In the Prime Minister's mansion, You Rong's study.
Suifeng pushed open the door and entered, cupping his hands. "My lord, the people sent to investigate Qinghe City have returned. Yang Tianhao's troops are still stationed in Qinghe City and show no signs of advancing towards the capital."
You Rong nodded slightly. "I understand. Have someone continue to wait and report any stirrings immediately."
"Yes, my lord."
"Alright, you may withdraw."
"Yes, this servant takes his leave."
The study door closed. You Rong sat quietly before the desk, his brow furrowed, his expression complex.
Why was he so wary of Yang Tianhao and Lin Zhilan plotting rebellion? Was it truly because Lin Qinghe was no longer dissolute, incompetent, and incapable, but had become a wise ruler for the country?
You Rong didn't know. However, the policies Lin Qinghe had recently proposed, such as changing taxation and developing agriculture, were indeed for the people's benefit and for the prosperity of Dongli. Therefore, he convinced himself that his decision was not wrong.
After the Heaven Worship and Blessing ceremony, he needed to remind Lin Qinghe to have Lin Zhilan leave the capital soon. Otherwise, if Lin Zhilan remained in the capital for too long, it would easily lead to trouble.
Meanwhile, in the imperial palace.
Just as Lin Qinghe had predicted, after Huo Guanzhong saw Lin Zhilan's letter, he soon wrote a reply. He earnestly assured Lin Zhilan that You Rong, whom he considered like a son, would definitely not reveal their past actions to her. To further reassure Lin Zhilan, he repeatedly guaranteed in the letter that he would keep his future actions secret from You Rong.
After reading it, Lin Qinghe ordered someone to send the letter to Lin Zhilan at the post station. Through the spies at the post station, he also learned about the hidden guards Lin Zhilan's mother's former consort had left in the capital.
Having meticulously uncovered all their correspondence, Lin Qinghe immediately sent people to monitor Lin Zhilan's hidden guards. They were also instructed not to act rashly, allowing them to proceed under their watchful eyes.
In the following two days, Lin Zhilan and Huo Guanzhong's letters clearly stated their intentions: to find an opportunity to assassinate Lin Qinghe, a decisive assassination that would leave no room for Lin Qinghe to react. Huo Guanzhong would take the lead, using his many protégés in court to strongly recommend Lin Zhilan's ascension to the throne, thereby allowing Lin Zhilan to ascend the throne naturally.
Lin Qinghe's fair, slender fingers tapped rhythmically on the memorial on the desk. She murmured, "Lin Zhilan is indeed quite clever..."
Lin Qinghe's eyes narrowed, a sharp glint flashing within them.
It would not be easy for Lin Zhilan to find an opportunity for a foolproof assassination. Naturally, she had to give Lin Zhilan a chance. At tomorrow's Heaven Worship and Blessing ceremony, she wouldn't mind showing Lin Zhilan her "weakness."
This weakness was precisely You Rong.
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Heaven Worship and Blessing Ceremony.
Lin Qinghe was awakened early by the palace attendants. After burning incense, bathing, and changing into her ceremonial robes, she arrived surrounded by her retinue.
As soon as Lin Qinghe arrived, the ministers and members of the royal family bowed.
"Greetings, Your Majesty!"
Lin Qinghe nodded slightly. "Your esteemed presence is unnecessary. Please rise."
"Thank you, Your Majesty."
Lin Qinghe surveyed Lin Zhilan and smiled faintly. "Has Imperial Sister rested well at the post station these past few days?"
Lin Zhilan curtsied. "Thank you for Your Majesty's concern. This humble sister has rested very well at the post station."
"That is good. I was worried that Imperial Sister, accustomed to living in Jiangnan, might find it difficult to adapt upon returning to the capital."
Lin Zhilan smiled charmingly. "No, Your Majesty. I appreciate your concern."
Their polite exchange was flawless, leaving no room for criticism. Lin Qinghe's focus today was not on her. With a sidelong glance at You Rong, she walked over with a smile. "Prime Minister You, did you like the tea I sent to your residence yesterday? I heard you enjoy Da Hong Pao and specifically ordered it to be purchased from afar." Su Dan Novel Network.
You Rong cupped his hands. "Thank you for Your Majesty's favor. The tea is excellent, but it is very precious. Your Majesty need not trouble yourself so much for this humble subject in the future."
"It's nothing. As long as you like it, it's fine," Lin Qinghe said with a light laugh.
You Rong's expression remained impassive, his demeanor calm. The hand hidden in his sleeve involuntarily clenched slightly.
Lin Qinghe naturally did not notice this, as her attention was entirely on Lin Zhilan.
Upon hearing her conversation with You Rong, Lin Zhilan's expression clearly changed. Her objective should have been achieved.
Amidst the casual conversation, a monk in a saffron robe approached. He was the renowned virtuous monk of Dongli, Master Jing Kong.
"This humble monk pays his respects to Your Majesty."
Lin Qinghe said, "Master Jing Kong, there is no need for ceremony. Is the Heaven Worship and Blessing ceremony about to begin?"
"Yes, Your Majesty. The monks will recite the scriptures for blessings, and Your Majesty will lead everyone in offering incense. That is all that is required."
Lin Qinghe nodded. "I understand. Thank you, Master Jing Kong." Lin Qinghe turned to You Rong and said, "Prime Minister You, follow behind me..."
Wang Wan heard this and quickly whispered, "Your Majesty, the person who follows behind you must be a member of the imperial family, like Princess Chang'an, followed by others. Prime Minister You should be at the head of the officials."
Lin Qinghe's expression darkened, and she reprimanded him unhappily. "I said for Prime Minister You to follow behind me, so let him follow behind me. What is wrong with that!"
"This..." Wang Jiang's expression was as if he were about to cry. He whispered, "Your Majesty, this is an ancestral rule. Prime Minister You is not..."
Lin Qinghe interrupted Wang Jiang's words coldly. "Rules are dead! People are alive! I said for Prime Minister You to be behind me, and he will be behind me!" Lin Qinghe added without further ado, "Prime Minister You, come here!"
You Rong's brows furrowed. He likely feared that if he did not comply, Lin Qinghe would throw a tantrum at the Heaven Worship and Blessing ceremony.
With so many officials and the common people watching, it would ultimately be unbecoming. He could not disregard the rules. Cupping his hands, he agreed and moved to stand behind Lin Qinghe.
As You Rong moved, Lin Qinghe, whose face had been displeased moments ago, instantly filled with smiles. Lin Zhilan witnessed this scene.
The Heaven Worship and Blessing ceremony proceeded smoothly. After the ceremony, Lin Qinghe dined with the assembled officials. Without exception, upon entering the hall, Lin Qinghe ordered You Rong's seat to be placed closest to her.
During the meal, a palace attendant, perhaps new, was so nervous while serving that they accidentally spilled hot soup on You Rong's hand. They immediately trembled and knelt, kowtowing for forgiveness. "Prime Minister, this servant deserves to die. This servant accidentally spilled the soup, and this servant deserves to die..."
Lin Qinghe, seated above, changed color instantly. She quickly rose and went to You Rong's side. Disregarding the presence of all the officials, she pulled You Rong's hand to examine it. Seeing that his hand was red from the burn, she anxiously shouted, "Someone! Fetch the imperial physician! Hurry and fetch the imperial physician! Do you hear me!"
Wang Jiang quickly responded, "Yes, Your Majesty, this servant will go and call the imperial physician!"
Wang Jiang hurried away. Lin Qinghe held You Rong's hand, her voice filled with tension. "How is it? Is it badly burned? Is it serious?"
You Rong's heart stirred. "Your Majesty, I'm..."
Lin Qinghe seemed not to hear him, angrily reprimanding, "Where is the imperial physician? Why has he not arrived yet?! These useless fools are so slow! I will have their heads chopped off!"
The officials below murmured amongst themselves. Seeing this, You Rong held Lin Qinghe's hand and said in a low voice, "Your Majesty, I am fine. It is just a little red from the burn. Your Majesty need not worry."
Lin Qinghe, who had been agitated moments ago, seemed to calm down instantly. She frowned and nodded, her gaze fixed on You Rong's burned hand with continued concern. Only when the imperial physician arrived to treat You Rong's wound and stated that there was no serious issue did she finally relax.
Lin Zhilan, witnessing this scene, was somewhat surprised.
Lin Qinghe's demeanor... had she genuinely fallen for You Rong?