Chapter 1248: YeXi Sowing discord (1/2)

If possible, she would demote the Baili Clan into commoners, but she wasn’t so headstrong. As the empress, she had to shoulder responsibilities. As the head of the military, burdens weighed on her shoulders. Moreover, now that Long Feiye had given her the right to decide, her duty was even more important.

All those people coveting her spot as empress and military commander only saw its power and glory. Had they ever considered how much one had to give up to sit by the emperor’s side?

The Baili Clan could not fall. Once it did, the Jiangnan faction would increase its strength and incite unavoidable struggles for power within the military factions. The balanced state of affairs at court would shift as a result! With the north still in turmoil and all of Cloud Realm Continent still recovering from war, it would be extremely unwise for everyone to focus their attentions on internal conflicts! Moreover, Baili Yuanlong didn’t control just the Baili Clan, but countless soldiers who were completely innocent!

Han Yunxi had never considered eliminating the Baili family because she couldn’t find a suitable candidate to replace them in leading the troops, much less the navy. More importantly, only the Baili Clan was capable of fighting on par with the southern generals at the moment. Instead of destroying the Baili and allowing the southern generals to gloat, she might as well...sow discord between them!

Just who had leaked the news about the “tableware?” Most likely, the Baili Clan were suspecting the Xiao Clan. As long as she pushed them from the shadows, the Baili and Xiao families would find it impossible to cooperate in the future. And once the Baili Clan held a grudge against the southern generals, they would save her and Long Feiye plenty of trouble. Of course, the Baili Clan still had to hurt even if they weren’t destroyed. Only then could they continue to resent the Xiao Clan.

“Your Majesty, the crown prince’s birthday banquet should be a joyous occasion. It’s already gloomy enough that we’ve seen blood. As chenqie sees it, we can simply lock up the person for interrogation in the prisons. As for how many members of the Baili Clan were involved, we’ll have the justice courts investigate and deal with them accordingly!” Han Yunxi said.

Long Feiye nodded. “Someone come, arrest Baili Lixiang!”

Baili Lixiang didn’t resist, but she did look towards the Xiao Clan. They had agreed to admonish the empress as a team, but no one from the Xiao Clan had stepped out. They must be the ones who exposed the “tableware” secret to the rioters!

What a Xiao Dong! How dare he bite back to implicate me and the Baili Clan! Even if I die, I’ll drag the Xiao family down with me! I’ve got plenty of evidence on my hands!

Yet Han Yunxi only sighed with feeling and remarked, “Emperor, it looks like there are plenty of people outside with objections against chenqie. If I don’t explain myself, those still ignorant might really think chenqie forgot about the Northern Li disaster victims!”

Everyone grew guarded at her words. Even those who didn’t fear her before or never witnessed her strength first-hand began to feel dread. A few Madams had been planning to use this banquet to expose Han Yunxi for her empty red envelopes, but now they simply exchanged looks and shook their heads. They didn’t dare cause more trouble!

The Madams tacitly agreed to drop the matter just like that.

Would Han Yunxi drop her matters as well?

“Heheh, how will the empress express herself?” Long Feiye asked.

“Emperor, the crown prince received many gifts today. Why don’t we put them up for auction and donate the proceeds to the Northern Li victims?” Han Yunxi asked.

“Excellent,” Long Feiye naturally agreed. His gaze swept over Gu Qishao and added, “Let’s start with the title and deed to No. 7 Teahouse.”

Gu Qishao had no interest in any of the palace politics and was currently sitting lazily in his seat. He was tired, hungry, and bored! But Long Feiye’s words immediately made him alert. “What?” he asked loudly.

“What now, does the Prince of Yu have objections to bidding on the crown prince’s property?” Long Feiye asked.

“Of course…” Gu Qishao began, but Gu Beiyue pulled him back as a reminder that this was a public space where he couldn’t act out.

“Of course not!” Gu Qishao changed his tune, but his eyes were filled with angry resentment. I spent a whole year painstakingly preparing that teahouse, and now it’s being auctioned off for silver? Long Feiye, are you that short of money?