Chongfei Manual [Completed]

ch 165

After New Year, there was upheaval in the imperial court.

Seventh princess Zhao Lin Lang had married Princess Consort Rui's distantly related nephew, Zhou Yu Ran. Their wedding preparations were very rushed and they married shortly after the Spring Lantern Festival. Zhou Yu Ran had scored third place in the imperial academy's exam two years ago and was currently working in the Ministry of Revenue. He had a dignified moral character and a handsome appearance. It was rumored that Zhao Lin Lang had personally requested Emperor Chong Zhen for this marriage. Furthermore, she had even threatened that she wouldn't marry anyone else except Zhou Yu Ran.

After Emperor Chong Zhen had considered this marriage for two days, he asked Zhou Yu Ran for his opinion in private. Since Zhou Yu Ran hadn't refused, this marriage was settled just like that.

Not long after Zhao Lin Lang and Zhou Yu Ran's wedding, Prince Rui (Zhao Qi Qing) started having private meetings with fifth prince Zhao Zhang. They worked together with some of the court officials to accuse Zhao Jie of misconduct in order to block Emperor Chong Zhen's intention of establishing Zhao Jie as the next emperor. Zhao Zhang and Zhao Qi Qing, each had his own ulterior motive. They were both eying the position of emperor covetously. The only reason they were able to work together was because they wanted to eliminate their greatest enemy, Zhao Jie.

Zhao Qi Qing's intentions were abundantly clear. His heart had been unsatisfied for a long time, from the time that Emperor Chong Zhen had ascended the throne. It had been difficult to wait for so many years, but he had finally reached an opportune time. He couldn't make a mistake and let this opportunity slip. Zhao Qi Qing had never taken Zhao Zhang seriously. Once they finished off Zhao Jie, it would be as easy as blowing dust away to deal with Zhao Zhang. He could easily find a crime to frame Zhao Zhang with. At that time, the entire world would be his.

While Zhao Qi Qing was daydreaming, he scarcely realized that Zhao Jie had already known about their plans like the back of his hand.

The imperial court was as unpredictable as the clouds and waves.

---

During this time, Zhao Jie had been staying home to accompany Wei Luo. His days passed by peacefully and quietly.

On one hand, the court officials, who had accused him of misconduct, felt anxious and frightened when they saw Zhao Jie's lack of response. Did he have a trick hidden up in his sleeve? On the other hand, they continued to recklessly advise Emperor Chong Zhen as if they didn't fear death. They had very conflicting moods during this time.

At the current moment, Zhao Jie was sitting in his study and listening to Zhu Geng report about the recent matters. After Zhu Geng was finished, Zhao Jie's hands were placed in front of him, with one hand over the other. His dark eyes were utterly calm without any ripples. A while later, his lips were slightly curved into a hint of a smile. He thoughtfully said, "Prince Rui, that old fox. If he wants to have a share of the power, he has to see if this prince will agree to it first."

Zhu Geng and Yang Hao were standing shoulder to shoulder. Zhu Geng respectfully asked, "Your Highness, what should we do next?"

Zhao Jie smiled, "For now, let's wait and quietly observe." After saying this, he turned the emerald ring around his thumb and slowly asked, "Which court officials sent a petition to impeach this prince?"

Zhu Geng said, "They're headed by an official named Yang Tai. There's also people from the Ministry of Revenue." Zhu Geng also mentioned several other names. Most of them were Zhao Zhang's followers.

Zhao Jie nodded and said, "Continue to secretly keep a close watch on these people and report all of their actions to this prince." Immediately after, he waved his hand and ordered, "You two can leave."