Chapter 1907: Mother-in-law and younger sister-in-law

Chapter 422: Mother-in-Law and Sister-in-Law

The Empress said calmly, "Who says Golden Blade Eleven has no achievements? Since he took office, he has repeatedly solved strange cases in the capital and earned the Emperor's deep appreciation. I'm sure you all are well aware of this. Some time ago, he also solved the case of Golden Blade Seven's murder, clearing Golden Blade Seven's name. He even uncovered a conspiracy against the Emperor. However, at that time, this intelligence report did not receive due attention, and Zhu Xie Chixin was not in the capital, which ultimately led to the subsequent tragedy."

Hearing her list Golden Blade Eleven's achievements as if counting her own treasures, Bi Linglong was somewhat surprised. She could sense the Empress's trust in Golden Blade Eleven. When had their relationship become so close?

She wasn't the only one; even some well-informed individuals in court were puzzled. Golden Blade Eleven had saved the Crown Princess back then, leading them to believe he was closer to her. Now, even the Empress admired him so much? Was Golden Blade Eleven so skilled at currying favor? He had managed to gain the support of two major figures in the palace simultaneously. It was well known that while the Empress and Crown Princess appeared cordial, they were in fact locked in an irreconcilable struggle. No one had ever successfully 'stood on two boats' at once; he was the first.

King Dai's cheek twitched as he recalled Chan'er's instructions: "Even if Golden Blade Eleven has countless achievements, the Grand Commander has always been personally appointed by the Emperor. This is a rule passed down through generations." This rule was established to prevent the erosion of imperial power and ensure that the Embroidered Uniform Guard remained loyal only to the Emperor.

With him leading the way, many others also chimed in. These weren't all King Dai's subordinates; there were also many who were originally neutral, supporting not a specific person, but what they believed to be right. Seeing this situation, a faint smile played on King Dai's lips. Chan'er's predictions were indeed accurate; this way, he could garner the support of a large group of neutral ministers.

Watching the impassioned crowd below, a hint of displeasure flashed across the Empress's brow. She took a deep breath, her face still maintaining a faint smile. "Crown Princess, what is your opinion on this matter?"

Bi Linglong's breath hitched. If it had been anyone else, with the Empress making such an arrangement, she would have seized the opportunity to secretly undermine her, not only thwarting her attempt to install a confidant but also damaging her prestige. However, this time the person being promoted was Golden Blade Eleven, an irresistible temptation for her. So she offered a slight smile. "I actually think Your Majesty makes sense. The Emperor has suffered an accident, and a new emperor has not yet ascended. However, the intelligence handled by the Embroidered Uniform Guard concerns national security and cannot be left without a head for a single day. Lord Eleven has made countless achievements and is loyal to the state; he is indeed an excellent candidate."

Hearing her speak, the entire court was dumbfounded. Accustomed to the constant bickering between these two women, who usually tripped each other up over the smallest matters, seeing them agree for the first time was truly unsettling. King Dai was also stunned. How could everything be so different from Chan'er's predictions? He didn't know that although King Dai's consort was resourceful, her intelligence was inaccurate. She was unaware of the intimate relationships between the Empress, the Crown Princess, and Golden Blade Eleven, naturally leading to her incorrect judgment.

King Dai still tried to object, but the Empress grew impatient. "King Dai, do you believe I lack the authority to make this appointment?"

"I wouldn't dare!" King Dai wiped the cold sweat from his brow. Although everyone thought so inwardly, no one dared to voice it.

The Empress continued, "With the Emperor's incident, the Crown Prince is very likely to be the new emperor. Now that I and the Eastern Palace are in agreement, this matter is settled." The ministers secretly pondered that the Crown Prince was, after all, the son of the Empress's elder sister. During the recent struggle for the throne, she had remained silent, but only because of the future question of who would dominate between her and Bi Linglong. She could support the Crown Prince at any time.

"Yes!" King Dai was drenched in cold sweat. The Empress was sending him a clear warning. She could support him in contending for the throne with the Crown Prince, but she could just as easily support the Crown Prince's ascension. How could he dare to show any disrespect?

Ultimately, Golden Blade Eleven's appointment as Grand Commander was officially decided. The next matter to discuss was the new emperor's ascension. However, the Emperor's death had not yet been made public. They needed to wait for the Purple Mountain contingent to return to the capital, if only to arrange a cenotaph or something similar for Zhao Hao. Otherwise, if the common people and officials of the realm learned that Zhao Hao's body was never recovered, it would cause widespread chaos. Therefore, before Bi Qi and Zhao Yuan returned with Zhao Xiaodie and her group, all factions would exert their full strength, engage in power struggles, compromise, and distribute benefits to finally select a candidate. The Crown Prince had the greatest chance, but there were also variables, such as King Dai, whose support was not insignificant.

After the court session concluded, the Princess of Jin walked out in a daze. Everything that had just transpired filled her with a sense of fear. Although she now knew that the Grand Commander was indeed the former Golden Blade Eleven, her testimony this time had thoroughly offended King Dai and the Meng family. As a vulnerable widow, she worried about potential retaliation.

As fate would have it, what she feared most came to pass: King Dai was waiting on the unavoidable path outside. The Princess of Jin lowered her head, hoping to feign ignorance and slip past him. However, he took a direct step forward, blocking her path.

"Why, sister-in-law, you saw me but didn't even greet me?" King Dai said with a smile.

The Princess of Jin's heart skipped a beat. She hastily replied, "It is improper for a widow to associate with outsiders. I hope you will forgive me, Elder Brother."

"Is that so?" King Dai sneered. "You seemed quite eloquent when you impeached me in court just now."

The Princess of Jin trembled. "I merely answered the Crown Princess's questions. It was not intended to be against you, Elder Brother."

"Don't use the Crown Princess to pressure me." King Dai was somewhat annoyed. He had originally thought this sister-in-law held some affection for him; just yesterday, he had been imagining spending an intimate night with her. After all, his sister-in-law was a widow; he couldn't just let her suffer a lonely life. Who knew that the Embroidered Uniform Guard would interrupt? He had initially thought there would be plenty of opportunities in the future. However, the Princess of Jin's behavior in court today poured cold water all over him. Only then did he realize that far from having any affection for him, his sister-in-law clearly loathed him to the core. How could he possibly have a chance to 'deeply communicate' with her now?

At this thought, he sneered, "Sister-in-law, aren't you worried something might happen to the He family if you continue like this?"

The Princess of Jin's face instantly drained of color. "What are you going to do to them? They are innocent. If you want something, come after me!"

King Dai's gaze fell upon her rosy, cherry-like lips. Out loud, he said, "In this arena of fame and power, there's no such thing as innocent or not innocent. Since you chose to act this way, you should understand the consequences."

Hearing his words, the Princess of Jin's face turned ashen. King Dai was about to say more when a voice suddenly chimed in from the side: "You're really something, bullying a vulnerable widow here."

The Princess of Jin turned her head and was stunned. The tall, handsome man before her was none other than Zu An. For some reason, standing beside her, feeling his robust presence, she felt an inexplicable sense of security.

King Dai scoffed, "Why do you think she's a widow? Isn't it because you killed her husband?"

Zu An's expression remained calm. "You must be well aware of who truly harmed the Prince of Jin."

King Dai's expression changed. "Hmph, I won't waste my breath on you." He turned and walked away, flicking his sleeve. This fellow was a brute, capable of killing the Prince of Jin in broad daylight. Who knew if he'd be killed himself if he got into an argument with him? It was too risky. A wise man does not stand beneath a crumbling wall. As someone of noble status, I cannot contend head-on with such a boor.

After he left, Zu An looked at the timid woman beside him. "Are you alright?"

"No..." The Princess of Jin shook her head and walked away disconsolately. Although she no longer hated Zu An, she didn't want to get involved with him either; it just felt strange. Her greatest concern now was the safety of her maiden family. King Dai and the Meng family would surely retaliate against them. She blamed herself for testifying that day. She considered seeking help from the Crown Princess, but without evidence, the Crown Princess probably wouldn't be able to do much, otherwise she wouldn't have been so cornered by King Dai recently. The Grand Commander's figure suddenly appeared in her mind, and a blush slowly crept onto her pretty face. She wondered how she could contact him. He would surely have a solution.

Watching her slender, delicate back, Zu An sighed. It was probably better that she didn't want to get involved with him. He shouldn't disturb her peaceful life; at most, he could look after her family in his capacity as Grand Commander. Shaking his head, he also walked out of the palace.

After leaving the palace, he pondered where to go next: should he return to Jade Spring Mountain to study the *True Scripture of Baopuzi*, or should he first go to the Sang residence to see his daughter? Just then, a charming, clear voice rang out: "Brother-in-law! Brother-in-law!"

Zu An looked up and saw a carriage parked not far away. The curtain was slightly lifted, revealing a beautiful woman inside smiling and looking at him. Another young girl sat in front of the carriage, her figure slender and petite, with bright red lips, white teeth, and thin, pink lips. Upon seeing him, the girl delightedly jumped down from the carriage and ran directly towards him. As she ran, her ultra-short leather skirt swayed with a peculiar rhythm, occasionally gently brushing against her shapely buttocks. Coupled with the small leather whip hanging from her waist, her youthful vibrancy was overflowing. For a moment, it transported Zu An back to the time he had first crossed into this world. In a daze, a youthful, energetic body had already leaped into his arms. "Stinky brother-in-law!"

"Xiao Zhao!" Zu An was surprised and delighted, instinctively embracing the girl tightly. Who else could this person before him be but Chu Huanzhao? The two had initially become acquainted through conflict, but later she had become the kindest person to him in the Chu household.

Passing ministers looked over curiously, wondering who this young girl was and what her relationship with Zu An might be. From a distance, the Princess of Jin, who had just entered her carriage, saw this scene and immediately pulled down the curtain. She mused that Zu An was indeed as rumored, lustful and depraved, not even sparing such a young girl. She resolved that she must absolutely not let him get close to her! If he were to take advantage of her, her husband might even be angered back to life.