Despite his own doubts, he had merely given him a legitimate reason, yet now he was even docking his salary.
Every month, working to exhaustion, not earning much money, and rising early and working late every day - it truly wasn't a life fit for a human.
"That's enough. At your age, stop your sniveling here. Do you think I don't know about the bribes you've been accepting? Get out of here now!"
Qi Tan wiped away his tears. "This old servant shall take his leave."
Xuanyuan Sheng sighed. At such an advanced age, yet still obsessed with money every day.
Although Gao Jiayue was a bit dim-witted, she wouldn't groundlessly jump out to slander Yan.
In recent days, there had been no word of conflict between the two of them. For her to suddenly make such a move, there must be some reason.
Perhaps she had indeed heard something, but Yan was now pregnant. If she gave birth to a legitimate son, he would be the crown prince. What reason would she have to want to kill him?
Yan had always been gentle and virtuous. This kind of thing surely wouldn't be something she'd do. The imperial physicians hadn't found anything wrong. Perhaps it was just that Gao Jiayue woman's jealousy of Yan that made her say such things.
In Changle Palace, Murong Yan, having just risen, was eating her breakfast.
Yan Lan hurriedly came to report, "Your Highness, it's terrible! It seems the Month Consort overheard our conversation last night and has gone to inform His Majesty!"
"And then?" As Xuanyuan Sheng hadn't come over yet, he likely didn't suspect her.
"His Majesty has demoted the Month Consort to Answer and confined her to the palace."
Murong Yan took a sip of hot porridge. "The women in this palace with any skill have either gone mad or died. Those remaining can't stir up much trouble."
"Your Highness, His Majesty has also summoned the imperial physicians," Yan Lan said.
Murong Yan remained unmoved. "Even if they called everyone from the Imperial Medical Academy, they wouldn't find anything. There's no need to worry."
"Should we continue using our medicine?" Yan Lan was somewhat worried about being discovered.
"Continue." Those mediocre doctors at the Imperial Medical Academy wouldn't be able to detect anything for now.
By the time they diagnosed it, it would already be too late for treatment.
Yan Lan: "What about the Month Consort, I mean, Answer Month? Do we need to take action against her?"
"No need. Let her remain confined in the palace! It's not advisable to move against her now."
Although she believed Xuanyuan Sheng would choose her over Answer Month, emperors were suspicious by nature. She didn't dare gamble on what he truly thought.
If something were to happen to Answer Month in the palace, she would be the prime suspect.
"Yan Lan, have the palace maids prepare dinner tonight and invite His Majesty to dine together."
"Yes, Your Highness."
News from the palace reached Prince Xian's Residence. Xuanyuan Yan had no reaction to this.
Ming Jiu: "Master, His Majesty seems to trust the Empress very much. This plan doesn't seem to be working."
Xuanyuan Yan knew Xuanyuan Sheng all too well - sensitive and suspicious, just a few words would be enough to provoke him.
No evidence was needed; he could conjure up plenty on his own.
"You don't understand him. He doesn't trust anyone. Even though he now shows great favor to the Empress, there won't be any trust."
"Have our person in the palace continue to keep an eye on things there. We'll just wait to welcome the Empress Dowager back to the palace."
Since Xuanyuan Sheng had ascended the throne, the Empress Dowager of Tianqi had gone to reside long-term at Buddha Mountain, ostensibly to chant sutras and pray for blessings for the country.
Xuanyuan Yan scoffed at this. How dare that viper-hearted woman stay in a Buddhist temple?
Ming Jiu: "I have already made the arrangements."
"I will go personally this time." It was time to settle accounts.
Ming Jiu said with concern, "Master, although your eye condition is no longer a problem, you still shouldn't endure the fatigue of travel. Please reconsider."
"It's fine. I want to see her in person. I'm afraid I won't have the chance to see her again after this." He never intended for her to return to Shengjing alive.
Ming Jiu sensed the coldness emanating from Xuanyuan Yan and slowly retreated.
The master had endured much over these years. Hopefully, after this, everything would go smoothly for him.
Spring had arrived in the capital, with warm sunshine and gentle breezes.
It was another weekend, and Feng Qingyi rarely had time to go out shopping.
Since the start of the school year, it seemed everyone had become busy, with each person having their own affairs even on weekends.
Life alone was indeed peaceful and free.
Walking along the bustling street, Feng Qingyi suddenly saw a familiar figure ahead.
Why was Feng Qingci dressed so formally?
Curious, Feng Qingyi followed him. After walking for about half an hour, they arrived at a very high-end company.
After entering, Feng Qingci swiped his card and went upstairs.
Feng Qingyi looked around at the entrance for a while. Had he started working?
Were finance majors looking for jobs this early?
The security guard at the door noticed Feng Qingyi.
"Miss, do you have some business here?"
"Hello! I'd like to ask, is the man who just went in an employee of your company?"
Security guard: "You mean that tall, handsome young man who just entered?"
Feng Qingyi nodded, "Yes, him."
"He's only been here a short while. The Chairman personally brought him in and now he's working alongside the Chairman. They say there's intent to groom him, but I don't know anything beyond that."
Feng Qingyi looked at the company's name and searched for it online.
She was shocked by what she found. Wansheng Group was one of the top companies in the country.
When did her brother get connected with such a big shot, and even be groomed by them?
Feng Qingyi called Feng Qingci, but the call was rejected.
She was about to call again but thought he might be busy and unable to answer, so she sent a message instead.
[Qingyi: What are you up to now?]
[Feng Qingci: Busy with work, please don't disturb.]
[Qingyi: If you're so busy with work, why are you replying to me?]
[Feng Qingci: About to start a meeting, talk later.]
Feng Qingyi stared at the chat history. This didn't seem quite like his style.
They used to bicker at the slightest provocation, but now he seemed a bit more mature.
It had only been half a month since school started. Could something have happened that she didn't know about?
Xi Xi ate with him every day and should know about his situation. She'd better ask around first.
She called Lou Xi, "Xi Xi, I just saw my brother go into a fancy company. The security guard said he's working there. Do you know about this?"
"Yes, I do."
"How come he suddenly started working? Isn't he only in his second year of college?"
"My dad found out he's studying finance, so he had him come help out at the company to get familiar with the business early on."
"...So, the Chairman of Wansheng Group is your dad?"
How is it that everyone around her seems to be hiding such depths?
"Mm, my dad thinks very highly of him. He intends to have him take over the business."
"...Take over the business!"
Isn't this a bit hasty? Her brother is truly extraordinary!
In such a short time, he's not only won over his future in-laws, but he's also directly established himself in the company.
At this rate, they'll probably be able to hold the wedding before long.
"My parents are very satisfied with him, and so am I."
