So for a moment, she didn't know how to reply.
Chi Zimo sighed and spoke to him again.
"The Chi family is too conspicuous. We've prospered for a hundred years. Whether we rise or fall in the future depends entirely on our abilities. In the past, I was very dissatisfied with you, but seeing you now, your intentions are not misguided. Since you've joined Prince Ding's mansion, so be it. However, you must think twice about such dangerous matters in the future. Don't be a reckless fool, selling yourself and still counting the money!"
Chi Lingyou rubbed his nose. At this moment, Chi Zimo seemed as stern as he used to be, but he could hear a hint of concern in his tone.
"Big brother, don't worry. I won't act impulsively again. I'll discuss everything with you."
Only after Chi Lingyou's repeated assurances did Chi Zimo let him leave, remaining alone in the study to ponder Prince Ding and the entire affair.
Three years ago, he had already extended his reach into the Chi family's affairs, yet he had been able to hold back without acting.
On the surface, it seemed he was hampered by a lack of evidence, or perhaps the fear that any move would trigger a chain reaction, forcing him to consider more carefully.
But behind the scenes? He didn't believe that with Prince Ding's mansion's capabilities, if they had intervened from the beginning, the Grand Canal Administration wouldn't have decayed to this extent!
Instead, it was as if they had intentionally allowed it to fester to a point of universal outrage, and then he would step in to clean it up. This way, he could thoroughly eradicate the corruption and elevate his reputation to its peak.
Prince Ding's actions were truly a brilliant strategy!
The more he thought about it, the more he felt this person was terrifying. As a prince, if he became too prominent, wouldn't that make the Emperor wary?
Now, he was even discarding the excuse of being gravely ill. Did this mean he was absolutely certain the Emperor could not touch him? Or had something changed in his plan?
Everything was unknown.
He suddenly remembered the Princess Consort who accompanied Prince Ding. Perhaps he could investigate further by starting with her.
Thus, he sent people to secretly investigate everything about Feng Jin Yao in Dong Du City.
Unexpectedly, three days later, while news from Dong Du City had not yet arrived, he was threatened by Prince Ding.
A secret letter was placed by his pillow at some unknown time, containing only a few words: "Touch her less!"
There was no signature, no closing, but Chi Zimo knew for certain that the writer must be Xiao Ting Yi, and the "her" was undoubtedly Feng Jin Yao.
This piqued his interest even further.
A person would only protect their fatal weakness so well. Therefore, in other words, if he could control Feng Jin Yao, could he control Prince Ding?
Chi Zimo chuckled. He wasn't one to bully the weak and fear the strong. If Prince Ding hadn't threatened him, he might have just investigated further. But his eagerness to reveal his intentions instead gave Chi Zimo an opportunity.
"Feng Jin Yao? This is truly interesting."
While Jinling City was in turmoil, with gods battling, Dong Du City was not idle either. Emperor Qi's imperial decree of betrothal had directly caused an uproar in noble circles.
Princess Hua Ran, granddaughter of Prince Yu, was betrothed to the Ninth Prince as his official wife. After the Ninth Prince returned from his campaign, the wedding would take place immediately.
In the imperial harem, when Consort Wei heard the news, she choked on her breath and fainted, frightening the surrounding palace maids into summoning an imperial physician.
After regaining consciousness, her first action was to summon the Duke of Wei to discuss countermeasures.
In the Han Zhang Palace, where there should have been joyous preparations for the official wife, no one dared to speak a word, fearing that if they angered Consort Wei, they would be next.
In the palace, Consort Wei, forcing herself to sit up, spoke to the Duke of Wei. Before she could utter a word, tears streamed down her face.
"Father, what are we to do? Prince Yu is an uncle who has long been in decline and is not favored by His Majesty. How can his granddaughter marry Yun Li, and as the official wife! Not to mention his depleted mansion, he cannot help Yun Li in the court at all! Prince Yu's fief is in Qian Zhou, which is remote and not a prosperous place. How can such a clan help Yun Li!"
She was greatly angered by Emperor Qi's decision, wondering who had misled him to treat his own son so poorly!
The more she thought about it, the more distressed she became. Princess Qian Ling, whom she had chosen, was worlds apart from Princess Hua Ran.
"Your Highness, please calm yourself. His Majesty's decree has been issued, and no matter how sad you are, you cannot change it. It would be better to think about how to make this wedding more glorious."
"Father! Why aren't you worried at all?"
Consort Wei could not understand. Her voice even rose a few decibels!
The palace attendants serving her glanced at the Duke of Wei and then all left the main hall. When only the two of them remained, the Duke of Wei lowered his voice and said,
"This marriage was something I planned and sought for a long time. Your Highness, do not let momentary honor or disgrace ruin the Ninth Prince's future!"
"What?"
Consort Wei did not understand her father's intentions. How could a decree that seemed to be pushing Yun Li into a fiery pit be considered a prize?
"You only know that Qian Zhou is remote, but you don't know that the local terrain is mountainous and foggy. If soldiers are trained and hidden there, how can outsiders discover them?"
Consort Wei looked at her father in astonishment, swallowing her fear as she said,
"Father, private training of troops is treason. Are you truly confident in doing this?"
"Rest assured, everything was planned by me after Lan Xuan's hope of marrying the Ninth Prince was dashed. Princess Qian Ling was merely a smokescreen. You should understand His Majesty's apprehension. If the Ninth Prince were truly to marry her, it would likely cut off his path to soaring success in the future."
Consort Wei nodded. How could she not know that Princess Qian Ling's death was related to Emperor Qi? It was just that her influence was not long enough to protect her.
"Now, you must still pretend to be displeased with this matter but forced to handle it. This way, His Majesty will believe he has handled this matter appropriately. Once it is a done deal, it will be the prelude to the Ninth Prince's great undertaking!"
Her eyes revealed excitement and longing for this path to the throne. Although Consort Wei's mind was not as comprehensive as the Duke of Wei's, her father's arrangement must have its deeper meaning, and it was best to follow it.
"As long as it's for Yun Li, I'm willing to do anything!"
The Duke of Wei nodded. "Then Your Highness must endure for a few more days. If you can make a scene before His Majesty, perhaps the effect will be even better!"
By making Emperor Qi believe that the entire Wei family was dissatisfied with this marriage but had no choice but to comply, his imperial ego would be infinitely satisfied, thus solidifying this marriage once more!
After the father and daughter finished speaking, Consort Wei resumed her mournful demeanor. Before leaving, the Duke of Wei specifically instructed,
"Your Highness, please do not cause a scene with His Majesty. This matter has been decided and there is no room for reversal, otherwise, His Majesty would lose face! I implore Your Highness to consider carefully for yourself and the Ninth Prince."