You Rong's residence.
After returning from duty, You Rong confirmed there was no one outside, sat down at the table, and lit the candle. He took out the note hidden in his wide sleeve.
It was Nangong Jie's reply.
After reading the letter, You Rong's brows furrowed, his thin lips pressed together, his handsome face filled with a solemn expression.
Nangong Jie wrote in the letter that he had investigated Wang Wan, who had privately accepted bribes from many officials, including imperial princes and consorts like Lin Chenrui. The number of people involved was vast. However, Wang Wan had always been cautious, and the gifts he received were accepted by his godchildren, so there was no direct evidence to prove Wang Wan was the one taking bribes.
Even if the matter were reported to the emperor, Wang Wan would claim complete ignorance and shift all blame to his godchildren, clearing himself completely.
This was similar to how Wang Yue had used torture on him a few days prior.
You Rong's eyes flickered. It seemed that getting rid of Wang Wan would not be an easy task and required careful planning. Sudan Novel Network.
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Royal Racecourse on the day of the horse race.
As soon as Lin Qinghe arrived at the racecourse, her eyes fell upon the emperor, who was surrounded by people. Naturally, she also spotted You Rong behind the emperor.
She quickened her pace, smiled, curtsied, and bowed. "Your subject greets Father Emperor."
The emperor smiled warmly. "Qinghe, you've come too. I was just saying this morning that with your penchant for excitement, you wouldn't possibly miss such a lively event as the horse race today."
Lin Qinghe puffed out her cheeks and said playfully, "This subject isn't here just for the excitement. This subject just missed Father Emperor and knew Father Emperor would be here, so I came."
"Hahaha... You, you little clever one, you know how to make your Father Emperor happy."
Consort Qing, standing nearby, saw how doting the emperor was towards Lin Qinghe and subtly clenched her fist, though her face maintained a dignified and elegant smile.
Consort Qing took Lin Qinghe's hand and said with a smile, "Your Majesty, this concubine believes Qinghe is right. She is closest to you. When she comes to pay her respects at this concubine's palace, she mentions Father Emperor in three out of every four sentences, always talking about you. Hearing it... makes this concubine's heart ache."
The emperor's imperial countenance was greatly pleased. "There's nothing to be done about it. Who made Qinghe my most beloved princess!"
Lin Qinghe played along with Consort Qing, acting out a mother-daughter bond. After a brief exchange of pleasantries, Consort Qing impatiently steered the conversation towards Lin Chenrui.
"Your Majesty, Rui'er has chosen a fine Arabian horse and has been practicing on the racecourse for several days. His legs are all worn and bruised, and he's determined to win first place today to show you."
The emperor raised his eyebrows slightly. "Oh? Then I am quite looking forward to Rui'er's performance later."
"Yes, I believe Rui'er will not disappoint you."
Lin Qinghe inwardly rolled her eyes. If not for the misfortune that befell the You family and You Rong's punishment of becoming a lifelong servant in the palace, the first place in today's horse race would surely have been You Rong's! It wouldn't have fallen to Lin Chenrui!
Lin Qinghe had not forgotten the important matter she had to attend to today. Her gaze flickered, and she hooked her arm around the emperor's. "Father Emperor, this subject also wants to ride a horse. Can you accompany me to choose a good horse?"
Just as the emperor was about to agree, Consort Qing said with slight displeasure, "Qinghe, the horse race is about to begin. Naturally, His Majesty must watch from here. How can he accompany you to pick a horse now!"
"But..."
Consort Qing, wanting Lin Chenrui to impress the emperor, was unwilling to let Lin Qinghe pull the emperor away and directly interrupted Lin Qinghe.
"How about this, why don't we let Eunuch Wang accompany you to pick a good horse? After the race, this concubine and His Majesty will go together to watch you ride, how about that?"
Consort Qing's suggestion suited Lin Qinghe perfectly. The reason she wanted to pull the emperor away was precisely to have Wang Wan accompany them, making it convenient for her to act.
Lin Qinghe smiled sweetly. "Okay! Then this subject will go pick a horse first. After the race, Father Emperor and Mother Consort must remember to watch this subject ride."
Seeing that Lin Qinghe was somewhat sensible, Consort Qing returned to her usual amiable demeanor. "Yes, this concubine and His Majesty will be there. Eunuch Wang, quickly take Fifth Princess to the stables to pick a fine horse."
Hurry up and leave, so that with her here, His Majesty cannot concentrate on watching Rui'er's performance on the racecourse!
Eunuch Wang glanced at the emperor. Seeing that the emperor did not refuse, he bowed and cupped his hands. "Yes, Noble Consort, this servant will escort Her Highness the Princess there immediately."
The emperor added a reminder, "Qinghe, you are not skilled at riding. Be careful when you ride."
"Yes, Father Emperor, this subject understands."
Lin Qinghe subtly glanced at You Rong, said nothing, and walked towards the nearby stables.
You Rong watched Lin Qinghe's retreating figure, and for some reason, he vaguely felt something was amiss. He tried to think harder, but couldn't pinpoint what was wrong.
Upon reaching the stables, Wang Wan examined several black horses back and forth, and said flatteringly, "Your Highness the Princess, what do you think of these horses? They have gentle temperaments and strong physiques. If you were to ride them, they would certainly be very suitable."
Lin Qinghe feigned a glance at the horses. "Is that so? How does Eunuch Wang know they have gentle temperaments? Can you tell just by looking at them for a few moments?"
"Naturally not," Wang Wan replied. "This servant touched them, and they did not shy away, which is enough to show their gentle nature. The one in the corner is different. This servant hadn't even reached out before it reared up on its hooves; it's clearly a horse with a fierce temperament."
Lin Qinghe said, "Oh, I see..."
Lin Qinghe walked towards the horses. As she approached Wang Wan, she stumbled as if by accident. Wang Wan quickly steadied her, saying in alarm, "Your Highness the Princess! Watch your step. If you fall, the Emperor will skin this servant alive!"
Lin Qinghe steadied herself and nonchalantly patted her hands. "It's nothing... this princess was just a little careless." She pointed to the first black horse. "This princess will choose this one. Go and lead it out for me!"
Wang Wan replied, "Yes, Your Highness the Princess."
Wang Wan led the horse out, knelt down, and obsequiously said, "Come, Your Highness the Princess, step on this servant's shoulder to mount the horse. Please be very careful."
Lin Qinghe, with the assistance of Mei Lan and You Yue, stepped on Wang Wan's shoulder and mounted the horse. She took the reins. "Alright, you all wait here. This princess will ride around here for a bit."
"Yes, Your Highness the Princess."
Lin Qinghe rode the horse slowly forward, appearing completely inept at riding. In reality, she was constantly observing her surroundings.
If the horse charged to the right, it would leave the racecourse and enter a densely wooded area, which would be convenient for her to fake an accidental fall and serious injury.
Lin Qinghe seized the opportunity when no one was paying attention, swallowed a pill made from Zi Huan hidden in her sleeve, and then sprinkled some of the remaining powder on the horse.
After about fifteen minutes, the horse would go mad and gallop wildly.