eurekapd Chapter 246 Good Strategy
Chapter 246 Good Strategy
Ruyi's voice gradually lowered. She knew that her words might not easily change the emperor's mind, but she still wanted to fight for a chance for Ling Yunche, even if it was just a little bit.
Her hands unconsciously clenched the handkerchief in her hands, her palms were full of sweat. She was waiting for the emperor's response, feeling very nervous.
She knew that the emperor was suspicious of her and Ling Yunche, but now, if she left Ling Yunche alone, the emperor might really take his life.
"Why should I listen to a mere guard? Now that we have evidence, why bother with this? Queen, how do you think I should deal with him?"
The emperor's eyes turned completely cold. He rubbed the jade ring on his hand. His patience with Ruyi had been exhausted.
Ruyi was speechless.
She pondered for a long time and was finally interrupted by Yan Wan.
Yan Wan frowned slightly, her eyes full of concern. She first looked at the queen with a bit of worry in her eyes, and then turned her gaze to the emperor.
Then, she spoke enthusiastically, "From what I have seen, I am only a small guard, of lowly status, like an ant in this palace. How can I compare to the reputation of the Empress? The Empress is the mother of the nation, and her reputation must not be tarnished in any way."
"Why not just order Ling Yunche to be executed? Just tell the public he died suddenly. This way, we can avoid any further incidents. Then, reinstate him and compensate Mao Qian. This way, we can preserve the Empress's reputation, put this matter to rest as quickly as possible, and save the Emperor from further worries."
As Yan Wan spoke, she observed the emperor's expression, with a hint of expectation in her eyes.
The death of a guard in exchange for the queen's innocence, what a bargain...
Before she could finish her words, she was interrupted by Ruyi.
"No!"
Ruyi's voice was filled with anxiety and anger, and her volume unconsciously rose a little.
Her pupils suddenly shrank, her eyes filled with shock and disbelief, and she looked straight at Yan Wan. She really didn't expect that Concubine Ling could be so cruel, wanting to take Ling Yunche's life so easily with just a few words.
Even if Ling Yunche was wrong, he couldn't be so careless about human life and decide a person's life or death so casually.
At this time, the emperor clenched the jade ring he had been playing with in his hand, and the joints of his fingers turned white due to the force.
His face was terribly gloomy, and he said in a cold voice, "Oh? Queen, why are you so excited? Can't you kill Ling Yunche?"
The emperor's voice was icy cold and carried a strong sense of oppression, and his eyes were full of scrutiny and suspicion.
He stared at Ruyi closely, and the whole atmosphere instantly became more tense and depressing, as if the air had solidified.
Seeing the smug look that flashed across Yanwan's face, Ruyi realized that she was being led by her.
She quickly defended herself, "I believe that human life is of paramount importance. Your Majesty is compassionate. Now that the Junggar warriors have won a great victory, why should we continue the slaughter in the palace? It would be better to expel him from the palace and regard it as a prayer for the fallen Qing warriors..."
Her words were so far-fetched that even Eyinzhu beside her frowned.
A guard who didn't know his place deserved to die a thousand times for causing such a thing. How could such a person pray for the dead Qing soldiers?
"The Queen is truly kindhearted."
The emperor's tone was tinged with sarcasm, his lips curled up slightly, but there was no smile. "I thought you had no interest in palace affairs, so I left all the affairs to Concubine Ling."
A hint of displeasure flashed in the emperor's eyes. He narrowed his eyes slightly and looked at Ruyi with a bit more inquiry in his eyes.
"Forget it, I will handle today's matter myself."
The emperor waved his hand, as if to put an end to the matter.
"Queen, since you are not feeling well, go back and rest."
The emperor's words carried an unquestionable tone of command. He put the ring back on his finger, his movements slow and deliberate, trying to calm his inner emotions. Then he looked at Ruyi coldly, his eyes seemed to be able to frostbite people.
At this moment, every word and every action of Ruyi seemed to be a challenge to him. If she continued to talk, he was afraid that he would want to kill them both with a knife.
Ruyi could hear the sarcasm in his words.
Now everything was piled on Ling Yunche's shoulders. She was lucky enough to get away, but Ling Yunche...
Before she even stood up, the emperor frowned impatiently, a hint of annoyance flashing in his eyes. He raised his voice and said, "Jinzhong, come in, and Yurong, take your queen back."
The emperor's tone was full of impatience, and he didn't want to see Ruyi here for a moment longer.
"I will take my leave. I hope Your Majesty will reconsider what happened today."
Ruyi said helplessly, her eyes filled with reluctance and worry, yet she was powerless. She knew she couldn't save Ling Yunche at this moment, and seeing that the emperor had already started to send people away, she could only reluctantly stand up and salute.
Yurong had been waiting outside. When she heard the emperor's summons and sensed that something was amiss inside, she hurried in cautiously. She lowered her head, not daring to glance any further. She quickly walked to Ruyi's side and helped her out.
After Ruyi left, Maoqian remained kneeling alone on the ground, her body trembling slightly, her face still tinged with fear and nervousness. She was also a little uneasy at this moment, not knowing what would await her next.
Yanwan remembered that Maoqian asked to see her and used the revelation as a bargaining chip. Since she had already used her, she had to find a way to protect her.
So, Yan Wan took a step forward, a look of pity on her face, and spoke softly.
"Your Majesty, Mao Qian's life story is truly pitiful. Although she is just a woman, she also has her own frustrations and difficulties. She has the courage to expose this matter today, which can be regarded as a sacrifice for the greater good. Your Majesty, please consider her courage and loyalty to you and spare her life..."
As Yan Wan spoke, she secretly observed the emperor's expression and tried to guess what he was thinking.
When Maoqian heard Yanwan pleading for her, she also raised her head and looked at the emperor with expectant eyes, as if she had grasped the last straw.
This matter concerns the Queen Mother. Putting aside Ruyi, even if someone else became the Queen, if something like this happened, the Emperor would choose to kill to save his own face.
As Yanwan spoke, she did not forget to wink at Maoqian.
Mao Qian understood and immediately kowtowed, saying, "Your humble servant is ignorant and does not know what happened today. I have never been to the Old Summer Palace, so I know nothing..."
The emperor was no longer in a good mood. When he saw Yan Wan pleading for mercy, he nodded.
He said: "Your father was originally a clerk, but unfortunately you don't have any brothers at home to support you. I will restore Ling Yunche's official position. You can keep the title of a widow. After three years, it will be fine for you to marry again..."