The Treacherous Minister Who Helps the People 10

Freshly cooked dumplings steamed with a tantalizing aroma, adorned with a layer of fiery red chili oil, and sprinkled with finely chopped scallions.

The fragrance wafted through the air, instantly stimulating one’s salivary glands.

Shen Qi desired the pork-filled dumplings, with thin and plentiful wrappers that offered a delightful taste sensation.

“I’ve heard that Censor Li is instructing the Crown Prince. I wonder what kind of temperament he possesses?” Shen Qi suddenly inquired.

Censor Li swiftly became alert. “The Crown Prince is exceptionally gifted, intelligent, and eager to learn. Naturally, he is outstanding.”

“But the Crown Prince is merely five years old, and you have only been instructing him for half a year, Censor Li,” Shen Qi remarked.

“So what?” Censor Li retorted.

Shen Qi glanced at him with a smile that was not quite a smile. “If Censor Li were not in the capital, I wonder who else could instruct him?”

Censor Li’s face turned ashen, and he forcefully placed his bowl down. “What are you trying to do?”

“It seems that Censor Li is quite concerned about the Crown Prince.” Shen Qi continued to inquire.

A slight twitch appeared at the corner of Censor Li’s mouth.

Could he not be concerned?

With the Emperor’s decline into a tyrant, seemingly irreversible, and the aging of capable ministers within the court, he could only place the hopes of Da Liang on the shoulders of the Crown Prince!

“Who gave you the authority to accuse me today?”

“That’s none of your business.”

Censor Li cast a disdainful glance at Shen Qi, finishing the last sip of his soup before getting up to leave.

Shen Qi calmly tapped the table twice, “I was merely offering a well-intentioned reminder, Censor Li. I wonder if you have someone to protect you from behind.”

Without even turning his head, Censor Li walked away decisively.

If Shen Qi wanted to do something to him, then so be it!

Ever since he accused Shen Qi, he had never expected that he could continue his life in peace. At worst, he would be exiled to Ling Nan. He was not one to shy away from hardships.

It was just a pity for the Crown Prince.

Censor Li sighed inwardly, contemplating the need to seek the assistance of Grand Preceptor Shen in order to secure his position as the Crown Prince’s Preceptor once again.

Shen Qi watched as Censor Li walked towards the Grand Preceptor’s residence, a faint smile playing on her lips.

She was determined to obtain the position of the Crown Prince’s Preceptor.

When revealing her true identity, it would be one of her trump cards.

Hopefully, her dear father would understand and support her once again.

Afterward, Shen Qi packed up the remaining bowl and brought it to Mingtang Residence, placing it in front of Gu Qing. “Have some.”

“Is the Ministry of Personnel unable to afford meals anymore?”

Gu Qing mocked lightly. “I’m taking it back if you’re not going to eat it.”

“Who said I’m not going to eat?” Gu Qing savored the food slowly, “It tastes just like before.”

“That restaurant has been around for decades. I guess General Gu must have eaten there when he was young,” Shen Qi deliberately brushed against Gu Qing’s waist, “As long as General Gu understands, I can get anything for you.”

Gu Qing’s back stiffened momentarily, but within a few seconds, he resumed his nonchalant demeanor, self-mockingly smiling, “You’ve taken advantage of me several times. Am I not understanding enough?”

Resting her chin on her hand, Shen Qi playfully remarked, “General Qing’s waist is truly remarkable.”

Gu Qing’s gaze returned with intensity, “Minister Shen’s waist is also quite remarkable.”

Shen Qi’s eyebrow raised slightly.

Indeed, those who could rise to high positions were not fools.

She had revealed a small flaw, and Gu Qing probably had a good idea of her true intentions.

Not only did he figure it out, but he was also willing to continue playing along.

Gu Qing was truly probing her depths.

He even dared to compliment her waist.

It seemed that he, like her, had no shame.

Shen Qi narrowed her eyes slightly, “I heard that Commander Qiao Qingyun has a close relationship with General Gu. During the time General Gu has been staying with me, why hasn’t Commander Qiao come to visit?”

Since he had understood her implication, he should introduce Qiao Qingyun to her promptly.

I want military power!

“What am I now? How can I trouble Commander Qiao to come and visit me?”

Gu Qing looked at Shen Qi with an indifferent gaze.

If you want me to introduce someone to you, show me some sincerity first!

Shen Qi glanced at him and suddenly chuckled, “General Gu, you truly are an interesting person.”

Before Gu Qing could respond, she continued, “The position of the Commander is of great importance. I wonder if Commander Qiao can handle this responsibility?”

I don’t have only one Qiao Qingyun at my disposal. If you don’t know your place, don’t blame me for replacing him with someone else!

Gu Qing quickly understood the implied meaning behind Shen Qi’s words, but his expression remained unchanged. “If he can’t handle the responsibility, it only shows his incompetence. It would be better to replace him.”

Qiao Qingyun and he had known each other for many years, and their relationship was indeed good. But now, he couldn’t even be sure what Shen Qi was up to.

How could he possibly drag Qiao Qingyun into this mess?

Shen Qi’s plan was simply a daydream! Their eyes met, filled with their own convictions. After a while, Shen Qi took a sip of cold tea and looked into the distance, towards the south.

“General Gu, how much longer do you think the peaceful days in the city will last?”

“At most three years.”

Gu Qing remained calm. Beyond the city walls lay the group of iron cavalry from the grasslands.

They had suffered several defeats at his hands this year, but they could enjoy peace for three years at most. After three years, the war would inevitably break out in the city again.

Shen Qi gently touched the jade pendant on her waist; her gaze becoming even more profound.

“When it comes to warfare, all the generals in Da Liang combined are not as capable as you. By then, I want you to drive iron cavalry of the grasslands back.”

Gu Qing didn’t respond.

He simply watched Shen Qi quietly, sensing the indomitable killing intent hidden beneath her calm demeanor.

For a moment, Gu Qing was lost in thought. In this moment, Shen Qi seemed to emit an extraordinary and enchanting light from within her serene face.

But he still couldn’t fully understand Shen Qi as a person. She seemed loyal to Da Liang, yet she also recklessly shook the foundation of Da Liang…

Shen Qi didn’t explain further to Gu Qing. Some things were better for him to investigate and verify himself. She had just been thinking, “The Prince Kachar is going to pay tribute in the capital.”

Kachar, the most powerful tribe on the grasslands, always led the attacks on Da Liang.

In recent years, they haven’t paid tribute, but after suffering a devastating defeat at the hands of Gu Qing this year, they had no choice but to come and offer their submission for peace.

Their hatred towards Gu Qing runs deep, ingrained in their very bones and souls.

Now that Gu Qing has fallen into her hands and become her slave, the Kachar envoys will undoubtedly come to witness this spectacle and mock him.

However, Gu Qing simply sneered, unfazed by their presence.

But in an instant, he understood Shen Qi’s intentions. “You want to interact with the Kachar, using me as a pawn. What use could they possibly have?”

“They are of great use,” Shen Qi replied mysteriously, a smile playing on her lips.

The young prince from Kachar who came to the capital will conquer the city three years later and make Zhao Baiyue his Empress.

And this year was when he and Zhao Baiyue first met.

In the world’s plot, it is said that the young prince fell in love at first sight with Zhao Baiyue.

However, all instances of love at first sight in the world were merely superficial infatuations.

Shen Qi suspects that the system designated the young prince as Zhao Baiyue’s target for conquest.

So-called love at first sight was nothing more than Zhao Baiyue’s deliberate seduction.

What if this scene happened to be witnessed by the Emperor?

What if, by chance, the young prince and Zhao Baiyue became entangled in a romantic affair?

And what if, unfortunately, this leads the Emperor to lose his temper?