Chapter 252 Zhao Gou’s patience is exhausted
Since Zhao Gou returned to the throne, the atmosphere in the court has fallen into a delicate balance.
Qin Hui was at the height of his power, and his power was overwhelming, while Wan Qixi, the newly appointed right minister, was fully expecting to shine in this political storm.
Late that night, with the palace lanterns swaying, Wan Qixi knelt in front of the emperor and listened to Zhao Gou's secret order - to go to the Kingdom of Jin as an envoy.
Wan Qixi was ecstatic, but his face showed no expression. He just bowed deeply and decided to go to the Kingdom of Jin. He must handle this matter well and let the emperor see his loyalty. "Your Majesty, I will do my best to live up to my holy expectations."
Zhao Gou nodded slightly and said in a deep voice: "Mr. Wan, I know you are resourceful. This trip to the Kingdom of Jin is not only to consolidate diplomatic relations, but also to find out the strengths and weaknesses of the Kingdom of Jin and make plans for me in the future."
As he spoke, he tapped the imperial case with his fingers, as if he was thinking about a bigger plan.
A glint flashed in Wan Qixi's eyes, and he leaned forward and said, "I obey the order. This trip will be carried out properly and live up to His Majesty's high expectations."
A few days later, Wan Qixi led a delegation of hundreds of people to the north.
In order to please the Emperor Wanyan Zonghan of the Kingdom of Jin, Zhao Gou ordered a special envoy to carry a large amount of gold and silver treasures, and ten carefully selected beauties accompanied him.
Wan Qixi was secretly proud, thinking that during this mission, he would definitely be able to show his face in front of the Emperor of Jin.
In the Imperial Palace of Yanjing, Wanyan Zonghan couldn't help but be happy when he heard that the Song Dynasty envoy had arrived and brought generous gifts. He sent an order to summon Wan Qixi, hoping to find out for himself the truth of the Song Dynasty.
Yanjing, the Imperial Palace of the Kingdom of Jin.
Wanyan Zonghan sat high on the dragon chair. He listened to the reports from Jin officials below and learned that the Song Dynasty delegation was about to arrive. A proud smile appeared on his lips.
Wan Qixi walked into the hall surrounded by everyone. He lowered his head and did not dare to move his eyes at all.
Wanyan Zonghan felt more and more proud as he looked at him groveling.
"The envoy of the Song Dynasty, Wan Qixi, came to see His Majesty the Emperor of the Jin Kingdom. I wish His Majesty a long life."
Wan Qixi's voice echoed in the hall, looking particularly humble.
Wanyan Zonghan raised his hand slightly to signal him to stand flat.
His eyes looked at Wan Qixi's body for a moment, and then he said slowly: "Why is Wan Qixi here so important?"
Wan Qixi's heart tightened, knowing that the critical moment had arrived.
He quickly took out a gift list from his sleeve and presented it with both hands, "I am here to present a generous gift to Your Majesty as ordered by our emperor to show our respect and surrender to the Kingdom of Jin."
Wanyan Zonghan took the gift list and glanced at it, and saw the densely packed treasures and names of beauties on it. He nodded with satisfaction and motioned for his men to accept the gift.
Then he looked at Wan Qixi's groveling appearance, and his heart became even more proud.
"Master Wan is so respectful, I should accept it with a smile. But..."
Wanyan Zonghan deliberately prolonged his voice, making Wan Qixi's heart rise to his throat, "I heard that the military power of the Song Dynasty is still in the hands of Princess Zhao Yingluo. I wonder if this is the case?"
Wan Qixi hurriedly bowed and replied: "Your Majesty is aware of everything, but there is something you don't know. Now the power of troop deployment is under the control of our emperor. Our emperor is wise and powerful, and he will handle it properly."
Wanyan Zonghan laughed loudly when he heard this, "Hahaha! Envoy Wan is really good at understatement. In this case, I won't ask any more questions. But I still have to remind you that if you want me to fully support you in courting the emperor, the Song Dynasty You must show sincerity!”
Wan Qixi quickly bowed his head and said yes, "If our emperor takes full power, he will definitely restore the Sui Coin Agreement."
Wanyan Zonghan looked at Wan Qixi's humble appearance, and his pride reached its peak.
He waved Wan Qixi to retreat, and then summoned his confidants to discuss the matter secretly. "This Wan Qixi is indeed a weakling." Wanyan Zonghan said with a sneer, "It's a blessing for me to have such officials in power in the Song Dynasty!"
Since Wan Qixi went to the Kingdom of Jin as an envoy, Zhao Gou's mood has been like the thick clouds over Kaifeng, which has never cleared up.
He looked forward to the early arrival of King Qin's soldiers and horses from all over the country day and night to help him remove the military power from the hands of the imperial sister Zhao Yingluo and completely eliminate the dissident forces in the Forbidden Army.
However, as the days passed, he still couldn't wait for the news he was looking forward to, which made Zhao Gou feel more and more restless.
After the court ended, Zhao Gou sat alone on the dragon chair, looking at the empty court and Qin Hui alone, feeling an indescribable loneliness and helplessness in his heart.
He knew that his situation was dire - not long after he returned to the throne, his foundation was not stable, and the power of the imperial army fell into the hands of Zhao Yingluo.
This situation made him feel on pins and needles, unable to sleep or eat well.
Qin Hui observed the words and expressions, and when he saw Zhao Gou's serious expression, he asked softly: "Your Majesty, what's bothering you?" Zhao Gou sighed and told Qin Hui all the worries in his heart.
Qin Hui was silent for a moment after hearing this, with a sinister light flashing in his eyes.
He once again proposed the plan to assassinate Zhao Yingluo to Zhao Gou, and said sincerely: "Your Majesty, the only solution now is to cut through the mess quickly. If Zhao Yingluo is not eliminated, your Majesty's throne will be unstable. I am willing to do this for you. Your Majesty, please relieve your worries and eliminate this serious problem."
Zhao Gou's heart moved when he heard this, and he knew that he didn't have much time to hesitate.
He took a deep breath and nodded slowly: "What Qin Qing's family said is true. I'll leave this matter to you."
When Qin Hui saw that Zhao Gou agreed, he was very happy and immediately took the order and left.
The conversation between Qin Hui and Han Qi slowly unfolded in the secret room of Zuixian Tower. The dim candlelight gave their figures a mysterious color.
There was a detailed layout map of the palace on the table, and Qin Hui's fingers lightly traced it, as if searching for a crucial location.
Qin Hui broke the silence first, his voice low and powerful: "Han Qi, how familiar are you with the palace?" His eyes stared at Han Qi closely, as if looking for the slightest hesitation or uncertainty.
Han Qi replied expressionlessly: "My lord, I already know every corner and every secret passage in the palace." His voice was firm and confident, as if he was talking about a trivial matter.
Qin Hui nodded slightly, a glimmer of satisfaction flashed in his eyes: "Very good. What are your plans on the night of July 7th?"
Han Qi pondered for a moment, and then said slowly: "On the night of July 7th, I will take advantage of the laxity of the palace guards to sneak into Zhao Yingluo's palace and assassinate her in one fell swoop."
His finger traced a secret route on the palace layout map, and the end point was marked by Zhao Yingluo's bedroom.
Qin Hui frowned slightly, as if he was not very satisfied with this plan: "That's it? What if it fails?"
Han Qi smiled calmly: "Don't worry, sir, I have already set up spies in the palace. Once my actions change, they will immediately create chaos for me and cover my evacuation."
When Qin Hui heard this, his brows relaxed slightly: "That's very good. However, you have to remember that this matter is of great importance. You can only succeed, not fail!"
His tone suddenly became stern, as if to emphasize the importance of this matter.
Han Qi nodded, a cold light flashing in his eyes: "Don't worry, sir, I will definitely fulfill my mission."
Qin Hui looked at Han Qi, as if trying to find more confidence in his eyes.
He took a deep breath, and then said slowly: "Okay, then I'll wait for your good news."
