mtl008 Chapter 216 Apprehension
Chapter 216 Apprehension
Emperor Mingcheng frowned as he read the accusations against He Yuyan written word by word.
Who would have thought that the He family could cause so much trouble?
This can happen once or twice, but not a third time.
Looking at the sorrowful faces of his ministers.
Emperor Cheng finally spoke.
"Guards, proclaim my decree: arrest He Shi of the Marquis of Dingguo's household!"
Chang'an Prefecture.
It is said that the emperor has sent men to attack Chang'an County. At this time, 300,000 troops are stationed outside Baizhou City, which is across the river.
The people were filled with anxiety.
Although the eldest princess had a habit of collecting handsome men.
Aside from this obvious flaw, the eldest princess treated the common people quite well.
She established official schools within the prefecture and hired renowned scholars from elsewhere to serve as lecturers.
This gave more children from ordinary families the opportunity to receive education and cultivated talent for Chang'an County.
She oversaw the repair and widening of official roads and the development of water conservancy projects.
A series of measures that benefit agriculture have been introduced.
To strengthen public security management within Chang'an County.
The number of patrolling soldiers and constables was increased, and watchtowers and sentries were set up in important locations and high-crime areas of the city.
This will make the lives of its people more stable and secure.
Therefore, under the rule of the Princess, the people of Chang'an Prefecture have lived in peace and prosperity over the years.
They live even more comfortably than during the reign of the current emperor.
They didn't want war, but these things weren't up to ordinary people like them to decide.
That was the decision of those in power.
Baizhou City, the prefectural capital.
Lu Hanting held the invitation.
"Your Highness, just as the two armies were at war, the Princess suddenly sent an invitation."
Could she be setting a trap for us?
“Yes, Commander Lu, this is clearly a trap.”
You mustn't fall for the princess's tricks...
Prefect Song advised.
In recent years, the eldest princess has occasionally made some probing moves at the border.
But no fight broke out.
Some time ago, for some unknown reason, the Princess actually arrested one of the maids from the noble lady's household in Baizhou.
This nanny's status is ordinary.
However, the master she served happened to be the younger sister of the wife of her superior, Liu Tongpan.
In order to rescue her sister, Madam Liu incurred the enmity of the Princess.
Of course, these may just be the trigger.
Perhaps the eldest princess has already become impatient and wants to depose His Majesty.
As Lu Hanting listened to his subordinates' opinions, his brows gradually furrowed.
The eldest princess had promised Emperor Xiaozong that she would not intervene unless Emperor Mingcheng committed a treasonous and foolish act.
But now, a mere nanny has stirred up a war between the two sides; there must be some other hidden story behind this.
He looked at his subordinates.
"Ru Feng, go and investigate that old woman's identity..."
As for General Huo, you will lead 100,000 troops to guard outside the city.
If today's banquet is a trap, I will give you a signal.
"Liu Yun, you will come with me to the Princess's residence for a banquet."
“Commander Lu…”
"I can't breathe," Song, the prefect, shouted in a hurry.
"What, do you have a problem with the arrangements made by this envoy?"
Lu Hanting glanced at him and saw that Prefect Song was stammering and dared not speak.
When they arrived, they found the Princess's residence brightly lit and filled with a scene of peace and prosperity.
Lu Hanting frowned slightly, a complex emotion welling up in his heart.
He led his soldiers through the gates of the mansion, and the music and laughter grew clearer.
At that moment, a maid slowly walked towards him.
After bowing to him, he said, "Commander Lu, this way please."
Our eldest princess is already waiting.
Lu Hanting followed the maid to the main hall, where he saw the eldest princess sitting in the seat of honor.
The people sitting around her were subordinate officials of Chang'an County.
From the moment Lu Hanting stepped in, the eldest princess was observing this legendary first capable minister of the Great Wei Dynasty.
He stood tall and straight like a pine tree, his dark-colored outfit perfectly outlining his slender and agile figure.
The princess superimposed the handsome face before her with the sharp, handsome face she remembered.
But they were surprised to find that the two had such similar auras.
If it weren't for that old woman, she probably would never have discovered this secret in her entire life.
The eldest princess slightly raised her head to look at Lu Hanting.
A faint smile appeared on her lips.
"Commander Lu, you've arrived."
Lu Hanting clasped his hands in greeting and said, "Your humble servant Lu Hanting greets the Princess!"
This was, in fact, the first time he had ever seen the Princess up close.
The eldest princess put down her wine cup and pointed to the seat closest to her.
"Come, sit here."
He noticed that the eldest princess was behaving differently than usual.
The officials assumed she was only after Lu Dushi's beauty.
Seeing the expressions on everyone's faces as they lowered their heads, unable to look at him.
The crowd was unsettled.
Could it be that Princess Cheng launched the coup for the sake of this man in front of her?
Lu Hanting sat down in the seat indicated by the princess with a dark expression.
Liu Yun, who followed behind, was also worried about his master.
It has always been the Crown Prince who appreciates beautiful women; who would have thought that today the Crown Prince would be the target of someone else's pursuit of beauty?
"What does Commander Lu usually like to do?"
"I have nothing I like."
He replied coldly.
Ah……
Just as I remembered, that person had the same temperament.
"Your Highness, you should know the purpose of my attendance at this banquet today..."
Seeing the knowing look on the face of the Duke Chang's family, Lu Hanting looked over with his sharp eyes.
"What's the rush? Let me see your drinking capacity."
The eldest princess gave a wink to the attendants and guards around her.
"Bring up the fine wines I have treasured in the storeroom..."
The backyard of the Princess's residence.
"Young Master Xiao, what are you hesitating about?"
The alluring woman in the red dress frowned as she looked at him.
"Red Girl, I... I'm not afraid of death."
But I'm afraid the plan will fail, and the Princess won't let Chaoge go..."
The woman in the red dress raised an eyebrow and sneered.
"You don't trust the Black Hawk Gang?"
Regardless of whether this succeeds or fails, we will guarantee the safety of Miss Chaoge. You can proceed with your mission with peace of mind!
Xiao Chengyun stared at the object in his hand.
This is a colorless and odorless medicine.
Even the most skilled martial artist would die instantly if just a little bit was sprinkled into the wine.
He already knew yesterday that the Princess had hosted a banquet for Lu Hanting.
He harbored deep hatred for Lu Hanting.
If it weren't for him, I wouldn't have ended up like this.
After a brief moment of consideration, Xiao Chengyun seemed to have made up his mind.
"Red Cherry Blossom Girl, I hope you can keep your promise to me."
"Don't worry, we won't break our promise!"
During the banquet, the eldest princess frequently glanced at Lu Hanting.
Everyone was already used to the princess's behavior.
I'm afraid that tonight this envoy from the capital, Lu, will become the princess's lover.
It remains to be seen how long the princess's interest in him will last.
Can he surpass the previous male favorite, Xiao?
When they heard the name Xiao, everyone saw him stroll up, dressed in a red brocade robe.
Upon seeing him, the princess's eyes immediately sharpened.
She specifically instructed him to stay in the backyard yesterday.
Unexpectedly, he actually dared to show up at her banquet.
"Chengyun greets the Princess and pays respects to Commander Lu."
Xiao Chengping bowed to the two men.
The newcomer raised his head slightly, and Lu Hanting was able to see his face clearly.
This person...he seems to have seen him somewhere before.