Disguised as a man, she became the biggest villain in the book.

Chapter 275 On Flattery

outside the city

Several figures appeared furtively at the foot of the mountain, carrying bulging packages on their backs, seemingly containing something important.

These people carefully made their way along the winding mountain path, glancing left and right from time to time, afraid of being discovered.

They climbed over one mountain after another, panting for breath, but they never stopped.

Finally, after climbing to the mountainside of the fifth hill, a magnificent manor suddenly appeared before them.

The manor gates were tightly shut, and several burly guards stood at the entrance, holding long swords and with serious expressions.

As these people approached the manor, the guards immediately became alert, blocked their path, and shouted, "Who are you? What are you doing here?"

The men delivering the medicine and food exchanged glances. One of them stepped forward and whispered to the guard, "We're here to deliver goods. This is the code."

As he spoke, he took out a slip of paper from his pocket and handed it to the guard.

The guard took the note, looked at it carefully, then nodded, signaling the others to open the gate.

The gate slowly opened, and the people breathed a sigh of relief and quickly walked into the manor.

Just after those people stepped into the manor, in a corner not far away, a dark figure was sneakily watching the scene.

After he saw those people enter the manor, he carefully retraced his steps.

None of this escaped Zi Sang's eyes, who was hiding in the shadows.

Zi Sang remained quietly hidden there, observing every move of the black-clad figure.

Zisang deliberately softened her breathing to avoid alerting the other party.

Zi Sang knew very well that the black-clad figure would definitely inform certain people after returning.

"A second group of people? Ha!" After the people walked away, Zisang immediately wrote a letter and sent it to the Prime Minister's residence.

..........

Prime Minister's Mansion

"My lord, there's been a development with Zisang!" Boyu rushed in with a letter to report.

Zheng Luoqi was practicing martial arts when he heard Boyu's call. He immediately put down his sword, walked quickly to Boyu, and took the letter.

Zheng Luoqi unfolded the letter and carefully read its contents. As his gaze moved, the corners of his mouth unconsciously turned up, revealing a satisfied smile.

He murmured softly, "Finally, they've made their move. It wasn't in vain that I've waited so long!"

"Didn't you want to see dogs fight? So what if I do?"

.........

Chen Mansion

Upon hearing the report from his subordinate, Chen Tongyu frowned and exclaimed in surprise, "Is it absolutely true?"

A few days ago, Chen Tongyu received a mysterious letter saying that there was a pregnant woman's village outside the city that was related to the Prime Minister.

Chen Tongyu initially thought it was fake news, but upon closer examination, he realized that if it were true, it would be a great opportunity. So, he sent someone to investigate.

As it turned out, it was exactly as the letter had said.

“It’s absolutely true, I saw it with my own eyes, and…and…” the guard stammered, seemingly unsure whether he should say it or not.

Seeing this, Chen Tongyu grew even more anxious. He widened his eyes and said sternly, "And what? Just say what you have to say, don't beat around the bush!"

The guard was startled by Chen Tongyu's imposing manner and immediately said, "I heard something about Consort Jiang, but I'm not quite sure!"

"Consort Jiang?" Chen Tongyu murmured to himself, his brows furrowed as he tried to recall anything related to Consort Jiang.

Suddenly, as if he had thought of something important, he turned sharply to look at the guard and asked, "Do you know how many months pregnant the pregnant women inside are?"

The guard quickly replied, "It's August. It's been eight months already. I paid special attention, and it seems that all the pregnant women inside are already eight months pregnant!"

"Eight months?" An ominous premonition welled up in Chen Tongyu's heart.

Chen Tongyu began to recall the time when Consort Jiang was pregnant. After all, Consort Jiang was the only concubine in the palace who had become pregnant during this period, so he remembered Consort Jiang's pregnancy situation very clearly.

It seems that Consort Jiang has been pregnant for about eight months now.

A bold idea flashed through Chen Tongyu's mind. He narrowed his eyes and said in a deep voice, "Are they trying to switch the prince with a cat?"

.......

In the palace

Xue Huaiyu was practicing calligraphy with great concentration, and Zhang Zhiyuan was standing next to him.

In the past, this position would have belonged to Ye Churan.

"Minister Zhang, come and see what I think of this calligraphy I wrote?" After finishing writing, Xue Huaiyu gently placed the brush on the brush holder and then beckoned Zhang Zhiyuan to come closer.

Zhang Zhiyuan hurriedly stepped forward and looked down at the Xuan paper on the table.

On the paper was a large character “权” (quan), meaning power.

Zhang Zhiyuan pondered to himself, unable to fathom Xue Huaiyu's thoughts at that moment.

Perhaps Xue Huaiyu has started to indulge in his pretentious habits again.

Since Zhang Zhiyuan helped Xue Huaiyu save the mountain dam from the Zheng family, Zhang Zhiyuan has been working for the emperor.

However, Xue Huaiyu was, after all, the emperor, so Zhang Zhiyuan could not simply deal with him perfunctorily.

He composed himself, a fawning smile spreading across his face, and praised, "Your Majesty's calligraphy is truly magnificent, with strokes as powerful as dragons and snakes! This character 'power' is written like a dragon emerging from the sea, brimming with domineering spirit!"

Xue Huaiyu's lips curled up slightly, revealing a satisfied smile. He laughed heartily and said, "Hahahaha, what you say is exactly what I want to hear!"

Laughter echoed through the palace, and Zhang Zhiyuan joined in with a loud laugh.

After a short while, Xue Huaiyu's laughter stopped abruptly, and he suddenly changed the subject, asking, "Any news from over there lately?"

Upon seeing this, Zhang Zhiyuan respectfully replied, "Your Majesty, as far as I know, Lord Chen has been making quite a stir lately, seemingly investigating something in secret."

Xue Huaiyu frowned slightly and asked, "Oh? What are you investigating?"

Seeing this, Zhang Zhiyuan quickly moved closer to Xue Huaiyu and whispered a few words.

Upon hearing this, Xue Huaiyu's eyes lit up, and he whispered, "My dear minister, you are truly capable!"

"Your Majesty flatters me!" Zhang Zhiyuan replied respectfully, bowing with a fawning expression upon hearing Xue Huaiyu's praise.

Xue Huaiyu didn't seem to completely believe him. He frowned slightly and continued to press for answers, seemingly deep in thought:

"However, I am still very curious. My dear minister, you betrayed the Prime Minister. Aren't you at all worried about being retaliated against by the Prime Minister?"

Zhang Zhiyuan's heart tightened, as if he had anticipated the emperor's question, and he answered without hesitation:

"Betrayal? What makes you say that, Your Majesty?"

He paused briefly, then straightened his back and said righteously, "Your Majesty, I have never been one of your men, so how could I have betrayed you? Your Majesty, I am devoted to the Great Xia and to serving you faithfully!"

"This world has always belonged to the Emperor, and I have always been the Emperor's man!"

After speaking, Zhang Zhiyuan glanced at the emperor, his eyes revealing unwavering loyalty and determination.

Xue Huaiyu was flattered by Zhang Zhiyuan's flattery, though he didn't show it on his face, he was already getting smug inside.