NCCnovel Chapter 275 Counterattack
Chapter 275 Counterattack
She took a deep breath and continued, "Long-term use will gradually damage one's health and eventually lead to..."
Yu Lan didn't say anything else, but Cen Jiexiao already understood the meaning.
"It's just as I expected!" Cen Jiexiao's face turned extremely ugly, her fists were clenched tightly, and her nails almost dug into her flesh.
"Empress Dowager Li and Concubine Shu are so cruel and ambitious!" She said gritting her teeth, her heart filled with anger and hatred.
Now, Cen Jiexiao had evidence of Empress Dowager Li and Consort Shu's crimes, but how could she make their conspiracy public? Exposing them directly would likely alert the enemy and even put herself in danger. After much deliberation, she decided to inform her eldest brother, Chen Zigui.
The eldest brother Chen Zigui is an inspector who is highly regarded by Emperor Chai Zhen. He is upright and has unparalleled wisdom. If we can get his help, we may be able to reduce some risks and make it more likely that Empress Dowager Li and Concubine Shu will be brought to justice.
Cen Jiexiao walked to the desk, spread out the letter paper, ground her brush, and began to write to Chen Zigui. She detailed the conspiracy of Empress Dowager Li and Consort Shu, including Zhao De's involvement and the evidence of a slow-acting poison mixed with the medicinal herbs. After finishing, she carefully reviewed it to ensure that she had not omitted any important information.
In the letter, she asked Chen Zigui to meet her the next day at a secluded teahouse outside the city to discuss the matter in detail. She sealed the letter, affixed her seal, and handed it to Yu Lan, instructing her to ensure that the letter was delivered safely to Chen Zigui.
The next morning, Cen Jiexiao rose early and carefully disguised herself, changing into inconspicuous men's clothing. She tied her long hair up and hid it under a hat to ensure that no one would recognize her. She cautiously left the mansion and headed for the secluded teahouse outside the city where they had agreed to meet.
The teahouse was located deep in a secluded bamboo forest on the outskirts of the city. Its tranquil environment and sparsely populated atmosphere made it an ideal place for private conversation. Cen Jiexiao chose a seat by the window, ordered a pot of tea, and quietly waited for Chen Zigui to arrive.
As she sipped her tea, she periodically glanced out the window, a trace of uneasiness in her heart. As the minutes ticked by, Cen Jiexiao's thoughts raced. She couldn't help but recall the news Yu Lan had brought back last night, as well as the vicious plot of Empress Dowager Li and Consort Shu, filling her with worry and anxiety.
The agreed time had passed, but Chen Zigui still hadn't shown up. Cen Jiexiao began to get anxious, wondering if Chen Zigui had met with an accident or had been delayed by other urgent matters.
Just as Cen Jiexiao was about to lose her patience, a familiar figure finally appeared at the teahouse entrance. Chen Zigui, dressed in casual clothes, walked in hurriedly, a look of weariness on his face.
"Sister Cen, I'm sorry to have kept you waiting for a long time." Chen Zigui walked quickly to Sister Cen Xiao and said with a hint of apology.
"Big Brother, I'm glad you're here." Seeing that Chen Zigui was safe and sound, Cen Jiexiao felt a little relieved.
"There's no other way. It's really inconvenient if you don't get rid of some 'tails'. By the way, Sister Cen, why are you looking for me so urgently? Is there something important?" Chen Zigui asked straight to the point.
Cen Jiexiao did not answer directly. Instead, she took out the "Spy Video" compiled by the Qiming Group from her bosom and handed it to Chen Zigui. She said in a serious tone, "Big Brother, take a look for yourself."
After Chen Zigui took it, he quickly glanced through it. His expression gradually changed from the initial calmness to solemnity, and finally changed drastically, with his eyes filled with shock and disbelief.
"This...how is this possible?" Chen Zigui muttered to himself in disbelief, his tone full of shock and confusion.
"It's absolutely true. I have already obtained some solid evidence." Cen Jiexiao said in a firm tone, her eyes full of certainty.
Chen Zigui took a deep breath, forced himself to calm down, and read the secret letter carefully again, trying to find some clues from it.
"Sister Cen, this matter is of great importance. Are you sure you didn't make a mistake?" Chen Zigui raised his head and looked at Cen Jiexiao seriously, confirming again.
"I guarantee it with my life." Cen Jiexiao said in a firm tone without any hesitation.
Chen Zigui was silent for a moment, carefully weighing the priorities of the matter. Finally, he nodded and said, "Okay, I understand. I will have reliable people in the Ministry of Justice secretly investigate this matter and will not let the evildoers succeed!"
"Thank you, senior brother!" Cen Jiexiao said gratefully, and the stone in her heart finally fell to the ground.
"By the way, Senior Brother, are you used to living in Qifeng?" Cen Jiexiao asked again with concern.
Chen Zigui set down the teacup, his fingertips gently caressing the rim. The warm tea seemed unable to dispel the weariness that etched itself across his brow. He slowly rubbed his brows, sighed deeply, and spoke with a hint of resignation, "Sister Cen, you don't know. The court is far more complex than you imagine." He paused, his gaze deep, as if lost in some memory.
"You grew up in the academy, and you don't know that within these palace walls, people are treacherous and deceitful, and there are endless intrigues and deceptions."
Sister Cen listened quietly, waiting for the eldest brother to continue.
Chen Zigui added, "The Empress Dowager's party has been operating for many years. They are deeply rooted and intertwined, like a huge net that covers the entire court." He stretched out his hand, spread out his five fingers, and then slowly closed them, as if trying to grab something, but then let go weakly.
"Although I am the inspector appointed by His Majesty personally, many things are hindered and I can't move forward."
"They are like a group of poisonous snakes hiding in the dark, ready to give you a fatal blow at any time." Chen Zigui's tone was full of caution and worry.
Cen Jiexiao couldn't help but ask, "Big Brother, is there no way to break this deadlock?"
Chen Zigui shook his head and said with a wry smile, "It's difficult. The Queen Mother has a huge influence and many followers. It's not easy to overthrow her."
"What about Your Majesty? Does Your Majesty have any specific measures?" Cen Jiexiao asked.
Chen Zigui explained, "Although Your Majesty is willing to reform, he also needs time and opportunity. The Queen Mother has been entrenched in the court for many years. Your Majesty has just ascended the throne and his foundation is still shallow. Any rash action will only backfire."
Cen Jiexiao was silent, she understood the difficulties faced by her eldest brother.
Chen Zigui continued, "Especially when investigating Empress Dowager Li's faction, we've run into obstacles at every turn and have had difficulty making progress. Those old foxes are as slippery as loaches, and the slightest mistake will alert them."
"They are like a group of cunning foxes, hiding in the dark and waiting for an opportunity to strike. I wanted to investigate further several times, but they cleverly resolved the issue every time." Chen Zigui's tone was full of helplessness.
"Big Brother, you must be careful!" Cen Jiexiao said worriedly.
"I know, I will pay attention." Chen Zigui nodded.
"However, this Shufei incident may be an opportunity."
There was a gleam in his eyes.
"If we can use this to frighten the Queen Mother and make her restrain herself, it will be of great benefit to Your Majesty in implementing the new policy."