allonlinenovel Chapter 128 After She Said
Chapter 128 After She Said
Emperor Qing Zhao immediately said, "I think what Lord Mu said makes sense. It's a good idea to take precautions before a disaster occurs." Then he looked at Xie Sichen and said, "Of course, Lord Xie is right. However, our Zhao Kingdom has already produced cement, which can still be used to prevent high tides. Since there is nothing else to discuss today, let's adjourn the court!"
The atmosphere in the court was momentarily tense. Everyone knew that Emperor Qing Zhao no longer wanted to dwell on this matter and wanted to move on. So, as soon as he finished speaking, all the ministers in the hall bowed their heads in greeting, chorus- ing, "Our Emperor is wise and enlightened." Then, as per custom, they slowly withdrew from the court.
As the crowd gradually dispersed, several close ministers approached Emperor Qing Zhao and began to discuss other government matters. Mu Yunxi, however, did not leave with the others, but stood quietly to the side. She wanted to stay and ask Emperor Qing Zhao about Xie Sichen's background. After everyone else in the hall had left, Emperor Qing Zhao's voice gently rang out, "Does Lord Mu have anything to report?"
Mu Yunxi replied respectfully, "Yes! Your Majesty, I would like to inquire about the background of Xie Sichen."
Emperor Qing Zhao raised his brows slightly, seeming a little surprised by the question, but he still spoke slowly: "This person is from Qingxue City. He was recommended by Lord Zeng and was a Jinshi in the previous imperial examination. Is there anything wrong with this person?"
"Qingxue City? That Lord Zeng is also from Qingxue City?" Mu Yunxi pressed, a faint feeling that things were not simple. Xie Sichen didn't give her the impression of being humble and polite, but rather like an animal crawling in the shadows.
Hearing her ask this, Emperor Qing Zhao leaned forward and asked again: "Is there something wrong with this person?" Knowing that Mu Yunxi and Yongle were both reborn, he consciously thought that the two knew more than he did.
"Your Majesty, what this man did makes me feel like he did it on purpose!" Mu Yunxi told Emperor Qing Zhao his thoughts.
Emperor Qing Zhao also nodded and said, "I feel the same way, but he's like a slippery loach, and I can't find any evidence against him. I sent people to investigate him, but he has a clean background, is quite talented, and works pragmatically, so I didn't touch him. However, he didn't hold a very important position."
Mu Yunxi pondered for a moment before asking, "Clean background? How clean? Also, why did Your Majesty use the word slippery?"
Upon hearing Mu Yunxi's question, Emperor Qing Zhao immediately realized, "Yes! Why did I use that word?" Thinking of Xie Sichen, every time he encountered problems, he always easily solved them. Isn't that just slippery? Emperor Qing Zhao slapped his thigh, "I find it strange, but I can't figure it out. So this is the crux of the matter!"
"Besides, does he have a clean background? How many people in this dynasty have a clean background? If there is anyone with a clean background, then it must be intentional." Mu Yunxi expressed his judgment.
Hearing her say this, Emperor Qing Zhao said with a half-smile, "Doesn't your father have a clean background?"
Hearing this, Mu Yunxi gave Emperor Qing Zhao a meaningful look. Seeing this, Emperor Qing Zhao said unhappily, "I am the emperor, your father is a minister, and it is only natural for me to tell my ministers to do things..." After saying this, he felt that this was inappropriate and gave Mu Yunxi a reproachful look, "If you have nothing else to say, get out!"
Mu Yunxi didn't mind and replied respectfully, "Yes, Your Majesty, remember to keep a close eye on Xie Sichen and Mr. Zeng who recommended him. I'll take my leave!"
Mu Yunxi slowly left the hall, her heart churning like a raging sea. After meeting Xie Sichen today, she felt like a storm was brewing.
After leaving the hall, Mu Yunxi took a deep breath and tried to calm herself down. She looked up at the sky, and the sunlight fell on her face, warm and bright.
Meanwhile, outside the Meridian Gate, Xie Sichen was talking with a middle-aged man in official uniform. This man was Zeng Qing, the key figure who had recommended him to the court.
"Master Zeng, today's matter is thanks to your advice, otherwise I would have found it difficult to deal with it." Xie Sichen said respectfully.
Lord Zeng smiled faintly and waved his hand. "You're welcome. We're all working towards the same goal. It's just that the days ahead may be even more difficult, so you need to be fully prepared. Mu Yunxi hasn't officially attended court since she became an official, but she suddenly came today. I think His Majesty summoned her to quell this matter. If you continue to hold on to this matter, with her keen sense, she'll definitely target you immediately."
"Please rest assured, no matter what difficulties I encounter, I will do my best to overcome them." Xie Sichen answered firmly.
Zeng Qing nodded, a flicker of approval in her eyes. "Very good, I believe you are capable of handling this important task. However, remember to act with caution, especially during this sensitive period." He then turned and glanced at the Meridian Gate before continuing to address Xie Sichen. "That girl hasn't come out yet. I think His Majesty has stayed to speak. Be careful before you approach her. She's different from those ladies. If you're not careful, you could end up in her hands. Don't let it end before it even begins."
Seeing someone approaching them, Xie Sichen immediately bowed deeply and said, "Thank you for your teachings, sir. I will definitely keep it in mind."
As night fell, the entire Kyoto gradually quieted down. However, behind this seemingly calm, a bigger storm was brewing.
In an unassuming courtyard in a small alley, dim candlelight streamed through paper windows onto the ground, illuminating several figures. These people sat around a wooden table, conversing in low, fragmented yet tense voices.
"Brother, can this operation really succeed? I heard that Zhaoguo's defenses are becoming increasingly tight." A thin young man said worriedly in a language that was not Zhaoguo's, with a hint of uneasiness in his eyes.
A middle-aged man with a stern face and a piercing gaze sat in the main seat. He was the leader of the group, now known as Li Hu. Li Hu pondered for a moment, then slowly spoke in the same tone as the previous speaker, "Don't worry, Xiaowu. We have a thorough plan. As long as we follow the predetermined steps, we will succeed. Although Zhao State has strengthened its defenses in Qingxue City, their attention is mostly focused on the northern border. They are not paying much attention to Qingxue City. After all, Qingxue City has not seen unrest in hundreds of years."
Another strong man interrupted, "Yes, Xiaowu, you're too nervous. We came from across the boundless waters of the East China Sea. They don't even know when we arrived. We've weathered so many storms to get here. How can we be afraid of a little challenge?"
Xiaowu felt a flicker of shame upon hearing this, but then he regained his resolve: "Big Brother is right. We can't back down. For the future of our hometown, any risk is worth it."
Li Hu nodded and continued, "That's right. Our goal is not just the salt fields, there are more. Zhaoguo has good weather and good harvests. Once our people from our hometown can live here, they won't have to worry about their houses being flooded and living a homeless life."
Several people's eyes were filled with longing, when suddenly, a solemn atmosphere filled the air. Just then, soft footsteps were heard outside the door, and a figure quietly approached. Li Hu immediately signaled for everyone to remain silent. He slowly walked to the door, his ear pressed against it, and listened. After a while, he breathed a sigh of relief and returned to the table.
"Old Zhang is back. He's gone to get some information," Li Hu explained. Then, the door gently opened, and a middle-aged man walked in. It was Old Zhang. After closing the door, he quickly reported, "Brother, I just heard some news from Ji Luo. Zhao State has indeed been strengthening its defenses recently and building a wall around Qingxue City. However, they don't seem to have noticed our arrival yet."
Li Hu nodded. "Well, keep a low profile and don't draw anyone's attention. Remember, our mission isn't just to seize the salt fields; more importantly, it's to infiltrate Zhao State. Everyone, be careful with your words and actions to prepare for follow-up actions. We've been here for so many years and have paid so much; we can't let it go to waste. We must take Qingxue City before they build a high wall around it." At this point, he instructed, "Xiaowu, you and Juye rush to Qingxue City and have the people there act as quickly as possible. Lao Zhang and I will remain in the capital to observe the situation. Then, do this..."
Everyone nodded in agreement again, and the atmosphere grew more solemn. As the night deepened, within this unassuming courtyard, an operation concerning the fate of Qingxue City in the East China Sea quietly unfolded...