mtl008 Chapter 286 Sudden Summoning
Chapter 286 Sudden Summoning
Wearing a dragon robe, Shen Yuxi strode steadily toward the imperial study. His posture was upright, as firm as a pine tree, and every step he took exuded an unquestionable majesty.
The hem of the bright yellow robe swayed gently with each step, like ripples in the long river of time.
Inside the Imperial Study, behind a screen carved with dragons and phoenixes, Shen Yuxi sat upright on a large dragon throne.
On the desk, piles of memorials cast dappled shadows in the candlelight.
He casually flipped open a book, his brows furrowing slightly as his gaze slowly swept over the memorial, his expression focused and cold.
Suddenly, a scene flashed through his mind—Shi Wanxia's unique figure in the imperial court.
Immediately afterwards, Choi Ji-ho's face appeared. "Choi Ji-ho..."
Shen Yuxi murmured softly, his voice deep and magnetic, echoing in the quiet imperial study.
Thinking of this person, a complex emotion flashed in Shen Yuxi's eyes.
He knew that Cui Zhihao was exceptionally talented and highly respected among the scions of aristocratic families. If he could bring him under his command, it would surely contribute to his ambitions.
Previously, he had intended to force Choi Ji-ho to leave the family. Although his methods were decisive, they were also a well-thought-out plan. However, Choi Ji-ho was so stubborn and unyielding.
"Since that's the case, then don't blame me for being ruthless."
Shen Yuxi's eyes instantly turned sharp as an eagle's. "He must be under my constant surveillance."
"Yu Heng!" Shen Yuxi called out loudly, his voice piercing through layers of curtains and echoing for a long time outside the Imperial Study.
"The slave is here!"
A slightly high-pitched voice quickly came from behind the screen.
A middle-aged eunuch, dressed in a gray robe and with a thin figure, walked out from the corner like a ghost.
With a humble expression and bowed low, he jogged to Shen Yuxi's side, knelt down with a thud, his forehead pressed to the ground, awaiting the imperial decree.
"Summon Choi Ji-ho to an audience!"
Shen Yuxi's gaze was piercing, fixed on Yu Heng, as if trying to convey his will to him through his eyes.
Yu Heng felt a chill run down his spine. He had followed His Majesty for many years and knew His Majesty's thoughts very well.
His Majesty has paid special attention to Shi Wanxia, this special woman, but now he is wary of her connections with aristocratic families.
As a key figure among the scions of aristocratic families, Choi Ji-ho is undoubtedly the thread that His Majesty wants to sever.
"This servant obeys the decree!" After receiving the order, Yu Heng quickly got up and hurriedly left the imperial study with small, quick steps.
Meanwhile, the Shi residence was peaceful and serene. The vermilion gates were tightly closed, isolating it from the noise and disturbances of the outside world.
Shi Wanxia had just returned from the palace, her official robes slightly disheveled, and her hair loose.
She walked wearily into the mansion, her steps unsteady, each step as if she had used up all her strength.
Shuyun had been waiting for a long time. When she saw her return, she hurriedly went to greet her, holding a steaming cup of tea in her hand.
"Young lady, you're finally back! Please have some tea and rest."
Shu Yun's eyes were full of heartache as she looked at Shi Wanxia's increasingly thin face, feeling guilty.
Since the young lady entered the court as an official, she has been busy with state affairs every day, braving wind and rain. She has lost weight, but I can't help her much. How can I not feel guilty?
Shi Wanxia took the tea, took a small sip, and the hot tea slid down her throat, dispelling some of her fatigue.
She didn't notice Shuyun's unusual behavior, but simply sighed and said, "Today, there are so many complicated matters in the court, it's really a headache."
Shuyun opened her mouth, intending to advise Shi Wanxia to take care of her health, but swallowed the words back.
She knew that the young lady had lofty ambitions and was eager to make her mark in the imperial court, so how could she hold her back?
Shi Wanxia sat in a chair and drank a few sips of tea before realizing that the house was unusually quiet, and apart from Shuyun, there was no one else in sight.
"Shuyun, where are Young Master Cui and Lin Yu?" she asked, frowning slightly.
Shuyun quickly sat down to the side and replied, "Sister Shi, they haven't returned yet. Young Master Lin and Young Master Cui are looking for shops and workshops. They plan to continue doing business, making and selling glass."
Before Shuyun could finish speaking, Chen Ping'an, who was in charge of security, rushed in, looking flustered: "Miss Shi, Miss Shuyun, Eunuch Yu from the palace has arrived. His Majesty summons Young Master Cui."
No sooner had the words left his mouth than Yu Heng's signature high-pitched voice came from outside the door: "Lord Shi, we're here!"
Then, Yu Heng walked in with a big smile on his face. His smile was like a flower blooming in spring, but it also carried a hint of something elusive.
"Eunuch Yu, please have a seat."
Shi Wanxia quickly stood up and bowed. Despite her many doubts, she maintained a polite smile on her face.
"Oh, Lord Shi, you're too kind. I wouldn't dare sit here."
As Yu Heng spoke, he waved his hand and said, "I am here on His Majesty's orders to summon Young Master Cui Zhihao to the palace for an audience. This matter cannot be delayed."
Shi Wanxia felt a pang of anxiety. Her elder brother Cui held no official position in the court and, as ordered by His Majesty, had also severed ties with the family.
His Majesty's sudden summons of him to the palace—could it be that he has sensed something? Or perhaps…
“Eunuch Yu, Young Master Cui has gone out and hasn’t returned yet. We don’t know when he will come back,” Shi Wanxia said truthfully.
Yu Heng's expression changed slightly, but he quickly regained his smile: "What should we do? His Majesty is still waiting in the palace."
"Lord Shi, do you think you can find a way to locate Young Master Cui as soon as possible and have him enter the palace quickly?"
After a moment of contemplation, Shi Wanxia said, "Don't worry, Eunuch Yu, I will send someone to look for him right away. As soon as there is any news, I will immediately summon Young Master Cui to the palace to meet the Emperor."
Yu Heng nodded: "Then I'll have to trouble you, Lord Shi. I'll return to the palace to report back first. I hope you'll hurry." With that, Yu Heng turned and left.
After Yu Heng left, Shi Wanxia fell into deep thought. Cui Zhihao's whereabouts were uncertain, and His Majesty was urging him so urgently—what was the hidden reason behind this?
She knew all too well that she had been drawn into a power struggle, and that the slightest misstep would result in her utter destruction.
"Shuyun, immediately send people out to find Young Master Cui. Make sure you find him as soon as possible," Shi Wanxia said to Shuyun with a serious expression.
"Yes, Miss." Shuyun quickly accepted the order and hurriedly went out to make arrangements.
Shi Wanxia paced back and forth in the study, her unease growing stronger.
She had a vague feeling that a storm was coming, and that she and Choi Ji-ho would be caught in the eye of the storm.
Her brows furrowed, her heart filled with doubt and worry. The Emperor's sudden summons of Brother Cui had come as a complete surprise to her.
She knew that Brother Cui's identity was special. As a member of the Qinghe Cui clan, which was the head of all clans in the world, he had countless connections with the royal family.
She couldn't help but think of Brother Cui's character; he was loyal, upright, and exceptionally talented, earning the deep trust and respect of His Majesty.
But what was the purpose of this summons? She secretly guessed that perhaps it was some important military or national matter that required Brother Cui's advice, or perhaps His Majesty had some special arrangements for the Cui family of Qinghe.