Chapter 404

When the Third Prince arrived at Noble Consort Li’s Changqiu Palace, his face was full of pride and smugness.

When Noble Consort Li saw him, she was shocked. “Why did you come here? His Majesty has grounded me, and no one is allowed to visit me. If someone sees you here, we’ll be doomed!”

“Mother, you don’t have to worry. Father Emperor is no longer in the mood to care about us. He is completely focused on how to deal with the Fifth Prince and his people.”

“Baili Junyi?” Noble Consort Li frowned. “What’s going on?” She was grounded, and the spies around her had also been cleaned up, so she was ignorant of many issues.

Thinking of Baili Junyi’s recent miserable state, the Third Prince was especially delighted. “Mother, you have no idea. Father Emperor has stripped off Baili Junyi’s title and even reprimanded Shen Ninghua. Now, they are grounded in the Fifth Prince Mansion. Also, not only has Father Emperor removed his title, but he has also ordered Dragon Scale Army to take away all the things that could only be possessed by a royal prince. It’s almost like he is confiscating Baili Junyi’s house. Two days ago, for some reason, Father Emperor wanted to raise their two kids in the palace, but both of them refused, and now, they are grounded in their mansion. Oh, Father Emperor almost killed Baili Junyi in the court with a sword because he refused the marriage bestowed by the imperial edict! Haha!”

Thinking of the previous scene, the Third Prince was amused and delighted.

Noble Consort Li’s expression changed slightly, and a trace of joy flashed in her eyes. Then she quickly hid it. “Is that so? But, are you sure these were not the trap they set up?” Right now, she was extremely afraid of Shen Ninghua. Not only did she fail to frame Shen Ninghua in several attempts, but all of her spies had also been removed. At this moment, the Emperor’s love for her had also plummeted. If she fell into Shen Ninghua’s trap again this time, she would never be able to make a comeback in this life.

“Mother, you’re worried for nothing. Do you think Baili Junyi is capable enough to persuade Father Emperor to put on a play with them? Oh, you have no idea how furious Father Emperor was in the court. His wrath made us tremble. Also, what’s the point of ruining his reputation and being stripped of his title as a royal prince? It doesn’t bring him any benefit. They are not stupid.”

Noble Consort Li’s eyes lit up. “You are right. It seems that the Emperor really hates Baili Junyi now. Haha, true that! Just look, the Emperor is not a person who can love someone for a long time. None of the people around him is favored for long. The Emperor’s love for Baili Junyi and Shen Ninghua has lasted long enough. It should come to an end now.”

The Third Prince nodded. “Mother, you are right. Right now, Father Emperor still has some feelings for you and me. We must seize the opportunity when Father Emperor has not completely abandoned us. Otherwise, we will not end well no matter how prosperous we are. Baili Junyi is the best example.”

Noble Consort Li frowned and pondered. “You are right. But, the impression that we left on the Emperor last time was too bad. Moreover, there was also Noble Consort Qi to stir up trouble. It’s not easy for us to clear our name.”

The Third Prince’s eyes darted slightly. “Mother, think about it carefully. You have lived in the harem for so many years and know Father Emperor’s temperament like the back of your hand. Is there no turning point now? The court and the harem complement each other. I can suppress Second Prince in the court, but if Noble Consort Qi remains standing, the effect will be greatly reduced.”

“Go back first. Let me think about it carefully. For the next few days, stay still and don’t do anything. Don’t attract the Emperor’s attention. In two days, I will send someone to contact you.”

“Okay.” Having achieved his goal of entering the palace today, the Third Prince happily left Changqiu Palace.

Inside Southern Imperial Study, Baili Qingcang received the list sent by Baili Junyi. However, this list had been carefully manipulated. In addition to Baili Junyi’s own men, there were also spies of the Second Prince, the Third Prince, and the others. Baili Junyi wanted to give the Emperor reassurance, but he was not stupid enough to hand over his elite forces that could protect his life.

“Stealthy guard, investigate and see if this list is true.”

The figure kneeling on the ground quickly took the list and left Southern Imperial Study in a flash.

Baili Junyi and Shen Ninghua were grounded in their mansion. Since there was nothing bothering them anymore, they could be at ease and raise the children after making the proper arrangements. Big Boy and Baby Girl were thrilled. They ran around the mansion every day and almost turned the entire mansion upside down.

Shen Ninghua walked over with a plate of pastries. She shook her head helplessly when she saw the three rolling around on the grass beside the pavilion. “I have baked some pastries. They smell so nice and taste so good. Does anyone want to eat them?”

“Mother!” The eyes of the two children were like crystals as they rushed towards her with sparkling eyes. Baili Junyi directly leaped, grabbed a piece of pastry before them, and stuffed it into his mouth. He nodded and beamed, “Yes, it’s really tasty.”

“Not fair! You cheat!” Big Boy accused indignantly.

“No, this is not cheating. This is called ability!” Baili Junyi looked at them proudly, enjoying the pleasure of teasing the children.

Baby Girl and Big Boy walked to Shen Ninghua hand in hand. The sparkling look in their eyes dimmed and their big eyes drooped sadly. “Mother, do we have pastries to eat?”

Shen Ninghua took a handkerchief and wiped their hands clean. Then, she divided the rest of the pastries into two portions and gave one to each of them. “Of course, you do.”

“Mother, you’re the best. Thank you, Mother!”

Baby Girl and Big Boy obediently hugged Shen Ninghua. Then, they took the pastries they had gotten and went to the side to eat. During this process, Big Boy threw Baili Junyi a threatening look while Shen Ninghua was not paying attention to him. Acting cute was also a form of ability.

Baili Junyi was almost choked by the pastry. He drank a mouthful of tea before swallowing it. “Ninghua, you gave them all the pastries. What about me?” What he fought for was not the pastries, but the position of sovereignty in his wife’s heart.

Shen Ninghua turned to look to the side. Hong Ling and Qing Que each held a tray in their hands. There were all kinds of pastries with complete variety. “Are these enough for you?”

Baili Junyi’s eyes were desolate. He looked even more aggrieved than Big Boy and Baby Girl a moment ago. Shen Ninghua squinted slightly. She finally understood from whom the children learned how to gain others’ sympathy. She pinched a piece of cake and personally fed Baili Junyi. Only then did he smile.

The family played for two hours. Big Boy and Baby Girl went to take a nap and Baili Junyi accompanied Shen Ninghua back to Huajun Pavilion. Ye Yi came in and reported, “Master, His Majesty’s stealthy guard is looking into the list we sent him.”

“Let them investigate. We will slowly reveal the news according to the arrangements. Don’t let Father Emperor’s people be suspicious.”

“Yes.”

“What about the Third Prince?”

“The Third Prince went into the palace today to see Noble Consort Li. The two chatted for a quarter of an hour before he left. I didn’t hear the specific details. However, after the Third Prince left, he sent two batches of people out. One was sent to monitor you, while the other batch was sent to the monitor Second Prince.”

Baili Junyi’s eyes were deep. His fingers gently tapped on the table. “I knew that the Third Prince can’t sit still. I love to see how clumsy and eager he is. He never seems to learn from his mistakes. No matter how many times he suffers, he doesn’t know how to restrain himself. Make some arrangements to “motivate” him. Reveal the connection between Zhou City’s treasure and Second Prince to him.”

“Yes, Master,” Ye Yi quickly responded. This news had been hidden for so long, and it could finally be used.

“Is there any movement from the Crown Prince?”

Ye Yi shook his head. “The Crown Prince has been very quiet.”

Baili Junyi smiled. “He is able to keep his cool. Have someone keep a close eye on the Crown Prince. If there is any movement, report it to me. Alright, you may leave.”

Ye Yi said hesitantly, “Master, I have noticed something strange about the Xiao Family.”

Baili Junyi raised his head. His feelings for the Xiao Family were even more complicated and difficult to tell, and the family was the last one in the world he wanted to face. “What is it?”

“The reason why the rumors were spread like wildfire this time was because of the Xiao Family. Also, it was their work that your background was exposed.”

“Got it. You can leave now.”

“Yes.”

When Ye Yi left, Shen Ninghua held his hand. “The Xiao Family was too quiet during this period of time. They were so quiet that we almost forgot about them. I didn’t expect that they would suddenly make a move. It is a bit unexpected.”

Baili Junyi also sighed. “The Xiao Family…”

Shen Ninghua smiled. “It’s more important to deal with Father Emperor first. Let’s put Xiao Family’s matter aside for now.”

Baili Junyi nodded. “Okay.” He knew that Ninghua was giving him time to ponder the strategy and sort out his feelings. During this period of time, he would also think about how to handle the matter.

The next day, after breakfast, Baili Junyi accompanied Shen Ninghua for a walk. Ye Yi quickly walked in and reported, “Master, in the court this morning, several officials suddenly pleaded with His Majesty to withdraw his order, saying that His Majesty has punished you too severely!”

Shen Ninghua raised her eyebrows. “Now, Father Emperor is angry with us. The officials’ pleading will definitely worsen the situation.”

“Yes, the Emperor was furious on the spot and reprimanded the officials. He even said that Master was up to no good and sent Dragon Scale Army to surround the mansion.”

Baili Junyi narrowed his eyes slightly. “What a brilliant method. It seems like they were pleading for me, but in fact, they were irritating Father Emperor. I bet that Father Emperor will throw me into prison if they plead again.”

Shen Ninghua asked Ye Yi, “Whose people are those officials who pleaded for mercy?”

“They seem to the Third Prince’s people, but actually, they are the Crown Prince’s people.” After Ye Yi finished speaking, he blushed in embarrassment. Yesterday, he had just said that the Crown Prince hadn’t made any move, but today, his report was overturned. It was an awful feeling.

Baili Junyi sneered, “You don’t have to blame yourself. The Crown Prince may look gentle and harmless on the surface, but in reality, he is the most ruthless. He does everything like a lightning strike. If he fails, he will immediately retreat. Empress Zhao Huiying is the best example. He can even use his biological mother as a tool. What else can’t he do?”

“Master, how should we deal with this?”

Baili Junyi’s voice was cold. “Just wait. We’ll wait until Father Emperor finishes investigating the list of names I sent him and understands everyone’s intentions and motives. That will be the time for us to strike back! Whoever has stepped on me now, I will break their legs one by one!”