Heartless Emperor

Naturally, everyone was extremely grateful to Fang Xiaoyu. After dealing with the crowd, Fang Xiaoyu entered a secluded room with Chen Jialuo. It is unclear what they discussed, but when Fang Xiaoyu emerged from the room, he was carrying a letter and had a joyful expression on his face.

Fang Shiyu, who was waiting outside, quickly approached and asked, "Big Brother, what did you discuss with the leader? You seem so mysterious."

Fang Xiaoyu patted Fang Shiyu's shoulder and said as he walked out of the courtyard, "Shiyu, where is the brocade box you obtained? I have a use for it."

Fang Shiyu hesitated, looking at Fang Xiaoyu. "Big Brother, that brocade box… the brocade box…"

From Fang Shiyu's reaction, Fang Xiaoyu could guess that Fang Shiyu was hesitant because the secret contained in the brocade box was of great importance. Fang Xiaoyu smiled slightly and said, which shocked Fang Shiyu, "How do you know the secret of the brocade box?"

Fang Xiaoyu laughed, "It's a secret."

Fang Shiyu rolled his eyes, seeing that Fang Xiaoyu had no intention of explaining. He stomped his foot and said, "Since Big Brother knows the secret of the brocade box, there's no need to keep it from you."

Fang Shiyu then told Fang Xiaoyu where the brocade box was hidden.

Fang Xiaoyu retrieved the brocade box and murmured, "Whether we can complete the mission successfully depends on this."

The capital city was bustling with activity, and the large number of people made it seem very lively. One day, a figure entered the city through the city gate and stopped in front of a inn called "Yue Lai Inn."

Looking up at the inn's sign, Fang Xiaoyu nodded slightly. This inn was a chess piece he had placed in the capital years ago.

At the counter, Fang Xiaoyu said, "Boss, has the Red Flower Hall been reserved?"

The innkeeper, who was calculating accounts, was startled, looked up with a smile, and said, "You've arrived at just the right time. The Red Flower Hall has not been booked yet. However, for a deposit…"

Fang Xiaoyu placed a uniquely designed gold ingot on the counter and said, "Is this enough?"

The innkeeper's eyes lit up as he looked at the gold ingot and its distinctive pattern. He quickly took the gold ingot and smiled, "Please follow me!"

The innkeeper led Fang Xiaoyu through the hall into a secluded courtyard. Suddenly, the innkeeper's demeanor changed to one of respect as he bowed deeply and said, "Old Wu pays his respects to the young master."

Fang Xiaoyu reached out to help him up and said with a smile, "Old Wu, you're too kind. How have you been these years?"

The innkeeper, with a joyful expression, replied, "Thanks to your favor, I've been well. I didn't expect you to arrive in the capital at this time. Is there anything you need me to do?"

Fang Xiaoyu's expression became serious as he handed a letter to the innkeeper and said, "Old Wu, please deliver this letter to Minister Chen and make sure it reaches the Emperor."

The innkeeper was slightly surprised but took the letter with both hands and nodded, "Rest assured, I will ensure it is delivered to Minister Chen."

After dismissing the innkeeper, Fang Xiaoyu settled into the Red Flower Hall.

This hall had been in existence since the inn's opening, but over the years it had never hosted any guests. It had all been prepared by Lu Yun for this very day.

As Fang Xiaoyu leisurely strolled through the capital, his years of effort finally paid off. Ordinary people could not have the ability to deliver a letter to the Emperor, but Fang Xiaoyu, who had made preparations nearly ten years in advance, could.

As a minister close to Emperor Qianlong, Minister Chen was the influential figure Fang Xiaoyu had managed to befriend through the innkeeper.

Upon receiving the letter from the innkeeper, Minister Chen's expression changed drastically as he read the beginning of the letter. His forehead broke out in cold sweat, and he was too afraid to continue reading. The letter felt like a heavy burden in his hands. Even without reading further, he knew the contents were significant.

The shocking revelations in the letter left Minister Chen dry-mouthed. He remained in his room for the entire afternoon and looked as if he hadn't rested for days when he finally emerged.

The next morning, during the court assembly, Minister Chen appeared distracted and almost made a mistake.

Emperor Qianlong noticed Minister Chen's odd behavior and, after the court session, had a young eunuch summon him to see the Emperor personally.

In the garden, Emperor Qianlong, dressed in casual attire and enjoying the flowers with several concubines, was approached by Minister Chen, who looked resolute.

As Minister Chen approached, he bowed deeply and said, "Your humble servant bows before Your Majesty. May Your Majesty live long and prosper."

Emperor Qianlong, looking down, said, "Minister Chen, there is no need for excessive formality. Please rise and speak."

"Thank you, Your Majesty."

Minister Chen rose and followed Emperor Qianlong, while the concubines discreetly stepped aside to give them space.

"Minister Chen, it seems you were distracted during the court assembly. Is something troubling you?"

Emperor Qianlong's concern showed his trust in Minister Chen; otherwise, he wouldn't have paid attention to every individual in the court.

Minister Chen took a deep breath, pulled out the letter from his sleeve, which had signs of having been opened, and handed it over silently.

Emperor Qianlong was surprised by this unusual behavior and looked at the letter with curiosity. Clearly, Minister Chen's strange reaction was related to the letter.

With a signal, a nearby eunuch took the letter, carefully confirmed there were no threats, and handed it to Emperor Qianlong.

Emperor Qianlong slowly opened the letter. As he read, his eyes widened, and his hand trembled slightly. The letter contained shocking secrets about his own background and related evidence.

Despite the shocking revelations, Emperor Qianlong maintained his composure, his face showing little emotion as if nothing had happened.

He glanced at Minister Chen, who was sweating profusely and trembling, and said calmly, "Minister Chen, have you read the contents of this letter?"

Minister Chen, trembling and terrified, knelt on the ground and said repeatedly, "I am guilty, I am guilty…"

He continued to bow, while Emperor Qianlong sighed deeply and turned away, saying, "Minister Chen, I've heard that your son passed the imperial examinations some years ago…"

Minister Chen, kneeling, froze, his face full of despair. After a long time, he bowed and said, "I bid farewell to Your Majesty!"