Hier gibt es Liebe für dreihundert Tael

Kapitel 54

"Yes, Your Highness." Qin Hui's narrow eyes widened slightly as he looked at Zhao Huan and said, "The spies we planted in the Kang Prince's residence say that the Kang Prince has only been going out with my daughter recently, and there has been nothing unusual about him. Apart from accompanying my daughter to the Qin residence twice, he hasn't gone to see anyone else."

Zhao Huan nodded and said, "You don't need to tell me that he went to see Lord Qin. Do you think I don't trust you?"

Qin Hui responded in a low voice, "Yes," but a strange smile appeared on his face. The smile vanished in an instant after Zhao Huan spoke again.

"Lord Qin, do you think it's right or wrong for me to be so wary of my ninth brother? If I hadn't fallen into Zhao Kai's trap back then, my ninth brother wouldn't have become disloyal to me. Although everything seems normal now that he's back, I'm really worried. I feel like he's changed, and I can't quite understand him anymore."

“Your Highness has overestimated him. The entire court is now under your control. Prince Kang is just a child who has been away from the capital for two or three years and has no influence there. How could he possibly affect Your Highness’s grand plan?”

Hearing Qin Hui say this, Zhao Huan breathed a sigh of relief. Yes, what did he have to worry about in Bianjing?

“Your Highness, there is one more thing. The people arranged by the Prince of Yun said that Princess Qishan sent someone to contact him, but we do not know what her intentions are.”

Zhao Huan laughed and said, "Don't worry about her. Her tricks are just to find a backer. Since she can't find a place for herself here with Ninth Brother and me, she's now targeting Third Brother. Little does she know that Third Brother is already in dire straits."

Seeing that there was nothing else to discuss, Qin Hui turned and withdrew. After leaving the East Palace, he stopped at the palace gate in front of a guard, whispered a few words to him, and then left the palace like a fish swimming in shallow water.

Volume Two: Eagle Soars Through the Sky 100 - A Secret Plan in a Closed Room

It's hard to believe that Fanlou, the most prosperous restaurant in Bianjing, actually has a tunnel that leads directly to the secret study of Prince Kang's mansion. Officials who seem to be there for a meal and entertainment can disappear from the table in an instant and reappear at the other end of the tunnel.

Qin Zhen sat anxiously with Zhao Gou in the basement of the study, waiting for the guests to arrive. She glanced at Zhao Gou from time to time, her expression of wanting to speak but unable to, which Zhao Gou understood perfectly.

Zhao Gou said, "Are you worried that I'm plotting to usurp the throne? Don't worry, I won't. I just want us to live a better life."

"Really? You really won't usurp the throne? You and Father secretly plotted against the Crown Prince, and now you've invited Fourth Senior Brother and Gao Qiu here. I have a feeling it's not that simple."

Zhao Gou looked at Qin Zhen with some disappointment and said, "You just need to trust me and follow me. I know you are worried that the court will be shaken and the people will suffer. I assure you, that won't happen."

Qin Zhen looked at Zhao Gou quietly for a while, then turned and walked out of the secret room, saying, "Since that's the case, I'll trust you. They'll be here soon, and it's not convenient for me to stay here. I'll wait for you in the study first."

“There’s nothing inconvenient about it, you can stay here,” Zhao Gou said, pulling Qin Zhen aside.

Just then, a knock came from a hidden wall in the secret room. Zhao Gou pushed open the mechanism and opened the secret door, whereupon Qin Hui, Gao Qiu, and Liang Shicheng arrived.

The group sat around in the secret room. Zhao Gou smiled and said, "I have invited you gentlemen here today because I have important matters to discuss. I thank you for gracing me with your presence."

Liang Shicheng sat there quietly, glancing at Zhao Gou and then at Qin Zhen. It was unclear what he was thinking. Qin Hui and Gao Qiu, hearing Zhao Gou's words, both replied, "Your Highness is too kind. We are willing to serve Your Highness."

"Let's have a small gathering tonight. I'll keep this conversation short to avoid arousing suspicion," Zhao Gou said solemnly. "I have received accurate information that my father will pass away within three days. I wonder what stance you gentlemen will take at that time?"

Qin Hui asked with some surprise, "His Majesty's illness has dragged on for over a year, why would Your Highness say that there might be a sudden change within three days?"

Gao Qiu, who was in charge of monitoring the imperial guards, was very familiar with Emperor Huizong's situation. Li Yan, Liang Shicheng's senior disciple, was Emperor Huizong's personal eunuch. He naturally knew that what Zhao Gou said was true, but he didn't know where Zhao Gou had learned it from.

Zhao Gou downplayed the issue, saying, "It doesn't matter where you find out. Please believe me, Lord Qin. I invited everyone here only to confirm what moves the Crown Prince, the Prince of Yun, and Grand Commandant Gao's imperial guards will make."

Gao Qiu tentatively asked, "Your Highness...do you have any plans? Any other intentions?"

Liang Shicheng's eyebrows twitched. He had previously suspected that Zhao Gou intended to seize the throne, but Qin Zhen had remained silent with his head down. So he didn't know what was going on. Now, hearing Gao Qiu's question, he was also looking forward to Zhao Gou's answer.

"I have no plans, I only hope that my brother can ascend the throne smoothly and ensure the stability of our Great Song Dynasty."

The three men looked at Zhao Gou with disbelief in their eyes upon hearing his answer. Qin Hui's eyes showed particular disappointment, a sight that pained Qin Zhen. It seemed her father's ambitions were even greater than Zhao Gou's!

Liang Shicheng spoke first: "The Prince of Yun is no longer a threat. Since the Emperor's health has gradually deteriorated and Tong Guan has suffered repeated defeats in the north, he knows that his power is gone and he lives a secluded life in his residence. Your Highness need not worry too much about him."

Gao Qiu chuckled and said, "One hundred thousand imperial guards are more than enough to protect the palace. Your Highness need not worry."

Zhao Gou asked Qin Hui, "What about the Crown Prince? Does he have any plans to reduce the power of his brothers after he ascends the throne?"

Hearing the coldness in Zhao Gou's words, everyone realized that Zhao Gou's true purpose tonight was to ensure that his own safety would not be threatened after Zhao Huan ascended the throne.

Qin Hui pondered for a moment and replied in a deep voice, "Although the Crown Prince realized that the rumors from back then were intentionally spread by the Prince of Yun, he is still very suspicious of you, Your Highness. I heard that... the pair of silver bracelets with misty rain that you sent, Your Highness, the Crown Prince even asked the imperial physician to check whether they were poisoned... In this regard... Your Highness, you should be more careful."

"Brother, has your suspicion reached this point?" Zhao Gou asked, a hint of disappointment in his eyes. "Is it deeply ingrained? How pathetic."

Qin Zhen was skeptical and asked, "Father, did the Crown Prince really do that?"

"Yes, Zhen'er, don't you believe your father's words?"

Qin Zhen frowned and said, "How could such a small rumor back then arouse such great suspicion in the Crown Prince? It makes no sense! The brotherhood between the Prince and the Crown Prince for more than ten years is gone just like that?"

Qin Hui looked at his daughter with displeasure. Having served Zhao Huan for many years, his actions and words had subtly influenced him, leading him to believe that Zhao Gou would significantly threaten his throne. Until now, no one had doubted him; why was it his own daughter who now harbored suspicion?

Just as he was worrying, Zhao Gou spoke up: "Brotherly affection? I originally thought that my relationship with him would be different from others, but now it seems that I was too naive. In the royal family, what kind of affection is there?"

Seeing Zhao Gou's anger, Qin Hui advised, "Even so, Your Highness need not worry too much. In recent years, the Crown Prince has promoted many loyal and brave ministers who have played a great role in the country. However, in other matters, the Crown Prince still needs to rely on me and Cai Xiao. Now Cai Xiao is focused on investigating the matter of the Prince of Yun, and the Crown Prince has ordered me to keep an eye on Your Highness's side. In that case... everything will be fine."

"Thank you, Lord Qin." Zhao Gou then said to Liang Shicheng and Gao Qiu, "I have another matter that I need your help with, and I hope you can..."

Qin Zhen was initially pondering the illogical aspects of Zhao Huan's change of heart, but was suddenly taken aback by Zhao Gou's next words. She held back until everyone had left before asking, "Why didn't you discuss this with me beforehand?"

Seeing that Qin Zhen was slightly annoyed, seemingly disagreeing with the plan he had just arranged, Zhao Gou explained, "I knew you wouldn't agree, so I made the decision on my own. Once everything is arranged, you can go back to the Qin residence first. When I return in a year or two, it will be your time to return. At that time, I will definitely welcome you back to the palace in style!"

Qin Zhen blushed, turned around and stamped her foot, saying, "Who asked you that! I'm asking why you suddenly have to go to the front lines to fight. This is different from being an envoy; it's a hundred times more dangerous!"

"How can a sword that has not been tempered be considered a true sword? I am now just a leisurely prince. If I want to gain the support of the court officials, I need to show some real skills."

"You...you still intend to rebel?"

Zhao Gou shook his head: "No, I'm just making sure I'm in an invincible position. No matter what I do, my elder brother will be wary of me, but compared to a prince with military achievements, do those ministers care about my life or death?"

"Since you've made this decision, I'm going to the battlefield with you. Don't even think about leaving me in Bianjing!" Qin Zhen said helplessly and willfully.

"You yourself said that fighting is a hundred times more dangerous, how can I let you go? Just stay at the Qin residence and wait for me to return."

Qin Zhen refused to listen, and Zhao Gou couldn't persuade him in time, so he had to use the "delaying tactic" and say that they would talk about it later.

Volume Two: Eagle Soars Through the Sky Chapter 101 The Former Emperor Departs, the New Emperor Emerges

Before the first month of the third year was over, the sound of funeral bells rang out over the palace, marking the end of his three years of illness and confinement to bed, and bringing his mediocre and dissolute imperial career to a close.

The red silk lanterns that had been set up for the New Year were quickly replaced. Everyone in the palace was busy without stopping, and the sounds of armor clashing and troops moving could be heard from time to time between the high walls.

All the concubines, princes, and ministers wore mourning clothes and performed the national funeral rites for Emperor Huizong. The sound of weeping filled the air, but it was unclear how many of them were truly grieving.

In the mourning hall, the women of the royal family knelt and prostrated themselves on the ground, their sobs echoing. Amidst this white expanse, a slender figure knelt in the front corner. Her straight back and mocking expression drew attention. She was none other than Lady Li Shishi, the Lady of Ying Kingdom who had been the most favored for the past four years.

Although she was dressed in mourning clothes and without makeup, she still had a beautiful face that was captivating. However, the cold and arrogant expression on her face sent chills down one's spine.

"Finally dead..." Li Shishi thought to herself. She felt a sense of satisfaction after revenge, but also a strange sense of loss and confusion. To avoid leaving any trace of poisoning, Li Shishi spent three years poisoning Emperor Huizong's food, disregarding her own life and consuming the poisoned food with him.

She thought desperately, "It's almost time. I'm going to die soon." Although she was decades younger than Emperor Huizong and much healthier, the poison she had ingested over the past three years had already accumulated in her body, and the poison would eventually take effect.

Driven by revenge, she sacrificed her youth, extinguished the budding romance of her past, and forced herself to fawn over those who disgusted her. Now, her revenge is complete. Yet, she can't help but wonder: Was it all worth it? Was it really worth it?

Li Shishi thought of Fan Tianxiang, who had waited for her outside the palace for many years. Her heart ached, but she maintained a cold expression. Taking a deep breath, she turned to the search area opposite the mourning hall, where the princes had gathered. Zhao Gou had promised her that if she protected Consort Wei in the palace, he would find a way to send her out of the palace after Emperor Huizong's death.

Even though her body was broken and frail, she still held onto hope for that person. She had to see him one more time, no matter what!

Zhao Gou had been keeping an eye on Li Shishi. Her lack of any sadness had caught his attention early on, and he couldn't help but laugh to himself: This woman doesn't even bother to pretend to be sad. She really has no feelings for my father!

Their eyes met. They both knew what the other was saying. Zhao Gou nodded to show he hadn't forgotten their promise, then turned and walked out of the mourning hall.

Outside the mourning hall, Zhao Gou searched for Qin Zhen, but all he could see were white-clad figures, making it impossible for him to find her. He sighed, feeling stifled, and walked towards a less crowded side hall.

He was playing around when a low voice reached Zhao Gou's ears. He was about to turn and leave when he vaguely heard the words "King Kang," which made him turn back and carefully approach to eavesdrop.

On the other side of the corridor, Zhao Huan and his minister Li Gang were talking. They both looked unwell and seemed to be arguing about something. Zhao Gou leaned closer to listen and finally heard what Li Gang was saying.

"...His words should be considered carefully. How can Your Highness take everything so seriously? Prince Kang and Your Highness grew up together. You are the one who knows him best. Don't you find what Lord Qin said very suspicious?"

Zhao Huan said with an impatient expression, "Minister Li, what you said makes sense, and I will reconsider. However, Minister Qin is thinking of me. He has assisted me for more than five years, and I absolutely believe in his loyalty. You... should not make any unfounded assumptions."

"Your Highness!" Li Gang seemed somewhat disappointed, pacing back and forth anxiously before saying, "Even if I have to be a villain today, I must speak my mind! Everyone has witnessed the affair between Lord Qin's daughter and His Highness Prince Kang. The Prince takes Miss Qin everywhere he goes, his affection for her rivaling that of you and the Crown Princess. Given such a relationship, if Lord Qin... if he intends for his daughter to become Empress, then..."

"shut up!"

Zhao Huan suddenly shouted to stop him and reprimanded Li.

"Does Minister Li know what he is saying? Are these words not at all unfounded? I have always thought that Minister Li is an upright gentleman and a virtuous minister of the court, but today I have to reconsider!"

"Your Highness!"

Zhao Huan ignored Li Gang's explanation and stormed off. When Zhao Gou saw Zhao Huan walking towards him, he quickly dodged around the corner and walked towards a crowded area.

As he pondered Li Gang's words, he walked aimlessly. The more he thought about it, the more he realized that Li Gang's words made sense. Recalling Qin Hui's previous hints to him, he realized that he had been "dull-witted" and had not yet understood what others had seen.

He gave a helpless smile when he suddenly saw Qin Zhen standing in front of him, pouting and with red eyes. He hurriedly asked, "What happened? Why are you crying?"

Qin Zhen wiped her eyes with her sleeve and complained, "Father is really making me angry. I can't reason with him. I'm never talking to him again!"

"So you went to see Lord Qin. I looked everywhere for you but couldn't find you. What happened? What did you two argue about?"

"Not yet..."

Qin Zhen looked at Zhao Gou and swallowed the rest of her words. She didn't want Zhao Gou to know that Qin Hui harbored ambitions to help him rebel. As long as he didn't have that idea, why keep reminding him? So she made up a reason to change the subject.

"It's all about whether or not I should go back home for the new year! Ever since my father found out you wanted to go to the front lines, he's been urging me to come back. I don't care, you figure that out yourself. I don't want to go back, I absolutely refuse!"

Zhao Gou smiled and patted Qin Zhen's head. Unbeknownst to him, he had already grown a head taller than Qin Zhen.

Princess Qishan, Yige, was in an awkward position as neither a concubine of Emperor Huizong nor a princess consort of a prince. She could only stay in her palace and wait for arrangements. However, she had dismissed all the palace maids from the palace today and looked anxious, as if she was waiting for someone.

"I am late, Princess, I apologize for keeping you waiting."

The palace doors were pushed open, and Prince Yun, Zhao Kai, walked in boldly through the main entrance. Yi Ge was so startled that she stepped forward and asked in a low voice, "Why did you come in like this? Aren't you afraid of being seen?"

Zhao Kai smiled nonchalantly and said, "Are you afraid of being seen? Wouldn't it be better if people saw? They could say that Princess Qishan couldn't stand being alone and was having an affair with Prince Yun. Wouldn't that be a perfect opportunity for you to marry into my Prince Yun's household?"