Mo Jiuye and He Zhiran exchanged a glance, both fully aware that their current disguises would render them unrecognizable to anyone.
Just as Mo Jiuye was about to approach and knock on the door to explain, the side door opened again.
This time, it was Fei Nanyu who opened the door.
To prevent a repeat of the earlier incident, Mo Jiuye quickly spoke up, "Mr. Fei, it's me."
When Fei Nanyu saw the two of them, there was a brief moment of surprise, but he soon recognized Mo Jiuye's voice.
Recalling the tokens he had given them, it made sense for them to enter the city in such a disguise.
However, he had no idea where they obtained these inner attendant outfits.
Regardless, it was good that they were able to enter the city safely.
Fei Nanyu stepped aside to allow them through the doorway, speaking in a low voice, "Please come in, you two."
It was the same study room as their previous meeting, and the three of them entered one after the other.
After taking their seats, Fei Nanyu asked, "Young Master Mo, why have you come to the capital at this time?"
This had been a question that perplexed him. Logically speaking, with the capital in such a turbulent state, wouldn't Mo Jiuye risk drawing unwanted attention if he were recognized?
To this, Mo Jiuye saw no reason to conceal the truth. Even if he didn't reveal to Fei Nanyu the potential events that might unfold in the capital, the latter would eventually figure out that he was behind them.
"The entire Mo Family has been exiled to the northwest, and we now only wish to live in peace. However, certain individuals are determined not to let the Mo Family thrive. Rather than remaining in the northwest, constantly on guard, it's better to strike first and eliminate those who harbor ill intentions towards the Mo Family."
In truth, Fei Nanyu had considered the possibility of the Mo Family striking against the empress's faction preemptively.
However, the distance between the northwest and the capital was vast, not to mention the sensitive nature of the Mo Family's identities.
He had anticipated that Mo Jiuye might take action against the empress's faction, but he never expected it to be at the present moment.
After all, the current situation in the capital was a vortex, and many were trying to avoid getting caught up in it, let alone willingly wade into the turmoil.
It could only be said that Mo Jiuye was extraordinarily skilled and audacious, and He Zhiran was equally a remarkable heroine among women.
"Since you have both come here, do you have any specific plans? If there is anything I can assist with, I will spare no effort."
"Currently, I am not fully aware of the precise situation in the capital. The information you sent only provided a broad overview. I would like to first understand the circumstances before taking action," Mo Jiuye said solemnly.
"As you saw today outside the city, the guards have been replaced with the Xue Family's loyalists. The capital appears peaceful on the surface, but it is already largely under the control of the empress's faction. Prince Qi possesses only the courage of a commoner and lacks capable subordinates. For now, he can only watch and wait.
"Most importantly, Emperor Shunwu has not held court for a long time, and no one knows his condition.
"What's even more infuriating is that the empress has resorted to fabricating imperial edicts, claiming that the Emperor is gravely ill and needs to recuperate. With the position of crown prince currently vacant, she argues that it would be inappropriate for any prince to assume the throne temporarily. Therefore, she has taken control of the court in the interim.
"She claims to be presiding over the court, but as a woman, how could she understand the ways of governance? In the end, it is the Xue Prime Minister, her father, who dictates everything.
"Initially, there were those who spoke out in defiance, but the Xue Prime Minister made an example of a few by ordering their executions during court sessions. Now, those officials have been thoroughly intimidated and dare not speak out, seething in silence.
"As for Prince Qi's character, you are well aware that he typically lacks resolve and is timid when it matters most. Having been terrified by the empress's faction's ruthless tactics, he has become a mere turtle, hiding in his shell."
Fei Nanyu's lengthy explanation revealed the depth of his frustration through his tone. Although he harbored grand ambitions, without capable assistants, he was unable to make a significant impact.
Mo Jiuye's brow furrowed as he listened. The thought that the mighty Great Shun Nation could be controlled by a single family affiliated with the empress was truly a disgrace that would shock the world.
However, Mo Jiuye never forgot the unjust suffering he had endured. He constantly reminded himself that the court's situation was irrelevant to him. His sole purpose for coming here was to eliminate anyone who harbored ill intentions towards the Mo Family, allowing them to live in peace.
Nevertheless, he still needed to gather the necessary information, for only by understanding both himself and his enemy could he emerge victorious in every battle.
Especially since he had brought He Zhiran to the capital, even if he didn't consider his own safety, he couldn't allow his wife to be implicated.
Mo Jiuye organized his thoughts and continued his inquiries.
"What about Prince Rui's situation?"
Mentioning Prince Rui, Fei Nanyu's gaze softened considerably.
"Prince Rui's ability to escape the capital's vortex with Consort De indicates that he has seen through everything.
"Consort De is the only family he has left, and by entrusting her to the Mo Family's care, it shows that his intention in coming to the capital was solely to help the Mo Family resolve their crisis. I have no doubt about this.
"Moreover, through our interactions, I have come to greatly respect his character. Not long ago, I revealed my true identity to him.
"Instead of rejecting or doubting me, he offered to help me restore my status.
"Now, we address each other as brothers in private, and I consider him my only family.
"However, Prince Rui never had any ambition for the throne. Although he has been trying to build his strength since returning to the capital, his efforts have not been very effective.
"He is more perceptive than Prince Qi and realizes that openly opposing the empress's faction at this juncture would be futile. Thus, he has maintained a low profile, and we can only communicate secretly.
"Our current stance is aligned – we are both trying to uncover the true reason behind Emperor Shunwu's absence from court."
Mo Jiuye raised an eyebrow. "But you still haven't found a good way to uncover the truth?"
Fei Nanyu smiled sheepishly. "Indeed, that's the case. For the empress's faction to have carried out such a bold move, they must have made thorough preparations in advance. The palace guards have all been replaced with their men.
"A few days ago, Prince Qi sent people into the palace to investigate, but there has been no word since."
Initially, Mo Jiuye and He Zhiran had planned to swiftly eliminate the empress's faction after arriving in the capital. If Xue Minister was willing to resign, they would take him back to the northwest with them.
However, seeing Fei Nanyu's troubled expression and Prince Rui's sacrifices for the Mo Family, the couple felt they should do something to repay this friendship.
Especially Prince Rui – he could have lived peacefully with Consort De, but instead became embroiled in this vortex once again because of the Mo Family.
Regardless, they needed to ensure Prince Rui's safe exit from this situation.
The best way for Prince Rui to escape unscathed would be to alter the historical event where Prince Qi ascended the throne, and instead have Fei Nanyu take the throne directly.
Of course, these were merely thoughts that had just occurred to the couple, and they had no intention of voicing them yet.
Unaware of their thoughts, Fei Nanyu's gaze fell upon He Zhiran as he asked, "Has Lady Mo come to the capital to visit Minister Xue?"
