Chapter 622 Twist-like
Chapter 622 Twist-like
This sentence was clearly said by Qin Luoshen. Left with no other choice, Chen Er had to take Ma Dazhi and Liu Chengdong to the palace.
On the way, Chen Er subtly probed the eunuchs: "What do you think the Emperor wanted to see me about? Could it be that the Emperor already knows the rumors?"
Chen Er frowned, his expression dismissive as he asked. In truth, the meaning behind Chen Er's words was quite simple: could it be that Wei Zhongxian was plotting against the Emperor, and the Emperor had found out?
However, Chen Er felt it was unlikely. If the assassin Zhang Tianfei hadn't told him this news, Chen Er wouldn't have known so quickly. A eunuch approached with a grin.
"Lord Chen Er, you don't know, the Emperor is now going to wipe out Wei Zhongxian's lackeys. Only by constantly reducing Wei Zhongxian's power will he eventually become a commander without any troops. At that time, we can do whatever we want with him."
Upon hearing the eunuch's words, Chen Er immediately understood what the emperor was planning to do.
However, this is quite good. By continuously reducing Wei Zhongxian's power, by the time he fully realizes what's happening, he will have no say at all.
The time will be entirely up to the Emperor to decide, and the Emperor is preparing to act now because Wei Zhongxian no longer has the Empress Dowager's protection, which is indeed a good opportunity.
Chen Er quickly entered the palace, but when he arrived, Zhao Beixing and the Emperor were still enjoying tea. Upon seeing Chen Er from afar, the Emperor immediately stood up and chased away all the ignorant maids and eunuchs.
The Emperor personally brewed a cup of tea for Chen Er; only Chen Er received such treatment in the palace.
Upon seeing Zhao Beixing, Chen Er greeted him warmly, "Lord Zhao Beixing, why aren't you going back to sleep so late? Could it be that you were summoned by the Emperor as well?"
When Chen Er asked him a question with suspicion, Zhao Beixing immediately put on a big smile.
"That's right, Your Majesty thinks highly of your servant, letting me stay here so late." Chen Er nodded and looked at the Emperor with curiosity.
"Your Majesty, please speak plainly about what you have to say. However, I do not wish to discuss matters with irrelevant people, otherwise, it would be disastrous if things were exposed."
Chen Er's words were pointed out that Zhao Beixing's presence was somewhat delaying their conversation. Although the Emperor currently held Zhao Beixing in high regard, in Chen Er's eyes, trusting Qin Zhongting was preferable to trusting Zhao Beixing.
Zhao Beixing was furious. Logically speaking, Chen Er's position was not as high as his, but now he was clearly giving him attitude. This was something Zhao Beixing could not accept.
So Zhao Beixing angrily slammed his fist on the table and stood up, glaring at Chen Er with great resentment.
"Lord Chen Er, what exactly did you mean just now? I was chatting with the Emperor here, so why did you say something hurtful?"
Chen Er chuckled upon hearing Zhao Beixing's words and patted Zhao Beixing's shoulder forcefully.
"Although you have been favored by the Emperor, a leopard can't change its spots. I don't like you." Chen Er said, then looked at the Emperor.
"Your Majesty, do you wish to discuss matters of state with me, or with Lord Zhao Beixing? You may decide for yourself. Only one of the two can remain."
Although Chen Er's words were very calm, they surprised the Emperor greatly. It was like a stone falling into the sea, causing a great ripple. The Emperor looked at Zhao Beixing with embarrassment and said...
"Zhao Beixing, it's getting late, and you're all skin and bones now, so you should leave quickly. Don't keep your wife waiting too long."
It was obvious that the Emperor wanted to get rid of him. Actually, if Chen Er hadn't said that, the Emperor would have preferred to keep Zhao Beixing, since Zhao Beixing had helped him with a lot of trouble recently.
Zhao Beixing glanced at Chen Er, then turned and left. Chen Er even said, "I won't see you off." Only after Zhao Beixing had completely left did the Emperor sigh helplessly.
"Chen Er, I don't know what's wrong with you. Why are you so sensitive? Zhao Beixing has been with me for many years, especially during the time you were away recently. Zhao Beixing has been a great help to me."
The emperor's words immediately displeased Chen Er.
"Your Majesty, let me tell you, it's because you trusted Zhao Beixing too much that you've gotten yourself into so much trouble. If you hadn't trusted Wei Zhongxian in the first place, you probably wouldn't be such a paper tiger now."
Chen Er's words were so blunt that the emperor could only give an awkward smile.
"Chen Er, the reason I called you here today is actually for one thing. I want to reduce Wei Zhongxian's influence. I want to follow your advice. The person we need to deal with now is a man named Li Yingcai."
This guy was a favorite of Wei Zhongxian. Ever since Wei Zhongxian became more low-key, this guy has been Wei Zhongxian's mouthpiece.
Actually, Chen Er had some impression of Li Yingcai. This guy seemed to be a top scholar in the imperial examination. To put it bluntly, he was full of knowledge and had given Wei Zhongxian a lot of strategies.
Li Yingcai is now a greater threat than Wei Zhongxian and his Five Tiger Generals, so the Emperor has no choice but to start by dealing with Li Yingcai.
Chen Er immediately nodded and tapped the table with his finger: "But as far as I know, this Li Yingcai is not simple. He is already a prime minister now."
"If things go on for a few more years, Li Yingcai might become even more domineering, and besides, he's now my father-in-law, and also a prince."
Chen Er's words were not a joke at all, because Li Yingcai's daughter had already been selected as a concubine, and the emperor doted on her. Chen Er's words made the emperor blush, and the emperor immediately offered an explanation.
"At crucial moments, no concubine can stop me. Although Li Yingcai has done terrible things, his daughter is indeed quite good."
"I hope you can find an opportunity to get rid of Li Yingcai." The Emperor's words were truly shocking, and Chen Er immediately laughed.
"Your Majesty, I really couldn't have imagined that you would become more and more cunning and calculating than I am."
Upon hearing Chen Er's words, the Emperor couldn't help but laugh, feeling rather embarrassed.
Chen Er, to be honest, the reason I've persisted is because I've been waiting for this day. Right now, Wei Zhongxian is probably still discussing countermeasures with the Empress Dowager, figuring out how to make a comeback.
We must seize this opportunity to rid Wei Zhongxian of his power, and Li Yingcai is the first person we need to deal with.
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