The letter sent by Concubine Chu only had eight words on it, but those eight words made Nangong Liuyun shudder all over.
"Rebuild the imperial mausoleum and collude with the previous dynasty."
These were the eight words written on the letter. They were extremely rebellious words, and they exactly revealed Nangong Liuyun's purpose for blocking the project of rebuilding the imperial mausoleum this time.
He intended to take advantage of this opportunity of being out of the capital to develop his forces where Helian Qi couldn't see him, and then strive for the great cause.
But now, his intention was pointed out by Concubine Chu, whom he had already regarded as a disposable pawn. Nangong Liuyun immediately felt a bit displeased and angry. He thought to himself that he didn't even know when that woman had placed an informant beside him. Moreover, for such a major event as rebuilding the imperial mausoleum, the person who could get the information must be a master.
Thinking of this, his brows furrowed even tighter. But he couldn't find the most suitable person to be the informant. He couldn't help but doubt his decision to abandon Concubine Chu. After all, he didn't want to give up a capable assistant, let alone a person who held his handle.
On the other side, in Concubine Chu's palace in the imperial palace.
After Xiaotongzi delivered the letter, he returned to the palace. Concubine Chu knew that her adoptive father outside the palace must have already known the content of the letter and also knew that she had placed an informant beside him.
Thinking of this, Concubine Chu couldn't help but let out a cold laugh. She thought to herself, "Adoptive father, you think you're extremely smart. You've also placed countless secret informants beside me. Otherwise, how could you have known so quickly that I'd fallen out of favor and sent Concubine Shun into the palace immediately?"
Concubine Chu was unwilling. Since she entered the palace, she had completely severed ties with the Dongfang family. From then on, Nangong Liuyun had become her only "relative" outside the palace. Although they were bound together by interests, she still thought she would be his most capable collaborator.
But unexpectedly, he wanted to treat her as a disposable pawn! Fortunately, she had raised some secret guards before entering the palace. Now they were in the Nangong Mansion. They might be servants or slaves, but their martial arts skills were quite good, and they could completely send her information.
Since Nangong Liuyun was heartless, she, Concubine Chu, wouldn't be kind either!
Thinking of this, a calculating smile appeared on her lips. Now all she had to do was wait for the people from the Nangong family to come to her on their own initiative. She was confident that they would.
The night was getting deeper. There were dark clouds covering the sky tonight, and the moon was completely hidden. It seemed that a heavy rain was coming soon.
On the other side, in the Queen's palace.
Dongfang Yi was sitting face to face with Donghua. The atmosphere between them was a bit tense.
"I think your idea is a bit risky," Donghua said.
Since Dongfang Yi told her not to always address each other as "Your Highness" and "maidservant" in private, Donghua had become more and more used to calling her by name.
"How is it risky? My idea is the most innovative. It would be so lively if the nobles and the common people celebrate together," Dongfang Yi said a bit unhappily after hearing the woman opposite her refute her.
She had roughly figured out how to hold this Mid - Autumn Festival banquet. After all, if she was going to hold it, she would hold it in a grand way. That was the character of Dongfang Yi.
She wanted the royal family and the common people to celebrate the Mid - Autumn Festival together. The royal family would hold a banquet on the city wall, and below the wall, there would be singing and dancing. The common people would be singing and dancing merrily. Wouldn't it be extremely lively?
"What's the fun if we do the same thing every year? This banquet should show my character," Dongfang Yi continued, with an expression that brooked no refusal on her face.
Donghua looked at her and couldn't help but sigh. She thought to herself that once the Queen made up her mind, it was really difficult for others to change it. If she didn't follow her, what else could she do?
Thinking of this, she said a bit dejectedly, "If you want to hold the banquet in such a grand way, you must discuss it with the Emperor in person. Can you do it?"
After saying that, she looked up at the woman in front of her with a bit of worry. Donghua no longer reported anything about Dongfang Yi to Helian Qi. She thought that Dongfang Yi had given her enough trust and respect. If she still went to report, she couldn't even bear to look at herself.
After hearing Donghua's words, Dongfang Yi's expression immediately became tangled. She wasn't unaware of going to see Helian Qi and then discussing the Mid - Autumn Festival banquet with him.
But she still remembered that night clearly, when she had shouted hoarsely that she never wanted to see him again. She had been so decisive and resolute, leaving no room for negotiation.
Moreover, although she could keep calm when she didn't see him, what would happen if they met? She didn't know.
"See him then. We'll meet sooner or later," Dongfang Yi lowered her eyes so that her expression couldn't be seen. She said with helplessness and desolation in her tone.
Donghua could feel the helpless and desolate mood of the woman in front of her, but she was helpless.
She really couldn't understand. The two of them clearly missed each other and thought the other was special, but there seemed to be a huge gap between them. Neither of them was willing to take a step forward, resulting in the current situation.
"Your Highness, actually I think the Emperor..." Donghua suddenly wanted to say something, but was suddenly interrupted by Dongfang Yi beside her.
"Don't mention it," Dongfang Yi interrupted. She didn't want to hear it, at least not now. She didn't forget that Donghua was the Emperor's confidant.
But the palace was too big and too lonely. If there was no Donghua, she didn't know how lonely she would be. But if Donghua still wanted to speak well of Helian Qi, she could only evade it. Because she didn't want to hear from anyone how he felt about her. She just wanted to feel it with her own heart.
Thinking of this, she continued, "I'll go to see Helian Qi tomorrow to talk to him about the Mid - Autumn Festival banquet. You don't have to worry."
After saying that, she got up and walked towards her couch.
This action clearly meant that she didn't want to listen to Donghua anymore.
Donghua just frowned helplessly and shook her head. Then she bowed slightly and said, "Then I'll leave."
After Donghua completely left the bedroom and disappeared from Dongfang Yi's sight, she suddenly lay back on the couch. She stared at the ceiling in front of her and thought of that man.
He was always cold and seldom spoke, but he was also elegant and gentle at many times. Once his eyes softened, people would soon fall into them. She wasn't unfamiliar with handsome men, but he was especially handsome. Once she fell in love with him, she couldn't forget him.