For three consecutive days.
Yun Changfeng petitioned to resign from his post, but Zhan Tianhong refused.
News of Yun Changfeng's resignation spread throughout the capital from the first day, known to all.
Everyone was somewhat surprised, wondering why General Yun suddenly wished to resign. After all, General Yun was not yet of an age to retire, and he held considerable influence in the court. Why then, did he suddenly decide to step down?
Moreover, when the Regent interfered in court affairs previously, General Yun had strongly supported the Emperor. Now that the Emperor could manage the court, General Yun surprisingly intended to resign.
And each time the Emperor refused General Yun's request, and even offered him rewards, General Yun declined them all.
Zhan Tianhong was somewhat distracted while reviewing memorials.
Several people had aided General Yun in his request for him to agree.
Resignation?
Did he wish to leave the capital? No longer wanted to assist him?
Was this Yun Shu's decision? Would she no longer want to marry his fifth brother?
"Eunuch Chen, why do you think General Yun has requested to resign?" Zhan Tianhong asked, after a moment of deep thought, to Eunuch Chen, who was serving nearby.
Eunuch Chen had been recently promoted by Zhan Tianhong and was very loyal to him, not a spy for others.
Eunuch Chen was taken aback by the question but still pondered for a moment before replying, "General Yun's request is likely not a sudden whim, but a decision he has made long ago. General Yun has not led troops in battle for several years, only occasionally training soldiers at the military camp. Therefore, this servant believes General Yun has already made his decision. There are many capable individuals in the military camp now, perhaps Your Majesty could seize this opportunity to entrust others with responsibility?"
Zhan Tianhong's eyebrows twitched.
He then narrowed his eyes.
Eunuch Chen was startled, "Your Majesty, these are all mere speculations by your servant."
"Mhm, I know," Zhan Tianhong responded with a hum.
He fell into contemplation once more.
Seeing this, Eunuch Chen no longer dared to speak carelessly.
He feared saying something incorrect would anger the Emperor. Others considered the Emperor to be young and easily controlled, so many were plotting how to deceive him.
Unfortunately, the Emperor had his own plans.
He was aware of what others were thinking.
Furthermore, they might unknowingly fall into the Emperor's schemes, leading to their demise.
Just as Eunuch Chen was contemplating the need for caution in the future, a palace attendant's report was heard from outside the Imperial Study.
"Your Majesty, Prince Ning requests an audience."
Zhan Tianhong withdrew his thoughts, looked towards the door, and commanded in a deep voice, "Let Prince Ning enter."
A moment later, Zhan Tianyu walked in.
The brothers had little contact for many years. Though they had met several times recently, they still felt very distant.
"Is Your Majesty reviewing memorials?" Zhan Tianyu asked.
Zhan Tianhong hummed, "Indeed. There have been quite a few memorials these past two days."
Zhan Tianyu smiled, appearing as humble and gentle as an elder brother, "Your Majesty has worked hard. Your health is paramount; you must rest well."
"Good, I understand. Brother Four, did you come to see me today for any other reason?" Zhan Tianhong asked directly.
There was no brotherly affection between him and Prince Ning.
There was only mutual utilization.
Zhan Tianyu seemed unbothered by Zhan Tianhong's indifference, still smiling gently, "Has Your Majesty not yet approved General Yun's request to resign?"
Upon hearing this, Zhan Tianhong's gaze became suddenly deep and cold, "I will not agree to General Yun's resignation."
"I believe Your Majesty should agree," Zhan Tianyu stated.
Zhan Tianhong narrowed his eyes, his gaze becoming sharp, "Brother Four seems to be concerned with many matters since returning to the capital."
"I know what Your Majesty is worrying about, that I have ulterior motives for returning to the capital. The entire capital likely speculates the same. I have something to say, though I know I shouldn't, but I must. Is General Yun truly going to resign? Your Majesty is offering rewards now. These rewards will likely be titles and ranks, along with more gold and silver. At that point, General Yun will hold immense power and become a marquis, effectively second only to Your Majesty. Is Your Majesty not afraid of nurturing a threat within?" Of course, this is merely my base speculation. Perhaps it is not what General Yun desires. Your Majesty need not take it seriously." Zhan Tianyu spoke calmly and unhurriedly.
As soon as these words were spoken.
They were clearly instigating discord.
They planted a seed in one's heart.
Such open insinuations, even for someone with an upright heart who didn't overthink, would inevitably cause them to ponder these words.
While it was irritating, it also sowed seeds of suspicion.
However, this was precisely what Zhan Tianhong was hesitant and worried about.
It had to be said that after this period of interaction, Zhan Tianyu understood his imperial brother quite well.
Zhan Tianhong's expression deepened, "I trust General Yun. He would absolutely not be overly powerful and threaten the throne."
Zhan Tianyu did not argue but nodded in agreement, "Your Majesty understands General Yun better than I. It seems I have become narrow-minded out of concern for Your Majesty."
Zhan Tianhong gave a cold hum.
Half an hour later, Zhan Tianyu walked out of the Imperial Study.
Not far away, he saw Jiang Luoxi, being escorted by a group of palace maids.
As the Emperor's favored concubine, Jiang Luoxi's processions were grand.
She was surrounded by attendants.
They were a considerable distance apart.
Their gazes seemed to intersect for a moment.
But they averted their eyes too quickly for anyone to notice anything.
"Is that Prince Ning?"
A palace maid beside Jiang Luoxi whispered in confusion.
Another palace maid replied, "It is indeed Prince Ning."
Jiang Luoxi glanced at the two maids, her eyelids flickered, then she lowered her eyes, her expression unreadable, "Do not speak carelessly."
There were rumors that after the noble daughters of the capital learned that marrying Prince Ye was hopeless, they had set their sights on Prince Ning, who had just returned to the capital.
Jiang Luoxi pursed her lips. The women of the capital truly desired too much.
An hour later.
In an deserted palace.
Sunset, dusk.
Two furtive figures were hiding in a spot.
An ordinary person passing by this place would never discover that anyone was here.
Overgrown with weeds, it was eerily gloomy.
Many people feared ghosts.
Therefore, the two of them, having arranged to meet here, were not afraid of being discovered.
"Did you fall for Prince Ye?" the man's voice was low, carrying a hint of anger.
The woman did not deny it immediately but replied softly, "Now that I am the Emperor's favored concubine, whether I like Prince Ye is unimportant. Moreover, Prince Ye only wishes to annihilate me. If you are worried that I will betray you, then please rest assured, Your Highness. I will absolutely not betray Your Highness."
Zhan Tianhong narrowed his eyes, sizing up Jiang Luoxi, "Since you are already married to the Emperor, then content yourself with being his concubine. Matters outside the palace will be handled by others. As for Prince Ye, do you think I haven't seen through your intentions?"
He grabbed Jiang Luoxi by the neck, "Without my permission, you dared to fall for Prince Ye?"