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The imperial court was so solemn and quiet that one could even hear the drop of a pin.
Xiao Chiye’s eyes gradually dimmed as he removed his own authority token.
With his chest heaving violently, Li Jianheng announced, “The Imperial Army Viceroy, Xiao Chiye, is suspended from duties and confined to his residence to await investigation! The internal and external patrols of Qudu shall now be taken over by the Imperial Bodyguards and the Eight Great Training Divisions.”
Xi Hongxuan, who was among the crowd, looked stolidly through his wusha hat at Xiao Jiming, who had never once uttered a word. Xiao Jiming remained stable and still on his feet, unperturbed by what was happening.
He sure is steady!
Xi Hongxuan cursed inwardly.
As expected, this Xiao Jiming was a tough nut to deal with. To think he could still maintain his composure on seeing Xiao Chiye in such a predicament. He was not in the least flustered; he did not even look like he had the intent to speak up.
After morning court was dismissed, they gathered at Ouhua Pavillion.
After taking his golden token and changing into an elegant pale-blue patterned robe with wide sleeves, Shen Zechuan let the courtesan lead him upstairs. Xi Hongxuan was lying on the xumi couch watching someone brew tea.
On seeing him enter, Xi Hongxuan laughed out loud and said, “Lanzhou, that was such a delight today! Ever since the hunting ground incident, Xiao the Second has been one-upping me in every matter. This payback feels so gratifying!”
Shen Zechuan took his seat and said, “Fu Linye was a good move. I never thought you could even take him under you.”
“What do you think the Fu Clan was in the past? They were cow dung collectors outside Chuncheng’s city gates. If not for our Old Master’s appreciation of talent and assistance in helping them to break free of their original registration, their Fu Clan would still be herding cattle today.” Xi Hongxuan accepted the tea the maidservant presented to him and sampled a few mouthfuls before continuing, “But what a waste of the trap Elder Wei set. Xiao Jiming didn’t take the bait.”
“Suppressing Xiao’Er is already a challenge.” Shen Zechuan tasted the tea and said, “I’m afraid the loss will far outweigh the gain if you touch Xiao Jiming now.”
“The best policy is to follow up on our victory and press home the attack. If we don’t fight now, then when are we going to wait for?” Xi Hongxuan raised his hand to dismiss the maidservant. He straightened up in his seat. “Even if we can only make Xiao Jiming suffer a small loss in Qudu, it’d still be a chink in their armor.”
“I thought your intent was Qudu. I didn’t think you would already be thinking of eyeing the outskirts for a fight even before your foundation is stable.” Shen Zechuan said, “The Eight Great Training Divisions have yet to get a firm grip on power. You’ll most likely tumble and suffer a setback if you skip over Xiao’Er now.”
Xi Hongxuan set aside the teacup and asked, “Then, in your opinion, what else should we do?”
“You said it earlier.” Shen Zechuan smiled. “The best policy is to follow up on victory and press home the attack.”
Xi Hongxuan pondered it for a moment and said, “Our move today has already caused Xiao the Second to lose the Emperor’s confidence and trust in him. Even his authority token was removed, making it impermissible for him to move about before the start of spring. But he has been buddies with the Emperor for many years after all. It is impossible to take him down with just this incident alone.”
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Qiang Jin Jiu (Author : Tang Jiuqing 唐酒卿)
Historical Fiction*Revised from translated team and intended for offline purpose only* The six prefectures of Zhongbo were surrendered to foreign enemies without resistance, and Shen Zechuan found himself apprehended in the capital, reduced to a state of utter disgra...
