Xiao Ye, with his household servants, swept through the officials' mansions, plundering them one by one.
The news spread like wildfire: Xiao Ye was targeting the Grand Commandant's lineage once again!
Xiao Ye's intentions were as clear as day! He was warning the Grand Commandant's faction, letting them know that anyone who dared to oppose Prime Minister Xiao would have their homes ransacked. And it was overt extortion, no less!
Many officials became victims. The wealth they had accumulated over half a lifetime was plundered by Xiao Ye in one fell swoop! But how could they dare to oppose Xiao Ye? Xiao Ye was openly declared a corrupt official. Sixty percent of the court belonged to Xiao Ye!
Upon hearing that Xiao Ye had renovated his mansion and would even thank the officials for their generosity in court, Xiao Ye said with a smile, "My mansion's prosperity is all thanks to your gold and jewels." This infuriated the Grand Commandant and his allies, twisting their faces into grotesque grimaces. How could their dynasty produce such a scoundrel who dared to be a wicked minister openly?
Countless ministers cried out in misery and filed complaints to the Empress. Mu Qinglan was in a foul mood when these officials approached her. She listened as they babbled their accusations against Xiao Ye, listing his crimes: shutting down brothels, prosecuting households, demolishing homes, and plundering. His subordinates formed a dark force, having unjustly accused many minor officials. Everyone had to show respect to Prime Minister Xiao, offering him silver to avoid being troubled.
One civil official, with tears streaming down his face, lamented, "My nine newly acquired concubines have all been taken to Prime Minister Xiao's mansion to serve as cooks!" The surrounding ministers cast peculiar glances; this civil official was already fifty or sixty years old and still had the energy to take on nine concubines!
Mu Qinglan had a headache. Sitting on the dragon throne, she asked sternly, "Then, do you have any way to deal with Prime Minister Xiao?" The chattering ministers suddenly fell silent, exchanging bewildered glances. Yes, did they have any way to deal with Xiao Ye? His faction's influence within the court remained unaddressed! If the Empress dared to move against Xiao Ye, it might even lead to rebellion! No one knew the extent of Xiao Ye's power after so many years as prime minister.
"Grand Commandant, please say something." The old ministers turned to the Grand Commandant, hoping he would devise a solution. The Grand Commandant furrowed his brow. He also wished to eliminate Xiao Ye, but unfortunately, Xiao Ye's faction was too numerous. Seeing that the Grand Commandant was also at a loss for words, the Empress's expression turned cold. "Since you cannot deal with Prime Minister Xiao, do not come to me with your grievances." Hearing the Empress's words, the ministers fell silent, daring not to utter another word.
Suddenly, a group of palace attendants arrived carrying potted plants, kneeling respectfully before the Empress. "Your Majesty, these are flowers sent by Prime Minister Xiao. They are all rare and precious species." Mu Qinglan's gaze fell upon the potted plants, and her mood improved considerably. Everyone knew that the dynasty's Empress had an unpredictable temper, being domineering and cold. However, she also had a soft side. Mu Qinglan had a great love for flowers, especially vibrant ones. The imperial palace was like a cage for everyone. Had Mu Qinglan not ascended the throne to become Empress, perhaps she would have become a gardener, tending to her own small realm, planting flowers daily, and nurturing the most brilliant bloom.
"Prime Minister Xiao is thoughtful. Take these flowers to my sleeping quarters." Mu Qinglan looked at the flowers being brought in, and a flicker of joy arose in her heart. The Grand Commandant and the others watched the Empress stride away. It seemed Prime Minister Xiao had managed to win the Empress's favor this time. The ministers looked dejected. "Grand Commandant, could it be that Prime Minister Xiao will gain the Empress's favor? Our future..." "No." The Grand Commandant's wrinkled eyes twitched. He said with finality, "The Empress's mind is unfathomable, but she has always been at odds with Prime Minister Xiao. The spring hunt is approaching soon; let us wait and see."
The ministers were confused by the Grand Commandant's profound statement. Why was he suddenly mentioning the spring hunt and asking them to prepare? What preparations could they possibly make?! The Grand Commandant's eyes flashed with a cold light. Only he understood the significance of the spring hunt. How could the Empress remain indifferent to the chaos Xiao Ye had stirred both inside and outside the dynasty? Since the Empress could not openly bring down Xiao Ye, she resorted to a secret plot. She had contacted the Grand Commandant and Marquis Lin'an a few days ago, planning to assassinate Xiao Ye on the day of the hunt! The Grand Commandant had provided the Empress with a group of assassins, guaranteeing they were lethal.
He boarded his palanquin and arrived at the Grand Commandant's mansion, lifting the curtain with an air of authority. "Grand Commandant," a servant's voice called from outside. The Grand Commandant was slightly taken aback. He was inside the palanquin and wondered why the servant had appeared. However, as he lifted the curtain, he understood completely. The Grand Commandant, his face dark, looked at Xiao Ye standing before his mansion, with his attendant Xiao Si behind him.
"Prime Minister Xiao, what brings you here?" Xiao Ye smiled faintly and said cordially to the Grand Commandant, "I happened to be passing by your humble abode, and I thought I'd stop by for a cup of tea." This scoundrel had now arrived at his doorstep. The Grand Commandant, feeling thoroughly unlucky, stepped out of his palanquin. He had intended to drive Xiao Ye away, but then he heard Xiao Ye say with a laugh, "Grand Commandant, you wouldn't refuse, would you? I even have a gift for you today!"
A gift? The Grand Commandant looked at Xiao Ye with a strange expression. One should not strike a smiling face. Xiao Ye appeared so courteous that the Grand Commandant couldn't forcibly drive him away. After all, their official ranks were the same. The Grand Commandant, with a stern face, led Xiao Ye into the mansion and instructed the maids to prepare tea. Although they were usually rivals, the Grand Commandant dared not openly confront the smiling Xiao Ye.
"What gift has Prime Minister Xiao brought me?" Xiao Ye cleared his throat and clapped his hands at Xiao Si. Xiao Si, understanding the signal, had a group of beautiful women brought in. The Grand Commandant's expression was one of shock. Xiao Ye said nonchalantly, "I have too many cook-maids at home, so I've brought you a few." The attire of these women was not made of coarse fabric! They looked like blooming flowers and jade, and they were precisely the concubines whom the ministers had complained about to the Empress.
"What do you mean by this, Prime Minister Xiao?" The Grand Commandant's face turned as black as charcoal. His wife was a noblewoman from the capital and had a terrible temper. In his youth, the Grand Commandant had been quite a rake, and his wife had almost rendered him infertile. Xiao Ye was doing this deliberately, trying to trap him! Xiao Ye's expression was exceedingly calm. He said, "If the Grand Commandant doesn't like them, I can exchange them for another batch?"
"You old fool, bringing these courtesans here, are you rushing to meet Yama?" Like thunder, his wife arrived, her plump waist twisting. Her portly face was filled with rage, and she unleashed a torrent of anger upon the Grand Commandant. The Grand Commandant, upon seeing his wife, was like facing a tigress. He was so frightened that he quickly asked Xiao Ye to explain. Xiao Ye exclaimed, "The Grand Commandant enjoys the blessings of multiple wives; truly enviable."