Zhao Rong also pulled up the corners of his mouth but said nothing.
Yunniang’s gaze turned nostalgic, her words flowing ceaselessly, yet at this moment, her subdued tone suddenly rose an octave.
"It is said that this Music Workshop is managed by Empress Dugu..."
Yunniang paused, "Hmm, now she is the Empress Dowager, it is said that she oversees it personally, not allowing others to interfere. Moreover, it’s this fairy-like noblewoman who first proposed the idea to the late Emperor, who respected Empress Dugu a great deal and immediately adopted the suggestion. The Empress, she is simply like the Mysterious Lady of the Nine Heavens descending from the Moon Palace."
At this time, Zhao Rong stepped forward, showing a gentle smile to Yunniang.
He nodded gently, his tone mild.
"Hmm, good, indeed a fine Emperor and Empress. By the way, young lady, could you speak to us about the events that have occurred in Great Li since Grand Ancestor passed away a month ago?"
Interrupted by Zhao Rong, Yunniang trembled slightly, seemingly realizing she had spoken too much about matters not of interest to the two noble young masters from the mountains.
She was a bit flustered, but the next second, she saw Zhao Rong’s smile, and even Gu Yiwu beside him showed no signs of disapproval.
Yunniang warmed inside, her expression serious as she bowed in respect, still a bit frantic.
"I apologize, my Lord, Young Master Zhao, your servant..."
Zhao Rong waved his hand, "It’s fine. Just tell us what you know regarding the question I just asked."
He sighed softly to himself, having some idea of what the situation in Great Li was like at the moment.
Because the new maid of brother Yiwu standing before them had been recently purchased from the black market in the mountains.
Hence, it was an indication of what was happening.
However, for the specifics, further information was needed.
Yunniang nodded in relief and thought for a moment.
"Although the late Emperor’s passing was sudden, fortunately, His Majesty had already established the Crown Prince quite early on, who is the only son of the Empress Dowager Dugu. However, the Crown Prince is still too young."
"Furthermore, in the days immediately following His Majesty’s passing, there was great chaos within the imperial court and there were rumors that the King of Virtue wished to become Emperor Li. It was said that the late Emperor had promised him some things in private after they faced dangers together..."
Zhao Rong was curious, "The King of Virtue?"
Yunniang nodded, "Yes, he is His Majesty’s own brother, named Li Mingyi. The people say he is called the Martial God within our Great Li’s military forces."
Gu Yiwu laughed, "Martial God? So, he’s a Martial Artist? Interesting, continue."
Yunniang pondered for a while, "Also, I heard that the Great General of the southern border forces..."
"The Great General?" Zhao Rong smiled, "Is that a personal name or what?"
Yunniang’s expression was one of awe as she shook her head, "No, this esteemed person is named Zhou Dufu, who holds the position of Great General, the highest military rank in our Great Li. He is one of the few who established the foundation with the late Emperor and is also... one of the most significant contributors to the founding of the Great Li Dynasty. Well, aside from the noble persons of the Li Imperial Family, that is."
"Hmm, go on. What did this person come back for?"
Yunniang’s voice grew softer as she whispered:
"It is said that the Great General expressed doubts over the death of the late Emperor. Moreover, regarding the enthronement of the new Emperor, he had some dissenting opinions."
"Thus... he led the Iron Cavalry and rushed back overnight. That day, the entire Capital could hear the sound of hooves from several miles outside the city... The number of Iron Cavalry was unknown. Then, the King of Virtue sent men to open the city’s largest gate, which remained wide open, as he led the Imperial Army to meet them outside."
Zhao Rong’s lips curled, but this time he remained silent and continued to listen attentively.
Yunniang exhaled softly, "However, afterward, the Great General and the King of Virtue both entered the city and palace alone, leaving their troops outside."
Although most of these events were hearsay to Yunniang, since rumors had spread throughout the court and the common people,
They might be exaggerated or misinterpreted, but there had to be some truth in them, providing a reference that could clarify the general situation.
About half an incense stick later.
Zhao Rong mused internally:
The Li Dynasty’s court, a widow and orphan, and two Martial Artists?
One of whom is both uncle and younger brother in-law to the former...
Soon, he looked up, inquiring, "And after that?"
Yunniang shook her head, "The atmosphere was quite strange those days. Just some time ago, people within the court and outside were saying that since the young Crown Prince is underage and would grow up under the guidance of a woman, even if the Empress Dowager Dugu is virtuous and well-mannered, there’s a concern that it might affect the Crown Prince’s character unfavorably, making him unsuitable to maintain the territories and throne fought for by Grand Ancestor on horseback."
"And then, within a couple of days, the civil and military officials, along with the King of Virtue, unilaterally made a public statement, agreeing that only the Crown Prince is suitable to inherit the throne, and they would fully support him. As for the Great General, there was no further movement from him."
"Moreover, the stance of the court changed completely. Everyone was saying that the young Crown Prince is extremely filial, grieving to the point of fainting at the late Emperor’s coffin despite his tender age. Empress Dugu herself endured her illness to keep vigil in the Great Hall, without food or drink for three days, growing frail and haggard. Some even said that such pure filial piety and family love, witnessed by the King of Virtue and the Great General, silenced them. They eventually came to an understanding, agreeing on the young Crown Prince’s accession quietly."
"As for the matter of the young Crown Prince’s upbringing, isn’t his experienced uncle, the King of Virtue, around? He could very well guide him, along with the Empress Dowager Dugu, in educating the young Emperor."