bayedsolid Chapter 331 Consort Fucha
Chapter 331 Consort Fucha
The guards lay prone on the eaves, the icicles biting cold, yet they did not move.
The earpieces plugged in his ears amplified every breath in the room into muffled thunder.
The thin calluses between my fingers darted swiftly across the paper—
"...have a few sons, and in the future..."
The conversation between Yu Yan and her maid was recorded by the secret guards.
The guard scoffed inwardly at the master and servant's wild ideas.
A woman of a different race, no matter how many children she bears, it's all in vain; how dare she even dream of the Qing throne?
The guard shook his head, put down his pen, and rolled the thin paper into a strip about the thickness of his little finger.
Stuff it into a bamboo tube and tie it to the base of the owl's legs.
Birds flapped their wings, skimmed over the night snow, and headed straight for the imperial city.
West Warm Pavilion of Qianqing Palace
The room was brightly lit, and Hongchang was wearing a bright yellow undergarment.
The "Illustrated Gazetteer of the Mountains and Rivers of Northern China" was spread out on the desk.
The bamboo tube rolled to his side, and he flicked it aside with his finger. His gaze swept over it, and a cold smile appeared on his lips.
"A sign of someone destined to have a son?"
The young emperor chuckled softly and casually handed the secret report to Ye Lanyi, who was standing beside him.
"Keep it safe. Send it to Cining Palace first thing tomorrow morning."
Ye Lanyi looked up and met Hong Chang's unfathomable eyes—
There was no shyness of young love in it, only the hunter's anticipation of the trap.
The next day, Hongchang went to Cining Palace immediately after court.
Fucha Peiyun and Nian Shilan were already waiting there.
Hongchang told the two what the secret guards had recorded.
Fucha Peiyun frowned.
"This Yu family is indeed up to no good, attempting to seize the throne of our Great Qing through their offspring."
Nian Shilan sneered.
"Hmph, don't they know their own limitations?"
"How dare they dream such a thing on the territory of my Great Qing Dynasty!"
Fucha Peiyun: "Shilan, you probably don't know, this Northern Kingdom is just a tiny country."
But they are very arrogant, and I'm afraid they don't even take our Great Qing Dynasty seriously.
Upon hearing this, Hongchang's eyes darkened.
The fingertips lightly tapped the table, producing a low and clear sound:
"A small place, but a heart higher than the sky."
Now that the northern kingdom has handed us leverage...
Wouldn't it be a waste of the Northern Kingdom's warm hospitality if we didn't seize this opportunity?
Our newly established navy
"It's time to take it out for a walk."
Hongchang's last syllable was drawn out very lightly, yet it felt like a snow blade brushing against flesh, chilling to the bone.
Fucha Peiyun and Nian Shilan exchanged a glance.
They both saw the same cold glint in each other's eyes.
Nian Shilan spoke first, her voice extremely low:
"Does His Majesty mean to test the waters in the North?"
"This is not a test of strength in the North,"
Hongchang raised his eyes, his gaze clear and bright. "It's about using the Yu clan as a sacrifice to the flag."
The Qing Dynasty's territory was still too small.
Fucha Peiyun originally planned to first conquer Japan after the navy was trained.
Unexpectedly, this northern country emerged first; that's fine too.
"This Yu family member is hypocritical and cunning; outwardly respectful to our Great Qing Dynasty..."
But it harbors evil intentions.
Fucha Peiyun stroked the rim of the cup with her fingertips, her voice extremely low.
"If that's the case, then let's first use the Yu clan as a sacrifice to the flag."
Then they turned east to conquer Japan, which was frequently...
They come here to harass us coastal residents; we should teach them a lesson.
Hongchang nodded, "That's right, deal with the Yu clan first, then deal with Japan."
Hongchang's lips curled into a confident smile.
"The Yu family is attempting to seize the throne of our Great Qing Dynasty through their offspring."
This is a heinous crime, and our Great Qing Dynasty has a just cause to send troops to punish it.
Nian Shilan crossed her arms, her eyes full of approval.
"Your Majesty is wise and will surely make the Yu clan of the Northern Kingdom pay a heavy price."
Hongchang looked at Zhang Hude.
"Issue my decree to order the navy to prepare for the expedition."
At this moment, Fucha Peiyun thought of Princesses Shuhe, Wenyi, and others.
They had long yearned to go to the battlefield, and despite being busy these past few years, they had never forgotten to practice martial arts.
They were also very proficient in using the newly developed muskets of the firearms battalion.
"Your Majesty, Princess Shuhe and the other princesses have long been looking forward to going to the battlefield."
Let them go on this naval expedition and gain some experience.
Hongchang pondered for a moment, then nodded and said:
"Alright, let them go and see for themselves, but we must arrange for reliable generals to protect them."
When Nian Shilan heard Fucha Peiyun mention sending the princesses to the battlefield...
A thought struck her.