Chapter 1048: Chapter 763: Killing Three Birds with One Stone! (Part 2)
Aunt Hui’s heart sank.
It must be understood that the appointment and dismissal of palace personnel are not only her authority but also her means of controlling various affairs within the palace. Taking this power away would leave her without any means to control the palace’s personnel.
But at this moment, saying anything more is futile. She could only grit her teeth and reluctantly bow: "Yes."
Eunuch Yu, too, stepped forward to bow and saluted, saying respectfully, "This servant will be loyal and dedicated, helping His Majesty the Emperor in solving difficulties."
Yu Wenquan nodded, but by this time, a tired expression had already surfaced on his face, saying, "Go down and clean up Qianqiu Palace and Jinyu Garden properly. The additional staff must also be scrutinized carefully. Do not let anything affect Prince Qin and Princess Qin."
"Yes."
Originally, it was expected that with such exhaustion after issuing these instructions, he would let them leave. But Yu Wenquan hesitated for a moment, then said to Yu Wenye: "Feng Chen, you requested earlier to have Shen Tu Tai lead the army to the east to capture Song State and Xuzhou. I approve of this matter."
Yu Wenye immediately said: "Thank you very much, Father!"
Yu Wenquan said: "Tomorrow, I will let the Ministry of War issue the order. You should have them prepare early."
"Yes!"
At this moment, Shang Ruyi was also taken aback.
Originally, these days, Yu Wenye ran to the Ministry of War daily and went to the barracks for training, not aimlessly. He had previously stated that his status in the court needed to rely on military accomplishments. However, this time, at the Battle of Taiyuan, he was overshadowed by Crown Prince Yu Wenqian. She thought he would remain quiet for a while, but unexpectedly, he was already planning to have his subordinates capture Song State and Xuzhou.
These two places are very close to Luoyang and not entirely under Liang Shide’s control. The person guarding these places is Fan Cheng’en, with whom they have crossed paths before. They know he is an official wholeheartedly serving the people.
If they could win him over and capture these places, they could form a surrounding threat to Luoyang!
By that time, capturing the Eastern Capital would be a matter of course!
Unexpectedly, today’s event was supposed to be at a disadvantage for them, yet Chu Ruoyan’s bold stand turned the tide, resolving this problem, weakening Aunt Hui’s power, and granting Yu Wenye the authority to send troops eastward!
It was truly killing three birds with one stone!
Shang Ruyi was overwhelmed with excitement, although she tried her best to suppress it, she couldn’t control her pounding heart and chaotic breath at this moment. Beside her, Chu Ruoyan turned to glance at her, noting her reddened eyes, then looked at Yu Wenye, who seemed to have everything under his control, with a trace of melancholy in her eyes.
Even though she stands between these two, there might be places she could never reach.
She lowered her head.
Also melancholic was His Majesty the Emperor, who had just made the significant decision to advance eastward. Seeing Yu Wenquan finish these words, his broad and heavy shoulders slightly drooped as if exhausted to the extreme, and he no longer looked at them, merely waved: "Alright, you may all leave now."
"Yes."
Everyone responded together and then rose and withdrew.
Exiting Liangyi Hall, a gust of wind blew through, causing almost everyone to shiver involuntarily, only then realizing that their faces and bodies were drenched in cold sweat.
Just now, everyone’s hearts were in their throats, their souls had walked a line between life and death.
Among them, Aunt Hui’s face looked the most ashen and unpleasant — she never imagined that a situation she completely controlled would unravel simply because of Yu Wenye’s presence and his words, stirring her to feel a hint of apprehension, and just that hint of apprehension made her speak with a slight flaw, leading to this complete defeat!
Moreover, Yu Wenye gained the opportunity to send troops to Song State.
She was truly unwilling, but powerless to change it.
She glanced at a few people, still barely managed a smile: "Prince Qin, Princess, this servant will take her leave."
Yu Wenye said: "Aunt Hui has worked hard."
"It’s nothing."
After speaking, Aunt Hui turned and left.
Once she left, Eunuch Yu also stepped forward, his expression not quite one of triumph, yet much to his delight especially when looking at Yu Wenye, exchanging glances as if sparks flew between them. But he didn’t say much, merely saluted Prince Qin and Princess Qin, and also departed.
Then, only the three of them remained at the front of the hall, along with Panqing, Tushere, and several Chief Palace Maids who stayed outside.
The three did not speak much, quietly leaving Liangyi Hall, strangely silent all the way until they passed the Hundred Blessings Gate and reached the entrance of Jinyu Garden. Seeing Chu Ruoyan bow to them and about to turn inside, Shang Ruyi finally spoke.
"Lady Chu..."
Chu Ruoyan, who originally said nothing, seemed inclined to plunge into Jinyu Garden, but hearing her voice, couldn’t help but pause her steps, though didn’t immediately turn back but took a deep breath before turning to face her: "Does Princess have any other instructions?"
Shang Ruyi looked at her, gently saying: "Thank you."
"...!"
Chu Ruoyan’s pupils trembled slightly.
She did not speak immediately, but turned her face to the side, silently before saying: "The trouble is on my side, I am just responsibly handling this matter, there’s no need for you to thank me."
As she spoke, she looked up at Shang Ruyi, though awkwardly but still said: "I should be thanking you for always taking me out of this matter."
Upon hearing this, a smile appeared in Shang Ruyi’s eyes.
She understood well, for a woman like Chu Ruoyan—a princess of royal lineage, has always been surrounded by admiration with too many people vying for her favor, too many who thank her for even a slight reward. Thus, towards others’ kindness and gratitude, she would feel no particular emotion or excitement.
But responsibility, that’s what she must bear.
Now, she seems somewhat different from the past.
