Chapter 1219: War Drums Beat

ts first. However, searching the mountains is for Xier's mother, my stepmother. This is a decision I have made.""My lord, I believe it would be more efficient to have the late queen's portrait painted..."There's no rush to go back. Since there's nothing happening on the border, let them stay with their mother for a while longer and spend more time with her."

Even though Emperor Yuan Zhao said so, Empress Shu knew that this time when Cheng entered the capital, the emperor would definitely test him in every way. She had also heard about what happened in Tumu Fortress before, and there were officials in court who impeached Cheng, saying that he deliberately gave credit to Feng Aotiān, flattering him and trying to win him over.

The city already had a formidable army of 500,000, which was enough to make the Emperor wary. Now, he was being impeached for allegedly trying to influence influential officials in the court. This wasn't a trivial matter. Feng Aotian was the Generalissimo, regardless of whether he was actually involved or not, this had become a thorn in the Emperor's side.

Emperor Yuan Zhao looked at Empress Shutai's worried eyes and sighed, "Mother Empress, there's something I have to tell you. This matter is of great importance. When Prince Chen returned to the capital this time, I hope you can help me persuade him to hand over his military power. Several officials in court have already impeached him."

"Your Majesty, this matter the concubine will discuss with Cheng'er. The concubine also has this intention. Taking advantage of this trip to the capital, let Cheng'er return the military power to Huai Shang. As the world is now peaceful and prosperous, this military power should also be returned to Your Majesty."

Though Empress Shu Tai smiled, her heart was heavy with worry after the Emperor's words.

As she had expected, the Emperor coveted Cheng'er's 500,000 troops. If Cheng'er refused to hand over the military power, he would likely be accused of amassing troops for personal gain, colluding with court officials, and plotting a rebellion.

She used to be carefree, but now that Cheng'er has a wife and children, he has a weakness.

Upon hearing the empress dowager's words, Emperor Yuanzhao was overjoyed.

“I knew that my mother and I had the same thoughts, all for the sake of Prince Chen. Now that the military power is handed over, after this matter passes, I will return it to him. After all, as the prince guarding the border, he cannot be without military power.”

"Your Majesty, now that the country is enjoying peace and prosperity, and with General Zhen Guo protecting it, the military power should rightfully be handed over to him. The prince has been given a manor in the capital, so he can stay there peacefully. There's no need to give him military power as well, lest it cause discontent among the court officials."

"I'll take a look then."

Emperor Yuan Zhao was pleased and had no intention of giving the military power back to Dugu City. He gradually stripped Dugu City of all his authority, intending to see if he could still be arrogant without any power.

In time, he will make him a useless idle prince.

As soon as the carriage arrived in the capital, Emperor Yuan Zhao had people thoroughly clean up the former Four Prince's Mansion. The signboard above was changed to "Chen Wangfu," and the interior furnishings remained unchanged, simply cleaned and tidy.

It's just that the people in this mansion, including the steward and the old mamas, have all been replaced. They are all newly recruited. Emperor Yuan Zhao ordered it, and let Dugu Cheng return and live directly in Chen Wangfu. It can be considered a great imperial grace.

After a long and tiring journey by boat and carriage, Dugu City and Feng Lingxi returned home. Dugu City immediately bathed and changed his clothes, preparing to enter the palace to greet the emperor. However, he received an order stating that there was no need to enter the palace for a personal audience. He could simply wait until the Empress Dowager's birthday to enter the palace together with civil and military officials to celebrate her birthday.

There are still five days until the birthday, which means they cannot enter the palace for these five days without summons and can only stay in the mansion.

"It seems the Emperor treats you equally now."

Feng Ling Xi helped Dugu Cheng put on his clothes. It had been a long time since he'd returned, and this return was quite unexpected.

"I heard that someone in court impeached me, saying that I colluded with Feng Aotian to plot against the throne. The king is helpless, and now that the emperor has spoken, we will stay at home and await summons."

Duke Gu Cheng pulled Feng Ling Xi down and sat her down, poured her a cup of water, glanced at the maid at the door, and whispered, "They are all informants."

Feng Lingxi hummed in response and changed the subject.

Later, we'll take Wan'er to get familiar with the surroundings. It's rare for her to return to Beijing once, so these few days, let's treat her well to food and drink, and have a good time playing all over the capital city.

"Wherever you want to go, I'll take you there. It just so happens that we can buy some things she likes. We'll bring them back to Linxi County then. There are quite a few things here that you can't find over there."

Both Dugu Cheng and Feng Lingxi's words were trivial matters, and the maidservants and old ladies they planted in the house were all Emperor Yuan Zhao's informants. Every move of Feng Lingxi and Dugu Cheng was under their surveillance, and it soon reached Emperor Yuan Zhao's ears.

And who else came back with them

When Emperor Yuanzhao inquired, the kneeling Nanny hurriedly replied, "Reporting to Your Majesty, there is also Feng Yixuan, the eldest son of General Zhen Guo's mansion. He returned to the capital with King Chen this time. After returning to the capital, the couple went straight back to Zhen Guo Mansion."

Isn't Feng Yi Xuan the person from Feng Ling Xi He actually went to Zhen Guo Fu this time he came back

Emperor Yuan Zhao narrowed his eyes, very puzzled by Feng Yi Xuan's actions.

He heard that after Feng Yixuan followed Feng Lingxi, he married a woman and refused to return to Feng Aotians side. How could he return to the capital and back to Zhen Guofu now

"Keep a close eye on Feng Yixuan. Don't let up on the Chen Wangfu, report his whereabouts daily."

"The old servant obeys."

"Your Majesty, treating the Prince of Chen this way... if the Empress Dowager were to ask, wouldn't she be heartbroken"

Zhao Gong openly stated, Emperor Yuan Zhao sneered, "I am the emperor, this is all following protocol, treating everyone equally."

"But this Prince Chen has fifty thousand troops at his command. If we anger him, I fear that Prince Chen will be forced into rebellion."

If he truly wanted to rebel, he would have done it already. He's not as free and unrestrained as he used to be. Don't forget, his wife, daughter, and mother are all his weaknesses. These three women bind him; even if he had the will, he would have to consider their lives.

"Your Majesty is wise, the servant has overthought things."

Emperor Yuan Zhao raised his hand, "Zhao Gonggong, is there any news from Wang Yu"

"It's been two days since the Crown Prince returned, but the Duke of Honors has not visited him."

"This King has always been on good terms with the Prince of Chen before. This time, the Prince of Chen entered the capital, he couldn't possibly not look for him. You send someone to keep an eye on him, and if there is any news, inform this King immediately. Also, summon the Chancellor to see me."

Emperor Yuan Zhao spoke, and Grand Chamberlain Zhao immediately responded, hurrying to carry out his orders.

On the bustling streets of the capital city, Dugu City and Feng Lingxi were walking with Wan'er. On this bright and sunny day, taking Wan'er out shopping was enough to make her overjoyed.

Yexi and Xiaoli followed behind them, both holding quite a few things in their hands.

From food, clothing to everyday necessities, everything you could possibly need is available here.

"Candied haws!"

Wan'er excitedly pointed at the candied haws and said, "Father, Mother, Wan'er wants that."

Dugu Cheng hurried over to the sugar gourd vendor, "Give me a string of sugar gourds."

The peddler complied, picking a string of candied fruit for Dugu City and lowering his voice with a smile. "Zi Shi, the Marquis's mansion awaits."

Dugu City watched as the peddler resumed his hawking, then took the candied haws back to Wan'er's side and picked her up.

"Daddy, Wan'er wants to eat the good wine and dishes from the Beijing restaurant."r's idea. She didn't let my mother have any more children because she wanted a daughter when she gave birth to eight sons in the first place. She was afraid that my mother would follow in her footstep...