Chapter 298: Chapter 241: Let Them Fight Like the Crane and the Clam

"Alright, I’m heading back now. When your master arrives, have someone inform me again.

I’m actually quite busy with the Empress Dowager’s birthday banquet, hoping nothing goes wrong," Zhen’er said, her expression slightly anxious.

Shen Ruoxi nodded gently, "Go quickly then! If anything happens, let us know."

Zhen’er replied, "Alright, I’m leaving now." With that, she turned and hurried off.

Watching Zhen’er’s figure gradually recede, Jun Moling seemed lost in thought, his gaze deep and distant.

"Husband, this thing must not fall into the wrong hands, nor can anyone know about it." Shen Ruoxi lowered her voice, looking tense and a bit uneasy.

Jun Moling reached out and embraced her, whispering softly, "Don’t worry! I know what to do."

Shen Ruoxi nodded slightly, yet still felt unsettled inside, like a restless little rabbit beating inside her chest.

Meanwhile, in the Imperial Study Room with the Emperor, the atmosphere was heavy and solemn.

No serving maids or eunuchs were present, only Xiao Chengyi kneeling on the ground all alone.

"Do you know why I summoned you over?" the Emperor casually sipped his tea, his tone seeming calm, yet hiding a deeper meaning.

Xiao Chengyi respectfully replied, "This humble servant does not know."

Beads of sweat dotted his forehead, his heart filled with apprehension, unable to fathom the Emperor’s thoughts.

The Emperor nodded slightly, gesturing for him to rise and take a seat.

Xiao Chengyi thanked him for the seat, but his inner anxiety did not diminish in the slightest, his eyes full of doubt, unclear of the Emperor’s purpose in summoning him.

The Emperor sighed softly, slowly saying, "Young General Xiaotan, you’re aware that our General of the Country has already gone to the Shen Mansion to become a Marquis, right?"

Xiao Chengyi’s heart skipped a beat, his eyes widening instantly—what on earth did the Emperor mean by this?

He lifted his eyes, disbelief practically written across his face, "Your Majesty, I naturally know, you, you..."

At this point, his words faltered.

The Emperor smiled faintly, his expression as gentle as a spring breeze, "Just like Young General’s thoughts, I plan to assign this position to you."

Hearing this, Xiao Chengyi’s heart surged with joy, like a torrent surging within.

However, reason ultimately prevailed, "Your Majesty, although I’m thrilled with your favor, I lack the qualifications to undertake this great responsibility, and the court ministers will not agree."

The Emperor contemplated quietly, seeing some self-awareness in him.

He smiled gently and said, "Prince Zhan went to battle before he was twenty, and you’re twenty-one this year, aren’t you? What’s stopping you?

As for those veteran ministers, I will explain to them personally. Empowering young people breathes youth and vitality into the court, the only question is whether you have the capability?"

Xiao Chengyi understood clearly that this was an offer he couldn’t refuse. The position of General of the Country represented future military power, a chance to rival Jun Moling, something he had always longed for.

Jun Moling’s dominance left him unable to lift his head, and Shen Ruoxi looked down on him even more.

Over the years, although he seemed infinitely glorious, people said he was living off a woman.

Whether with Shen Ruoxi, relying on her, or with Zhen’er, relying on her too.

Because of this, no matter how high he climbed, he felt inferior to others.

Especially after they both left, it was said that Xiao Family had no fortune, one married Prince Zhan and became the Princess Consort, while the other became wealthy, leaving him with unresolved anger.

This time, he was determined to rely entirely on himself. Once he secured military power, no one would dare look down on him again, and when that time came, he’d have enough capital to win back his lady.

"I am naturally confident, and I only need Your Majesty’s favor," Xiao Chengyi declared firmly, his gaze resolute.

The Emperor nodded subtly, examining him with a critical gaze, "Indeed, I have not misjudged you, Young General Xiao. I have a few more questions, and you must answer truthfully."

"Yes," Xiao Chengyi responded obediently.

"Do you regret the separation from Shen Ruoxi?" The Emperor’s voice seemed calm, yet it carried a penetrating force.

Xiao Chengyi’s heart clenched. He wanted to shout, "I regret it deeply," but knew he could never reveal such thoughts.

He was aware of the Emperor’s affection for Shen Ruoxi, so he couldn’t speak the truth.

"Your Majesty, of course there is regret; because I truly took a moment of confusion for true love at the time, but now Ruoxi is already the Princess Consort, I can only sincerely wish her happiness," Xiao Chengyi spoke insincerely, striving to maintain a peaceful and respectful demeanor.

The Emperor nodded, unchanged, "It’s good you think this way. Don’t blame me for the separation at the time, and in the future, live well with your new bride."

"Yes!" Xiao Chengyi answered respectfully, beads of sweat already forming on his forehead, fearing punishment for deception.

The Emperor’s lips curved slightly, though his heart was as clear as a mirror.

Xiao Chengyi might deceive others, but not him.

He knew well of the resentment in Xiao Chengyi’s heart; otherwise, he wouldn’t have caused so much trouble.

Yet, he didn’t expose it. Elevating Xiao Chengyi to a higher position was to pit him against Jun Moling.

The saying goes, ’The enemy of my enemy is my friend.’ It would be a waste not to use this opportunity? He merely had to sit back and reap the benefits.

Some might criticize Xiao Chengyi’s qualifications, but he could cultivate a few more individuals.

This would not only force Xiao Chengyi to strive to keep his position but also quiet the old conservatives—what’s not to like?

"Isn’t your sister released from Nvzhen Hall?" The Emperor suddenly asked, changing the subject.

Xiao Chengyi was slightly stunned, then replied, "Yes!"

"She must be sixteen this year, right? Has she any suitable suitors?" The Emperor spoke kindly, his tone gentle and showing some care.

Xiao Chengyi was full of doubt, not understanding why the Emperor was so concerned about his sister, so he softly said, "Your Majesty, my younger sister is indeed sixteen, but I’m currently considering suitors for her, so there’s no rush yet."

"Doesn’t your sister have any thoughts of her own?" The Emperor asked casually, his tone easygoing.

Hearing this, Xiao Chengyi was stunned immediately, full of shock.

He really didn’t understand why the Emperor would ask this; had the Emperor heard something? Xiao Chengyi’s thoughts became a mess instantly.

Old Mrs. Xiao, truly an old fox, her methods were quite fierce.

She pondered deeply and decided to strike first by stirring public opinion, spreading rumors that Prince Zhan intended to take Xiao Chengyu as a concubine.

In this way, even if her granddaughter’s reputation suffered, Prince Zhan would find it hard to refuse. As long as she could get her granddaughter into the Prince Mansion, Old Mrs. Xiao cared for nothing else.

Thus, the matter reached the Emperor’s ears, unsurprisingly.

He thought it wasn’t a bad plan; at least it might annoy Shen Ruoxi and create a rift between the couple.

However, others might not know the deep bond between Jun Moling and Shen Ruoxi, but Xiao Chengyi did.

He knew well that if his sister entered the Prince Mansion, she would end up widowed and merely a pawn, ruining her life.

So, he was determined to stop it.

"Your Majesty, my younger sister has been spoiled by my mother, not knowing heaven from earth.

Moreover, I recall Prince Zhan once said, in this life, there is only one woman for him, the Princess Consort. He swore this, and even you, Your Majesty, can’t change it. Your Majesty, I have my own plans for her marriage." Xiao Chengyi spoke earnestly, his gaze resolute.

The Emperor thought for a moment, nodding slightly, "Very well, proceed as you see fit."

Xiao Chengyi hadn’t expected the Emperor to let him decide so easily, feeling a subtle sense that something was amiss.

After all, why would a monarch inquire about his sister for no reason?

Even though he was filled with suspicion, he still respectfully said, "Thank you, Your Majesty."

The Emperor’s lips pressed together slightly, a subtle, enigmatic smile appearing, his eyes flickering with a deeper meaning.

Some matters required no action from him; naturally, people would rush to handle them as he merely needed to wait patiently.

"There is nothing more for me to ask. If Young General Xiao has no other matters, you may leave. Tomorrow morning, I will issue an edict appointing you." The Emperor spoke lazily.

"Thank you, Your Majesty." Xiao Chengyi’s voice revealed his excitement, holding military power meant holding the lifeline of the entire nation.

Upon exiting the Imperial Study Room, Xiao Chengyi’s sense of unease grew stronger, but the excitement temporarily suppressed it.

He kept thinking that the day Shen Ruoxi returned to him wasn’t far off, making other concerns seem trivial!