The progress bar surprisingly increased, and Lin Qinghe clearly paused, disbelief written all over her face.
What was going on with You Rong? Had her apology earlier changed his perception of her?
Lin Qinghe was utterly bewildered by You Rong's intentions. While the progress bar was climbing, he was still trying to pull her down from the imperial throne. She was starting to suspect if You Rong had a split personality!
Overall, before Lin Zhilan returned to the capital, it was always a good idea to try and gain more favor in You Rong's eyes.
Lin Qinghe comforted herself, thinking, perhaps before then, You Rong would suddenly change his mind and no longer think about rebellion.
However… Lin Qinghe's eyes narrowed, a sharp glint flashing within them. What Chu Yue had said to slander and mock You Rong today could not be let go so easily!
Lin Qinghe's gaze flickered as she called out, "Wang Jiang."
Wang Jiang hurried to respond, "Your Majesty, your servant is here. Do you have any commands?"
Lin Qinghe said, "Go to the residence of Lord Chu, the Vice Minister of the Ministry of Revenue. Convey my imperial decree: Chu Yue is skilled in martial arts, and I value him greatly. I specially order him to accompany Deputy General Lin to the border to stand guard."
"Yes, Your Majesty. Your servant has noted it. I will go to Lord Chu's residence to convey your imperial decree shortly."
Wang Jiang understood perfectly. Lin Qinghe was intentionally setting Chu Yue up for hardship. Chu Yue was a scholar, accustomed to a life of luxury in the capital, unable to lift anything heavy. Sending him to the barren frontier, and into the army at that, without any military rank, meant Chu Yue would only serve as an ordinary soldier.
This would be quite the ordeal for Chu Yue!
Lin Qinghe let out an "Mm," and continued, "Also… my private affairs can be spread outside the palace, and known to everyone. Whose mouth is so disloyal? You should investigate this as well!"
A bead of cold sweat appeared on Wang Jiang's forehead, and he hastily said, "Your Majesty, this is my oversight. I deserve death. Please be assured, Your Majesty. Upon returning to the palace, I will immediately investigate this matter thoroughly. I will surely punish the disloyal palace servants severely!"
Lin Qinghe nodded with satisfaction. Then, she added, "Right, go and check if there are any students in the Imperial Academy like Chu Yue who usually mock Prime Minister You. If there are, you know how to handle them."
Wang Jiang said, "Yes, your servant understands. Please rest assured, Your Majesty, your servant will handle it properly."
Hearing this, Lin Qinghe said no more.
***
The next day at noon.
You Rong had just returned from the palace and had barely sat down in his study when Suifeng pushed open the door and entered, saying, "My lord, Lord Chu, the Vice Minister of the Ministry of Revenue, and his son are outside requesting an audience. Do you wish to see them?"
You Rong frowned, "Lord Chu, the Vice Minister of the Ministry of Revenue, is seeking an audience with me? Did he state the reason?"
Suifeng replied, "Lord Chu said he has brought his son to apologize to you."
"Apologize?" You Rong's eyes lowered slightly, and he murmured, "For what happened at Baihua Tower yesterday?"
Suifeng hesitated for a moment, then couldn't help but ask, "My lord, do you not yet know that His Majesty ordered Young Master Chu to accompany Deputy General Lin to the border to stand guard?"
You Rong said, "Chu Yue is to accompany Deputy General Lin to the border to stand guard? His Majesty's decree?"
Suifeng replied, "Indeed! It was His Majesty who ordered Eunuch Wang to convey the decree. When the imperial edict arrived at Lord Chu's residence yesterday, Young Master Chu turned pale upon hearing he was to go to the border. He cried and refused to go, angering Eunuch Wang greatly. Eunuch Wang said Young Master Chu intended to disobey the decree and ordered him to be imprisoned in the Heavenly Dungeon. It was only after Lord Chu pleaded extensively and forced Young Master Chu to admit his mistake that Eunuch Wang relented."
Suifeng paused and snorted, "This servant believes Young Master Chu deserves it! He spoke ill of others so carelessly, it's only right he goes to the frontier and suffers a bit!"
He clearly remembered what Chu Yue had said about their lord at the Baihua Tower poetry gathering yesterday!