Chapter 237: Chapter 236: Palace CoupQi Bingshuang saw a hint of relaxation in Huo Dingyuan’s expression, tears surging even more: "Father, do you really intend to watch as Zhenzhen and I are driven to death by Qi Wuya? Ah Yue once said, he implored you to ensure my safety."


    She was using Huo Yu to soften his heart.


    It had always been this way throughout the years.


    Qi Wuya’s tactics were too ruthless, his moves too rapid.


    And he was incredibly skilled at deception.


    To her dismay, it wasn’t until today that she realized the wolf-like ambition beneath his sheep’s clothing.


    She had to devise a response strategy as soon as possible.


    Had the situation not been entirely in Qi Wuya’s favor, she would never have sought aid from Huo Dingyuan.


    Thinking of the person they had just mentioned made a flicker of disgust pass through her eyes.


    Huo Dingyuan did not see the trace of disgust in Qi Bingshuang’s eyes.


    He was immersed in the anguish over his youngest child’s untimely death, silent for a long stretch.


    "The Eldest Princess need not worry too much."


    The Great Governor, Zhang E, broke the silence.


    He was a forty-year-old man, perpetually in military attire, exuding an austere and unapproachable air.


    "If Qi Wuya wanted to claim the throne, he would have done so already."


    He spoke his analysis, "I heard that the Eunuch Fuzi, who serves the Crown Prince, sought to flatter him a few days ago and even presented an imperial robe, only to be strangled to death on the spot. It shows that he understands restraint."


    "That’s nothing but a strategy to soften his opposition!"


    Qi Bingshuang was unconvinced, inwardly contemptuous, believing him to be a brainless brute, though she expressed herself gently: "The Great Governor, you’ve been fighting on the battlefield for many years, perhaps overlooking these intricate schemes! Qi Wuya, having lain low for so long, is deep and calculating. Who knows what he will do next? There’s a saying, ’strike first and you have the advantage, strike late and suffer the consequences.’ My lords, please think carefully!"


    And how could everyone not think carefully? Sёar?h the novel(F~)ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    The late Emperor had passed away, the Crown Prince was comatose, Bei Qi in turmoil, the other Princes weak and incompetent, allowing Qi Wuya to seize initiative, stabilize the political situation, and single-handedly manage the state mourning.


    Throughout these days, he had been preoccupied with the national mourning, and during this time, the acting Crown Prince had governed beautifully.


    He even signed a ten-year truce with Mongka.


    Every act was a deed of merit!


    Now, to move against him, would that be like killing the donkey after it finished grinding the wheat?


    Silence.


    A prolonged silence.


    Huo Dingyuan held a pivotal position among the Four Great Families.


    Without his word, the other three were silent.


    Qi Wuya was indeed a capable Prince and would be a capable Emperor should he ascend to the throne.


    But as for an Emperor, being too capable is not always good.


    Everyone weighed their thoughts back and forth.


    After a pause,


    Huo Dingyuan let out a heavy sigh, opening his cloudy eyes: "Eldest Princess, what do you propose?"


    He didn’t call her Shuangshuang.


    It meant he no longer saw her as his junior daughter-in-law.


    Thus, placing her on an equal footing.


    The atmosphere suddenly grew cold.


    But Qi Bingshuang relished this atmosphere.


    Her eyes held a chill, lips parting slightly, as she uttered two words: "Depose him!"


    Qi Wuya was likely hesitant to act out of fear of rumors and gossip.


    This was undoubtedly the best opportunity.


    "The Ninth Prince, who has committed patricide and fratricide, is beyond redemption! As the Princess of Bei Qi, I am duty-bound to eliminate this beast who disregards all morals and to restore court order!"


    Murderous intent surged in Qi Bingshuang’s eyes: "We’ll kill Qi Wuya first, and when the Crown Prince wakes—"


    "Eldest Princess—"


    This time, it was the Crown Prince’s Tutor, Zheng Dingshan, who spoke up.


    He was over seventy, his face lined with wrinkles, but spirited nonetheless, a venerable figure respected through three reigns.


    He had been silent, but the more he listened, the less he could bear it, frowning as he responded, "Currently, there’s no evidence that the Ninth Prince has raised rebellion against his superior. He’s also a scion of the late Emperor, how can his fate be decided so recklessly?"


    "What do you mean, Grand Tutor Zheng?"


    Qi Bingshuang had not expected Zheng Dingshan to openly contradict her.


    Could this old man really have become so senile?


    He is the Crown Prince’s Tutor!


    How could he turn his elbow outward?


    Zheng Dingshan sensed Qi Bingshuang’s resentment and dissatisfaction, yet he still spoke solemnly, "Dragons produce nine offspring, each one different. The fact that the Ninth Prince did not show his brilliance before doesn’t necessarily mean he’s a cunning traitor; he might also be steady and composed. The Eldest Princess should not maliciously speculate. If sibling rivalry is inspired by street gossip, becoming public, that would be a joke."


    Ha!


    This old thing really is turning his elbow outward!


    "Crown Prince’s Tutor!"


    Full of disappointment, Qi Bingshuang angrily said, "You are the Crown Prince’s teacher, how can you say such things?"


    Zheng Dingshan bowed with hands folded in front of him, his demeanor grave, "Precisely because I am the Crown Prince’s teacher, I cannot sit by and watch the Crown Prince and the Princess make mistakes. The political situation in Bei Qi right now needs someone like the Ninth Prince. Based on what we have seen, the Ninth Prince has managed the mourning period for the late Emperor orderly and thoroughly, fulfilling his filial duties. Acting as the Crown Prince, he has shown respectful demeanor, advancing and retreating with propriety, thus fulfilling his duties to the Crown Prince. During this period, he has also made several meritorious contributions to the country and the family—"


    The rest remained unspoken.


    Compared to the incorrigible Crown Prince, he’d prefer the Ninth Prince to ascend.


    Even if he was the teacher of the Crown Prince.


    "Your astuteness is needed, Eldest Princess. This humble servant wholeheartedly serves Bei Qi. I urge you to consider the bigger picture."


    He was old, not being able to teach the Crown Prince for many years longer.


    Not to mention the Crown Prince’s current state.


    If the Ninth Prince were killed and the Crown Prince did not wake up, what then?


    Bei Qi couldn’t afford that loss.


    "You! You!"


    Qi Bingshuang, consumed with anger, swept her sleeve dramatically, pained in her chest from Zheng Dingshan’s words: did he mean to imply that killing Qi Wuya would endanger Bei Qi? How could Qi Wuya’s merit or ability even be compared to Bei Qi’s?


    It enraged her to no end!


    If Zheng Dingshan were Qi Wuya’s man, she’d have him killed.


    But the man was utterly righteous and inflexible.


    In plain language, he was obstinate!


    The atmosphere once again became tense and cool due to the disagreement between Qi Bingshuang and Zheng Dingshan.


    Silence.


    An enduring silence.


    "Crown Prince’s Tutor—"


    Huo Dingyuan sighed, breaking the silence.


    He walked up to Zheng Dingshan, his tone wistful, "Everyone knows how much I adore Ah Yue. He entrusted the Eldest Princess to me on his deathbed, and I hope Crown Prince’s Tutor will accommodate my profound love for my beloved son, and refrain from saying any more."


    His Ah Yue had been so outstanding.


    He had thought he could pass on his mantle to him.


    Who could have imagined such an event would happen?


    Zheng Dingshan had been colleagues with Huo Dingyuan for many years.


    He knew the other man was sharp and strong but had one flaw: he acted foolishly when it came to his favorite.


    Now he was even disregarding the future of Bei Qi for the favorite’s widow!


    Pitiful and laughable!


    "Great General—"


    He spoke up, trying to persuade, "The situation is not so dire. Even if the Ninth Prince ascends to the throne, with you as the National Guardian General protecting her, the Eldest Princess will have a lifetime of peace and prosperity."


    "Crown Prince’s Tutor, your words are misguided."


    Qi Bingshuang retorted, her face cold, "Father can protect me now, but given his age, for how much longer can he do so?"


    Could she rely on her uncle Huo Ran?


    He was also talented and had made contributions, but lacking authority, even if he took Huo Dingyuan’s place, he might not be able to protect her.


    Especially since she didn’t want to rely on the Huo family anymore.


    Three years.


    She had played the role of a faithful and loyal widow in the Huo family for three years!


    How many sets of three years does a woman’s youth contain?


    Qi Wuya must die!


    Qi Guanglie must take the throne!


    Only then could she obtain the freedom and power she desired!