The sudden silence was the most frightening.
Xu Cang, without any reservation, exposed Xu Dehai's identity right in front of Liu Pi. This was not much different from a complete fallout.
Xu Cang knew that with the current weakening of imperial power, the Emperor's desire to centralize power meant a thorough cleansing of the court. This involved the issue of choosing sides and political stances. The Emperor naturally wanted stable imperial power, to decide everything with a single word. But those who held immense power in the court and had undermined imperial authority would not sit idly by.
They could win him over, or they could check him, no matter which faction. But how sensitive was Xu Ping's identity? The son of an outer vassal prince who held significant military power, and he was an only child. Controlling Xu Ping essentially meant controlling himself, which was something Xu Cang could not tolerate.
Summoning Xu Ping to the Capital meant the Emperor had already made his move, and he would follow. But as for any other insignificant figures apart from the Emperor, that was another matter entirely.
Actually, Xu Cang was overthinking it. The question posed by the Tianxiang House Master was merely to offer help.
Of course, being in his position, Xu Cang couldn't help but overthink. Tianxiang House, after all, had intricate connections with the one in the Imperial Capital.
Xu Dehai's expression was complex, his eyes showing surprise, helplessness, difficulty, and even some confusion. Yes, he was certainly confused. He didn't understand what Jingbei Prince wanted to do. Although Tianxiang House was mysterious, on this northern land, for Jingbei Prince to claim complete ignorance of them would clearly be self-deception. For several years, everyone had coexisted peacefully, so why would Jingbei Prince repeatedly cause trouble today, even exposing his identity in front of Lord Eunuch Liu?
After much thought, Xu Dehai guessed that it was probably due to their conversation at noon, which made Jingbei Prince believe they had designs on his son. With the current turmoil in the court, it was perfectly normal for Jingbei Prince to make such a deduction, and his master indeed had designs on Xu Ping.
"Whether this humble one is the manager of Tianxiang House or an Inspector of the Privy Council, it makes no difference to Your Highness; it's not worth mentioning," Xu Dehai bowed deeply, slowly lowering his head.
"Are you implying that your esteemed Fourth-Rank Inspector is no different from a commoner in my eyes? I don't possess such immense prestige. Sir Xu, you can eat carelessly, but don't speak carelessly!"
Liu Pi, listening from the side, felt increasingly uneasy and quickly tried to smooth things over. "Your Highness is a pillar of the state, governing an entire region. For Your Highness, Sir Xu's Fourth-Rank Inspector position is naturally insignificant. Your Highness, please do not overthink it."
"Lord Eunuch Liu is a discerning man. Hmph! Whether I'm overthinking it or not, he naturally knows in his heart."
Xu Dehai felt a little depressed. He knew Xu Cang was deliberately making him lose face. He didn't mean that, nor could he possibly mean that.
What a joke! Implying that Jingbei Prince was above imperial power? Did he not want his dog's life anymore? Not to mention that Liu Pi, the Grand Eunuch of the Directorate of Ceremonial, was right there. If Xu Cang's implied meaning were taken seriously, it would be disastrous. Let alone a Fourth-Rank Inspector like him, even the Si Shou of the Privy Council wouldn't dare to have such an intention.
"Your Highness, please calm your anger. I misspoke. As Lord Eunuch Liu said, I am a small official; how would I dare to offend Your Highness's prestige? I beg Your Highness's forgiveness," Xu Dehai bowed deeply again.
"Listen well! By His Majesty's sacred decree, Yongning will enter the Capital tomorrow to pay respects. I don't care what schemes your master has, but don't set your sights on Yongning. If anyone dares to harm my son, I will personally send him to meet the late Emperor."
The meaning in his words was obvious: the Emperor was making his move, and Jingbei Prince would follow. But if others wanted to intervene, they had to consider carefully whether they had the strength to withstand his wrath.
Xu Cang's words truly frightened Xu Dehai, who hastily explained, "Your Highness misunderstands. The Young Master's talent is unparalleled, and this humble official admires him immensely. How could I harbor any improper thoughts?"
Watching the trembling Xu Dehai, Liu Pi frowned slightly, his palms slowly clenching. Clearly, these words also made him extremely uncomfortable.
It seemed to be said to Xu Dehai, but it was also said to him. The threat was clear, practically written on his face. Who was Liu Pi? Liu Pi was the Emperor's confidant, the Grand Eunuch of the Directorate of Ceremonial. Did Xu Cang even have the Emperor in his eyes?
But then again, Jingbei Royal Mansion had only that one sole heir. If anything were to happen to Xu Ping, it seemed understandable for Xu Cang to do anything. Thinking of this, Liu Pi sighed helplessly: this move was too risky. Any slight mistake could mean 200,000 Zhenbei Army troops entering the Capital.
High risk meant high reward. Liu Pi could understand the decisions of the Emperor and Grand Astrologer. Although Xu Cang was once a trusted aide of the Emperor, how much sentiment could there be in the imperial family? As long as Xu Ping could be controlled, it meant controlling the 200,000 strong army of the Northern Region without shedding blood.
Now, with undercurrents surging in the court, the Emperor did not have many usable troops. The Capital Garrison Division, Five Military Divisions, and City Defense Division all belonged to the Imperial Capital Guards, and the Imperial Army was even more so. The Emperor urgently needed troops from outside the Capital to stabilize his regime and increase his leverage.
But once something went wrong, or if Xu Ping were controlled and used by others with ulterior motives, then these 200,000 Zhenbei Army troops might become the death knell for the imperial power.
And controlling Xu Ping was probably only a temporary measure, not a long-term solution. In Liu Pi's view, to truly reclaim the Zhenbei Army, perhaps the only way was to eliminate both Xu Cang and Xu Ping, father and son.
Liu Pi stopped thinking and said with a smile, "Your Highness, I've heard that Tianxiang House is the best establishment in the Northern Region. This humble one is truly fortunate today!"
Xu Dehai also quickly agreed. "Lord Eunuch is absolutely right. The food at Tianxiang House indeed has its unique characteristics. This humble official will now lead the two of you upstairs."
Seeing this, Xu Cang no longer kept a stern face. Some things were enough to hint at.
"Lord Eunuch Liu, please!"
"Your Highness, please!"
Imperial Capital, Shengjing.
Within the Imperial City, in Chengqian Hall. A woman dressed in brocade robes was helping Longsheng Emperor organize memorials. The candlelight on the table illuminated her cheeks, and her tightly furrowed brows revealed her weary expression.
The Great Zhou's Grand Princess, Consort Ji.
Some said her beauty was unparalleled, like a celestial maiden. Some said she was as cold as ice, like a winter plum blossom. And some said she was aloof and peerless, capable of toppling kingdoms.
"Your Highness, Xia Zhiqiu, the Junior Astrologer of the Heavenly Government, seeks an audience," a Eunuch reported.
"Let him in."
"Greetings, Grand Princess." Xia Zhiqiu bowed.
"Come and sit here!" Consort Ji smiled, patting the chair beside her.
Xia Zhiqiu slowly stood up. "Thank you, Your Highness!"
"Zhiqiu, I've told you many times that we are like sisters; there's no need for such formality."
"Propriety cannot be abandoned; this is my duty."
"You're becoming more and more like that old man Zhang Qisheng." Consort Ji shook her head. "How is that old fellow's health lately?"
"Grand Astrologer is in good health and spirits."
Consort Ji nodded slightly. "That old scoundrel eats and sleeps well. He hasn't attended morning court in three years, so his health is naturally quite good. Tell me, why have you come to see me?"
Xia Zhiqiu stood up straight and bowed slightly. "Zhiqiu received a report from Xue Yuan, the Si Shou of the Zhaixing Division. Last night, he observed the stars; the Ziwei star flickered, and the three stars of Qisha, Pojun, and Tanlang converged. This is an omen of military disaster, and our Great Zhou may be on the verge of war."