The Ming Dynasty: The most ruthless imperial grandson, Old Zhu begged me not to kill him.

Chapter 737: Finding the People Spreading Rumors

She began to secretly cultivate her own power, winning over palace maids and eunuchs, and gathering intelligence. She knew that to survive in this deep palace, she had to have her own strength.

At the same time, rumors began to circulate in the palace about Xu Miaoyun, saying that she was ruthless, jealous, and even that she had an affair with a foreign official.

Xu Miaoyun knew that someone was deliberately framing her, and the mastermind behind it was very likely Zhu Xiong Ying.

She didn't panic, but calmly dealt with the situation, resolving the crisis step by step. She used her wisdom and methods to expose and severely punish those who spread rumors.

Her decisiveness and ruthlessness made people in the palace both awe and fear her.

Zhu Xiong Ying watched all this with a hint of admiration in his eyes. He hadn't expected this seemingly delicate woman to possess such courage.

He began to develop a genuine interest in Xu Miaoyun, no longer treating her as a simple plaything, but as a worthy opponent.

One evening, Zhu Xiong Ying came to Xu Miao Yun's palace and saw her reading a book. A wicked smile appeared on his lips: "Your Majesty, how have you been lately?"

Xu Miaoyun put down the book in her hand and smiled faintly: "Thanks to Your Majesty, I am doing well."

Zhu Xiong Ying walked over and sat down beside her, reaching out to stroke her cheek: "I've heard that Her Majesty the Empress is quite the rising star in the palace lately."

Xu Miaoyun calmly avoided his hand and said coldly, "I was just doing what I was supposed to do."

"Oh? Is that so?" A cold glint flashed in Zhu Xiong Ying's eyes. "I've heard that Her Majesty the Empress has been getting quite close to the Prime Minister lately."

Xu Miaoyun's heart skipped a beat, knowing that Zhu Xiong Ying was testing her. She smiled calmly and said, "Your Majesty is too kind. My relationship with the Prime Minister is purely platonic, nothing more."

"The Prime Minister is a pillar of the nation, and I naturally want to get closer to him and learn the ways of governing the country." Xu Miaoyun's tone was calm, but her eyes were sharp as knives as she stared directly at Zhu Xiong Ying without backing down.

Zhu Xiong Ying laughed, his laughter low and dangerous: "Your Majesty the Empress has quite the ambition. Could it be that you want to replace me and sit on this dragon throne yourself?"

"Your Majesty is joking," Xu Miaoyun chuckled, her eyes sparkling. "I am but a woman, how could I possibly have such abilities? However, my elder brother is currently stationed at the border..." She paused deliberately, observing Zhu Xiong Ying's reaction.

Sure enough, Zhu Xiong Ying's expression changed slightly. Xu Da's military power was a thorn in his side.

"Is Your Majesty threatening me?" he asked coldly, his eyes sharp as a hawk's.

"Your Majesty, I dare not," Xu Miaoyun bowed slightly, her posture elegant. "I am merely reminding Your Majesty that the inner palace and the court are never peaceful."

Zhu Xiong Ying stared at her for a long time, then suddenly reached out and grabbed her chin, his tone chilling: "Xu Miaoyun, you'd better behave yourself, otherwise..."

Xu Miaoyun met his gaze without fear: "Otherwise what? Does Your Majesty intend to depose me? Or kill me?"

Zhu Xiong Ying tightened his grip, causing a sharp pain in Xu Miao Yun's chin. She didn't even flinch; instead, her smile grew even more alluring: "Your Majesty, my life was given to me by Your Majesty. If Your Majesty wishes to take it back, I will return it at any time."

Zhu Xiong Ying suddenly released her and burst into laughter: "Good! Xu Miao Yun, well done! I'd like to see what tricks you have up your sleeve!"

He turned and left, leaving Xu Miaoyun alone in the palace. She watched Zhu Xiong Ying's retreating figure, a complex light flashing in her eyes.

This game has just begun.

A few days later, during the morning court session, Zhu Xiong Ying suddenly announced that he would personally lead an expedition to attack the Northern Yuan.

An uproar erupted in the imperial court. Although the Northern Yuan was weak, it was still a tough nut to crack. Moreover, the Emperor was of noble birth; how could he easily take such a risk?
Prime Minister Li Shanchang was the first to stand up and object: "Your Majesty, this is absolutely unacceptable! The terrain of the Northern Yuan is treacherous and the climate is harsh. Our army is not familiar with the terrain. If we rashly send troops, there may be unforeseen consequences!" Other ministers also echoed his sentiments and advised the emperor to think twice.

Zhu Xiong Ying sat on the dragon throne, his face grim, saying nothing. He knew that these ministers' opposition stemmed not from concern for him, but from considerations of their own interests.

They feared that war would affect their status and wealth, which is why they tried their best to prevent him from sending troops.

"My mind is made up, there's no need to persuade me further!" Zhu Xiong Ying slammed his hand on the imperial desk, his tone leaving no room for argument. "Anyone who dares to obstruct me will be disobeying my imperial decree!"

The ministers fell silent, too terrified to speak further.

After the court session ended, Zhu Xiong Ying went to Xu Miao Yun's bedroom.

"Is Your Majesty doing this for my sake?" Xu Miaoyun put down the book in her hand and asked calmly.

Zhu Xiong Ying walked over and sat down beside her, reaching out to stroke her cheek: "Your Majesty the Empress is truly wise; I did indeed do this for you."

"For your concubine?" Xu Miaoyun looked at him in confusion.

"I want you to know that this world belongs to me!" Zhu Xiong said domineeringly. "I can do whatever I want, and no one can stop me, including you!"

“Your Majesty has misunderstood,” Xu Miaoyun said calmly. “Your Majesty, I never intended to stop you.”

"Is that so?" Zhu Xiong Ying sneered. "Then why is Her Majesty the Empress so close to the Prime Minister? Could it be that she wants him to stop me?"

“Your Majesty is overthinking it,” Xu Miaoyun said with a faint smile. “I just wanted to understand the situation in the court so that I could better assist Your Majesty.”

"Assist me?" A hint of mockery flashed in Zhu Xiong Ying's eyes. "Your Majesty should manage your own harem first."

"Your Majesty's decree is hereby obeyed." Xu Miaoyun bowed slightly, her tone respectful.

Seeing her like this, Zhu Xiong Ying became even more furious. He grabbed her wrist and pulled her into his arms: "Xu Miao Yun, you'd better not try anything funny, or I'll make you regret it!"

Xu Miaoyun was held tightly in his arms, unable to move. She could feel the anger emanating from him, yet she remained calm.

"Your Majesty, I am devoted to you with all my heart, and heaven and earth bear witness to it," she said softly, her tone gentle yet firm.

Looking at her face so close to his, Zhu Xiong Ying suddenly felt a surge of inexplicable impulse. He lowered his head and kissed her lips, his kiss domineering and passionate.

Xu Miaoyun did not resist, but obediently closed her eyes.

She knew that this war had only just begun.

The news of the emperor's personal expedition sent shockwaves throughout the country. Xu Da also received the news and immediately submitted a memorial to advise against it, but it was rejected by Zhu Xiong Ying.

Xu Da knew Zhu Xiong Ying's temperament well and knew that his advice would be useless, so he began to secretly mobilize troops and prepare to support the front line at any time.

Meanwhile, Wang Baobao, far away in the Northern Yuan, also received the news. He summoned his generals to discuss countermeasures.

(End of this chapter)