SFS No. 313 in Cunning
No. 313 in Cunning
Just when the situation was about to break out, a eunuch shouted loudly to break the stalemate: "Your Majesty has arrived - the Queen has arrived!"
In an instant, everyone present stood up and saluted, and the entire hall was filled with a solemn atmosphere.
"Your Majesty, Your Majesty, the Queen."
The sound was in unison and the scene was grand.
The emperor walked slowly into the hall. Although his steps were a little unsteady, they could not conceal the rare vitality and joy on his face. Especially the smile at the corners of his eyebrows and eyes made him look more friendly.
After he sat down in front of the dragon throne, he waved to everyone and said, "Everyone, please stand up."
As the queen slowly walked in and sat down on her right, she was startled when she saw Song Yanyi, and then her expression gradually became serious - this person actually had the courage to appear here again?
Then she shifted her gaze to Xu Cuirong, who had fully recovered beside Xie, and was even more astonished: How could she be healed so silently?
Such a change is really too weird.
The emperor smiled gently, like a spring breeze blowing across his face: "Today's palace banquet was prepared by the Crown Prince alone, you must have worked hard."
The tone was gentle and contained a hint of approval.
Xiao Meng immediately stood up from his seat and replied respectfully: "I am honored to be able to help my father and solve his problems. This is also my duty."
His words were sincere and solemn, making people feel that he was truly a wise and diligent prince.
Chen Qinghan, who was sitting quietly at the side, felt a complicated feeling in his heart.
In fact, every detail of the feast was designed by her.
Because she knew very well that her nominal husband, Xiao Meng, would not have enough patience and meticulousness to do these trivial things.
Since being canonized as the Crown Prince, Chen Qinghan naturally became the Crown Princess in full legal standing.
Despite this, in the eyes of outsiders, her existence always seems to be marginalized.
"Seeing you are so virtuous, I feel very relieved."
The emperor nodded appreciatively, his tone full of recognition and encouragement from an elder for the younger's achievements.
Then, he slowly moved his gaze to the left and asked Song Yanyi, who was once a prominent figure in the court, "How is your physical condition recovering?"
Song Yanyi clasped his hands together and bowed, and replied politely but respectfully: "Thank you for your concern and inquiry, Your Majesty. My health has fully recovered."
His words were calm but firm.
Hearing that the other party had regained his former vitality, the emperor continued, "Now that you know that you are fine, you should not waste your time at home. There is still a long time to come. Please do your best to assist the prince in handling government affairs."
Only the parties involved know the real intention behind this arrangement.
Upon hearing this, King Xuan sneered inwardly: The word "assistant" is so ironic in this situation!
But on the surface he still showed an attitude of approval.
"The minister obeys the order!"
Song Yanyi agreed without changing his expression.
This move actually made King Xuan feel a little better - what if the old man from the Song family returned to his official career?
The power is now firmly in his hands, and adding one more person would only add to the joke!
But at this moment, the queen felt an inexplicable chill coming quietly...
Obviously, they had made all the preparations beforehand, and were just waiting for the other party to take counterattack...
But he actually left the scene on the pretext of being ill.
Even the Xu and Cui Rong incident was cleverly covered up, and it was announced to the public that he was just bedridden for a long time to recuperate...
What kind of sinister intention is hidden behind such low-key behavior?
Not long after, due to gradual exhaustion, Huangdi left the table early to rest.
So the entire banquet was handed over to the prince to preside over.
Suddenly, the sound of stringed instruments, singing and dancing greatly eased the originally slightly tense and solemn atmosphere.
The ministers began to clink glasses and toast each other, and the scene was very noisy and lively.
In particular, the area around Xiao Meng and his new favorite, Concubine Jiang Xuejun, was the most lively and crowded; in contrast, Chen Qinghan, who was the queen with a noble status but an awkward position, seemed particularly deserted and lonely.
At this time, the Prime Minister, Uncle Song, who was always cautious and good at reading people's expressions and trying to please them, approached his brother and whispered, "Brother, do you think you can take this opportunity to toast His Highness? Maybe we can use this opportunity to resolve some of the grudges between us?"
They knew full well that the hatred between them was deep-rooted and could not be easily eliminated.
If it were possible to make this once arrogant and willful man, who is no longer in glory, bow his head and accept the current situation, it would surely make some people feel delighted and proud, right?
However, Song Yanyi did not express much about this proposal, and only responded calmly: "No need, you can go by yourself. Anyway, now that you are trusted and appreciated by the Holy En, you should repay your loyalty and loyalty doubled."
Uncle Song was slightly stunned when he heard this, and for a long time he couldn't figure out how much sincerity and hypocrisy were in his elder brother's words.
In the end, he could only force a far-fetched smile and replied, "Well, I'll go over there in your place to toast you and give you a few words of advice, how about that?"
The corners of Song Yanyi's mouth curled up into an imperceptible arc, and a hint of sarcasm flashed in the depths of his eyes.
Uncle Song stood up and walked towards Xiao Meng.
At this time, Su Yan hurriedly approached and whispered in Song Yanyi's ear: "Everything is ready, do we need to act immediately?"
Song Yanyi's eyes fell on the prince who was surrounded by the crowd, and he slowly said: "The time has come."
"understood."
Su Yan turned around and was about to leave, his hurried steps revealing a bit of nervousness.
"Slow down," Song Yanyi stopped him, "I'm afraid the Empress Dowager has already started to pay attention to you. It's not appropriate for you to handle the next matter. Let the little eunuch you planted do it for you. As for you now..."
He glanced at Li Jingzhao, who was sitting in the first seat on the right, and continued, "Why not go and talk to the guest who came all the way from Beiliang?"
Since Su Yan is following his orders, everything should go according to his plan.
"Do you want to go talk to that person?"
Su Yan looked at the man in front of him in confusion, "I'm not familiar with him."
"Just to distract myself."
It is true that King Xuan was a fool, but the man behind him was more cunning than a fox.
In addition, he often saw Uncle Song watching his every move cautiously and cautiously in recent days.
Rather than alerting them in advance and thus ruining the entire situation, it is better to proactively create chaos and make them fall into the quagmire and unable to extricate themselves.
After hearing this, Su Yan couldn't help but show admiration in his eyes: "It's really ruthless!"
Then he picked up the wine in front of him and took a sip.
When he raised his head again, his eyes had become as cold as ice.
He was seen holding the cup and walking slowly towards the target direction...
Just as the two were secretly exchanging plans, a clear and loud eunuch report came from not far away: "Someone from the Chen Mansion in Hangzhou wants to see you--!"