On the other hand, Jun Qian Che is still busy discussing things with Chu Ling Xiao in the imperial study.
“Your Majesty, are you sure that you will be able to keep the two Officials He loyal to you?” asks Chu Ling Xiao, worried.
Jun Qian Che smiles mysteriously, “Don’t worry, after the assassination attempt, they will no longer stay loyal to Duke Zhen. They will also never turn to the 7th King. And so, they can only count on zhen. That’s the only way for them to give Chun Fei her justice. That’s also the only way for them to escape certain death. They know that once zhen publicizes what Chun Fei did, He clan will never see the light of the day again.”
Chu Ling Xiao nods before saying, “This official think it’s better to take advantage of this Chun Fei thing and secretly kill her father and brother. All the officials in court will definitely raise an issue to give them justice. By then, Your Majesty can just announce what Chun Fei did to everyone. They will immediately blame Duke Zhen for the deaths because Chun Fei tried to harm his unborn grandchild. We can seize that chance to investigate the real perpetrator and rid ourselves of future trouble.”
Jun Qian Che shakes his head, “It’s not that zhen hadn’t thought of that. Perhaps, that’s also what the real perpetrator expects, that’s why he or she hadn’t try to kill them yet. Killing them would bring zhen no good. If two officials get killed at the same time, it would bring cause chaos at court and the common people. It would make zhen appear incompetent and unable to protect his officials. It would only give way to waves of rumors. Besides, if they die and Chun Fei’s deed came to light, most people would suspect Duke Zhen, but there are also some people who would suspect zhen. After all, it was zhen’s child that Chun Fei tried to harm, and punishment for harming imperial bloodline would be exterminating the entire clan. The case would immediately come to close and zhen wouldn’t be any closer to finding the real perpetrator. The gap between zhen and Mo Clan will also become wider because zhen had killed Duke Zhen’s followers. Now, on the other hand, zhen could make use of the two officials, and at the same time, threaten Duke Zhen and the real perpetrator. This is really good for zhen.”
Chu Ling Xiao smiles at him, embarrassed, “In the end, Your Majesty is the one who thinks everything through. This official had been too careless.”
Jun Qian Che shakes his head, “There are two sides to everything. Both choices have it’s own pros and cons, zhen could only choose the one with that would give zhen the biggest advantage. That way, less people would get hurt.”
Chu Ling Xiao nods in agreement, “Looks like Your Majesty truly intends to let the child live.”
“The child is innocent, zhen will no longer even consider the possibility of hurting him. He is zhen’s child, zhen believes that his birth would only give zhen good things.” A look of pleasure flits through his eyes as he thinks about the child that Mo Qi Qi is carrying.
“It is said that people usually loses their rationale whenever feelings are involved, this official has always thought that someone so driven and wise like Your Majesty would be an exception to that, but looks like you are not,” says Chu Ling Xiao, half-joking.
“Zhen think that zhen has made the right choice. Zhen would definitely regret it if zhen killed the baby, back then,” replies Jun Qian Che earnestly.
Chu Ling Xiao sighs, “Looks like Your Majesty has really fallen in love with the Empress.”
Jun Qian Che does not reply him and remains silent.
“What about the Empress Dowager? She will give you a really hard time. She hates the Mo Clan? That’s why she despises the Empress,” asks Chu Ling Xiao, worried.
“That is zhen’s personal matter, zhen will not trouble the Prime Minister with them. As for the Marquis of Ning Nan’s matter, you must handle it with care. Do not let Duke Zhen get what he wants,” reminds Jun Qian Che.
“Yes, don’t worry, Your Majesty. This official has sent people to investigate everything, we will definitely acquit the Marquis from all the accusations.”
In Feng Yang Palace, Mo Qi Qi sits in front of the dining table while staring at the dishes that have just been laid out. She glances out of the door from time to time, “Maybe he isn’t coming tonight.”
Ban Xiang secretly laughs when she sees this, “Your Ladyship, maybe you should eat first. His Majesty might be busy and could not come tonight.”
Mo Qi Qi looks away from the door and glares at Ban Xiang, “Nonsense! Bengong is not waiting for him! Bengong is just not hungry at the moment.” Ever since Jun Qian Che got injured on the night of the Qixi Festival, he has been coming over every night to get his wound treated and at the same time, eat dinner together. And now, it is already past dinnertime and he still hasn’t come.
Actually, a person’s habit is hard to change. Jun Qian Che has been having dinner with her for the past couple of days and she has gotten used to his presence. Now that he is not coming, she suddenly feels a little empty.
Ban Xiang continues teasing her, “Your Ladyship, do not deny it. This servant can see that you already like His Majesty. You miss him whenever he is not around.”
“Nonsense, why would bengong miss him? Bengong wants him to come because there is something bengong would like to ask him.” Deep down inside, Mo Qi Qi keeps telling herself this: She will definitely not fall for Jun Qian Che! She wants him to come, not because she wants to see him, but because she wants to treat his wound and get everything done and over with. That’s the only way she can go to sleep in peace. If other people finds out he’s been injured, she’d be in deep trouble. Besides, she only wants him to come today because she wants to ask him about Chun Fei, and not because she likes him like what Ban Xiang said!
“Ooh,” says Ban Xiang, dragging her word purposely.
“What is there to ‘oh’ about?” asks Mo Qi Qi, confused.
“Your Ladyship, is it wrong for this servant to say ‘oh?’” asks Ban Xiang, looking aggrieved.
“Yes, it’s wrong! If you want to say something, say it directly! ‘Oh’ is not a proper answer,” replies Mo Qi Qi displeased.
“Ban Xiang, are you angering the Empress again?” a deep and majestic voice can suddenly be heard. A casually-dressed Jun Qian Che walks in. He has come right after his little discussion with Chu Ling Xiao.
Ban Xiang immediately curtsies when she sees Jun Qian Che, “This servant greets Your Majesty.” Then, she purposely looks at them, aggrieved, “If you hadn’t come, Her Ladyship would have poured her grievance on this servant.”
Mo Qi Qi is furious, “Nonsense! When did bengong pour my grievance on you? Don’t slander bengong! Both of you are bullying me!”
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AN: And that’s chapter 142!