Chapter 231: The act of interfering with the harem
Chapter 231: The act of interfering with the harem
In the imperial study, Eunuch Xu respectfully accompanied Emperor Zhao Guoan to play chess and pass the time.
Zhao Guoan was seen holding the black piece, calmly thinking about his next move.
Suddenly, he seemed to remember something important.
He asked Eunuch Xu beside him, "Xu De, I recently asked you to keep a close eye on my younger brother's recent condition. Is there any new progress?"
As he spoke, the chess piece in Zhao Guoan's hand had already landed steadily on the chessboard.
"Your Majesty, since Prince Yu's strength is so unfathomable, the people we sent out to monitor him dare not get too close to him, so as not to alert him." Eunuch Xu also quickly placed a move.
Then he could answer respectfully, "However, based on what I've observed so far, Prince Yu has been spending most of his time in seclusion, cultivating diligently, apart from teaching the Third Prince sword skills and frequently trying to win over officials in the court."
"No other unusual behavior has been detected so far. However..."
At this point, Eunuch Xu suddenly became hesitant, as if the following words made him feel a little difficult to say.
Seeing this, Zhao Guoan couldn't help but frown and ask, "But what? Xu De, you and I have been king and subject for many years. Is there anything we can't tell each other?"
"Even if we don't have conclusive evidence yet, we can still analyze it carefully together!" After saying that, Zhao Guoan once again decisively slammed a black piece heavily on the chessboard.
With a smile on his face, he said softly, "Xu De, you've completely lost this round..."
"Your Majesty's chess skills are like the stars in the sky, so bright and dazzling that I am far behind you!" Eunuch Xu hurriedly complimented him.
Then he responded, "However, according to my people, Concubine Yin went to the Third Prince's residence tonight. About an hour later, Prince Yu also went there. It was not until I came to serve Your Majesty in a game of chess that Prince Yu hurriedly left!"
After hearing what Eunuch Xu said, Emperor Zhao Guoan stopped the chess piece in his hand in the air.
"Is Concubine Yin in close contact with my third brother?" Zhao Guoan's face darkened.
He gripped the chess piece even tighter. "Humph! I originally thought my brother was just ambitious and wanted to control the government, but I didn't expect he would even try to get involved in the harem."
"Your Majesty, this matter cannot be handled rashly. After all, there is no solid evidence yet. Prince Yu has many followers, and even a single move could affect the entire system." Eunuch Xu gently reminded, "Your Majesty must also consider the Third Prince's reputation!"
"I know, I won't act rashly." Zhao Guoan narrowed his eyes, already having a plan in mind.
Wang Xinyao and Zhao Haoran, who were far away in Xiejia Village, were busy preparing for their return to the capital.
Wang Xinyao carefully opened two exquisite wooden boxes, which contained pills emitting strange light.
These pills were longevity pills she had made some time ago, and they had the magical effect of prolonging life and strengthening the body.
Wang Xinyao first walked up to Xie Baihong, holding a longevity pill in both hands.
He handed it to Xie Bohong respectfully and said softly, "Dad, please keep this longevity pill as a token of my gratitude for your kindness over the years. Please accept it."
Then, she turned to Xie Zhengyi and handed him another longevity pill.
He earnestly advised, "Uncle Village Chief, you are always eager to help your neighbors. I hope this longevity pill can help you stay healthy and continue to protect our beautiful village."
"Thank you Xinyao!" The two were very grateful. They knew it was a good thing as soon as they heard the name.
After arranging the gift of the longevity pill, Wang Xinyao did not stop at all. She immediately sent her men to notify many key figures including Xie Xiaogang from the transport team, Xie Dagang from the papermaking workshop, Xie Erxiong from the mushroom workshop, and Xie Daxiong from the rapeseed base.
It also includes managers like Zhang Shuisheng in various manors.
She asked them to gather quickly in her yard as there was something important to discuss.
Not long after, the people who were summoned arrived at Wang Xinyao's yard one after another.
Some of them were panting, obviously having jogged all the way here.
Some looked solemn, as if they had sensed that this call was unusual.
After everyone gathered together, the whole yard suddenly became lively, but everyone's face showed a nervous and expectant expression.
Wang Xinyao meticulously combed through every step and detail of the follow-up work, documenting them one by one to ensure everything went smoothly. She carefully considered how to rationally allocate resources, coordinate personnel, and manage timelines, striving to ensure the entire work plan could proceed smoothly.
When everything was properly arranged, Wang Xinyao took a deep breath and turned to face the crowd. Her expression was serious and solemn, and her eyes swept over each person present in turn, finally stopping at her father and the village chief.
"Dad, uncle village chief, there is something very important that I have been hiding from everyone. In fact, my real name is Zhao Haoxuan, and... I am the eldest son of the current emperor, that is, His Royal Highness the Crown Prince!" Wang Xinyao's voice was clear and loud, echoing in the air.
However, before she finished her words, the previously bustling scene suddenly fell silent. Everyone's eyes widened, faces filled with astonishment, as if they couldn't believe what they were hearing. For a moment, the atmosphere was so tense that even the sound of a pin drop seemed audible.
After a moment, everyone came back to their senses, as if waking from a dream. Then, everyone present knelt on their knees, their heads bowed almost to the ground, and shouted in unison, "Greetings, Your Highness. We were unaware that the Crown Prince had personally visited Xiejia Village. If we have been disrespectful, please forgive us!" Their voices trembled, filled with awe and fear.
Zhao Haoxuan waved his hands quickly, "Please stand up quickly, everyone. I am telling you the truth today not to make you so restrained, but because I am about to return to Beijing. During my absence, many affairs of Xiejia Village still need to rely on you." Everyone stood up slowly, still with shock in their eyes.
Zhao Haoxuan continued, "I have already made all the necessary arrangements. Xiejia Village has been so well managed by everyone over the years. After returning to the palace, I will report this to my father and ask him to grant Xiejia Village more favorable policies."
Everyone looked happy and grateful.
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