Xiao Xizi respectfully replied, "Your Majesty, the secret guards have reported that after Prime Minister You returned to his residence today, many officials from the court either visited him or sent people to do so. However, Prime Minister You, citing discomfort, refused to see anyone and kept his doors shut. In the afternoon, Prime Minister You's personal attendant went to the Imperial Academy, and then Lord Huo arrived at Prime Minister You's residence. Prime Minister You met with Lord Huo, and they stayed in the study for a long time before Lord Huo departed."
"Lord Huo?"
Lin Qinghe thought for a moment and recalled from the original body's memories that Huo Guanzhong, as the head of the Imperial Academy, was You Rong's mentor, and their relationship was like father and son.
Huo Guanzhong was highly respected and had many disciples in the court. When the original Empress was alive, she held him in high regard.
If such a person harbored treasonous thoughts with You Rong, it would indeed be troublesome.
Lin Qinghe pondered for a moment and said, "Have the secret guards discreetly follow Lord Huo. See who he has been in contact with recently and if he meets with You Rong again. Report any developments immediately."
Xiao Xizi replied, "Yes, Your Majesty."
"That's all. I need to rest now. You may all withdraw."
"Yes, Your Majesty."
Xiao Xizi summoned palace maids to help Lin Qinghe change, and then had all the palace staff leave Changning Palace.
Lin Qinghe lay in bed with her eyes open, unable to sleep, racking her brains for an excuse to see You Rong in the coming days.
After much thought, Lin Qinghe could only think of matters of state as a plausible excuse.
Lin Qinghe sighed and closed her eyes, falling asleep.
She would find an excuse to see You Rong in a couple of days. You Rong already disliked her, and pushing too hard might be counterproductive.
The next day.
Lin Qinghe went to the morning court. As promised yesterday, Imperial Tutor Xu found a multitude of issues concerning Marquis Pingyang to impeach him. One by one, Imperial Tutor Xu spoke with great conviction. As a scholar, he was adept at presenting grand principles, which left Marquis Pingyang's face ashen and speechless.
Lin Qinghe narrowed her eyes, enjoying the verbal sparring between the two parties in court. Only after Imperial Tutor Xu had finished his discourse did Lin Qinghe leisurely step in to conclude the matter, reprimanding Marquis Pingyang and fining him half a year's salary.
After this incident, everyone was secretly surprised by how much Lin Qinghe trusted Imperial Tutor Xu. Those who had been stirring up trouble because Imperial Tutor Xu and Minister Li were retiring and returning to their hometowns now dared not make any rash moves upon seeing this.
The dispute between Imperial Tutor Xu and Marquis Pingyang in the imperial court reached You Rong's ears as soon as the court adjourned.
After listening to his attendant's report, You Rong lowered his gaze and said softly, "I understand. You may withdraw."
"Yes, my lord."
You Rong's deep and handsome eyes narrowed, and he fell into thought.
Although Imperial Tutor Xu was pedantic in many aspects, he was absolutely loyal to Lin Qinghe. Previously, Lin Qinghe had disliked Imperial Tutor Xu and forced him to leave the capital and return to his hometown. To her surprise, today she personally sent for Imperial Tutor Xu to return, and seemed to trust him greatly.
Has she truly changed?
Lin Qinghe, unaware of You Rong's contemplation, had been busy over the past two days reinstating those who were loyal to the original body but had been dismissed or casually sent away. In particular, the position of commander of the Imperial Guards needed to be filled by someone trustworthy.
She did not want to wake up in the middle of the night to find her palace under siege without any prior knowledge.
After discussing the matter with Imperial Tutor Xu, Lin Qinghe decided to appoint the loyal and upright Vice Commander of the Imperial Guards, Jiang Yuke, to the position of commander. The reason for choosing him was simple: he had no powerful background, nor did he have extensive dealings with any faction officials or imperial relatives. He had climbed his way up step by step by earning countless merits in battle.
Imperial Tutor Xu looked gratified, believing that Lin Qinghe had finally outgrown her frivolous nature and understood her responsibilities as a monarch.
In just two days, Lin Qinghe had purged all those who posed a threat to her, finally able to relax.
Having not seen You Rong for two days, Lin Qinghe pondered for a moment and called out, "Wang Jiang, I wish to leave the palace in disguise and visit Prime Minister You's residence."
Wang Jiang was not at all surprised and replied with a smile, "Yes, Your Majesty. This servant will arrange it immediately."
Lin Qinghe changed out of her imperial yellow empress's attire and chose a simple white robe. When the palace maids were styling her hair, they wished to adorn her bun with all the precious ornaments. Lin Qinghe frowned and removed the cumbersome hairpins, leaving only one hairpin. "That's enough! This will do. I am going out of the palace in disguise for convenience. Wearing so many things would jingle with every step; how could I move freely!"
The palace maids did not dare to defy Lin Qinghe's wishes, quickly curtsied, and said, "Yes, Your Majesty, this servant understands. It is cold outside, this servant will fetch a cloak for you."
Lin Qinghe replied, "Mm."
They got into the carriage and left the palace. About half an hour later, the carriage stopped at the entrance of You Mansion. Wang Jiang lifted the carriage curtain and said, "Your Majesty, we have arrived."
Lin Qinghe dismounted from the carriage and was stopped by a servant at the entrance, "Miss, may I ask who you are..."
Just as Lin Qinghe was about to speak, Wang Jiang interjected with a reprimand, "How dare you! Not paying respects to His Majesty!"
The servant's face turned pale, his legs went weak, and he knelt down to kowtow. He quickly said, "This servant deserves death. I did not know Your Majesty was visiting, please forgive this servant!"
"Stop dawdling! His Majesty wishes to see Prime Minister You. Is Prime Minister You in the residence? Quickly, lead His Majesty to him!"
"Yes, yes... This servant will take Your Majesty to see my lord immediately. Your Majesty, this way..."
Lin Qinghe glanced at Wang Jiang helplessly. She had said she was going in disguise to see You Rong, but with his outburst, everyone would know now.
Lin Qinghe said with a headache, "Wang Jiang, next time, keep your mouth shut unless I tell you to speak, understood?"
Wang Jiang's heart skipped a beat. "Your Majesty, I... I was wrong. Next time, if you don't tell me to speak, I will not utter a single word!"
Lin Qinghe sighed and said to the trembling servant, "Let's go, take me to see You Rong."
"Yes, Your Majesty. My lord is currently in the small pavilion in the courtyard, enjoying tea. Please follow this servant..."
Lin Qinghe passed through the front courtyard and arrived at Prime Minister You's backyard. You Rong, dressed in white, sat in the pavilion, his expression serene and exuding an indescribable cold elegance.
Just as the servant was about to call out to You Rong, Lin Qinghe stopped him with a look. She gestured for them to stay put and walked over alone.
As she approached, Lin Qinghe saw a chessboard laid out before You Rong. He was playing against himself, the black and white pieces in a stalemate.
Lin Qinghe chuckled softly. "You Rong, what fun is there in playing chess by yourself? How about... I play a game with you?"
Upon hearing this, You Rong immediately frowned. When he looked up and saw Lin Qinghe, a flicker of disgust flashed in his eyes.
You Rong quickly composed himself and was about to rise to pay his respects. "Your subject greets Your Majesty..."
"No need for formalities! Sit down." After You Rong sat down, before he could speak, Lin Qinghe picked up a white chess piece and placed it casually on the board. She looked up at You Rong with a smile and asked, "What do you say? Shall we have a game?"
With this casual move, the previously balanced game between black and white was dramatically altered, with white clearly gaining the upper hand.