Several Ministry of Rites officials also followed to the pavilion, drinking tea while waiting for King Huainan and others.
In the capital.
At the tavern, Minister Qi sat in a private room with King Qi, looking out towards the city gate through a half-open window.
Minister Qi felt a bit discontent: "Prince Rong got quite a bargain this time."
"If he personally leads the Beirong Prince to meet the Emperor, who knows how it will affect the Emperorâs arrangements for trade with Beirong."
King Qi looked dejected because of issues concerning his mother, his spirits were low.
Imperial Concubine Qi Zhao Yi was sent out of the palace yesterday, to a temple.
Due to Emperor Xuanmingâs orders, King Qi didnât even have the privilege to personally escort his mother.
"Uncle, this task probably wonât be arranged so quickly, no need to worry," King Qi spoke to comfort.
Minister Qi understood the matter was already settled, naturally wouldnât keep regretting.
Seeing King Qi enlightened, willing to contend, brought joy to his heart.
"Prince, then what do you think we should do next?"
"First wait for the court session, see fatherâs attitude." King Qi felt the focus was still on Emperor Xuanming, ultimately the decision was surely up to the Emperor.
Minister Qi squinted: "On the Deng Family front, I have gathered quite a bit of evidence."
"However, something seems strange."
"It seems the previous Southern Border affair involved King Huainan."
King Qi indeed didnât know this information, furrowed his brow: "Uncle, what do you mean by this? Involved with King Huainan?"
"Yes, have you forgotten the sudden summoning of Consort Yun to the palace?" Minister Qiâs eyes flickered: "She was called in for just one day and then sent back."
"But I always felt something was off."
"This time neither Prince Huainanâs Heir nor the princess went to the city outskirts to meet King Huainan, instead, they were summoned to the palace, which is very unusual."
"If there was nothing wrong with King Huainan, the Emperor wouldnât act like this." Minister Qi nearly bluntly suggested Emperor Xuanming suspects King Huainan harbors disloyal intentions.
King Qi felt somewhat shocked, these details, on further thought, seemed to finally connect into a chain.
"This time King Huainan returns..." King Qi knew the specifics were uncertain.
Prince Rongâs visit this time might not be a good thing.
Certainly, it was also an opportunity to earn merit, but mixed with danger.
King Qi felt somewhat conflicted.
Ultimately, he didnât actually desire to harm others.
Inside the palace.
A palace attendant beside Deng Jieyu quietly left the grand hall.
Deng Jieyu freshened up and changed into a beautiful dress.
Surrounded by a group of palace attendants, she went towards the Imperial Study.
As Deng Jieyu entered, she saw Chu Heng being struck on the head by a fold of paper, causing him to stagger back two steps.
"Beloved concubine, come here," Emperor Xuanming beckoned Deng Jieyu.
Deng Jieyu smiled and walked over, habitually snuggling into Emperor Xuanmingâs embrace.
"Emperor, I have already discussed tomorrowâs banquet with Empress Dowager, would you like to see it?" Deng Jieyuâs voice was sultry, wholly dependent on Emperor Xuanming.
Emperor Xuanming: "Wait for a moment, first let me take care of the treacherous official."
The words treacherous official were out.
Deng Jieyuâs heart skipped a beat.
She looked at Chu Heng, unsure whether it was sympathy or relief.
"Minister Chu, since you think I am muddled, then Iâll let you see just how muddled I am, remember, this realm is still mine, not for you subjects!"
"From now on, Minister Chu, stay at the Ministry of War, I truly donât feel reassured handing my treasury to you."
Chu Heng did not refute, just bowed and left.
Deng Jieyu heard this decision.