Fang Zheng nodded slightly. "Ru Mei, you're back. Haven't you eaten yet? Come in quickly, quickly into the manor."
As he spoke, he looked at Fang Jun beside him. Fang Jun, of course, understood immediately and said with a smile, "Aunt Ru Mei, please come in."
At this time, a banquet had already been prepared in Fang Zheng's dining room, waiting for Liu Ru Mei. Moreover, Fang Zheng was not pretentious and personally accompanied them, arranging Fang Jun and Liu Kai to join them. Since there was no distinction between guests and hosts or seniority, they all sat together, eating and discussing matters.
"Uncle Fang, thank you for your hard work with my father's affairs."
Fang Zheng sighed. "Ru Mei, there's something I won't hide from you. I've been thinking about this for the past two days."
Fang Zheng then shared his thoughts. "I think there's only one way to resolve this matter."
"Have Marquis Liu write a memorial to the Emperor, stating that he is old and requesting the Emperor's grace to retire and return home. This matter might be resolved!"
Upon hearing Fang Zheng's words, Liu Ru Mei also let out a long sigh.
"I never expected that my Liu family, who were loyal and devoted, would end up like this."
The old butler, Liu Kai, was also silent for a while. After a long pause, he said to Liu Ru Mei, "Miss, in my opinion, being able to withdraw safely might already be the best outcome."
After hearing Liu Kai's words, Fang Zheng nodded slightly. "Yes, withdrawing safely is the best outcome. We old fellows should also make way."
Hearing this, Liu Ru Mei's expression faltered. "Old Prime Minister, do you mean yourself?"
Fang Zheng nodded. "Yes? I can't escape this calamity either. It's better to be sensible and leave early."
After he finished speaking, the entire room fell silent. No one spoke again until the meal was over.
Everyone felt a sense of unease.
Liu Ru Mei's heart was even more deeply pained, not expecting that after her Liu family had made such valiant contributions to the Da Cang kingdom, they would ultimately face such a difficult conclusion.
Meanwhile, in the imperial palace, Xiao Jingyun clearly could not accept this arrangement.
He suppressed the anger in his heart and, with some emotion, said to Xiao An, "Your Majesty, not to mention Liu Xiangnan's countless military achievements following you on campaigns, but Liu Ru Mei has guarded the dragon's脉 for over five years and also accompanied me in quelling this rebellion. Doesn't that count for something, if not merit, then at least effort?"
Xiao Jingyun's face was slightly flushed with excitement. Xiao An looked at him, appearing very calm.
"Jingyun, I've said all that needs to be said. As I said, Liu Xiangnan's prestige is too high, and I am deeply worried!"
"Then you can let him retire and return home," Xiao Jingyun said loudly.
Xiao An waved his hand. "That won't help. Liu Xiangnan has been in seclusion for many years, but look how many people in the army still follow his every command."
"Your Majesty, you wouldn't..." Xiao Jingyun began to panic.
Xiao An clasped his hands behind his back and began to pace. "I haven't made up my mind yet. Let him stay in prison for a while."
"But, but, Your Majesty, if you truly kill him, won't the army become even more unstable?"
"Unstable? Then all the more reason to kill," Xiao An said, then turned to leave. He stopped at the door and turned back. "Prepare yourself. In a couple of days, I will issue a decree to abdicate the throne to you."
Hearing this, Xiao Jingyun was even more dumbfounded.
"Your Majesty, you are still so young and in your prime. Why would you..."
Xiao An waved his hand. "Enough, my decision is made."
With that, he left without looking back.
He left, leaving Xiao Jingyun staring blankly on the spot.
His plan to rescue Liu Xiangnan had failed. How would he explain this to Liu Ru Mei tomorrow?
After much deliberation, Xiao Jingyun decided not to wait until tomorrow. He would go to Fang Zheng's manor tonight to explain the situation.
At this moment, Fang Zheng and Liu Ru Mei had finished eating and were sitting in the study, sighing with helplessness. No one had a better solution. Just then, someone reported that Crown Prince Xiao Jingyun had arrived.
Liu Ru Mei rushed out without a word. In her mind, Xiao Jingyun's return must surely bring good news.
However, to Liu Ru Mei's surprise, Xiao Jingyun appeared distressed upon seeing her. "Ru Mei, I am truly sorry. His Majesty does not agree to release the old marquis, I..."
Hearing this, Fang Zheng couldn't help but speak up. "Your Highness the Crown Prince, could you please speak to His Majesty again? The old marquis is willing to retire and return home. Please ask His Majesty to spare him."
Xiao Jingyun was taken aback, then nodded helplessly. "Everyone, please rest assured. I will go to His Majesty again tomorrow morning. Sooner or later, I will rescue the old marquis."
With that, Xiao Jingyun turned and left.
Watching his receding figure, Fang Zheng also sighed helplessly. "It seems His Majesty is determined this time..."
Meanwhile, Emperor Xiao An returned to his study but was in no mood to read.
Seeing his unease, Bai Han cautiously asked, "Your Majesty, the Crown Prince has returned, and you have clarified things with him. Why are you still restless?"
Xiao An looked at him. "He has returned, but the matter is not resolved."
"Your Majesty, Liu Xiangnan and Liu Yuanwen are both in prison. What else are you worried about?"
Xiao An sighed and answered indirectly, "It's good that he has returned. I want to pass the throne to him, so..."
Hearing this, Bai Han suddenly understood.
The Emperor wanted to accelerate the purge of the Liu family and the Fang family.
Thinking of this, he felt a chill run down his spine.
Indeed, Xiao An then turned and said, "Later, go and deliver my oral command, telling Fang Zheng to leave the capital tomorrow morning."
Bai Han bowed and turned to leave.
Although he did not approve of Xiao An's actions, as a subject, he had no other choice but to obey.
At this time, Fang Zheng was preparing to go to bed. Hearing that Bai Han had arrived, his heart tightened.
He quickly put on his clothes and hurried to the main gate to greet him. By the time he came out, Bai Han had already entered the gate and was standing in the courtyard waiting for him.
"Guard Bai, it's so late. I must trouble you for this trip. Please come inside." Fang Zheng cupped his fists in greeting.
Although he was much older than Bai Han, he was now retired, while Bai Han was the Emperor's personal guard.
Therefore, Fang Zheng had to show him respect.
Bai Han bowed even more courteously. "Old Prime Minister, the matter is urgent, so I won't come in. I've come to deliver a message from His Majesty and will leave immediately."
After speaking, he looked around and sighed deeply.
"His Majesty sent me to tell you that you can go home tomorrow morning."
Upon hearing this news, Fang Zheng showed no surprise, merely sighing slightly. "What must come will eventually come."
"Please convey my thanks to His Majesty on my behalf, Guard Bai. I will pack my belongings and leave tomorrow morning."
Bai Han nodded silently and turned to leave. He did not know how to face the dejected Fang Zheng.