Chapter 146: On this matter, the emperor reaches a compromise (2/2)
Han Yunxi raised her head, wanting to ask about the Celestial Mountain Sword Sect. It was where Long Feiye and Duanmu Yao stayed under the same master. She’d asked about it once before, but not the specific details. Still, upon second thought, she gave up the idea.
What was the use of finding out more information? Whether or not he took a second official wife, or made her into his left or right consort, had nothing to do with her! It’s not as if she liked him!
Staying in the Duke of Qin’s estate was her lot in life, a place for her to settle down and get on with her work. It was all so she could have a stable foothold in Tianning’s capital. She wouldn’t be finished with anyone who tried to get in her way! Thinking up to here, Han Yunxi exhaled before patting Zhao mama’s shoulder. Then she climbed upstairs, shut the door, and went to sleep!
Zhao mama was confused. Just what had happened to her mistress today? Had she been possessed?
An exhausted Han Yunxi slept through the entire night. Meanwhile, Long Feiye was with Emperor Tianhui in his study, discussing the matter of the hidden spies all the way until dawn. Long Feiye was fully in charge of the case regarding Northern Li’s concealed agents. He was the leader that chose how to deal with the criminals, so much that even Emperor Tianhui couldn’t interfere. Madame Li might have come from the Han Family and lived there for years, but with just one word from Long Feiye, he could absolve all their guilt without Emperor Tianhui pursuing the matter. However, the situation had shifted ever since Madame Li spoke her dying words. Emperor Tianhui not only wanted to eliminate the Han Clan and their offspring, but also demanded that Han Yunxi be held accountable.
Long Feiye acted under orders to accompany Princess Rongle for an entire day before Emperor Tianhui willingly took a step back to open discussions. This exchange didn’t show that Long Feiye was powerless; rather, it highlighted Emperor Tianhui’s own helplessness against his little brother.
Otherwise, how could anyone have the right to haggle and bargain terms with the emperor?
Looking at the cold-faced Long Feiye, Emperor Tianhui clenched his fists tightly inside his sleeves. The Duke of Qin was the one man he dearly desired to get rid of, but Tianning needed his strength and power to oppose the ferocious and cruel Northern Li Country. They would’ve invaded Tianning long ago if not for fear of this Duke of Qin. A person like this was someone he loathed to the bones, but he had no choice but to depend on him. This made Emperor Tianhui truly sullen.
“The Han Family’s affairs will be settled like so. If Imperial Brother has no other matters, then he should prepare for the morning assembly,” Long Feiye said mildly. Warring with words for one night had been enough.
Emperor Tianhui didn’t reply directly, but said, “Crown Prince Ye and Princess Rongle will stay here until after the New Year’s. Regarding the marriage alliance, you should think it over.”
“A marriage alliance involves two separate countries. It’s better for Imperial Brother to examine the matter with Western Zhou’s emperor. It would be improper for chendi to interfere in such matters. After the New Year’s, chendi plans to leave on a journey and will have no time to help with Imperial Brother’s burdens.”
Emperor Tianhui narrowed his eyes, his voice cold. “The Duke of Qin has been overworked on the case of the hidden spies. It’s about time for a break. Perhaps you should hand over the follow-up work to someone else and rest yourself up?”
Was this equal to taking away his authority?
Long Feiye’s lips curved up mockingly as he replied. “Chendi has yet to report to Imperial Brother, but he’s already aware of follow-up work. Imperial Brother is indeed wise and brilliant.”
Emperor Tianhui grew startled at these words. “Duke of Qin, what do you mean?”
“Madame Li wasn’t the true leader behind the scenes. Behind her is another person. Chendi has already began preliminary rounds of investigation. He should be a scion of Northern Li’s imperial house; as to who it is specifically, and whether or not he’ll attack our Tianning, that is still unclear,” Long Feiye replied truthfully.
Emperor Tianhui never thought that someone else would be behind Madame Li. If this person hadn’t been uncovered yet, then Tianning’s capital still harbored untold dangers. It was already hard enough to guard against all eventualities when it came to hidden spies, much less ones skilled in poison. Madame Li had been deep undercover and possessed formidable poison skills. Emperor Tianhui had witnessed it personally. In that case, wouldn’t the person behind her be even more fearsome?
The poison arts was a crooked Way. In all of Tianning, who else besides Long Feiye would dare undertake this hot potato problem? Who else was competent enough? Emperor Tianhui’s gaze sharpened as he looked towards his young and promising brother. Long Feiye allowed him to stare, his expression cold and detached, those eyes of his as cold as ice. A peerless, noble aura radiated off him, as natural as natural could be. Though he was sitting to one side of Emperor Tianhui, he still gave off the impression of someone much higher and inviolable.
Finally, Emperor Tianhui stood up and gave him four words: “Continue with the investigation.”
Then he coldly summoned for Eunuch Xue. “Change clothes, I’m going to court!”
Long Feiye was quite satisfied as he stood up in turn. “Chendi obeys and takes his leave.”
Although Emperor Tianhui hadn’t said anything explicit, he’d still come to a compromise. Besides the Duke of Qin, it seemed like no one else would have any say regarding the Han Family’s relations with a convicted criminal…
-o-
[1] that woman in the palace – most likely referring to the empress dowager here.