Secret Currents in the Palace of Chu

ther person were to appear in his life like this, Mo Xiuyao would definitely feel threatened and use various methods to probe or even get rid of such a person. But when faced with the woman who was ho...The Mountain River Sacrifice 197: Dark Currents in the Chu Palace

Chapter 197 - Dark Currents in the Chu Palace

None of my business

Tan Jizhi watched with interest the beautiful woman before him, who seemed like a fairy from heaven. Ever since he first met Concubine Liu, he found her intriguing. She lacked ambition and did not care about the emperor's favor; she was like a snow lotus blooming alone at the peak of a high mountain, coldly looking down on everyone in the palace. He initially thought that this was just one of her tactics to win his favor, since the emperor had grown accustomed to countless women flattering him and a woman with a cool personality stood out as particularly attractive. But soon enough, he realized that she genuinely did not care about such things. If the emperor came, she would simply wait calmly; if he didn't come, it was of no concern to her. If she continued like this, Tan Jizhi would almost admire this woman's indifference. However, he eventually discovered her weakness—Prince Mo Xiuyao.

Concubine Liu truly loved Mo Xiuyao, and unlike Su Zuodie’s complex reasons for loving him, she simply adored Mo Xiuyao himself. She could care less whether he was the second son of Duke Ding or a commoner; it did not matter if he rode horses on battlefields or lay sick in bed with disabilities. Tan Jizhi felt that his heart might be moved by her devotion.

Unfortunately, Mo Xiuyao had never cared for her. If even the most beautiful woman in the world, Su Zuodie, who grew up with him since childhood, could not capture Mo Xiuyao's heart, then what hope was there for a daughter of the Liu family whom Mo Xiuyao did not favor Even if Concubine Liu was no less than Su Zuodie. Originally, she might have been indifferent because she knew that if she couldn't get Mo Xiuyao, neither could anyone else. She even convinced herself that he wasn't in love with her but simply incapable of loving at all. But now, as Mo Xiuyao and his duchess were deeply affectionate in the northwest and would soon have a child, Tan Jizhi was sure she couldn't bear it anymore.

Seeing Concubine Liu unmoved, Tan Jizhi sighed and said slowly: "Does Consort really wish to spend her life in this deep palace In another two months, the prince of Duke Ding will be born. Haha… Duke Ding will surely become more devoted to his duchess; then, no one can win him over. It's said that… Duke Ding once promised the Xu family he would have only Lady Ding."

Concubine Liu suddenly turned and shot a cold glance at the man in the moonlight, "The Xu family Does the Xu family have anything to do with Prince Mo"

"Surely, Consort doesn't believe that the Xu family stays aloof and helps neither side," Tan Jizhi smiled. "Remember… since Duke Ding took over RuYang, even Leng Qingyu and Mu Yang were released, but there's still no word of Old Second of the Xu family, Xu Qingze. Since Mo Xiuyao let them off, he wouldn't detain his wife's uncle, would he Of course it’s because Xu Qingze doesn’t want to come back." Concubine Liu said coolly: "Even if so, what difference does it make Xuhongyan is in the capital, Mr. Qingyun and Xuhongyu are in Yunzhou. As long as these three don't act, even if all five of them were in RuYang, His Majesty wouldn’t easily touch the Xu family."

Tan Jizhi chuckled softly: "Consort might want to tell His Majesty about what happened with the Xu family when Chu was first established. He may understand that even having Xuhongyan and Mr. Qingyun on hand doesn't necessarily mean security."

Concubine Liu glanced at him oddly, "Why not go talk to him yourself These days he's been sending people everywhere looking for you; thinking you were secretly killed by Duke Ding."

Tan Jizhi shrugged helplessly and said through gritted teeth: "Su Zuodie that賤人 told Mo Xiuyao about my identity. Once I reappear in the palace, there’s no guarantee he won’t tell His Majesty." Concubine Liu sneered coldly: "So Mr. Tan has some dealings with Su Zuodie again Is she truly as beautiful as her title suggests" Tan Jizhi replied: "Of course not compared to Consort; now I don't know what condition that woman is in after Mo Xiuyao tormented her. Unfortunately, my people have never found an opportunity to kill her!" Just mentioning Su Zuodie made Tan Jizhi seethe with hatred. Back when he was young and reckless, he thought Mo Xiuyao's fiancée must be three parts more beautiful than other women, but now he realized that it was Concubine Liu who truly shone as a beauty beyond compare. If there were regret pills in this world, he would never have trifled with Su Zuodie back then!

Gazing at Consort Liu's icy, beautiful face, Tan Jizhi softened his voice and said, "Consort, you should consider carefully. The benefits of getting rid of the Xu family are not negligible for you as well, right Removing the Xu family would be equivalent to severing one arm from Princess Consort Ding." Seeing that Consort Liu remained silent, Tan Jizhi understood that she was starting to waver and continued, "The treasure trove of the previous dynasty is located within Northwest territory, including the imperial jade seal, Emperor Gaozu's military strategies, and wealth. It seems to belong entirely to Mo Xiuyao now. Consort, you can tell His Majesty about this news. This would fulfill our duty as emperor and minister."

Consort Liu coldly smiled and said, "How should I explain that I know something even Emperor Jinqi himself doesn’t" Tan Jizhi raised an eyebrow and said with a smile, "If you don't want to do it, then let me ask Lord Liu to handle this matter. It's not your responsibility anyway."

"You can leave." Consort Liu said. Tan Jizhi sighed and said, "Consort is truly ruthless... We have been acquainted for many years, but..."

“The Emperor has arrived!” a eunuch’s shrill voice echoed outside the palace gate. Tan Jizhi's eyes flickered and he asked, "So late at night, why would His Majesty come here" Consort Liu got up and said calmly, “He is the emperor; who can control when he wants to come” Tan Jizhi sighed helplessly and said, "That’s why everyone in this world wishes to be an emperor. I’ll take my leave now.” Seeing Tan Jizhi disappear into the darkness, Consort Liu lowered her head for a moment and said calmly, “Not everyone is interested in that position." If someone were truly interested in that position, she would do anything to help him achieve it, just hoping he could look at her seriously...

Composing herself slowly, Emperor Jinqi's golden sedan chair had already arrived outside the palace. Stepping into the hall, Jinqi frowned as he saw the dimness inside and asked, "Why isn't anyone lighting up lamps Where are all the servants" From his tone, Consort Liu understood that His Majesty was in a bad mood. It was said that Consort Liu’s favor surpassed that of other consorts; even Empress Dowager would oppose her on Emperor Jinqi's behalf. But only Consort Liu knew that this was merely when the emperor felt good. When he felt good, she received all his affection and pampering, but once he was in a bad mood, those closest to him suffered. Therefore, Consort Liu never looked down upon Empress, who had been neglected for years. Although Jinqi didn't show her any favoritism, he granted her the authority to oversee the harem. Moreover, he never vented his anger on her either. So, Empress was actually the most comfortable person living in this deep palace, despite it being solely because of Jinqi’s caution regarding the Hu family.

"Your Majesty pardons me," Consort Liu said calmly.

The eunuchs and maidservants quietly entered the hall with Emperor Jinqi, lit up all the candles, then silently retreated. In the candlelight's glow, the room was filled with a faint fragrance. Looking at Consort Liu, Jinqi asked, "So late, my beloved concubine is still not resting" Her expression remained calm as she replied calmly, "The night-blooming cereus outside attracted me; I lost track of time while watching it."

"Oh" Jinqi raised an eyebrow and walked to the half-open window, where he indeed saw a night-blooming cereus in full bloom. Then he smiled and said, “So it was me disturbing your enjoyment of the flowers” Consort Liu remained silent as if confirming this. Jinqi had long been used to her nature; therefore, he didn't mind at all. If Consort Liu showed excessive enthusiasm or warmth towards him, he would have suspected something was amiss. Gazing at the extraordinarily enchanting woman under the moonlight, a hint of desire flashed in Jinqi's eyes as he suddenly pulled her and kissed her fiercely against the window frame. The passionate kiss ended only when Consort Liu started to breathe heavily. Looking down at the woman in his arms, Jinqi’s face was still cold and expressionless, as if everything that had just happened were merely an illusion. Staring into Consort Liu's stunning beauty, Jinqi’s complex expressions were hard to discern: there was both anger and dissatisfaction, along with deep infatuation and jealousy, which completely dispelled his initial desire.

"What brings Your Majesty so late" Gently pushing Jinqi away, Consort Liu sat back on the dais and asked.

Jinqi's face darkened as he took a seat beside Consort Liu and gritted his teeth, "Today, Hu Chenfeng submitted an imperial petition wanting to lead troops into battle!"

Consort Liu raised her eyes in confusion. Jinqi snorted coldly, “He thinks he’s dreaming! At this age, he should stay home quietly waiting for death. I'll let him die a natural death because of Empress and Changle’s sake! Mo Xiuyao just had an issue; Hu Chenfeng is already scheming to get the military command. One day, I’ll make sure he dies miserably!” Consort Liu listened calmly as Jinqi angrily denounced Grand Duke Hu and ministers supporting Prince Ding’s mansion. She wouldn't speak ill of Grand Duke Hu, nor did Jinqi need her to join him in cursing Hu; all he needed was someone to listen to his complaints. When Jinqi finally vented all his anger, turning around to look at Consort Liu who was lost in thought, he asked displeasedly, “What are you thinking about”

Consort Liu lowered her eyes and said softly, "Your Majesty's bad mood tonight is because of Grand Duke Hu"

Jinqi snorted lightly and said, "That old rascal Hu Chenfeng! I don't have time to deal with him now. Tan Jizhi hasn’t returned yet, which probably means that Mo Xiuyao secretly killed him. Those useless men who came back all reported seeing Tan Jizhi leave Ruyang; is Mo Xiuyao trying to fool me with such a petty trick" In the past, if Mo Xiuyao didn't let go of Tan Jizhi, he would have tightly held onto him and refused to release. If he wanted to kill Tan Jizhi, he would do it openly without any hesitation. However, now he has released Tan Jizhi publicly but secretly killed him; Mo Xiuyao has indeed improved over the years!

Consort Liu’s eyes slightly lowered and her expression vanished as she said, "When Your Majesty sent Lord Tan to Northwest, you must have anticipated that he might fall into Prince Ding's hands."

Jinqi cursed softly in anger and said, “Tan Jizhi is useless! Not only was he captured by Mo Xiuyao but also Princess Consort Ding, who had fallen into his hands, was saved back by him!" Mentioning this made Jinqi’s liver hurt with rage. If he could have caught Ye Li and she were pregnant, wouldn’t Mo Xiuyao be乖乖聽他擺佈？這麼好的機會就這麼白白的失去了，讓墨景祈怎麼能不生氣。柳貴妃抬眼道：“譚大人素來是皇上的心腹，皇上究竟為何派譚大人去西北……臣妾逾越了，不該過問朝中之事。”墨景祈揮揮手道：“冇什麼，朕自然是相信你的。據說前朝開國高祖的皇陵和寶藏就在西北，譚繼之此行正是為了此事。隻是冇想到……”

Lady Liu pondered for a moment before speaking, "Then… does this mean that all the treasures of the previous dynasty now belong to the Mohist Army"

Mojingqi was full of anger and stood up. "That's exactly what happened! If General Gaozu's military strategies and treasures are truly in the northwest, the strength of the Mohist Army will certainly rise even further! Damn Tan Jizhi…" Without noticing Mojingqi's anger, Lady Liu continued, "Moreover, it’s likely not just about the military strategies and treasure. There might also be… the Imperial Jade Seal..."

Mojingqi's expression changed instantly; he quickly glanced at Lady Liu with suspicion in his eyes. "How do you know that there is an Imperial Jade Seal in Emperor Gaozu’s mausoleum" Lady Liu’s expression shifted slightly as she looked up at him, saying, "Historical records have recorded that the previous dynasty's General Gaozu indeed obtained the Imperial Jade Seal. There were also imperial decrees with seals bearing the Imperial Jade Seal found among the remains of the previous dynasty's palace, confirming this fact. However, since Emperor Gaozu’s passing, no one has ever seen the trace of the Imperial Jade Seal again. Clearly, he did not pass it on to his descendants. Given this… the seal is very likely to be within the mausoleum. It wouldn't make sense for General Gaozu to just toss it into a river somewhere, would it"

Mojingqi carefully scrutinized Lady Liu for a moment before saying, "My dear wife doesn’t often talk so much. Looks like… you indeed hate Mo Xiuyao and Ye Li to the bone."

Lady Liu made no effort to hide her feelings, asking, "Doesn't Your Majesty also hate them" Mojingqi nodded and said, "My dear wife is right; I do hate them too!" Lady Liu hated that Mo Xiuyao did not love her, and that Ye Li had taken what she desired. He detested the power and prestige of Prince Ding's household, and even more so, Mo Xiuyao’s status as a favored prince and his extraordinary talent. As a son of the previous emperor, Mojingqi was merely the second son of a princely house. Yet while he carefully maneuvered through the palace to earn favor from an early age, everyone in the capital city, including other princes, vied for Mo Xiuyao’s affection and support. They schemed against each other fiercely for their father's favor; even his own brothers born to the same mother were rivals. In contrast, Mo Xiuyao indulged himself freely, with his older brother Mo Xiwu helplessly trailing behind him to clean up after any mess he made. While Mojingqi burned the midnight oil writing strategies and essays hoping for a smile from their father, all Mo Xiuyao needed was to casually pick up a brush and speak eloquently to win universal acclaim. It wasn’t fair that as a prince, he could not even secure the affection of his beloved woman while she pined only for Mo Xiuyao... Ever since he was still a prince, he had vowed to someday trample upon Mo Xiuyao and Prince Ding’s household!

Reflecting on Lady Liu's reasoning in his heart, Mojingqi's face grew increasingly gloomy. If Mo Xiuyao truly obtained the Imperial Jade Seal, would it mean… that fate was on his side It seems Mo Xiuyao indeed has ambitions for the realm. Upon reaching this thought, Mojingqi naturally could not sit still any longer; he stood up and left. Lady Liu did not detain him but watched him depart with a detached expression while listening to the sound of the imperial carriage starting up again, leaving the palace once more quiet.

"You didn't mention the Xu family," Tan Jizhi's voice echoed in the chamber.

"You haven’t left yet." Lady Liu’s face darkened as she said displeasingly. Knowing he was not favored, Tan Jizhi did not insist and merely stated, "I’ll be leaving soon; it seems His Majesty is now interested in the Imperial Jade Seal" Lady Liu lightly scoffed, saying, "You didn’t tell him about the Imperial Jade Seal beforehand; do you think when he regains his senses he won't suspect you" Mojingqi might not excel at anything else, but he was a master at suspicion. As long as there were any hints, regardless of whether they were right or wrong, he would first suspect them. Tan Jizhi said indifferently, "After serving him tirelessly for ten years, I’m tired and am planning to change my identity. In the future, it’s unlikely that I’ll have time to visit Lady Consort; truly regrettable."

"Get out!" Lady Liu coldly said.

Tan Jizhi sighed lightly, walking over to Lady Liu's side and gently lifting a strand of her hair. He whispered softly, "Yu Yao, when the day comes that we gain control of the realm, I will give Mo Xiuyao and Ye Li into your hands for you to deal with personally..."

"Get out!"

In Ruyang City,

Moxiuyao leaned back on the couch, looking at Duke De and Moyingyu in front of him with a casual air. Last night Su Zhe fell seriously ill suddenly; this morning he couldn’t even get out of bed, so it was natural that he could not attend today’s meeting. Mo Juan seemed to have been forgotten altogether, merely sitting on the side as a guest of honor. Although Duke De hadn't been seen for one whole night, his expression had become much more reserved than before. Moxiuyao nodded silently; this was the Duke De who managed to survive unscathed during the fierce battle between him and the previous emperor over succession. The pampered life he led in recent years must have made him forget what it meant to be cautious as a royal member.

Lowering his head, Moxiuyao took a sip of tea before asking, "Did His Majesty send you two here with any message for me"

Duke De and Duke Yu exchanged glances. Both could detect sarcasm in what Moxiuyao had said. Duke Yu bowed respectfully and replied, "Please forgive us, King Ding. My uncle and I were merely following the emperor's orders to convey his intention to you. Yesterday he must have already understood His Majesty’s meaning: that he wishes for your immediate return to the capital. Of course, although the imperial edict issued in anger cannot be withdrawn, His Majesty will naturally restore all of King Ding’s possessions."

Duke Yu did not say anything more; only what Moxiuyao had instructed him to relay was said out loud.

Moxiuyao laughed loudly and said, "I understand the emperor's intention. But I'm afraid that it might not be as his wish."

Duke Yu’s heart sank—King Ding was dead set on turning against the Great Chu

Moxiuyao raised his hand to stop him from opening his mouth and said, "Please tell His Majesty: everything he has done the army of Moxia will always remember. Even if I risk my life to believe in the emperor this one time, it’s doubtful that the soldiers of Moxia would agree." Duke Yu swallowed with difficulty and replied laboriously, "The Ding王府has been loyal to the country generation after generation; why must King Ding be so decisive If there is anything you are unsatisfied about, just tell me. I will present your grievance to His Majesty."

Moxiuyao raised his eyebrows and said, “Reconsideration I appreciate Duke Yu's goodwill. But at the same time, please also inform the emperor and all the court officials: as long as I am alive, Xiling must not invade from the northwest." The words left a bitter taste in Duke Yu’s mouth; with Moxia stationed in the northwest, there was no chance for Xiling to attack from that direction. However, they did share a border in southwestern Chu as well. Although the terrain there was much more dangerous than the northwest, if someone wished it enough, the forces stationed on each side of this frontier were still imbalanced with Chu at a disadvantage. Thus, an invasion through this route would not necessarily be impossible.

Duke De looked Moxiuyao straight in the eyes and asked seriously, "King Ding, is your mind set"

Moxiuyao lowered his gaze, smiling calmly as he replied, "I merely wish to provide a way for my family members and soldiers of Moxia to survive. The Ding王府has always defended Chu generation after generation; even if there's no contribution, there is suffering and hardship. I can’t let the lineage of the Ding王府die out because of me. If that happens, what face would I have in front of Father, Brother, as well as all ancestors of the Ding王府when I meet them under ground"

Duke De was silent for a long time before nodding and saying, "Alright, Duke Yu and I were unable to persuade you. We’ve delivered His Majesty’s message, we’ll stop talking about this now. But it would be hoped that King Ding won’t forget that he is still a citizen of Chu."

Moxiuyao smiled but remained silent.

By the way… Empress Dowager Liu was quite complicated. She had no interest in power, wealth, or handsome men. Readers can understand it as resentment born from love. Phoenix also mentioned that she wasn’t a good person, though she was better than Su Zui Die by just a bit. But she truly liked Moxiuyao. If Moxiuyao would like her back, she’d gladly forsake the position of empress dowager and even her family including her children to be with him. Such people were quite scary sometimes… but also pitiful.m interested in talking to her, Han Mingchi bit his fingernail and said with a smile, "What’s the point of such a small place like Nanzhao Junwei came here looking for the Dark Lotus Holy Maiden, righ...