The Cousin Is About to Marry，The Abstinent Young Lord Loses Control-Chapter 192: Agree to My Terms

The name Mingzhu caused Ji Mingzhu’s expression to change.

Not to mention that she was already married, even if she were still an unmarried girl, it would be inappropriate to call her by her name directly.

She suddenly knelt down, "I, a humble wife, am very concerned about Ah Zhen. I beg Your Majesty to be clear and stop toying with me."

Her wrist was forcefully grabbed, and her kneeling knees were also forced to stand.

The new emperor’s face was cold and stern, "Did I not say that if you kneel once, I will order people to severely punish Xie Yunzhen once?"

On Ji Mingzhu’s haggard face, a look of panic appeared.

But she did not know what to do to make the new emperor completely abandon this idea.

Actually, she did not understand the new emperor at all.

He was not Xie Yunzhen, someone she could easily manipulate.

Her wrist was released, but the determination in the new emperor’s eyes had not faded.

"I can give him a chance to redeem himself, but you must agree to my terms."

Ji Mingzhu had a bad premonition, but she forced herself to endure it, "You say."

The new emperor smiled as if very satisfied with her performance.

"Starting today, enter the palace to accompany the Empress Dowager in worship. When I summon you, you must accompany me, coming whenever called."

"Give me a child; if it’s a son, I’ll make him the Crown Prince. If it’s a daughter, I’ll make her the Princess."

"After giving birth, you can leave the palace, but you may never be with Xie Yunzhen again. As compensation, I will confer a title and beauties upon him."

"Also, when I come to see you outside the palace, you must not refuse!"

All of this was utterly absurd.

The more Ji Mingzhu listened, the worse her expression became. By the end, there was no trace of blood left in her face.

The man was tall and imposing, and the distance between them was too close now. Ji Mingzhu had to tilt her head back to look him in the eye.

She said, word by word, "Then you may as well execute Xie Yunzhen, for short-term pain is better than long-term pain, and it will save me from daily anxiety and unrest!"

The new emperor’s expression flickered.

Amusement leaked from his deep eyes, "That’s an excellent suggestion. Coincidentally, I also find him an eyesore."

He stepped closer, the scent of ambergris overwhelmed Ji Mingzhu’s senses.

She found it hard to breathe and wanted to retreat.

But her arm was forcefully grasped, "Once he is dead, I can properly bring you into the palace. The Empress’s position is occupied, but I can make you an Imperial Concubine, how about that?"

Without waiting for Ji Mingzhu to speak, he continued, "The rank is still a bit low, so let’s make it Imperial Concubine. A hundred years from now, you and I will be buried together, and I will leave an edict declaring you Empress posthumously!"

His tone was serious.

The more he spoke, the brighter his eyes became, as if he really intended this.

With victory assured and with reckless madness, she had seen this in Xie Yunzhen before.

Her body trembled uncontrollably, "Your Majesty, please don’t joke."

"You think I’m joking?"

Ji Mingzhu clenched her palm tightly to stop herself from showing cowardice.

"I am Xie Yunzhen’s wife. Whether he lives or dies will not change that."

The new emperor stared fixedly at her.

The aggression in his eyes was terrifyingly strong, and Ji Mingzhu could not ignore it.

She wanted to break free of the hands holding her arm, but the new emperor’s grip was strong, the more she struggled, the tighter he held.

Just as her eyes began to mist over, and she was on the verge of tears, the man finally let go.

"Very well, just like that."

His eyes softened as if he had returned to his former self.

Warm and gentle like jade.

A gentleman of gentle and sincere appearance.

"He can return home tomorrow. Go back and wait."

He then added, "Minister Xu is coming to the palace to discuss matters. If you see him, remember to keep this expression."

Turning back to his desk.

He called for Eunuch Fu, "Escort the lady out of the palace."

As Ji Mingzhu was led out of Yangxin Hall, her expression was dazed, and her eyes were red.

She hadn’t gone far when she indeed encountered Minister Xu.

His gaze lingered on her for a moment before he strode into Yangxin Hall.

Ji Mingzhu did not know what the new emperor intended to do. 𝚏𝕣𝐞𝗲𝐰𝕖𝐛𝐧𝕠𝕧𝚎𝚕.𝐜𝚘𝗺

All she knew was that the words he spoke earlier weren’t entirely a joke.

Fear spread from deep within her heart.

She did not want to become a target of contention.

Throughout history, no woman who has been contended over has met a good end.

But he was the sovereign emperor, holding the power of life and death in his hands, so what could she do?

Sunlight fell on her body, but Ji Mingzhu felt a bone-chilling cold.

That sense of helplessness caused her once again to have the notion of fleeing the capital.

But she was already married, and her father’s matters were unresolved. How could she escape?

Moreover, within the entire realm, there was no land that was not under the king’s domain. Where could she escape to?

Seeing her dazed appearance, Gold thought things had worsened.

He comforted her, "Do your best and leave the rest to fate. What can we weak women do under absolute power? Have a clear conscience, and that’s enough!"

Glancing around, Gold whispered, "Moreover, I don’t think the Young Master is the type to sit and wait for death. Things have not yet concluded, so please wait a little longer."

...

Inside Yangxin Hall.

Minister Xu once again brought up the matter of handling Xie Yunzhen.

"That position has been vacant for too long. If this continues, there will be problems in the Ministry of War. Do you intend to restore Mr. Xie to his position, or appoint someone new?"

The new emperor looked troubled, "His wife just came to the palace to complain, bringing up past matters between me and Ah Zhen. Now, with the court situation unstable, I’ve been thinking, perhaps we should let it be. Ms. Xu, after all, was not suited to remain in the deep palace. The other day, I intended to send her out of the palace."

This matched what Minister Xu had investigated.

At first, a moment of joy, as the new emperor seemed to trust him greatly.

But then he reflected.

The situation had already progressed to this point. If they lightly brushed it aside, would it not be a waste of all the effort?

His eyes rolled.

He earnestly said, "Your Majesty, your close bond with Mr. Xie and your soft heart are understandable. However, the citizens of the city are all waiting for a resolution. If you lightly overlook it, it might affect your authority."

The new emperor pressed his forehead, "I also want to give Ms. Xu justice, but in the current situation, I really can’t do without him."

He threw a secret letter in front of Minister Xu, "Look at this, my father just passed, and the ninth prince is already restless, even recruiting soldiers in secret, I believe he intends to rebel!"

Minister Xu shouted, hastily grabbing the letter to read it.

"If I deal with Xie Yunzhen at this time, wouldn’t that be like cutting off my own arm, giving others the opportunity to take advantage?"

Every word was truthful sincerity.

Minister Xu could find no fault.

Since ancient times, the incidents of eliminating loyal subjects after their usefulness are countless.

The emperor’s wariness of Xie Yunzhen was inevitable.

Given the current circumstances, the emperor’s reluctance to move against Xie Yunzhen also makes sense.

Most of the doubt in his heart dissipated, perhaps the emperor and Xie Yunzhen really had a falling out.

It’s just that due to the current situation, he can’t move against him yet.

"Your Majesty, do you want to protect Xie Yunzhen?"

The new emperor nodded, "Help me think, what reason can I use to protect him? Do I really have to exile him as some suggest?"

"Given the current situation, if Xie Yunzhen is not in the capital, I would be short a helper, and things would get very dire."

"Therefore, I must protect him and keep him in the capital!"

Minister Xu’s palms were sweaty.

He suggested, "Why not let Mr. Xie handle the trouble in the south? Solving that issue would prevent future problems, and with achievements, he could return to the capital legitimately, couldn’t he?"

"No."

The new emperor refused, "That place is too far, if something happens, he can’t return immediately. In truth, perhaps you might find it laughable, Mr. Xu, but after so many years, it’s become a habit. If he’s not in the capital, I can’t be at ease."

Minister Xu said, "With the previous emperor’s governance, now all is peaceful, you need not worry overly. Once the issue in the south is resolved, there could be peace for decades."

Seeing the new emperor still hesitant, Minister Xu looked serious.

"Since that person has thoughts of rebellion, he should be eradicated at the first opportunity. If you let him continue, he may become another lawless Regent King!"

The new emperor rubbed his fingers.

After a long time, he said, "You may leave; let me think about it."

Years of planning, finally waiting for the perfect moment.

Anxiety was hidden in Minister Xu’s eyes.

When Xie Yunzhen leaves the capital, it would be best if he takes troops, manpower, and resources south.

In this way...things would proceed even more smoothly.

He wanted to persuade more but feared the new emperor would detect something amiss, so he swallowed his words.

Silently deciding he would write to the person in the south upon returning.

Incite him to raise an army and stir up trouble.

Then the emperor would have no choice but to send Xie Yunzhen from the capital.

The corners of his mouth twitched, then quickly fell.

"I, take my leave!"