Chapter 165: Husband, See You Tomorrow

Qi Yanzhou asked Ye Chutang to meet, primarily to discuss the exile matter and also to talk about the weapons in the Prince of An’s manor.

Upon her inquiry, he said, “The emperor already knows that Zhao Jixu has rebellious intentions and has summoned him to the palace. Before sunset, there will be a result.”

Ye Chutang curiously asked, “How did you manage to have someone dig through the Prince of An’s stables?”

“Huaixuan is a disciple of the Imperial Astronomical Bureau, and it was easy to have them calculate that the emperor is in danger and pinpoint the specific location.”

“I see. The emperor is cowardly and selfish, so he definitely won’t let Zhao Jixu off lightly.”

Qi Yanzhou nodded in agreement. “If the emperor confirms that Ye Jingchuan has been stockpiling weapons for the second prince, their end will not be much better.”

“Adding the evidence of the imperial examination fraud, the second prince is not far from exile.”

“As for the imperial exam fraud, it’s not the right time to reveal it yet. If the second prince completely loses power, the crown prince will dominate, and the political balance in the court will collapse.”

Ye Chutang pulled out two letters.

“Then, let’s deal with it in a balanced way. Expose the second prince for hiding weapons, and the crown prince for embezzling military funds.”

After speaking, she thought of the extremely wicked De Zhu.

“Azou, what do you think will happen if the emperor finds out that De Zhu secretly possesses the dragon robe, the imperial seal, and the abdication decree?”

Qi Yanzhou didn’t hesitate to reply, “Make excuses for De Zhu and bear with it.”

The palace and the court were already under De Zhu’s control, and the emperor didn’t dare to tear his face with her.

The emperor would harbor grudges and try to consolidate the imperial power, to prevent De Zhu from committing regicide and supporting a younger emperor as a puppet.

Ye Chutang shrugged. “Being an emperor like that—it’s unprecedented.”

Qi Yanzhou suddenly thought of something.

“Chutang, did the ‘Ghost Thief’ steal the imperial seal?”

When the emperor issued the imperial edict to capture the “Ghost Thief,” Qi Yanzhou noticed something strange about the seal.

Later, the imperial edict and the marriage decree confirmed his suspicion.

Ye Chutang nodded. “Yes, do you want it?”

Qi Yanzhou didn’t answer directly. Instead, he asked, “Chutang, who exactly is the ‘Ghost Thief’?”

“Greedy, arrogant, impulsive, occasionally righteous.”

“What does he want?”

“Probably the same as you, Azou—peaceful weather, a prosperous country, and a stable populace.”

After finishing, she asked again, “The imperial seal, do you want it?”

Qi Yanzhou paused for a moment, then said, “I’ll exchange all the wealth of the Prince of Chen’s manor for the imperial seal, but I won’t take it for now.”

The imperial seal was too important. No matter where it was, it would never be as secure as when it was in the hands of the “Ghost Thief.”

“Alright, let’s continue talking about the exile.”

“Part of the weapons will be destroyed, some of the enemy letters will be exchanged for evidence of Ye Jingchuan’s collusion with the crown prince and the second prince. The materials for the witchcraft dolls will be swapped for royal-exclusive materials.”

After hearing this, Ye Chutang raised a question: “But in this case, the weapons are still hard to explain. With the achievements of the Prince of Chen’s manor over the years, can exile still be achieved?”

Without enough evidence, the emperor wouldn’t dare to punish the Qi family severely.

It’s not hard to silence the rumors of the world.

“It won’t be enough, so I’ll request exile myself.”

This was the best decision Qi Yanzhou made after thinking for a few days.

If the emperor decided on the Qi family’s exile, they would be shackled, tortured, and humiliated.

But if he requested it himself, although he would still suffer, at least he would have some freedom.

The key point was that the crime wasn’t grave enough, so it would be easier to seek justice later.

Ye Chutang thought Qi Yanzhou’s idea was good and nodded approvingly.

“Then we’ll do as you said. What do you plan to do with the servants of the Prince of Chen’s manor?”

If he requested exile himself, the emperor’s punishment of the servants wouldn’t be too severe.

If they didn’t sell themselves to the manor, they could leave directly.

If they did sell themselves, those with money could buy their freedom; those without money would be sold to brothel keepers.

Qi Yanzhou had already arranged everything for his subordinates.

“One part will stay in the capital, another will secretly follow us for protection, and the rest will head towards the northwest in advance.”

“By the way, the people from ‘Night Killer’ will also follow us.”

Ye Chutang asked, “Can the people going to the northwest bring Shan’er and Jin Zhi?”

“Of course. When can they leave?”

“Tomorrow, after I’m married.”

Qi Yanzhou thought for a moment and asked, “Do they have a lot of luggage?”

“Not much, just some personal items. If it’s inconvenient to carry, they can buy more on the way out of the city.”

“Then let them bring only some gold, silver, and small valuables. We’ll take advantage of the wedding opportunity to go to Guangju Pavilion. I’ll arrange for people to send them out of the city.”

Ye Chutang understood why Qi Yanzhou arranged it this way.

“Alright, I’ll listen to you.”

The emperor was highly suspicious and would definitely have people watch those around her.

If Shan’er and Jin Zhi tried to leave, they would definitely be stopped.

After they finished discussing, Ye Chutang was about to leave.

Qi Yanzhou stood up and grabbed her arm, his face full of concern.

“Chutang, have you eaten the dried fruits I gave you? How’s the morning sickness? Is it better?”

“The dried fruits taste pretty good. I’ll prepare more for the journey. I’ve been eating medicinal meals recently and haven’t had much morning sickness, so don’t worry.”

“The food at the wedding banquet won’t have any fishy smell, so don’t worry.”

Seeing how attentive Qi Yanzhou was, Ye Chutang smiled and asked, “You’re so considerate. Aren’t you worried someone will notice?”

“If they notice, what does it matter? No one dares to question it.”

“Your Highness is mighty. It’s getting late, I should return.”

Qi Yanzhou hugged Ye Chutang and affectionately rubbed her cheek.

“I’m sorry you’ll have to suffer.”

“Don’t worry, we won’t suffer.”

After speaking, Ye Chutang pushed Qi Yanzhou away, smiling like a blooming flower.

“Husband, see you tomorrow.”

With that, she left the private room.

Qi Yanzhou was momentarily stunned by being called “husband.” His heart pounded, as if it would leap out of his chest.

When he snapped back to reality, he quickly opened the window and gazed lovingly at Ye Chutang as she walked away.

Ye Chutang felt Qi Yanzhou’s gaze but didn’t turn back.

Because she saw Qin Muyun approaching.

“Master Qin, how’s your injury?”

Qin Muyun moved his body a bit, smiling as he replied, “Ziqian has been sending the house doctor to the Qin family every day. I’m recovering well. It won’t be long before I’m fully healed.”

“Miss Ye, congratulations.”

He said it with sincerity, truly happy for his good brother who had married the woman of his heart.

Because he knew he wasn’t worthy of Ye Chutang, and only his good brother deserved to stand by her side.

Ye Chutang smiled and thanked him, “Thank you, take care.”

With that, she left.

Qin Muyun found the word “take care” a little strange and asked Qi Yanzhou about it when they met.

“Ziqian, did Miss Ye want to run away from the wedding?”

Qi Yanzhou laughed at Qin Muyun’s thought. “You should stop reading so many novels.”

“Good, I’m glad. The emperor is so eager to marry you and Miss Ye. Is there something going on?”

“Yes, no matter what happens tomorrow, don’t try to help me, and keep your father in check. I have my own plans.”

When these words reached Qin Muyun’s ears, it gave him a bad feeling.

“The emperor is making a big move?”

“A move to exterminate the family. Don’t worry, I can handle it.”

Qin Muyun angrily shouted, “Without the Qi family, there would be no Beichen Kingdom. The royal family is truly heartless!”

Qi Yanzhou patted Qin Muyun’s shoulder.

“Don’t get too angry, it’s not necessary. Huaixuan, you should start making plans for yourself.”