Chapter 524: Chapter 173: Xiao Jinxing’s Heart Bursts with Joy
Ye Qichi dedicated himself to concocting Xiao Zhanping’s medicine.
A few days later, word also came from Xiao Jinxing’s side that Xiao Hezhen had entered the Imperial Palace.
Soon after.
Liu Xinran and Qin Junsheng went one after another to the Emperor’s sleeping chambers at night, delivering ginseng soup and midnight snacks to His Majesty every day.
Zhao Mengyu watched all of this.
But didn’t take any of it to heart.
In Xiao Zhanping’s view, these petty showgirls couldn’t pique his interest at all; being unwell now, he was even less inclined to let more people know and absolutely wouldn’t favor anyone.
Xiao Zhanping originally intended not to allow Liu Xinran and Qin Junsheng to bring soups and desserts to his chambers, but it was Zhao Mengyu who advised him that for the sake of harmony in court politics, letting the new showgirls get close to him was also giving their fathers an explanation.
Xiao Zhanping then listened to Zhao Mengyu’s words and let Liu Xinran and Qin Junsheng come over to deliver meals to him from time to time.
As for these meals.
Xiao Jinxing naturally had his spies in the palace tamper with them.
Adding the antidote Ye Qichi had developed into the food.
Just waiting for his father the Emperor to recover.
In the Consort’s chambers.
Zhao Mengyu summoned Xiao Jinsen to enter the palace.
Xiao Jinsen hurried over immediately after the morning court session.
"Mother Consort," Xiao Jinsen greeted respectfully.
"How has Xiao Jinxing been behaving at court recently?" Zhao Mengyu asked.
"There hasn’t been anything in particular. His Majesty hasn’t made specific use of him either. Many decisions are still made with greater heed to the Scholar Mansion’s recommendations."
Zhao Mengyu nodded.
The Scholar Mansion had also long been under their control.
"Mother Consort is wise. You had Liu Xinran come into the palace, had her quickly made a concubine, and ensured she could be close to His Majesty every now and then. Now, because of your care for his daughter, Liu Hongmao is even more loyal to me," Xiao Jinsen flattered.
Zhao Mengyu smiled wickedly.
She might not excel in the politics of power, but she was certainly superior in manipulating people’s hearts.
She said, "You can rest assured about the affairs of the harem; you just need to take good control of the situation in the royal court."
"I will heed Mother Consort’s teachings."
"By the way, I’ve heard that Wu Xufan is now held in high regard by His Majesty," Zhao Mengyu asked coldly.
"Wu Xufan made a meritorious rescue last time, and His Majesty has been secretly raising troops at Marquis Wu’s Mansion. Given the close and secretive relationship between the Marquis Wu’s Mansion and His Majesty and the fact that His Majesty married Hezhen to Wu Xufan, it’s only natural that Wu Xufan is heavily utilized," Xiao Jinsen explained.
"But Wu Xufan has a good relationship with Xiao Jinxing."
"That’s why I’ve planted a mole in Marquis Wu’s Mansion," said Xiao Jinsen.
"Are you talking about that maid Wu?"
"Yes," said Xiao Jinsen, "Wu is someone I’ve personally trained. Mother Consort can rest easy. She will inform us of any slightest move from Marquis Wu’s Mansion. As long as we can ensure there’s no secret collusion between Marquis Wu’s Mansion and Xiao Jinxing, there won’t be a significant threat from them."
"Be diligent," Zhao Mengyu advised, "At this stage, not a single mistake can be made."
"Mother Consort, be at ease; I will be extremely cautious and will not disappoint you," Xiao Jinsen assured.
"Another matter," Zhao Mengyu recalled, "How has Song the Scholar been progressing recently?"
"Song Yanqing is exuberantly talented, with innovative thinking and insightful ideas, truly a rare talent. He even surpasses his father in strategy and foresight. However, he is still young and needs more experience. Now I’ve arranged for him to learn alongside Liu Hongmao, and if Song Yanqing is ambitious, one day he could be the choice for Chief Scholar," Xiao Jinsen appraised Song Yanqing.
"Since you value him so highly, you must have absolute control over him," Zhao Mengyu advised, "I’ve heard Song Yanqing’s legitimate wife is Xie Ruotong."
"Yes. The elder daughter of Duke Mansion and Xie Ruiyao’s older sister," replied Xiao Jinsen.
"Given the relationship with Duke Mansion, I don’t need to worry too much. However, I’ve occasionally heard that Xie Ruotong was able to go back to Duke Mansion smoothly thanks to Ye Qichi, and she has a good relationship with Ye Qichi. I’m concerned whether Xie Ruotong might be a spy from Prince Chen’s Mansion," Zhao Mengyu expressed her worry.
"Before this, I’ve investigated Xie Ruotong thoroughly; she indeed is the elder daughter of Duke Mansion, not a stand-in, so there is no need to doubt her identity. However, it is true that Ye Qichi helped Xie Ruotong return to Duke Mansion considerably, which makes Imperial Aunt grateful towards Ye Qichi. But Imperial Aunt is a wise person. She clearly knows which side she should stand on and definitely wouldn’t let Xie Ruotong work for Ye Qichi," Xiao Jinsen explained, "The marriage agreement between Xie Ruotong and Song Yanqing was actually Imperial Aunt’s wish. Trying to make Song Yanqing divorce her would be nearly impossible; Imperial Aunt would certainly object, and if the matter reached His Majesty and our involvement were discovered, the consequences would outweigh the gains. It could even provoke His Majesty’s displeasure toward us."