"Your Majesty, this..." Hua Yunjin could only describe her feelings with shock.
"The Gu Family Army token," Xue Zining said, word by word.
Hua Yunjin's body trembled, "Your Majesty, how did this token end up in your hands?"
The world knew that the Gu Family Army recognized only the Gu Family Army token, not the person.
Now, the Gu Family Army token was in Xue Zining's hands.
Did this mean the Gu Family Army was also under Xue Zining's command?
"This is what Young Tutor Ning was willing to bite off his own tongue to give me."
The maiden's voice was soft, like a feather.
Hua Yunjin's gaze faltered, his voice trembling slightly, "Young Tutor, she..."
"Yunjin, we can no longer fail the Young Tutor's intentions." The maiden raised her head, her eyes clear, like a gurgling clear spring.
Seeing those eyes, so clear and free of impurities, Hua Yunjin hesitated to speak the cruel words that followed. Yet, he couldn't refrain from doing so. "Your Majesty, that lead from the Young Tutor has been cut off. However, it's fortunate you've obtained the Gu Family Army. But, from now on, we cannot act rashly. As you've seen, the court is already half under the Regent's control."
"I know," the maiden's lips parted slightly, and her tone suddenly shifted. "I need to speed things up. If I slow down, the Regent might already control the court, and then I'll have no place to stand."
"Your Majesty, I know you are anxious, but we must proceed cautiously, not too hastily."
"I've already thought of a way," the maiden's eyes suddenly became very bright.
"What way?" Hua Yunjin couldn't help but ask.
The maiden's eyes shone brightly, "Since I cannot change control of the previous court, I can still control the inner court."
Hua Yunjin stiffened, looking up, "Your Majesty, you..."
The maiden's lips parted, a smile playing on her lips, "I will select concubines."
Grand Commandant's Mansion
Grand Commandant Lin Feng finally returned to his mansion after the hunt. He had received news from the mansion during the hunt that his legitimate son, Lin Yanzhi, had vomited blood again.
Thus, he hurried back to the mansion after the hunt ended.
Having had a child late in life, he deeply cherished this legitimate son.
"Master..." the gatekeeper's servant saw Lin Feng rushing into the mansion and quickly bowed.
"How is Yanzhi?" Lin Feng asked urgently.
"A doctor has already been summoned to treat the young master," the servant replied.
Lin Feng hurried into the Yan Garden. As soon as he entered the room, he heard his wife sobbing, "Doctor, are there any other options?"
The doctor shook his head, "Madam, it's best to prepare..."
"Prepare what?" Lin Feng strode to the doctor's side and asked urgently.
"Master, you're finally back, Yanzhi he..."
"Don't rush, Madam, speak slowly," Lin Feng said gently as he supported Madam Lin.
"An imperial decree has arrived!"
A voice pierced the heavens. Lin Feng didn't react for a long time. When he came to his senses, he saw a man in black entering.
He exuded an aura of killing intent.
Lin Feng trembled all over. He... he had seen this man before. The Regent called him Feng Ying, the Feng Yin family who had guarded the emperors for generations.
Feng Yin? Lin Feng's legs went weak, and he collapsed to the ground. "Master, Master..." Madam Lin rushed to help Lin Feng.
"Lord Lin, receive the decree!" the man in black said coldly.
Lin Feng's mind was a bit foggy. Participate in a concubine selection?
But before he could react, an imperial decree was already shoved into his hand. He refused.
"Lord Lin, refuse the decree, and I can execute you on the spot."
Feng Ying's voice was cold, piercing him like a sharp blade.
"Someone, bring Young Master Lin to the palace!" Feng Ying waved his hand and said coldly.