The Treacherous Minister Who Helps the People 16
Shen Qi nodded slightly, without specifying the purpose of these people.
Suddenly, she asked, “Commander Qiao, if one day you were ordered to lead the army into the palace, what do you think?”
Qiao Qingyun raised his eyes and looked directly at Shen Qi. “Then, I want to ask a question. Does the Shen family have any rebellious intentions?”
Qiao Qingyun had always believed that Shen Qi was a treacherous thief until he received a letter from his close friend Gu Qing.
It was then that he was willing to have contact with Shen Qi.
He had seen Gu Qing a few days ago and knew that she was living a good life with Shen Qi. That was why he was willing to help Shen Qi.
Gu Qing had told him that Shen Qi wanted to rectify the country’s politics and that she was a person devoted to the nation.
After spending these few days with Shen Qi, he confirmed that she was indeed a good person.
However, this did not mean that he would support Shen Qi in rebellion.
Shen Qi didn’t find his question strange and thought that he and Gu Qing were truly good friends with similar thoughts. She replied, “No.”
She faintly smiled, “Commander Qiao, through out the history, it has always been the Emperors changing dynasty by dynasty, while the noble families stay the same. What I care about is not a mere throne, but whether my Shen family’s glory can be kept all the time.”
Qiao Qingyun was taken aback for a moment, then slightly bowed to Shen Qi. “Your vision is far-reaching. I am inferior.”
But how could a family’s glory be passed down all the time?
Qiao Qingyun was shocked by Shen Qi’s thoughts and didn’t ask further.
He only said, “If you need it, I will lead the army to attack the palace. But please remember what I said today.”
His loyalty was to Da Liang, and only the Da Liang noble family should sit on the throne!
Shen Qi didn’t argue with him, she just asked him to leave.
She then handled political affairs in her study for a few hours before entering the palace earlier than usual to attend to the matters that Qiao Qingyun had mentioned.
However, she unexpectedly learned another piece of news from Qiu Hua - Zhao Baiyue was inquiring about Prince Kachar.
Shen Qi’s eyes flickered slightly. “Why is she inquiring about Prince Kachar?”
“I don’t know, Minster. Niangniang purposely asked the commander of the Forbidden Army and had a private conversation with him. I didn’t dare to eavesdrop,” Qiu Hua replied.
Qiu Hua bit her lip lightly and continued, “Recently, Niangniang has been complaining about you. Perhaps she has become suspicious of you and intends to use someone else.”
Shen Qi nodded slightly, “Who?”
“The Minister of Rites. A guard in the Niangniang’s palace is the son of the Minister of Rites. Niangniang is communicating with the Minister of Rites through him. This time, she wants Zhang Jian to become the Assitant of Personnel.”
“My Ministry of Personnel is truly popular.”
Everyone, whether human or ghost, wants to be in her Ministry of Personnel.
Zhao Baiyue truly acted as if she didn’t exist.
Shen Qi sneered, then spoke softly, “Thank you for your hard work. Keep a close eye on your Niangniang.”
Zhang Jian…
Let’s exile him to Ling Nan~
Shen Qi had already decided on the outcome for him, and she knew that Zhao Baiyue would definitely go to find Prince Kachar tonight.
After all, as a concubine in the harem, she didn’t have many opportunities to meet a prince from another country.
Meanwhile, Zhao Baiyue was meticulously dressing herself in the palace.
She picked up a hairpin from her dressing box and placed it on her head, causing the small pearls to emit a soft sound as they collided.
She applied the most vibrant rouge to her lips and put on long, sharp golden arm guards, making her look enchanting and alluring.
Tonight, she would definitely capture Prince Kachar’s heart! That was nearly fifty thousand points!!!
Zhao Baiyue thought to herself, then used the last of her points to purchase the “Love at First Sight” item in the system.
Love at First Sight: As long as the target gazes at the host continuously for 30 seconds, they will develop 80% favor towards the host, reaching an infatuated state.
From the system’s description, Zhao Baiyue knew that Prince Kachar preferred seductive women, which was why she deliberately dressed herself this way.
“Where is Qiu Hua?” After dressing herself up, Zhao Baiyue realized that Qiu Hua was not by her side.
The maid who was combing her hair lowered her head and responded, “Qiu Hua has gone out.”
Zhao Baiyue felt displeased, “What could she possibly be doing?”
“I don’t know,” the servant replied.
Zhao Baiyue nonchalantly pursed her lips, then glanced left and right in the mirror, continuously adjusting her makeup.
At that moment, Qiu Hua quietly entered the room.
“Where did you go?” Zhao Baiyue asked, displeased.
Qiu Hua glanced at the maid who remained inside, and she quickly exited the palace.
With a smile, she retrieved a packet of powder from her sleeve. “I went to see Minster Shen. He said that this medicine, once consumed, will quickly induce menstruation. After half a month, that woman’s body will weaken and perish, without arousing suspicion,” Qiu Hua said, her eyes shimmering.
She continued, “Niangniang just mentioned wanting medicine, and Minster Shen promptly delivered it. It seems she truly values the Niangniang’s words.”
Zhao Baiyue proudly raised her eyebrows. “Of course, he must listen to me.”
Qiu Hua obediently smiled.
“Later, assist me with another task,” Zhao Baiyue said, pulling Qiu Hua close and whispering her plan.
As Qiu Hua listened, her pupils gradually widened in shock. “Niangniang, the young Prince Kachar is a foreigner. If, if he is discovered…”
“You only need to do as I say,” Zhao Baiyue waved her hand dismissively. “I won’t do anything. I just want to meet him. Won’t you assist me?”
“Niangniang.” Qiu Hua furrowed her brow tightly, then gritted her teeth. “I am devoted to you and will naturally assist you!”
Zhao Baiyue smiled and handed her a hairpin. “I knew it, you are the best among them all. By the way, why hasn’t the Empress died yet? Didn’t you poison her?”
Qiu Hua’s hand trembled slightly, and her expression momentarily turned unnatural. “I was just about to discuss this matter with you. Earlier, someone from the Empress’s palace informed me that the chief palace maid, Chang Chun, possesses medical skills.”
“The medicine I previously administered to the Empress probably had no effect. I thought it might be better to try this one,” Qiu Hua swayed the packet of medicine in her hand.
“Minster Shen said this medicine is hard to detect, even the imperial physician wouldn’t be able to detect it. Chang Chun probably won’t either.”
Zhao Baiyue finally realized, “So it was that wretched maid Chang Chun who was helping the Empress. Hmph, I must make sure the Empress dies. Let’s proceed as you suggested.”
“Yes,” Qiu Hua replied in a low voice.
Zhao Baiyue felt elated at the thought of the Empress’s demise, as it would secure her position as the Empress.
However, her joy was short-lived when a eunuch arrived to report that the Emperor personally took Consort Jia to the Taihe Hall for a palace banquet.
But what about her?
Zhao Baiyue immediately grew furious, her long nails nearly scratching Qiu Hua. “That damned Consort Jia!”
She relied on the system to gain the Emperor’s favor, while Consort Jia was the true seductress, captivating the Emperor to the point of forgetting Zhao Baiyue!
How dared she?!
Zhao Baiyue seethed with anger and resentment, her desire to harm Consort Jia growing stronger.
As for the reason why…
Shen Qi felt she could answer Zhao Baiyue’s question.
After all, behind Consort Jia stood her and the Empress, two great strategists who devised detailed plans according to the Emperor’s preferences.
What’s more, Consort Jia had the abbot of the White Horse Temple to support her, and there were even people from the previous dynasty secretly assisting her.
The Emperor was truly a master of deception.
If they couldn’t defeat a mere Zhao Baiyue, they might as well quit their jobs!