Ping Zhao Lu

Xu Zhouye's face was as calm as water. He shifted his gaze to the side without leaving any trace and said in a flat tone, "I don't know him."

After hearing this, the servant quickly put on a flattering smile on his face, bowed quickly and said, "In that case, please come in, sir." Then he stretched out his hand and made a gesture of invitation.

However, at this moment, the man who Xu Zhouye said he didn't know was standing there quietly.

He was dressed in a gorgeous crimson robe and a silver crown. He exuded an innate nobility and a bit of unruly air.

His originally calm face suddenly turned gloomy, and a barely perceptible loneliness flashed in his deep eyes.

He subconsciously took a step forward, as if wanting to go up and say hello to Xu Zhouye, but at this moment, a slender figure suddenly blocked his way.

Qinghe bowed to him, then turned around and followed Xu Zhouye into the private room.

Chu Yunzheng looked at their departing backs, the light in his eyes dimmed slightly, and the fingers hidden under his sleeves unconsciously bent slightly.

The servant here had a bright smile on his face and enthusiastically introduced to Xu Zhouye the various exquisite brocades and silks displayed in the private room.

The silks were colorful, soft and smooth, and had a charming luster.

Then, the servant pointed to a variety of waist belts neatly arranged to the side and said, "Sir, please look! The waist belts on the top layer are all pre-woven, while the ones on the bottom layer are specially left for guests to make their own. They come with a full range of needlework and different patterns for your reference and selection."

After saying that, the servant still had a smile on his face and looked at Xu Zhouye expectantly.

Xu Zhouye nodded gently, indicating that he understood. He then calmly took out a banknote from his pocket and handed it to the servant. He said calmly, "Come and see if this is enough." Then he turned to look at Qinghe standing beside him and whispered, "Go with him to settle the bill."

Qinghe responded and walked to the servant.

Seeing the deal was done, the servant was overjoyed. He quickly reached out to take the note, grinning from ear to ear, and quickly replied, "Okay! I'll give you the change right away."

Before he finished speaking, he turned around and walked out of the private room quickly, his feet like the wind, running all the way downstairs.

*

Wei Fu, who was beaten horribly and unconscious, was now lying on a couch in a side hall of the Cining Palace, receiving treatment from the imperial physician.

The tragic scene made Queen Mother Jiang sigh.

At the same time, Shang Jiu, who successfully completed the task, appeared particularly calm and composed.

He took steady and vigorous steps as he slowly stepped over the high threshold of Fengluan Palace. The sunlight fell on him, outlining his tall and slender figure.

When he passed by Su Ming, who was slumped on the stone steps due to severe pain, he didn't even raise his eyelids. With an expressionless face, he slowly took out a bottle of exquisite ointment from his arms and threw it casually, and it happened to fall into Su Ming's arms.

Su Ming looked at him gratefully and said, "Thank you, sir."

Shang Jiu did not respond to him. He turned around and strode across the long corridor towards the bedroom of Fengluan Palace.

In the bedroom, Chu Yunxiao leaned comfortably on the Arhat couch, casually flipping through the books that Xu Zhouye usually read.

Sensing someone coming, he raised his eyes slightly and glanced towards the door.

Chu Yunxiao raised the corner of his mouth slightly, revealing a faint smile, but the words that came out of his mouth were cold: "Still alive?"

"Your Majesty, I won't die, at most I'll be disabled." Shang Jiu replied with a bow.

Chu Yunxiao hummed lightly, his expression still as indifferent as water. Then, as if remembering something, he slowly said, "Calculating the time, the prince should be back soon."

Shang Jiu understood and quickly responded, "I have already sent people to secretly protect the Crown Prince's safety. Please rest assured."

Chu Yunxiao nodded slightly to show his satisfaction, then casually turned the page in his hand and asked casually, "How is the investigation going on Wei Xian?"

Shang Jiu's expression darkened, and he lowered his voice to report, "Just as Your Majesty anticipated, Wei Xian indeed harbors sinister intentions. Not only has he secretly disrupted the peace on the western border, but he has also secretly reached an agreement with the tribal leaders to deliberately create chaos. Then, under the guise of suppressing the rebellion, he has fabricated the illusion of victory, hoping to gain credit and reward."

Hearing this, Chu Yunxiao simply raised his eyebrows lightly and said nonchalantly, "Since that's the case, I'll simply fulfill his wish."

After saying this, he slowly waved his hand and then gave the order: "Pass this decree down. Wei Xian has made great achievements in suppressing the rebellion in the west. He is specially ordered to return to the court and be rewarded according to his merits."

Shang Jiu replied "yes" solemnly, then bowed and slowly left the hall.

*

Xu Zhouye immediately fell in love with the ink-colored waist belt placed in the center.

He reached out and took it down, stroking it gently.

Then he showed a satisfied smile.

If patterns were embroidered on it with gold thread, it would definitely complement the emperor's dragon robe.

Thinking of this, Xu Zhouye started to take action.

Just as he was about to thread the needle, he heard the sound of light footsteps.

He looked up and saw Chu Yunzheng slowly walking in.

Chu Yunzheng's eyes glanced casually and happened to fall on the waist belt in Xu Zhouye's hand.

In an instant, his expression darkened. He quickly walked to the seat in front of Xu Zhouye and sat down. With a hint of bitterness that was difficult to conceal, he asked, "Is this for my brother?"

Xu Zhouye turned a deaf ear to his questions and continued with the work in his hands.

Seeing this, Chu Yunzheng felt even more unhappy. He snorted coldly, "What? You can't even talk now?"

Xu Zhouye remained silent.

Seeing Xu Zhouye being so indifferent to him, Chu Yunzheng felt extremely anxious. "Ajin, can't you just pay attention to me? Even just a glance would be fine!"

Xu Zhouye, who had been silent the whole time, finally spoke at this moment, saying in a cold tone, "Call me Empress Sister-in-law."

Upon hearing this, Chu Yunzheng's face was slightly startled, but soon revealed an indignant expression. He lowered his voice and said, "Can you really be so cruel? If you hadn't rejected me back then, how could my brother exist?"

Xu Zhouye looked at Chu Yunzheng expressionlessly and said indifferently, "Your Highness, let's not talk about the past. I don't have the time to deal with you now. Please leave on your own."

However, Xu Zhouye's resolute words did not make Chu Yunzheng give up. He still asked unwillingly: "So, are you doing this for the position of empress, or for your brother? If I become the empress..."

Before Chu Yunzheng could finish his words, Xu Zhouye suddenly raised his foot and stomped hard on his. His brow furrowed, and he shouted angrily, "Shut up! If you dare to talk nonsense again, I will tell your brother about this, and then we'll see how he handles you!"

Upon hearing this, Chu Yunzheng was instantly silent.

You know, there is nothing in this world that Chu Yunzheng is afraid of, but only his royal brother can make him behave himself and be obedient.

Normally, he could remain calm even when facing thousands of troops, but as soon as he thought of his royal brother's serious face and sharp eyes, he couldn't help but shudder in his heart.

Those who say they want to be emperor are just angry words.

He had never had such a rebellious thought before. In his heart, his brother was always like a towering figure, a figure he admired and feared.

If the matter really came to the attention of the emperor, he would be so angry that he would send him to some remote place where no one was around.

By then, even if he had the ability to know everything, he could only repent and stay in that deserted place honestly.