Chapter 126: Schemes
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“Consort Zhen, yesterday in court, many ministers impeached Prince Qi, seemingly quite dissatisfied with his actions in Qingzhou.”
As they strolled leisurely through the garden, Empress Zhao spoke to Consort Zhen.
The imperial harem was a place where news traveled fast, and the concubines close to her had already informed her of this matter.
Not only were Qingzhou’s policies vastly different from those of the Great Yu Empire, but recently, rumors of Xiao Ming targeting and massacring local noble families had also been spreading like wildfire.
What kind of place was the Great Yu Empire? It was a land where aristocratic families had ruled for thousands of years, deeply entrenched in the empire. Xiao Ming’s actions had greatly displeased other noble families.
Moreover, the Wang and Sun families of Qingzhou had been active in Chang’an for some time, and some court officials had accepted bribes from the Wang family. Naturally, they now sought to speak out on behalf of the Wang family.
After all, Prince Qi was far away in Qingzhou, and even if they criticized him openly in Chang’an, there was little he could do about it.
“I have also heard about this matter. However, the Wang family attempted to assassinate the princess, and the Sun family later plotted a rebellion. Ming’er likely had no choice but to act,” Consort Zhen defended Xiao Ming.
Empress Zhao and Consort Zhen walked ahead alone. Empress Zhao glanced back at the concubines following them, ensuring they were far enough away, and then said in a serious tone, “That’s just Prince Qi’s side of the story. But the ministers in court are skilled at turning black into white and white into black. Some are saying that Prince Qi framed the Wang family to eliminate the noble clans.”
“Your Majesty, the ministers who say such things are truly malicious. They are slandering my Ming’er. I beg Your Majesty to stand up for Prince Qi,” Consort Zhen’s face turned pale, and she moved to bow to Empress Zhao.
Empress Zhao quickly stopped her, her expression gentle. “Sister, the ministers wouldn’t speak without reason. There must be someone behind this. After Princess Pingyang detoured to Jinling City, she sent someone to Chang’an in haste. Only then did the impeachment of Prince Qi begin.”