Peasant Woman’s Decreed Life as a Wife-Chapter 2340 - 2337: A Guilty Conscience

"Then tell me, Xiao Tianhao appearing by Madam’s side, could it be a coincidence? It must be the Emperor’s intention."

"Did the Emperor cooperate with Madam on today’s matter?" a strategist asked, surprised.

Li Chongjin’s eyes brightened but then quickly dimmed again, saying cautiously, "This matter that we can ascertain, others will surely come to know as well. Even though the assassination of Hera might be Father’s intention, there isn’t any evidence. How Father decides cannot be affected by this matter." Li Chongjin did not directly state the Emperor Xuanming’s use of Madam, but everyone present was smart enough to understand his unspoken words.

Feeling somewhat regretful for Chu Heng in his heart.

"Yet if this matter truly is related to Father, regardless of the final outcome, the Chu family need not worry."

"Since Father is strongly inclined against Beirong without tolerance, we should also make some arrangements."

"Prince, what are your orders?"

Li Chongjin pointed to one of the strategists and said, "Mr. Qu, you previously made contact with people from Second Prince of Beirong. You should secretly head to the Northern Region, meet with him and inquire if there’s a possibility for long-term business."

"Yes, Prince, you are wise."

Li Chongjin lightly shook his head, a slight smile flickering across his lips, unnoticed by outsiders, before he restrained it and returned to seriousness: "The Qi family’s Grand Secretary Qi has close ties with the Great Prince of Beirong, and now the Qi family is also sending people to contact Hetu and others. According to the messages sent back from Beirong, Hetu publicly aligns with the Second Prince, but who knows whose side he’s on secretly? Regardless of who he is with, we must also send people to connect with him; at the very least, we cannot let the Qi family easily reach any agreements with them."

The young man rubbed his chin: "Prince, how about you leave this matter to me?"

"Hmm, hard work then. The Qi family has developed in the Jiangnan area for many years, and they have significant funds at their disposal, which presumably gives them more confidence than us. Convincing Hetu is quite a difficult task. Our only advantage is that for now, I remain in the Northern Region, which makes it somewhat easier than for the Qi family. However, they also have personnel within the military, so our advantage isn’t significant."

"Therefore, we just need to confirm whether Hetu is cooperating with the Qi family. Should a business deal fall through, it doesn’t matter; the key is to connect secretly with the Second Prince of Beirong."

A few strategists nodded. 𝗳𝚛𝚎𝚎𝘄𝕖𝕓𝕟𝕠𝚟𝚎𝕝.𝗰𝕠𝐦

They all left to develop their own forces.

This winter hunting event ended hastily due to the unexpected incident.

As the main group headed back.

The unconscious Chu Heng was also escorted back, with the Emperor Xuanming dispatching a sizable number of guards.

This made several officials who harbored thoughts about the Chu family have to suppress their schemes at heart, fearing an encounter at this time, furrowing their brows.

It was clear to perceptive observers that Emperor Xuanming felt guilty towards Chu Heng; though it’s uncertain how much this guilt would last over time.

But for now, there’s no doubt the Emperor hasn’t given up on Chu Heng.

Even Minister Qi Shang and others, sitting in the carriage, seeing the Chu family’s carriage closely shadowed by the Emperor’s entourage, guarded so tightly.

Not willing to discuss Chu Heng’s situation right now.

After all, Chu Heng remained unconscious, and who knows when he will recover? Why focus on a dying person when the current priority is the war with Beirong and determining how much profit can be secured.

"Sir, Chu Heng is truly favored. This unexpected incident, I reckon the Emperor didn’t foresee."

"Heh, now the Emperor is showing such concern for Chu Heng."