Chapter 1243: War Clouds Gather

they weren't speaking about her but someone else entirely.After the meal, Chu Xi hurried forward."Chu Xi, thank you for protecting me these past few days. I'm going back to the palace now. If anythin...Ye Xi took the order and left. After entering Dugu City, he saw the steward walking towards him and beckoned him over, instructing, "Go and tell the kitchen to prepare more dishes, and also stew some tonic for the princess."

"This servant will go right away."

After Dugu City left, the steward hurriedly beckoned and instructed someone, a servant dressed in ordinary clothes, leaving the palace.

Emperor Yuan Zhao sent his prime minister to investigate the relationship between Dugu City and Feng Aotien. After receiving Dugu City's answer, Emperor Yuan Zhao frowned even more.

"Father-in-law, what do you think we should do now I can't ask him to hand over his military power at this time. The evidence of Dugu City and Feng Aotien's collusion is insufficient, and more than half the officials in court are on Dugu City's side. Moreover, Wang Yu (譽王) also obstructs our efforts. It seems unlikely we can get his military power back."

Emperor Yuan Zhao suffered from headaches. He had no sons yet, and none of the empresses and concubines in the harem could become pregnant. Although his body was healthy, he simply couldn't get them to conceive an heir. It had been almost a year since his ascension to the throne, and if this continued, the future of the empire might still fall into the hands of Dugu City.

“Your Majesty, in my humble opinion, our most pressing concern right now is not the military power held by Prince Chen, but Prince Yu. His influence within the court far exceeds that of Prince Chen. He has spent over ten years in Liangzhou, and no one knows what kind of powerful forces he has amassed behind him. Perhaps his influence is even stronger than Prince Chen's. Today, when I conversed with Prince Chen, I sensed his awareness of his position. Since Your Majesty ascended the throne, he has diligently fulfilled his duties. I believe that we should temporarily set aside Prince Chen and focus our efforts on targeting Prince Yu in the capital.”

Emperor Yuan Zhao fell into deep thought.

He knew this Dugu City very well. Bringing the Empress Dowager into the palace was to prevent him, and now that the Empress Dowager is still here, he guards the border. The only thing that worries him is the 500,000 troops in his hands. These soldiers are loyal to Dugu City, and it is indeed unwise to rush to take back his military power.

"Just listen to Xiangguo's, wait for the Prince of Chen to propose returning to Xixian County and then release him. Besides, prepare some gifts for him as a consolation for Princess Chen and Wan Junzhu, so that he will know my attitude towards him."

"The Emperor is wise."

Emperor Yuan Zhao thought of this Duke Wang, Du Gu Xiu originally gave the throne to him, asking him to treat his brothers well. But these brothers, did they ever want him to treat them well Didn't they all just hoard their own armies

From ancient times, emperors have been the most ruthless. If they want to secure their throne, they can only sacrifice others.

It's their own fault for not valuing him.

"My Lord, I just received news that the ministers who impeached you have all been reprimanded by the Emperor."

Ye Xi got the latest news and hurriedly reported, "It seems we'll be able to return to Linxi County soon."

Duguyancheng was taken aback by the news. Was Yuan Zhaodi planning to give up on stripping him of his military power

"Ye Xi, how are the people outside handling things"

Ye Xi hurriedly said, "My subordinate was just about to tell you this. Our people haven't made a move yet. This person completely withdrew last night."

Dugu City narrowed his eyes, this sudden reversal, could it be that he really didn't want his military power anymore

"Have you found out what happened to Luoli"

Ye Xi shook her head, "Not yet."

This answer, Dugu City was not unexpected. If Luo Li really wanted to hide it, how could he find it so easily.

"My Lord, there are two people outside requesting an audience. They say they are the Princess and a friend of yours."

A guard came to report. Dugu Cheng winked at Ye Xi, and Ye Xi followed him out. They saw Luo Li and Li Wu Yan standing at the door. Ye Xi was shocked. These two people really did say Cao Cao, Cao Cao arrived.

"Lord of the Falling Clan, Doctor Li."

Luo Li glanced at Ye Xi, lightly shaking the folding fan in her hand and a smile played on her lips, "Ye Xi, I heard your King is looking for me"

"Greetings, Chief."

Ye Xi secretly wiped the cold sweat from her brow. She knew she couldn't hide anything from Luo Li.

Luo Li glanced at the long-lost Chen Wang Fu, and walked in with Li Wu Yan.

"My Lord, the Head of the Luo Clan and Dr. Li have arrived."

Hearing that Luoli had arrived, Dugu City was somewhat surprised, but then he thought about it, it made sense. After all, Luoli knew he was looking for him, so his arrival here wasn't unexpected.

"Your Highness, Prince Chen, it's been a long time."

Luo Li walked towards Dugu City, bowing with her hands clasped. Her eyes swept across the mansion, a half-smile playing on her lips. "I heard that King Chen was looking for me, so I came to him myself."

"Chieftain, Doctor Li, speak within."

Du Gucheng greeted them and instructed Ye Xi to bring Feng Lingxi and Wan'er to the front hall. Since Luo Li had arrived, they would sooner or later have to meet face-to-face.

After Luo Li and Li Wu Yan took their seats in the front hall, their eyes were scanning the surroundings of the Prince's Mansion.

"It's been a long time since I've been here. Your mansion is quite different now. It seems that after returning to the capital, the Crown Prince has been living quite comfortably."

"It's a pleasure to return home, Chief. I hope you haven't worried too much."

Luo Li nodded in appreciation, her hand faning back and forth slightly.

"The Crown Prince is truly patient, coming to me only yesterday. I thought he would have sought me out immediately after arriving in the capital. It seems the Crown Prince believes I won't get involved."

“If the Head of the Luo Clan wanted to take action, he would have done so already. This king just doesn’t understand why the Head of the Luo Clan would give up this opportunity” As for Luoli, his return to the capital this time, if he truly wanted to weaken his power, he could secretly fan the flames and get his military power taken away.

Luoli did not make a move, which was the most puzzling thing about him.

They hurt Wan'er, although I was on a mission, but don't forget what I said, Wan'er is my apprentice, no one is allowed to hurt her. That woman hurt Wan'er and even slashed her face and arm. If it wasn't for the palace people acting quickly, I would have made her suffer a worse fate.

Dugu Cheng watched the coldness in Luo Li's eyes as she spoke. If the emperor hadn't intervened, Luo Li was probably going to enter the palace and kill Yan Fei. However, this also made him even more certain of Wan'er's importance in the Ghost Saint Nation.

Luo Li treated Wan'er as a disciple, but he shouldn't be so protective to this extent. Luo Li's methods were clear to him; he wasn't someone who would abandon his grand ambitions for a young girl. He was certain of Wan'er's importance within the Yao Clan.

However, no matter if the Guisheng Kingdom wants Wan'er to be the clan leader or has other ulterior motives, as long as he is around, he will not let them succeed.

“Thank you, Chieftain, for your kindness to my daughter. I thank you here on behalf of our clan.”

"The Crown Prince is too kind. I just dislike people who bully those around me."

Luo Li stared into Du Gu Cheng's eyes, saying word by word, "Wan'er is your daughter, but she is the future of my Gui Sheng Guo Yao Clan. I won't allow anyone to harm her, including you."

Li Wuyan grabbed Luo Li's arm, and Dugu City retracted his gaze.

“I hope what the Chief said is true. Should the day ever come when I truly harm Wan'er, may someone be able to stop me in time.”

"A tiger wouldn't eat its own child, I believe Prince Chen is not such a person."

As soon as the words left his lips, a figure approached him. The rosy cheeks of the person softened the harshness in his eyes, replacing it with a gentle warmth.sense of unease, it was like the weather before a storm, making one's heart uneasy."Why are you being so honest today"Wan'er rolled her eyes, her chubby little face round and rosy. These days, she had...