His Rui

Bengong -> This Empress

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The Baixue Pavilion in the Imperial Palace belonged solely to the Empress.

When Empress Qin Wenya had married the Emperor and had come to Xin, Zhao Wang Lei had gifted her many things at that time.

After all, she was the only princess of an Empire where everyone from the Imperial family pampered her. And since the marriage was also a symbol of the final treaty between Qin and Xin, the Emperor from both sides had to show their enthusiasm. 

The beautiful chambers where she currently stayed were also gifted to Qin Wenya by Zhao Wang Lei. And the Baixue Pavilion where she was currently sitting came under her command. Every decision related to this pavilion was taken by Qin Wenya.   

It was she who decided how much was to be spent on the decoration of this pavilion. After all, it was the place where she gathered with the family members that came from Qin sometimes to meet her. Some gatherings that were only for the woman of the noble families also took place here.

However, the specialty of the Baixue Pavilion was that no one could question the Empress's decision related to it. It was her wish to meet anyone she wanted to meet there without being questioned, of course in the presence of her maids. 

Not even the Emperor could question her.

Perhaps all these relaxations and Zhao Wang Lei's continuous promises to Qin Wenya never let her doubt her husband.

And today again…she was just playing the game he had set for her.

The difference was that she thought that she was the main player of this game, after all it was her son who would gain the throne if she became successful.

On the other hand, Zhao Wang Lei thought that it was he who was the main player of this game and the line of foolish people didn't end only here.

Sitting inside her courtyard currently, Li Rong was also thinking that she was the main player of this game because to her, it was not only her son's future that would secure from wining it but her daughters also. 

However, was that really true?

It was something that only time could answer. 

"Bengong welcomes Minister Li in her Baixue Pavilion."

The arrogance and pride were clearly visible in Qin Wenya's voice as she welcomed Li Qiang in 'her' Baixue hall. 

"The humble subject greets Her Majesty."

Li Qiang also greeted the Empress very respectfully. However, the Empress waved her hand in the air as if stopping him from doing that. 

"Please take your seat."

She signed Li Qiang to sit on the chair that was placed just in front of her. Li Qiang glanced at it for a moment and then silently sat down.

As soon as he sat down, Qin Wenya said to Li Qiang with a smile

"No need of all these formalities. Bengong believes that if Minister Li has come here then you must be willing to agree with what Bengong has proposed. If it is true then both of us will be on equal terms …at least until this deal ends."

This was what Qin Wenya knew. She could not let anyone go higher than her but those who were lower than her, she could make them feel equal to herself and be generous so that she can use them for her own purpose.

To Li Qiang, she was doing the same. By winning his trust completely, she wanted to steal Li Clan's every secret from him and then with those secrets, she would destroy Li Clan and hence avenge her son's dethronement.

Foolish Li Qiang…did he even wonder that if Li Clan vanished then on whom will his son rule! 

On the other hand, Li Qiang nodded his head a little stiffly and the smile on Qin Wenya's face faltered immediately. A moment later, she regained her smile but it was a little cold than before.

"It seems that Minister Li is not quite sure of his decision."

Li Qiang's eyes flickered for a moment. Li Rong's pale face flashed in front of his eyes and then the promise he had made once with his father that he would always be the shadow of his younger brother and will protect Li Clan like he was supposed to. 

Qin Wenya frowned when she saw the clear hesitation in Li Qiang's eyes.

Displeasure flashed in her eyes and she said coldly.

"If Minister Li is not sure then it would be best to end this meeting that had not even started yet here only." 

If Zhao Wang Lei would have been here then perhaps he would have scolded Qin Wenya endlessly because, in his eyes, she was spoiling the game he had set after all his efforts …and that too without Xi Ying's help. 

However, he was not here and Qin Wenya was too proud to make someone's willpower bend in another direction.

But it seems that fate seems to be in favor of Zhao Wang Lei as Li Qiang immediately stood up from his seat to stop the Empress who was about to leave.

Looking at the Empress who had already stood up from her seat, Li Qiang said immediately but apologetically. 

"Your Majesty, please don't mind this minister's stupidities. This one was just wondering just how this one can help Your Majesty. After all, if Your Majesty is helping this subject's son so much then to show loyalty this one would also have to give something."

Empress Qin Wenya's cold eyes moved to Li Qiang's face. She looked at his face sharply as if trying to find out whether what he was saying was true or not.   

However, from Li Qiang's emotionless face, she couldn't really find out anything.

In the end, Qin Wenya sat back in her seat.

In her mind, Li Qiang was just a brainless man because she knew how foolish his son was. It was not unknown to Qin Wenya how Li Chen gave Li Clan's precious book to her son, Zhao Zhuang Chen. And hence Qin Wenya believed that such a foolish son can only be born from a foolish father.

And after coming here today, Li Qiang only proved her intuitions true.

So she easily believed Li Qiang's words.

With a meaningful smile on her lips, she elegantly picked the teacup from the table and took a sip. Her beautiful lips were glistening as she said to Li Qiang. 

"What Minister Li needs to give Bengong to show his loyalty …that is something Bengong will tell you. Minister Li doesn't need to worry about that."   

And that was how the further discussion started.

Where Qin Wenya told Li Qiang what all he needed to do to make this plan successful.

A whole shichen later when Li Qiang exited the Baixue hall, his face looked grim and solemn.

No one could guess what was going on inside his mind as he finally went to Yao Yue hall to take some medicine for his wife, Li Rong.