Chapter 006: The Warning from Consort Xiao

"Big brother, please, I don't want to go to prison, please, big brother." At this moment, Cao Hui was already stunned by Cao Yong's intimidation. Upon hearing that Cao Yong intended to throw him into jail, Cao Hui finally realized the gravity of the situation. He hurriedly crawled to Cao Yong's feet, grasping his pant leg and pleading incessantly.

At this moment, although Ying Rui was filled with immense anger, he was also incredibly excited. The Cao family had always been a major force supporting Ying She in ascending to the position of crown prince. After Ying She was deposed, his ability to remain in the capital as a king was largely due to the Cao family's influence. Once the Cao family fell, wouldn't there be no obstacles left for him to ascend to the position of crown prince

Ying Rui brought Ying Xuan to the inner hall, dismissed the palace maids and eunuchs serving in the palace, and then attentively listened to the news brought by Ying Xuan in the room

"I can't believe this is happening. The Cao family is too bold. Hmph, do they still think it's the time when Queen Saint Ann was alive?" After hearing Ying Xuan's words, Ying Rui immediately slammed the table in anger

"Go ahead," said Imperial Concubine Xiao, her demeanor once again turning into a stagnant pool, her face devoid of any expression, yet her voice sounded exceptionally melodious.

But why does Consort Xiao have to endure herself? Ying Xuan's heart was filled with uncertainty

Mother, I tell you—" Ying Rui glanced around and leaned close to Consort Xiao's ear to recount today's events once more

These more than thirty soldiers of the Shen Ce Army can walk with confidence in the capital. Given the temperament of that useless younger brother, after suffering a loss, he will undoubtedly seek to retaliate twice as hard. If, by any chance, he were to strike too hard and cause someone's death, it would lead to considerable trouble

After Cao Hui was taken away, Cao Yong finally became aware of the presence of Ying Xuan and Liu Zhong. Upon seeing Ying Xuan's face, Cao Hui was momentarily taken aback, feeling as if he had seen him somewhere before. He could not help but clasp his hands in greeting and asked, "May I inquire which esteemed gentleman's son you are? I am Cao Yong, and I am here to apologize on behalf of my brother to you."

I heard that a beautiful palace maid has recently been added to your mother, Empress Liu's, palace

However, it was not long before someone reported back that Cao Hui, injured, had come to the Shence Army's residence and was about to take away more than thirty people, as if he had encountered a setback

Yes. Little Guizi hurriedly retreated and rushed towards the right minister's residence.

Oh, it is indeed time to have someone to take care of in the room. Hehe, Xuan'er has grown up. Go ahead. The words of Consort Xiao are always so nonchalant, as if she is merely asking casually. Yet whether it is truly unintentional or intentional, I fear only she knows in her heart.

Ying Xuan did not understand why Imperial Concubine Xiao would do this, but did not dare to ask further. Seeing that Ying Rui had been sent to the study, he bowed and said, "If Your Highness has no other matters, then Xuan will take his leave first"

Ying Xuan knew that this matter must be reported to Ying Rui immediately, as only by leveraging Ying Rui's power could he deliver a painful lesson to the Cao family before they had a chance to react

Old Fourteen, you have arrived just in time. I am currently appreciating paintings with several distinguished scholars from the Sui Kingdom in the room. Come and take a look; among them, there are some calligraphies by your favorite Liu Gongquan. Ha ha

It is essential to be quick

Oh, is it really the case? Have you informed your uncle about it

Hurry up and go

A few fierce bodyguards approached and, like picking up a chick, grabbed and lifted Cao Hui. At this moment, Cao Hui was so frightened that his hands and feet went limp, and he did not dare to move, being escorted to the dungeon of the Shen Ce Army

If Master Cao has no further matters, then I shall take my leave

There was not a trace of surprise on the face of Consort Xiao, as calm as a lake undisturbed by waves, not even a ripple, as if she were listening to something quite ordinary. In his heart, Ying Xuan silently remarked, "Ginger indeed grows old and spicy."

A young eunuch promptly pushed the door open and hurriedly ran to Ying Rui's side, saying, "What orders do you have, my lord?"

The founding monarch of the Qin state was a martial figure, barely able to recognize a few characters. Therefore, the elders of the Ying family were most afraid of others mocking them for their lack of education, considering themselves to be unrefined and uncultured

Moreover, as the world was initially stabilized, the old victor also hoped to gain the recognition of the gentry within the Qin state. Therefore, the founding emperor of Qin ordered the collection of classic texts from across the realm, hoping to enhance the cultural level of the descendants of the old victor. However, it was not until the reign of Emperor Yanping, after three dynasties, that a prince named Ying Rui, who possessed extraordinary talent in poetry and literature, emerged. Consequently, Emperor Yanping took special care of Ying Rui, granting him permission to bring literati and scholars into the palace for mutual exchange and appreciation of the treasured texts and famous paintings in the palace's vault.

"Take this rebellious individual back to the prison. After my father and I report to the Emperor, the Emperor will make the final decision himself"

"You bastard, do you want to die? You treacherous scoundrel." At this moment, Cao Yong was seething with anger; this useless younger brother actually dared to utter such rebellious words in public. It was clear that any attempt to conceal the truth was futile. If someone with ill intentions were to catch wind of this, the Cao family would undoubtedly face a devastating blow, and there was even a risk of being subjected to a thorough investigation and annihilation, potentially implicating the Crown Prince as well.

"Let them go." At this moment, Cao Yong was too preoccupied to pay attention to Ying Xuan; his mind was solely focused on how to preserve his own position and that of the Cao family within the court. He waved his hand, signaling his personal guards not to make things difficult for Ying Xuan, avoiding unnecessary complications.

Cao Yong heard that his good-for-nothing younger brother, who only knew how to indulge in debauchery and cause trouble, had gotten into a fight in the bustling market again. Initially, he did not think much of it and ordered a few of his subordinates who were patrolling the streets to go take a look. Although he had little affection for that useless brother and the *tu* *shu* brother, he could not just stand by and watch, as he was still his brother after all.

As Ying Xuan was about to step out of the gates of Xinghua Palace, he suddenly heard a remark from behind him by Consort Xiao. Although Consort Xiao's voice sounded melodious and she spoke very slowly, delivering what seemed like a casual remark, to Ying Xuan's ears, it was as thunder striking from the heavens.

Thank you for your concern, Your Highness. Xuan'er takes his leave. After exiting the Xinghua Palace, Ying Xuan stopped a good distance away and let out a sigh of relief, but his back was already soaked. Ying Xuan understood that Consort Xiao would not inquire about a palace maid without reason; she must have known about the events of that night and was aware that the maid had not died.

This matter will certainly spread quickly, and Cao Fang the old thief will undoubtedly rush to the Emperor with his son to plead for forgiveness. We must report this to the Emperor before he arrives. You must hurry and accompany me to see the Emperor

This Great Qin is the realm of my old winner, not that of the Cao family. " After saying this, Ying Rui quickly picked up the brush on the table and wrote a letter. After sealing it carefully with wax, he called out: "Xiao Guizi"

Return to the palace to find the Thirteenth Brother, the Cao family is too arrogant this time, we must teach them a good lesson, so they understand whose world this truly is, humph

Fortunately, the place where Ying Xuan was located was not far from the imperial palace, and soon he arrived at the Xinghua Palace where Ying Rui was.

"Yes, Your Majesty." Ying Rui glanced helplessly at Ying Xuan, sighed, and angrily walked towards the study.

Rui'er, where are you and Xuan'er in such a hurry to go?

"Be quiet, what do you mean by 'old thief'? How inappropriate. Hurry to the study, do not keep them waiting in anxiety." Xiao Guifei's expression suddenly turned serious, startling Ying Rui.

What use is it to realize your mistake now? Hmph, take this scoundrel away from me

Ying Rui and He Tushu Ying Xuan were preparing to meet Emperor Yanping when they unexpectedly encountered Consort Xiao.

Ying Rui was taken aback, not understanding what Concubine Xiao meant: "Mother, I must go to Father now; if I delay, that old thief will seize the opportunity first"

Elder brother, I know I was wrong, I won't dare again, please don't lock me up in prison, I don't want to go to that dreadful place, elder brother, I know I was wrong, please let me go

"Young Master, where shall we go now?" Liu Zhong quietly asked, knowing that Ying Xuan was in a bad mood.

Ying Xuan, suppressing his fear, turned around and bowed, saying: "My mother believes I have grown up, so she found a palace maid to take care of me closely"

Cao Yong grew increasingly alarmed as he thought about the situation, so he hurriedly took a few personal guards and went out to assess the circumstances. To his surprise, as soon as he arrived, he heard his useless younger brother brazenly making outrageous claims, each statement capable of leading to the Cao family's confiscation of property and extermination.

Xinghua Palace is not far from Ningyuan Palace, where Concubine Liu resides. Ying Xuan, in a daze, returned to his own room, only to be taken by Liu Zhong, who had been waiting there, to Concubine Liu's chamber

Oh. Ying Rui noticed the serious expression on Ying Xuan's face, realizing that the matter was quite significant. "Come with me."

However, Ying Rui did not dare to go against the words of Consort Xiao, yet he felt somewhat unwilling.

"Without the command of the supreme leader, you shall not pass." The two personal guards of Cao Yong, seeing that Ying Xuan was so disrespectful to their leader, could not help but feel anger in their hearts. They reached out to block Ying Xuan's path.

At this moment, Ying Rui was discussing several renowned calligraphies and paintings recently retrieved from the palace's treasure vault with a few literati in the palace. Suddenly, a eunuch outside reported that Ying Xuan had arrived, which took him by surprise. He then said to the people in the room: "Please enjoy for a moment; I will be back shortly."

Ying Rui felt an indescribable excitement in his heart. In the past, everything had been done for him by his mother and uncle. This time, he could finally act on his own, which inevitably filled him with a sense of pride. He fully expected to receive praise from Concubine Xiao, but to his surprise, she merely said, "Rui'er, I heard that there are several renowned scholars from Jiangnan of the Sui Dynasty waiting for you in your room. You shouldn't keep them waiting."

Yes, my lord, I will personally deliver the letter to the Prime Minister.

Hmph. Ying Xuan let out a heavy snort, pushing aside the Divine Strategy Army soldier blocking his way, and strode out.

Xinghua Palace was built by Emperor Yanping to facilitate the meetings between Consort Xiao and Ying Rui, located just a wall apart from Consort Xiao's palace

The child has already sent a message to the uncle through Xiao Guizi. Now the child is preparing to go to Father Emperor with the Fourteenth Brother to report the matter before the old thief Cao takes action, ensuring that he will be unable to escape the consequences.

Immediately, a group of cultured scholars surrounded Ying Rui, and even the literati from the Shu and Sui states rushed to the Qin state, hoping to gain a glimpse of the treasure vault of Qin.

"Young Master Cao, you are too polite; I am merely a commoner and cannot bear such great courtesy from you." Ying Xuan was extremely angry with Cao Hui and consequently felt no goodwill towards the Cao family.

Initially, Cao Yong did not pay much attention, after all, Xijing was the capital of the Great Qin, where the royal power and nobility were as numerous as the stars in the sky. It was normal for Cao Hui to encounter obstacles, but sending out more than thirty elite soldiers all at once seemed somewhat excessive. Although the capital was filled with countless princes and ministers, there was not a single household capable of maintaining more than fifty warriors. Moreover, to maintain warriors, one must possess a noble rank of at least a duke; otherwise, once discovered, it would lead to the destruction of their family and the confiscation of their property. Although the capital was filled with countless princes and ministers, there was not a single household capable of maintaining more than fifty warriors. Moreover, to maintain warriors, one must possess a noble rank of at least a duke; otherwise, once discovered, it would lead to the destruction of their family and the confiscation of their property

Brother Thirteen, let us discuss the painting another time; I have an important matter to convey to you this time.

You are to take this letter to the Right Chancellor's residence immediately and personally deliver it into the hands of the Chancellor. Do you understand