Chapter 156 Political Talent
Zhao Yushan was also stunned by Cui Shuyun's aggressive answer.

This can no longer be called a soft nail, this is a hard nail!
"It seems that after the fight between the Zhao family and the Zhu family, they will also fight with the Cui family!"

Looking at Cui Shuyun, whose face was calm and whose eyes were like a deep pool, Zhao Yushan felt as if she saw herself thirty years ago and sighed in her heart.

But the struggle with Cui Shuyun was no longer a matter for her, the daughter of Zhao who was about to be promoted to empress dowager!
That is the business of the next generation of outstanding women in the Zhao family!
For example, Zhao Qingya...

After all, no matter whether Zhu Chengwu can ascend the throne now, it is a foregone conclusion that Zhao Yushan, the queen of the deceased Ming King, will become the empress dowager.

When Zhu Chengwu came to power, it was natural for Zhao Yushan, as his stepmother and biological mother, to become the queen.

Even if Zhu Chengwu could not ascend to the throne this time, under Zhu Chengwu's threat of force, the prince had to honor his biological mother Zhao Yushan as the empress dowager.

Even though the prince knew that Zhao Yushan would definitely stand on the side of Zhao and Zhu Chengwu and oppose him.

If the prince wants to compete with Zhu Chengwu, he can only rely on religion and etiquette.

Once the prince disowns Zhao Yushan as his biological mother, his foundation of etiquette and law will be shaken, and he will have no power to resist Zhu Chengwu's martial arts power.

Society is a spider's web in which all people struggle to survive.

Almost no one can live completely according to his own wishes. They have to force themselves to cater to popular ideas and etiquette for various reasons, including the prince.

Therefore, it is a foregone conclusion that Zhao Yushan will become the empress dowager!

"I just want to express my admiration for the good relationship between you and Brother Wu, my daughter-in-law Shuyun. I have no other intentions! Please don't think too much!"

Cui Shuyun's answer was so strong that Zhao Yushan didn't want to continue testing whether Cui Shuyun agreed to Zhu Chengwu taking a concubine.

From Zhao Yushan's perspective, the only source of Cui Shuyun's confidence in responding to her so fiercely could be Zhu Chengwu.

Zhu Chengwu was a precocious child, and his relationship with Zhao Yushan was not as strong as that with the two sisters Zhu Xiumin and Zhu Xiulan.

In addition, rumors spread throughout the court and the public that Cui Shuyun had Zhu Chengwu completely under her control.

Even Zhu Chengwu, a prince and martial arts legend, did not dare to take a concubine.

Zhao Yushan didn't want to fight to the death with Cui Shujun until she found out how close the relationship between Cui Shujun and Zhu Chengwu was and to what extent Zhu Chengwu could do for Cui Shujun.

After all, the source of Zhu Chengwu and Fu'an Marquisate's power is not religious etiquette, but Zhu Chengwu's own martial arts power.

Once Zhu Chengwu is angered, since he dares to rebel against his father, Prince Ming, he may also rebel against his mother, Zhao Yushan.

Before Zhu Chengwu was enthroned, his relationship with King Ming was closer than his relationship with Zhao Yushan.

Zhao Yushan can't take any risks!
Father and son, mother and son, husband and wife... are actually a kind of alternative "partners". When the east wind is strong, the west wind will naturally be weak.

“The daughter-in-law didn’t think much about it!
Moreover, my daughter-in-law's words are sincere. If the queen mother is willing and the marquis agrees, my daughter-in-law is willing to divorce!"

Cui Shuyun's eyes became more profound.

Zhao Yushan wanted to stop there, but Cui Shuyun disagreed.

The humiliation of my eldest brother Cui Ronghe's castration...

As Cui Shuyun and Zhao Yushan's conversation and gaze became more and more in-depth, Zhu Xiumin, who was standing beside them, actually felt a hint of discomfort and threat.

You know, Zhu Xiumin is a first-class master!
After feeling a slight sense of discomfort and threat, Zhu Xiumin, who knew the background of Zhao Yushan and Cui Shuyun, reacted immediately.

This was probably the invisible confrontation between the spiritual powers of the two Yin Gods, Zhao Yushan and Cui Shuyun.

"oops!"

Zhu Xiumin suddenly let out a panic-stricken scream, and at the same time, the martial arts aura around her body suddenly burst out, interrupting the secret mental confrontation between Zhao Yushan and Cui Shuyun.

"Mother, the time is almost up! My sister-in-law and I should go to pay our respects to our father. I will take my leave now!"

Zhu Xiumin first bowed to Zhao Yushan.

"Sister-in-law, let's go!"

Afterwards, Zhu Xiumin took control and pulled Cui Shuyun out!

Unexpectedly, Cui Shuyun flicked her sleeves and pushed away Zhu Xiumin's hand.

Zhu Xiumin was stunned.

But Zhu Xiumin immediately reached out again.

This time, Zhu Xiumin's movements were fast and steady, and she brought her first-class martial arts skills to full play. She did not give Cui Shuyun any chance to struggle and just pulled Cui Shuyun out.

As a Yin spirit who cultivated spirits and did not practice martial arts, Cui Shuyun was immediately pulled and restrained by Zhu Xiumin.

This is the situation where the Refining Spirit Yin Spirit is suddenly faced with a top-notch martial artist at close range and without any preparation.

It cannot be said that they are at a disadvantage, it can only be said that they have no power to resist.

Cui Shuyun, whose feet were almost off the ground, was pulled by Zhu Xiumin before she even had the time to bow out to Zhao Yushan, the queen and mother-in-law, according to etiquette before she was pulled out of Jiaoshu Palace by Zhu Xiumin.

Looking at Cui Shuyun being pulled away by Zhu Xiumin, Zhao Yushan's eyes flashed with a thoughtful look.

"Xiu Lan, what do you think?"

Zhao Yushan looked at her youngest daughter, Zhu Xiulan, who had been "invisible" on the side, and asked.

"The relationship between the second sister and the eldest sister-in-law is very good!"

Zhu Xiulan pointed out the key points in her eyes.

"anything else?"

Zhao Yushan was not satisfied with Zhu Xiulan's brief answer and asked further.

"With Second Sister's personality, she can and will maintain such a good relationship with Big Sister-in-law, and even doesn't hesitate to 'forcibly take' Big Sister-in-law away in front of you, the Queen Mother!
It seems that the relationship between the eldest sister-in-law and the elder brother is really good! "

Yet another misguided person emerges.

The close relationship between Zhu Xiumin and Cui Shuyun is one of the important reasons why the outside world spreads rumors that Zhu Chengwu and Cui Shuyun have a deep relationship.

As for the other reason, it was naturally Zhu Chengwu's decision not to take a concubine or a side wife.

"Okay, let go!"

After being led a long distance by Zhu Xiumin, Cui Shuyun asked Zhu Xiumin to let go again.

This time Zhu Xiumin did not insist, but listened to Cui Shuyun's words and let go of Cui Shuyun's hand.

This place is far enough away from Jiaoshu Palace!
"Shuyun, why are you confronting my mother like this?

Is it really because of cousin Qingya, or because of my elder brother?"

As soon as Zhu Xiumin let go of Cui Shuyun, she immediately turned around, looked at Cui Shuyun and questioned her.

Zhu Xiumin's questioning made Cui Shuyun look complicated.

"Zhu Xiumin, don't talk to me, or I won't let you go!"

After a moment's silence, Cui Shuyun looked at Zhu Xiumin and said with a determined look.

Three years cannot compare to sixteen years.

After all, the love between daughters cannot compare to the love between brothers and sisters.

"Cui Shuyun, what do you mean by saying this? What are you crazy about?"

Cui Shuyun's resolute tone also angered Zhu Xiumin.

Zhu Xiumin also started calling him by his name.

hmm~~

Just as Cui Shuyun and Zhu Xiumin were arguing, an uninvited guest suddenly broke into Cui Shuyun and Zhu Xiumin's spiritual perception range, interrupting their quarrel.

Cui Shuyun and Zhu Xiumin stared at each other and stopped talking at the same time.

In another moment, the uninvited guest had already come close to Cui Shuyun and Zhu Xiumin.

"County Lady Xiumin, this is..."

Along with the person's figure came his hoarse and heavy voice.

When Zhu Xiumin saw the person coming, her body instantly straightened up, but then relaxed again.

The reason for straightening up was Zhu Xiumin's instinctive reaction of being on guard.

She relaxed afterwards because Zhu Xiumin knew that no matter how prepared she was, it would be useless against the newcomer.

In that case, it’s better to be open and honest!

The dignified man in front of him, who looked like a middle-aged man but was actually not too old, was none other than the head of the Zhu clan's main clan department - Duke Qi.

Zhu Xiumin had met the Duke of Qi many times, but every time she met him, she would still feel nervous.

This tension was even greater than when Zhu Xiumin met her father, the King Ming, with whom she was not close.

Perhaps this is the demeanor of a master!

But when facing the Duke of Yan, who was also a master, although Zhu Xiumin was nervous, he was not as nervous as when facing the Duke of Qi.

This can only be explained by the saying that one thing overcomes another. "Xiu Min greets Duke Qi!"

Zhu Xiumin first bowed to the Duke of Qi before answering his question.

"This is Xiumin's sister-in-law Choi Suk-yoon!"

Zhu Xiumin pointed at Cui Shuyun and introduced her to Duke Qi.

"Sister-in-law, this is the respected elder of our Zhu family, the head of the Zhu family's Grand Clan's Main Clan—Duke Qi!"

Afterwards, Zhu Xiumin introduced the Duke of Qi to Cui Shuyun.

Cui Shuyun's body is still in a tense state.

Because Cui Shuyun's Yin Spirit is constantly warning Cui Shuyun, telling Cui Shuyun that the person in front of her is in danger.

This is why Cui Shuyun frowned when she was assigned by Zhu Chengwu to go to Beijing with Zhu Xiumin to mourn Queen Ming, and even strongly believed that this assignment was worth one of the three things.

There are too many masters in the capital!

Once they enter the capital, Cui Shuyun and Zhu Xiumin will have no control over their life and death, and everything will depend on the will of others.

Too dangerous!

Although Zhu Chengwu believed that as long as he was alive, others would give him face and look up to Cui Shuyun, Zhu Xiumin and others.

But Cui Shuyun thinks things are not that simple.

There are so many experts in the capital, maybe there are some stubborn people among them!
Moreover, under the heavy pressure from Zhu Chengwu, the prince or some people in the prince's faction might adopt the mentality of "If I fail, you won't have an easy life either", and if they cannot take revenge on Zhu Chengwu, they will vent their anger on Cui Shuyun and Zhu Xiumin, who are very close to Zhu Chengwu.

Although the Duke of Qi who suddenly appeared in front of her did not look like that kind of person, Cui Shuyun still had to be on guard.

After all, you can never know a person’s heart by looking at his face!
Although Cui Shuyun also knew that her defense was useless.

Cui Shuyun's mind was full of thoughts, but in reality, only a moment had passed.

"The wife of Marquis Zhu of Fu'an, Cui Shujun, greets the clan leader!"

After Zhu Xiumin finished the introduction, Cui Shuyun chose to greet Duke Qi in this way.

Cui Shuyun's words made the Grandmaster Duke Qi stunned for a moment, but he immediately reacted.

Duke Qi looked at Cui Shuyun with deep eyes.

I deeply feel that Cui Shuyun in front of me is worthy of being Zhu Chengwu's first wife chosen after thousands of careful selections. She is indeed not simple.

"Marquis of Zhu's Fu'an? Clan leader?

"Niece Shuyun, your words are very interesting!"

The Duke of Qi heard the temptation and goodwill in Cui Shuyun's words.

"No matter what, the Marquis is the legitimate son of the Ming King, and his Zhu bloodline is unquestionable!"

Seeing Duke Qi's attitude, Cui Shujun felt relieved. Her body was finally no longer so tense, and she spoke with a chuckle.

As expected, after the death of King Ming, the Zhu clan's Dazongzhengyuan no longer stood by the crown prince.

Even if they still favor the prince, at least their attitude has loosened.

"Shuyun's niece, does Wu Ge'er think so too?"

Cui Shuyun was just breathing a sigh of relief when the Duke of Qi on the other side suddenly changed the subject and asked.

"Shuyun is not sure what the Marquis thinks, but based on Shuyun's observation and perception, the Marquis's thoughts should be almost the same!"

Faced with the question from Duke Qi, Cui Shuyun was stunned and did not make any promises.

But Cui Shuyun didn't know that her honesty made her words even more convincing.

If Cui Shuyun said with certainty that Zhu Chengwu had this idea, Duke Qi would not have believed it.

After all, people’s hearts are hidden, and who can be sure of what others think?

Moreover, people's hearts are fickle, and many times even they themselves dare not guarantee their own inner thoughts.

"Only two of you came to the Marquis of Fu'an's mansion this time? Where are the others?
Even if Wu Ge'er can't come because of those thieves from Shaolin Temple, what about Zhao Xinghan?"

The Duke of Qi suddenly changed the subject and asked.

Although he was satisfied with Cui Shuyun's words and answers, and his inner position had gradually changed and shifted, a man as high-ranking as the Duke of Qi would not easily reveal his inner thoughts.

“My cousin Xinghan is the backbone of the Marquisate’s army, and the Marquisate of Fu’an cannot do without him.

Does the clan leader think that Min'an and I cannot represent the Marquis or the Fu'an Marquisate?"

Cui Shuyun first explained, and then asked Duke Qi a question.

"She is indeed a smart girl!" Duke Qi looked at Cui Shuyun deeply again and praised her secretly in his heart.

"Of course, Shuyun's niece-in-law can represent Wu Ge'er. Not only me, but also the entire Dazongzhengyuan and Qiguogongfu recognize this!

But Shuyun's niece-in-law should be careful, because Zhao's surname is Zhao, not Zhu or Cui.

According to the information I have heard, after Zhao Xinghan left Yantai Pass, he made a lot of small moves on his way back to Xuzhou City!
Do you think that Zhao might have other ideas?

And there is that girl Zhao Qingya.

That girl seems to be twenty-three years old now!

She hasn’t married yet!”

The Duke of Qi's words were suggestive.

However, one thing is that the Duke of Qi, who has not received the latest intelligence, may be slapped in the face in the near future.

That is, Zhao Xinghan did make a lot of small moves on the way back to Xuzhou City from Yantai Pass.

But this reminder is totally unnecessary.

Because Zhu Chengwu has already knocked it down and solved it.

"My Lord will decide all military affairs!
Shuyun shouldn’t and doesn’t want to care!
As for cousin Qingya... Shuyun had already made it clear to her mother when she met her just now.

If the Queen Mother, Zhao, and Cousin Qingya are all interested, and the Marquis agrees, Shuyun is willing to divorce!"

In response to the Duke of Qi's question, Cui Shuyun's answer was not flawless, but it was also difficult for people to find any flaws.

Politics and rhetoric do require talent.

Just like Zhu Chengwu and Cui Shuyun.

Cui Shuyun's talent is obviously much better than Zhu Chengwu's.

"is it?"

Duke Qi was a little surprised by Cui Shuyun's answer.

The first half of Cui Shuyun's answer was okay, although it was flawless, but Duke Qi had experienced this kind of answer many times.

That is the standard answer that all important officials in the court and top people from major forces would give.

But the second half of Cui Shuyun's answer was beyond Duke Qi's expectations.

So tough?
Where did this young Cui Shuyun get the courage to face her mother-in-law and Wu Ge'er's biological mother so toughly?
But then the Duke of Qi thought of the rumors in the Ming Dynasty court.

"Is it true that there is always something that can defeat something else? The invincible Wu Ge'er has been defeated by the little girl in front of him?"

Thinking of this, Duke Qi's eyes suddenly brightened inexplicably.

"No, if Brother Wu was really fascinated by the little girl in front of him, and really valued her so much, then this girl would not be here now!

After all, everyone knows that the capital city is now a dangerous place where life and death are at stake for the Fu'an Marquis family!

Even Wu Ge'er himself doesn't dare to appear in the capital now!"

But immediately, the Duke of Qi overturned the idea that Cui Shuyun had subdued Zhu Chengwu.

"But, this little girl in front of me actually dares to confront Zhao Yushan?
Judging from the conversation just now, this girl is not stupid!

She dares to confront Zhao Yushan, she must have something to rely on!
As for lying?

This clever little girl in front of me shouldn't tell such a lie that could be easily exposed!

Moreover, Wu Ge'er has only had one wife and no concubines for more than three years. This is an indisputable fact!"

The Duke of Qi was in a state of confusion.

Honestly speaking, Duke Qi is now a little confused about Cui Shujun and can't understand the true relationship between Cui Shujun and Zhu Chengwu.

Um~
Just as the Duke of Qi was thinking, the appearance of a breath interrupted him.

Immediately after Duke Qi, Cui Shuyun and Zhu Xiumin also felt the approach of this powerful aura that was not much weaker than that of Duke Qi.

sigh~
The person came very quickly. In just a moment, another figure appeared near Cui Shuyun and Zhu Xiumin!
He and the Duke of Qi formed a pincer attack against each other.

(End of this chapter)