allonlinenovel Chapter 285 Finally took action
Chapter 285 Finally took action
Eunuch Zhao watched Concubine Rong's sedan chair go farther and farther away, and her figure disappeared at the end of the palace road. Then he raised his hand to wipe the fine beads of sweat on his forehead, and the palm of his hand still had the dampness of nervousness.
He knew in his heart that what he did today had undoubtedly touched Concubine Rong's sore spot. With her proud and arrogant personality, she would not let it go.
But what could Eunuch Zhao do? As the Emperor's confidant, he had served the emperor for many years and naturally understood that the Emperor's interests must come first in everything.
This time, the Emperor secretly planned a marriage for the two princes without telling Concubine Rong. Although Eunuch Zhao did not dare to speculate on the deep meaning behind this, he could guess a little. The Emperor obviously did not want Concubine Rong to interfere in this marriage. Perhaps only the Emperor himself knew the reason.
The news that Concubine Rong had returned empty-handed in front of the gate of Yuhe Hall spread quickly in the palace like wings, and soon reached Zhao Hao's ears.
At that time, Zhao Hao was half leaning on the couch, with several volumes of poetry and books placed on the small table beside the couch. His face was slightly pale, his body was thin, and he looked a little sickly.
Hearing the news, his pale lips lifted up slightly, and he pulled out a cold smile, "She can't sit still anymore." Although his voice was light, it was full of sarcasm.
Zhao Wei, who was standing aside, had a stern look on his face and said expressionlessly, "What's the use of being anxious? The emperor never intended to let the eldest and second princes participate in the marriage. If they rush forward in a hurry and expose their ambitions, something bad will happen sooner or later." His words showed a hint of gloating.
Zhao Hao coughed lightly twice, calmed himself, and said, "Noble Concubine Rong made a truly terrible move this time, but Father is surprisingly astute this time. Do you think he's noticed something?"
A hint of doubt flashed in his eyes, and he was quite surprised by his father's behavior this time. In his impression, his father usually doted on Concubine Rong and the two princes she gave birth to the most, and almost always granted their requests. Even he, the legitimate son of the empress, was far less important in his father's heart than those two princes.
Logically speaking, for a good thing like marriage that concerns the future of the prince, the eldest prince should be given priority.
Zhao Wei raised his eyes and glanced at Zhao Hao, who looked disdainful. After a moment of contempt, he slowly spoke, "Although the Emperor is partial to the harem, he has always been clear-headed when it comes to major state affairs. This marriage is no small matter. If not handled properly, the situation in the court and even the stability of the entire Zhao State could be affected. The Emperor naturally understands the pros and cons and will definitely not allow the First and Second Princes to act recklessly."
Zhao Hao nodded slightly, but a hint of worry still lingered in his eyes. "I hope so! I'm afraid that Father is easily influenced by Concubine Rong's whispers and might lose his mind again."
In his opinion, although his father is the king of a country, he often seems indecisive when dealing with the relationship between the harem and the government. Concubine Rong has been in the harem for many years and has a complex network of power. She is definitely not a good person. How could she easily let go of this opportunity for marriage?
Just as Zhao Hao expected, as soon as Concubine Rong returned to her palace, she immediately ordered her confidant to find out what had happened in the Yuhe Palace that day.
However, those young masters who were involved in this matter seemed to have discussed it beforehand. No matter how the people sent tried to insinuate, threaten or bribe them, they kept their mouths shut and knew nothing about anything. They even pretended to be deaf and blind, which really made people angry.
In fact, it's not the fault of these young masters being timid. It's because Eunuch Zhao had warned them in advance and sternly warned them: "If anyone dares to leak even a word of what happened today, don't blame me for being ruthless and having them torn into pieces by five horses!"
Everyone was afraid of the power behind Eunuch Zhao, so naturally they didn't dare to speak easily.
……
"My lady, please calm down and don't let yourself get hurt."
The personal maid looked at the precious porcelain and tea bowls scattered on the ground, feeling distressed and confused.
On normal days, Concubine Rong was stopped outside the Yuhe Hall before, so why was she so angry this time?
She tried to comfort him cautiously, but she knew in her heart that her master might have really run into a tough opponent this time.
Concubine Rong was filled with anger and had no place to vent it, like a volcano about to erupt.
The personal maid held a steaming cup of tea and approached cautiously, saying softly, "Your Majesty, have a sip of tea to calm your anger."
But just as she finished her words, Concubine Rong raised her hand suddenly, and the exquisite teacup along with the hot tea inside was overturned to the ground.
The scalding tea splashed onto the maid's skirt. She shrank back in pain but didn't dare to make a sound.
Concubine Rong didn't even look at the palace maid, but just shouted angrily: "Get out! Don't be an eyesore here!" The palace maid was as if she had been pardoned. She hurriedly saluted and retreated.
When the room was completely quiet, a sinister look appeared on Concubine Rong's face. She pointed to the empty corner and shouted in a low voice, "Come out!"
As soon as she finished speaking, a black shadow seemed to emerge from the darkness and appeared in front of her like a ghost.
The black shadow knelt on one knee and said in a low and respectful voice: "My Lady, what are your instructions?"
A trace of determination flashed in Concubine Rong's eyes. She approached the shadow and whispered, "You must immediately find a way to contact Princess Min'an and tell her that the candidate for the marriage must be Crown Prince Zhao Hao."
She paused, a ruthless look flashing in her eyes. "While he's unconscious now, this is a perfect opportunity. Once the marriage is successful, find the right time to... get rid of him and prevent future troubles."
The black shadow nodded slightly and replied "yes", then his figure flashed and disappeared in the house in an instant, as if he had never appeared.
At the same time, in the Yuhe Hall, Emperor Zhao was buried in a mountain of memorials.
The hall was very quiet, with only the rustling sound of the brush rubbing against the memorials.
Suddenly, a dark figure appeared silently in the hall, knelt on one knee, and said softly: "Your Majesty, there is movement in Rongshen Palace."
Upon hearing this, Emperor Zhao slowly raised his head from the memorial. His eyes revealed a hint of fatigue, but more of vigilance.
"Did you see it clearly?" His voice was low and powerful.
The secret guard replied gravely, "Your Majesty, I have seen everything. This is a master who walked out of the Rong Shen Palace. His martial arts skills are extremely superb. He cleverly bypassed our sentries and headed straight for the post station."
Emperor Zhao's eyes instantly became complicated, the brush in his hand stopped unconsciously, and a drop of ink quietly dripped onto the memorial in front of him.
He stared at the drop of ink, as if lost in thought.
Afterwards, Emperor Zhao slowly stood up and walked to the window with slightly heavy steps.
Outside the window, the sun was scorching, and the sunlight shone on the glazed tiles of the palace, reflecting a dazzling light, but Emperor Zhao's heart was cold, as if shrouded in a layer of frost.
He recalled the time when he knew and loved Concubine Rong when he was young. At that time, they also had sincere feelings for each other, walking hand in hand under the palace walls, looking forward to a bright future.
But since when, this relationship has quietly changed its nature, and in the vortex of power and desire, it has gradually become an absurd farce.
The once indestructible wall of love has now collapsed and shattered to the ground, and can never be put back together again.
After a long time, he came back to his senses and said coldly: "Keep watching, don't miss any clues."
"Yes, Your Majesty." After receiving the order, the secret guard retreated quietly.
In the huge Yuhe Hall, only the lonely figure of Emperor Zhao was left by the window, making it look empty and lonely.