In the study room of Duke Chengguo's mansion, after hearing Zhu Yi's explanation, Shu Liang's expression softened and he smiled.
"My lord, you are worrying too much."
"Now, although the Duke of Chengguo and the Duke of England are related by marriage and share the same spirit, they cannot be as close as one family. It is natural for them to strengthen themselves."
As he spoke, Shu Liang paused slightly and said cautiously.
"It shouldn't be said that the bosses in the foreign ministries and cabinets also have their own interests in many court affairs. This is normal."
"The current conflict between Duke Guo and Second Master Zhang is ultimately due to the fact that Duke Cheng's government has become stronger, thus threatening the other's position."
"But there's nothing we can do about it. Just like Mr. Zhang now takes over the power himself, if Mr. Guo remains hidden behind the scenes, there will be many things that are difficult to control."
"So, the Duke of Guo must be careful and don't make the British government anxious."
After Zhu Yi heard these words, he nodded at first, but soon, a look of embarrassment appeared on his face.
As an eunuch, Shu Liang was best at observing words and emotions. When he saw this situation, he immediately knew that he had missed the point.
Shu Liang asked with the smile on his face fading slightly.
"Why, the Duke still has doubts?"
Seeing this situation, Zhu Yi hesitated for a moment, but did not deny it and spoke.
"Of course I understand what the father-in-law said, but now, the Duke of Chengguo is assisting the Supreme Emperor, but in fact he is planning it. He has never been restored to the title in the past, and with the second master of the Zhang family in front of him, it is naturally not easy to be suspected.
.”
"However, as my father-in-law said, the Duke of Chengguo has now intervened in the court again. In terms of actions, it will inevitably conflict with the interests of the British government and other nobles. In this way, Zhang Shi will inevitably be interested in
I'm on guard."
Seemingly feeling that the atmosphere was a bit serious, Zhu Yi laughed at herself and then continued.
"Of course, now that the Duke of Chengguo's title has been restored, he is not afraid of the other party, but the father-in-law also knows that in terms of background, our Duke of Chengguo is not as good as the British Duke."
"So, I'm just afraid that Zhang Xi will make random inquiries in private in order to seize my leverage. I know this may be unfounded worries, but it's always better to be cautious. What do you think, father-in-law?"
After saying this, Shu Liang was not in a hurry to speak. On the contrary, he looked Zhu Yi up and down, thought about it seriously, and then suddenly said with a smile.
"It turns out that the Duke of Guo has made such a big circle, and this is what he meant..."
Zhu Yi didn't speak, but it was obvious that he knew what Shu Liang was talking about.
Seeing this situation, Shu Liangdao.
"Our family is worried that for such a big matter, if Qingfeng comes to deliver the message, the Duke will be suspicious, so we made a special trip today. It seems that our family is indeed not wrong."
Seeing Shu Liang clarifying his words, Zhu Yi was a little embarrassed, but still nodded and asked.
"To be honest with you, father-in-law, if this matter is completed, you will no longer have to worry about random investigations by the British government. However, it is precisely because this matter is so contrary to your majesty's usual behavior, so... please forgive me, father-in-law!"
As he spoke, Zhu Yi stood up and cupped his hands to express his apology.
The other party spoke politely, and Shu Liang was naturally not arrogant. He quickly stood up and returned the greeting, then sat down with Zhu Yi again and said with a straight face.
"Even if the Duke doesn't mention this matter, our family will still talk about it."
"As the Duke of Guo said, it is precisely because this matter is different from the Emperor's usual style. Therefore, if it is completed, the position of the Duke of Guo will be more stable and people will no longer be suspicious, even if he occasionally reveals something.
If there are any clues about this, everything can be eliminated."
Hearing this, Zhu Yi was shocked and asked subconsciously.
"What do you mean, father-in-law, is your majesty's move out of concern for the Chengguo government?"
But after he finished speaking, he felt that he had made a mistake.
Because the look in Shu Liang's eyes became somewhat meaningful.
Fortunately, Shu Liang didn't say much in the end, he just said.
"The Duke of Guo knows clearly that the Sacred Heart cannot be arbitrarily guessed. Our family dare not speculate privately about His Majesty's intentions. However, no matter what His Majesty's intentions are, he has his own reasons after all. We just need to take good care of him.
Just do things."
"What's more, regardless of whether the emperor planned this matter specifically for the Chengguo Palace, the matter has finally been completed. The Duke of Guo will no longer be suspected by Nangong, the British Palace and others. This is enough..."
Shu Liang didn't feel inappropriate when he said these words, but at the end of the words, he looked at Zhu Yi's face, suddenly stopped talking, and his expression became a little weird, and said.
"Is it possible that the Duke is worried that our family is falsely spreading the Holy Will?"
Zhu Yi looked a little embarrassed and said nothing.
However, this performance is enough, Shu Liang nodded and said.
"Our family understands. It seems that this matter is too big. Therefore, even if our family comes here in person, the Duke of Guo would not dare to believe it. In this case, the Duke of Guo might as well come with our family to the palace."
"Now?"
Zhu Yi looked up at the dark night outside, feeling surprised.
You know, at this time, the palace has already issued the key.
Seeing this situation, Shu Liang also smiled and said.
"Don't worry, Your Majesty. According to the time, the Emperor should still be resting now. However, since the key to the palace has been issued, it is inconvenient for foreign ministers to enter. I am afraid that I will be wronged by Your Majesty..."
ah?
Zhu Yi didn't react for a moment.
However, he soon knew what Shu Liang meant, because before long, a set of robes for a palace servant was placed in front of him...
Outside Qianqing Palace.
Zhu Qiyu stood in the corridor, seeming to be waiting for something.
Not long after, under Huaien's guidance, Shu Liang walked forward lightly, saluted respectfully, and said.
"Slave Shu Liang, please send your regards to the Emperor."
"Get up, how about it?"
Zhu Qiyu did not turn around, still looking at the silver-covered imperial city in front of him, and asked directly.
"Going back to your Majesty, as your Majesty expected, the matter is of great importance. Even if I go there in person, Duke Cheng Guo still can't believe it easily."
"So, my servant has taken him outside the palace, waiting to be summoned."
Hearing this, Zhu Qiyu's eyes were a little confused, but he didn't express anything too much. He turned around and waved his hand.
So, a chamberlain handed a gold medal to Shu Liang. Shu Liang took it respectfully, then hurriedly left and went to the palace gate to pick up the person again.
You must know that not everyone can enter and leave the palace at will. Even if Shu Liang is the admiral of Dongchang, he cannot bring an unknown person into the palace late at night for no reason.
Shu Liang had his own identity token, so he could come in and out at any time. However, if he wanted to bring Zhu Yi into the palace, even if he was disguised, he would need the emperor's warrant.
Not long after, Shu Liang returned, and there was already a young eunuch behind him.
This person was naturally Zhu Yi. Looking at the dragon-robed figure standing in the corridor, Zhu Yi stepped forward and said in a respectful voice.
"Your Majesty, Zhu Yi, please pay homage to your Majesty!"
"Get flat!"
Zhu Qiyu turned around, looked at Zhu Yi with a half-smile, and asked.
"I heard from Shu Liang, do you suspect that he is falsely preaching the imperial edict?"
He said this calmly, but a cold sweat suddenly broke down on Zhu Yi's forehead. He secretly looked at Shu Liang next to him as if nothing had happened. He gritted his teeth and said.
"Your Majesty, this matter is of great importance and involves... Therefore, I have to be more cautious."
In fact, Zhu Yi already understood that what Shu Liang said was true from the moment Shu Liang came out with the emperor's golden order to take him into the palace.
You must know that he had served in the imperial army before, so he naturally recognized the gold medal. Like other royal objects, the gold medal was exclusive to the emperor and was used to pass through the palace according to orders at special times.
Although it can only serve a general purpose, there are very strict procedures and restrictions on whether it is saved or used.
Even as the admiral of Shu Liangdong Factory, it is impossible to win the gold medal without the emperor's nod.
In other words, when the gold medal appeared, it could actually prove that Shu Liang did not falsely pass on the imperial edict.
However, everyone had arrived at the palace gate, and naturally they could not go back, so Zhu Yi followed him in honestly.
However, at this time, he was also in a state of confusion. He didn't know what the emperor's attitude was towards his move.
Fortunately, the emperor was not angry because of this. Instead, he nodded happily and said.
"You did the right thing. For such a big thing, it was a good idea to see me before you had a clear intention."
"Thank you, Your Majesty..."
Only then did Zhu Yi cautiously raise her head. After hesitating for a moment, Zhu Yi said again.
"Your Majesty, Eunuch Shu sent Qingfeng to deliver a message earlier. He only said what was going on, but he did not say how to do it specifically..."
"To do such a big thing flawlessly requires far-reaching ingenuity. I am stupid and dare not be expert. How should I do it? I dare to ask Your Majesty to tell me."
Now that it was confirmed that what Shu Liang said was true, the next thing Zhu Yi had to consider was naturally how to get things done.
However, what happened this time was different from every other time. It can be said to be the most difficult thing for Zhu Yi so far.
If you want to do it reasonably and without exposing any flaws, even with the cooperation of the emperor, it may be very difficult.
Therefore, although Zhu Yi knew that it was inappropriate to throw the question to the emperor, he still chose to ask...
Fortunately, the emperor was obviously aware of the situation, so he did not get angry, but waved his hand gently, and then Shu Liang stepped forward and said.
"Your Excellency, although this matter is difficult, His Majesty has already laid the groundwork in advance. However, in order to prevent others from finding out the clues, the Duke will be required to take care of the following matters. The specific method is..."
Zhu Yi stayed in the palace for two full incense sticks before being escorted out of the palace by Shu Liang.
Taking advantage of the night, Zhu Yi, still wearing the eunuch's robe, stood under the carriage, bowed her hands towards Shu Liang apologetically, and said.
"Forgive me, father-in-law, I was rash today."
"Your Majesty, you are so polite. This is what you should do. We are all doing things for your Majesty. You are doing your best. How can our family be dissatisfied?"
Shu Liang smiled as usual and cupped his hands.
However, just when Zhu Yi was about to leave, Shu Liang suddenly handed over a brocade box. Zhu Yi was surprised for a while, but still took it. However, after opening the button of the brocade box, he only glanced at Zhu Yi's face.
That was the change. When he looked up at Shu Liang, his eyes were full of shock.
This brocade box contained nothing else but the gold medal that the emperor had just given to Shu Liang temporarily and asked Shu Liang to take him into the palace.
"Eunuch Shu, this..."
Seeing Zhu Yi's expression, Shu Liang said seriously.
"His Majesty decreed that this thing should be given to the Duke. If there is an emergency, the Duke can use it to enter and leave the palace. However, it can only be used once. After using it, Your Majesty will take it back."
Holding the brocade box in his hand, Zhu Yi's expression changed. Finally, he took a long breath and said.
"Thank you, Your Majesty. Please tell Your Majesty that I will make good use of it and never betray Your Majesty's trust!"
After saying that, Zhu Yizhen put away the brocade box carefully, then said goodbye, turned around, got into the carriage, and left slowly.
Shu Liang just stood there, watching Zhu Yi leave, then turned around and returned to the palace.
"...Your Majesty, this is what the Duke said when he left."
In the corridor of Qianqing Palace, Zhu Qiyu stood with his hands behind his hands, and Shu Liang stood behind him and spoke respectfully.
"Well, Zhu Yi is a smart person. Come to think of it, he understands what I mean..."
Zhu Qiyu nodded slightly and asked with his back still.
"How are you doing these days, King Yi?"
The topic changed a bit abruptly, but Shu Liang obviously didn't feel this way and answered immediately.
"Back to the emperor, since Prince Yi was lifted from the ban, he has been peacefully cooperating with Prince Min in the clan affairs. However, Prince Yi has been quite close to Prince Xiang during this period. Moreover, the servant I also found that Prince Yi was particularly attentive to the matter of clans from all over the country entering the capital, and he almost always personally took care of every detail."
"In addition, there are many clan princes who are coming to Beijing. After hearing that Prince Yi was lifted from confinement, they all wrote letters to their families. However, the specific content is unknown. However, from the person who wrote the letter, Judging from his identity, he is probably from the palace that suffered a lot of losses during the military camp reorganization, so I think it must be related to the military camp reorganization..."
After hearing these words, Zhu Qiyu was silent for a long time.
Shu Liang just stood there silently, and also stopped speaking.
It wasn't until an unknown amount of time passed that he finally heard the emperor's voice ringing again.
"There's less than a month left before the New Year's Eve, right?"
"yes……"
"How is the preparation of the person who asked you to prepare?"
"Everything is in order, Your Majesty, don't worry. It's very secretive. The background, experience, and situation are all true. I didn't come forward personally. I kept everything clean. Even if someone is suspicious, nothing can be found."
As if sensing that the emperor's mood was not too high, Shu Liang said this very carefully. At the end of the sentence, he hesitated, but still asked.
"Your Majesty, do you want to wait any longer?"
After the words fell, there was another silence, so that Shu Liang felt that he might not get a definite answer.
However, at the end, he still heard a sigh and said.
"After all, let's celebrate this New Year..."
"yes……"
Shu Liang quietly retreated, leaving only Zhu Qiyu alone, still standing in the corridor, looking into the distance.
The bright silver moonlight shines on the snow, reflecting the silver light of the stars, which is quiet and beautiful.
The cold wind blew, and Zhu Qiyu's gaze crossed the night and fell faintly in the distance outside the imperial city.
At this time, if anyone sees his expression, they will see that there is a rare hint of anxiety and contradiction in his eyes...