a rare touch of anxiety and contradiction in his eyes...

(End of this chapter)