Among this group, Pei Jinheng unexpectedly sat in the foremost position. To his left was Pang Wenzheng, and to his right was another unfamiliar man.
This man wore a black brocade robe, his features were sharp and cold. Standing with hands behind his back, he appeared very commanding.
His na was Xue Fei, currently the head of the Xue Family and the cousin of Empress Dowager Xue. Years ago, in a fit of anger, Qi Yun commanded Cao Yin to lead troops into the Xue Family, killing many. Several of Empress Dowager Xue’s cousins died, and only Xue Fei managed to escape by sheer luck.
Nowadays, as the legitimate heir of the Xue Family, his voice holds considerable weight within the family, and he controls more than seventy percent of its wealth.
This man being here is indeed surprising.
At this mont, one person took out a letter, walked up to Pei Jinheng, bowed, and with a solemn expression said:
"Master, news from the north indicates that Emperor of Daliang passed away last month. The young emperor ascended to the throne, and Empress Dowager Liang wishes to rule from behind the curtain. However, the Daliang Princess fears the loss of imperial power and continues to fight fiercely. That diplomatic mission, I’m afraid, will not be coming!"
"Understood, you may leave!"
Pang Wenzheng picked up the thread of conversation and looked at Pei Jinheng: "Master, we have two options moving forward. One is to continue waiting until the Daliang delegation arrives and then act. The second is to strike imdiately and subsequently pin this bla on Daliang!"
Pei Jinheng pondered for a mont and said: "If we can ensure a hit with certainty, then any option will suffice. However, if we fail, the second option leaves a huge loophole. Qi Yun is a person with keen insight and ruthless thods. If we fail, he might be enraged initially, but once he calms down, he will definitely discover the clues."
"But Master, we’ve planned this for a long ti, surely we can strike successfully. You shouldn’t worry about these concerns!"
"Indeed, Master, we have waited for so many years. Now we can’t bear to wait another mont. With such a favorable opportunity, why let it slip away?"
"..."
Everyone present spoke up, with most people agreeing with the leaders.
Pang Wenzheng frowned, snorted coldly, and said: "Silence! Empress Dowager Xue called us here under the guise of a birthday banquet, surely not to intimidate the Young Master?"
"I... dare not!"
"We are guilty!"
The secret chamber gradually quieted down.
"Clap, clap, clap!"
In the silent secret chamber, a lodious clapping sound was heard, and Xue Mingzhu walked over gracefully with an elegant gait befitting a noblewoman.
"Minister Pang’s words are splendid; they’ve enlightened my dull mind."
Pang Wenzheng looked at her, frowning slightly: "Mingzhu, we were calling for you earlier, why are you late?"
"Had to deal with a certain woman, hence the delay."
"My sister is already quite pitiable; don’t tornt her further, or don’t bla for being rude!"
From above, Pei Jinheng’s expression cooled, his voice icy.
They gathered here, and Xue Mingzhu was late. They already inquired and found out she went to confront the Miss Pei. If not for the larger picture, Pei Jinheng might have already been angry.
Regardless, Pei Yushu is the biological daughter of Pri Minister Pei, who had nurtured him. For the sister in na, he does not wish to harm her.
Xue Mingzhu pouted, about to retort, but the Master was already angered, so she refrained from arguing and said: "I acknowledge my error!"
"Mingzhu, you always co up with cunning ideas. What’s the next step?"
Xue Mingzhu’s expression turned serious and she said: "Just wait! The weather’s hot now, and it’s not conducive to action. Wearing just a thin layer, where would one hide things?
Better to wait a bit more: firstly, to make more preparations; secondly, to raise more troops; and thirdly... when the weather cools, wearing more layers would make hiding things easier!"
"Indeed, it makes sense. But how can you determine when Daliang’s internal turmoil will end?"
"It’s simple. The Daliang Princess is a formidable character, and the Empress Dowager isn’t her match. Along with her brother being the deceased emperor, the power from her maternal family is not to be underestimated!"
Xue Mingzhu covered her mouth with a chuckle, extending a finger, laughing gracefully, "So, I dare predict that within six months, Daliang will stabilize. During those six months, we can ticulously plan more, ensuring a perfect strike!"
"Agreed, that’s settled then. After today, everyone should avoid eting as much as possible, to prevent arousing suspicion!"
"Yes!"
Everyone answered in unison.
"The banquet is about to conclude, eting adjourned!"
This underground chamber eting ends here!
"Haha, who would have thought, a nation’s Empress Dowager would partake in the wealth-building enterprise?"
As they each left the secret chamber, Xue Mingzhu raised her hand to block the setting sun and mockingly remarked.
"Xue Mingzhu, curb your behavior!" Pang Wenzheng followed out, saying coldly, "Did anyone notice when you arrived?"
"Curb what? Being carefree is precisely how one evades suspicion, isn’t it? Hahaha..."
Pang Wenzheng frowned at this wildly eccentric woman. Though disliking so of her actions, she wasn’t wrong. The more outrageous, the less suspicion she’ll arouse; that dog emperor is sharp indeed.
"Eh, Minister Pang, Lady of the Southern Country, why are you two here?"
The Empress Dowager’s birthday banquet was nearing its end. Long Yue accompanied Pei Yushu, with her husband’s company, preparing to return. Halfway through, they encountered Pang Wenzheng walking with the Lady of the Southern Country.
What a strange sight, these two unrelated people walking together, even chatting and laughing?
Long Yue looked at them with an amused gaze, hinting at mischief.
Pang Wenzheng’s face was emotionless as he coldly looked at Long Yue: "Discussing so matters, would Lady Jiao care to listen?"
Long Yue made an "oh" sound with a coy smile: "I would love to! But I bet it’s so foul talk unworthy of my ears, right, husband?"
Li Qingmu looked straight ahead at his petite wife and nodded: "Indeed, whatever you say, my dear is right. Hence, let’s depart quickly to avoid tainting our eyes."
"Mm!"
Long Yue snuck a glance at the dark-faced Pang Wenzheng and walked away with Li Qingmu and Pei Yushu.
"Haha, truly a handso young fellow, as enchanting as a fairy!"
Xue Mingzhu’s almond-shaped eyes danced with autumn waves as she stared at Li Qingmu’s departing figure, resting her chin in a dreamy pose.
"Lady Xue, this man is cunning. Don’t delay the grand enterprise for a montary favor!"
"Why so serious? I’m just appreciating his looks. Imagine stripping off that fine skin of his, what would it be like? Ah, hahaha..."
Xue Mingzhu laughed wildly, her footsteps stumbling as she faded into the distance. Pang Wenzheng looked on coldly, disdainfully frowning: "Truly a crazy woman!"
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