Chapter 62 - 62 62 Emperor Xuanwu Makes Use of an

Words : 1462 Updated : Sep 17th, 2025

Chapter 62: Chapter 62: Emperor Xuanwu Makes Use of an Opportunity to Expand Chapter 62: Chapter 62: Emperor Xuanwu Makes Use of an Opportunity to Expand Eunuch Li watched as Emperor Xuanwu overturned the table full of petitions, and he quickly tried to comfort him, “Your Majesty, please take care of your dragon body!” Struggling to restrain his anger, Emperor Xuanwu decreed: “Strip Zhan Peng of all military positions, revoke the military merits previously awarded to Zhan Beicang, retrieve his command over troops. A foster son without direction, an unforgivable sin, let him stay at home and reflect!” Although he was aware that Zhan Peng was not Zhan Beicang’s biological son, he took this opportunity to suppress Zhan Beicang. Eunuch Li’s eyes brightened; the Emperor was thoroughly enraged! Initially, Emperor Xuanwu intended for Zhan Hui to become the Prince Consort, gradually disintegrating the Zhan Family. However, not only did he fail to diminish the military powers in Zhan Hui’s hands but the Grand Princess was also insulted by a legitimate son of the Zhan Family. Who wouldn’t be furious about this? Moreover, it’s the Emperor’s wrath! Eunuch Li cast down his large eyes, thoughtfully: This time, Emperor Xuanwu’s motive for anger was too obvious, directly reclaiming Zhan Beicang’s military power would allow the Zhan Family’s second branch to rise instantly. Zhan Xincheng’s standing in the military would significantly elevate! It seems the main branch of the Zhan Family has brought disaster upon themselves through their acts. Eunuch Li bowed and said, “Yes, Your Majesty.” Emperor Xuanwu knew that only by elevating Zhan Xincheng’s status above Zhan Beicang could he ensure the Zhan Family members would not threaten his throne. He knew Zhan Xincheng was a petty person, but he needed such people now! Petty people crave wealth, lust, and fame, and are easier to manipulate! Unlike Zhan Beicang, who desires nothing, which is indeed fearful! ... Outside the imperial palace, Zhan Liluo alone took a carriage back to the Zhan Family. She was completely unaware of the night’s events. However, the discussions about Zhan Lan by several noble ladies at the dinner had left her brooding deeply. They said that the Empress had looked at Zhan Lan several times, a fact which had greatly unsettled her! She also heard how several concubines had praised Zhan Lan’s graceful demeanor as naturally perfect! What utter nonsense! A mere adopted coarse girl like Zhan Lan, what grace could she have that she failed to see! On the other hand, like Zhan Liluo, Zhan Hui was also traveling alone by carriage back home. After returning, he immediately informed Zhan Beicang of the palace incidents. Zhan Beicang felt a headache coming on after hearing it; “Zhan Peng really picked the worst time to cause trouble for the Zhan Family!” As he paced in front of Zhan Hui, he said, “Tomorrow, I’ll go to plead with His Majesty, to see if he might be lenient in his judgment.” Regarding this matter, Zhan Beicang harbored no hope in his heart, even considering the possibility that Zhan Peng might face death. But as a father, he still had to plead for Zhan Peng, even if it meant facing the Emperor’s punishment himself. Zhan Hui reminded, “Father, this incident is truly of Zhan Peng’s own doing. In fact, I was supposed to drink that drugged wine, but it was only because I heeded Zhan Lan’s warning that I switched cups with Zhan Peng.” Upon hearing this, Zhan Beicang asked incredulously, “Are you telling me the absolute truth?” Zhan Hui nodded. Zhan Beicang, of course, trusted his eldest son, Zhan Hui’s integrity. Despite this, hearing such news still deeply pained him. Zhan Peng was actually prepared to harm Zhan Hui; although their family was not like an imperial family with struggles for the crown, what Zhan Peng did was indeed detestable! “Father, I suspect it’s because Grandmother had the Ji family submerged in the pond, and Grandfather did not oppose, which is why Zhan Peng harbored resentment towards our family,” Zhan Hui analyzed as he informed Zhan Beicang about Zhan Peng sending his portrait to someone in the palace. Zhan Beicang suddenly connected all the dots. If that’s the case, everything made sense. Zhan Beicang looked at his eldest son solemnly and asked, “All these things, did Zhan Lan told you?” “Most of them, yes. I think my younger sister observes things very meticulously, far more deeply than I do,” Zhan Hui said, slightly embarrassed as he bowed his head. Zhan Beicang nodded, “Zhan Lan has grown up, and since she’s returned, I haven’t seen much of her. She did well in this matter!” If it weren’t for Zhan Lan’s warning, it’s likely his eldest son Zhan Hui would have been trapped in the palace today! From a personal feeling perspective, Zhan Beicang naturally favored Zhan Hui more! .... Tonight’s incident was particularly shocking for Si Jun. Sitting in the carriage on the way back to Marquis Lin Yuan’s Mansion, his eyes were deep with thought. He had never expected that tonight, Zhan Peng would actually be taken down. What exactly happened? He was only now coming to terms with it. Could it be that Zhan Peng wanted to use him to get rid of Zhan Hui, but Zhan Hui saw through Zhan Peng’s cunning plan and killed him instead! Si Jun shook his head; he truly did not see that Zhan Hui had such capabilities. How did he know about Zhan Peng’s plan? To know the future is something only gods can do! There must be someone secretly helping Zhan Hui; who could this mastermind behind him be? ... Zhan Lan, sitting in the Chu Residence’s carriage, returned to the back courtyard, where Liu Xi was waiting for him. Her heart was pounding non-stop, worried that Zhan Lan might have encountered trouble at the palace. Zhan Lan got off the carriage and waved goodbye to Chu Yin, then quickly walked up to Liu Xi, “Why are you standing here? It’s so cold!” Liu Xi opened the door, letting Zhan Lan walk in front, and followed him into the house. As the door creaked shut, with a thud, Liu Xi knelt down before Zhan Lan! Little Black, who had been sleeping on the floor, was startled and suddenly pricked up its ears, tilting its head towards Liu Xi. “What are you doing?” Zhan Lan glanced at Liu Xi, and suddenly an idea popped into her head. Was her guess accurate? She would see what Liu Xi had to say in a moment! Liu Xi, head bowed, dared not look at Zhan Lan; after a moment, she raised her head, “My lady, I am guilty. I previously revealed your whereabouts to Lord Mu Yan from the Xingtian Department!” Zhan Lan’s expression immediately turned cold; she remained silent, waiting for Liu Xi to continue. Liu Xi told Zhan Lan everything from beginning to end. As Zhan Lan listened, she suddenly laughed and helped Liu Xi up from the ground. Liu Xi looked confusedly at the calm Zhan Lan. It seemed like she wasn’t angry at all, as if she was hearing about someone else’s matters. Zhan Lan realized Liu Xi’s confusion and patted her shoulder, “Actually, you didn’t have to tell me this!” Liu Xi felt too guilty to speak. Zhan Lan continued, “Luckily you told me, so I could prepare ahead of time!” “Your father is not dead, this is wonderful news!” Zhan Lan smiled. Tears suddenly streamed down Liu Xi’s face, she couldn’t tell if it was from guilt or emotion. Zhan Lan didn’t scold her, didn’t hit her! Instead, she rejoiced for her finding her father! Zhan Lan tilted her head, looking at the tense Liu Xi, “Feeling guilty now? Then you must serve me well from now on, until you are married!” Liu Xi’s tears flowed uncontrollably! Previously, she had been with Mrs. Ji and Zhan Qingqing, those two treated people terribly, belittling servants, and taking lives lightly, never treating people like humans! With Zhan Lan, Liu Xi experienced unprecedented respect and importance. She secretly vowed that she would never again do anything to betray her master. In fact, the moment Liu Xi knelt down, Zhan Lan had already guessed most of it. At this moment, she was very happy; Liu Xi was honest with her, and today’s events also gave her a new understanding of Mu Yan! Why did he save those court officials? There must be a reason! Why was Mu Yan keeping an eye on her? Could it be that her plan for revenge was too obvious and had been exposed? Mu Yan, is he a foe or an ally?

Chapter 62 - 62 62 Emperor Xuanwu Makes Use of an

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