On the ninth day of the fifth month, Zhang Yuan sent someone to send the imperial edict sent to Datong Town out of Xuanfu. As for the military orders from the other military towns, Zhang Yuan planned to postpone the issuance of the war plan formulated by Chen Xi to fight against the combat plan.

Zhang Yuan was proud and felt that doing so was foolproof. Even if he was held accountable later, he could still put the blame on others.

If Chen Xi is defeated in the war, there is a high chance of staying outside the border. It can be said that there is no evidence of death. Even if Chen Xi comes back alive, he is still a criminal. How many people will believe the loser’s defense?

If Chen Xi wins victory and triumph, no one cares about the difference in time. Zhang Yuan doesn't think Zhu Houzhao will feel unhappy by himself when he is ecstatic.

Zhang Yuan made a wishful thinking and the imperial edict would be delivered by the fast horse, which basically guaranteed to be delivered to Datong within one day. In this way, Chen Xi only had a few hours to prepare after receiving the imperial edict. Zhang Yuan even told the postman that he would wait until midnight on the 10th night of the lunar month before delivering it, so that Chen Xi would not have time to think too much.

At this time, Zhu Houzhao was completely unaware of it and was still stumbling with the woman Jiang Bin had just found in the palace. Concubine Li and Xiao Guozi were all hidden by Zhang Yuan.

Just when Zhu Houzhao was dark, the neglected Concubine Li did not stay in the bedroom for a long time and returned to her yard. When she stepped into the yard, several guards were waiting there.

"Godmother..."

Concubine Li sat down directly in the main hall, and came over to kowtow. It was Liao Han, a household of Jinyiwei who had previously worshipped Concubine Li as her adopted mother, and the other guards were under Liao Han.

Concubine Li nodded slightly, not asking Liao Han to get up, and asked, "How is it? Is there any evidence to ask you to investigate?"

Liao Han said: "My son found out that Lord Shen had planned to send troops on the ninth day of the fifth month in Datong Town, but for some reason the memorial was not passed to His Majesty. After arriving at Xuanfu, he was detained by the Lijian. Unknowingly, His Majesty sent someone to write a letter to inquire about the date of the troops. Because the time was too hasty, Lord Shen delayed the period of the troops by two days! The memorial in Lord Shen was listed on May 11, and the day when he hoped that Your Majesty would send troops was May 15."

Concubine Li frowned: "Why isn't this written in the memorial submitted by Eunuch Zhang before?"

Liao Han shook his head: "I don't know much about this son. Could it be that Lord Shen sent two different memorials? Or maybe someone tampered with the date on Lord Shen's memorials?"

Concubine Li fell silent, frowned and thought, and the more she thought it was important, she said in a deep voice: "I just said that Shangshu Chen could not set the date of sending troops so late, and actually staggered the days when he and His Majesty sent troops for half a month. It was obvious that someone was interfering with it... But I never expected that the man was so bold and arrogant!"

Liao Han said: "My son also found out that the edict drafted by the Sili Supervisor has not been sent to all parts of the Jiubian area for a long time. It was not until today that the messenger was sent to Datong Town..."

Concubine Li sneered: "If I guess correctly, the eunuch Zhang sent him to Datong Town without any specific date. In this way, Shangshu Chen thought that Your Majesty asked him to send troops according to the established May 11th!"

Liao Han said: "This... my son has not found out yet, he just told his godmother what he learned about it. I wonder what else does his godmother have to give?"

Concubine Li nodded slightly, with a look of praise on her face, and said, "You are becoming more and more steadily in your work. This is very good. I have recorded the credit. I will tell Your Majesty in the past two days and strive to promote you to the Qianhu of the Jinyiwei!"

"My son dares not ask for extravagance, but only wishes to respect his godmother. Even if he is just an ordinary soldier, he is willing to do so." Liao Han was extremely surprised, but he dared not show it too obviously, and said cautiously.

"Your credit will not be a point!"

Concubine Li waved her hand: "You go back first, keep a good eye on your subordinates' mouths, remember not to leak the news. If something happens, don't blame me for not reminding you in advance."

Liao Han bowed and said, "This is naturally. My son and his men have a life-long friendship and will not delay their godmother's business." After that, Liao Han respectfully said his leave.

After the person left, Concubine Li stood up and paced back and forth in the room.

"There must be a problem!"

Concubine Li thought to herself, "Eunuch Zhang did this matter with all his flaws, and it was completely done by outsiders. Even the seamless bad things that Liu Jin did before could not be hidden from Shen Zhihou. Could it be that Shen Zhihou was completely unaware of this time? Just because others were in Datong and were not with His Majesty, the news was cut off?"

Concubine Li had many doubts in her heart, but she didn't know who to tell her. After thinking about it, she decided to tell Xiao Tiaozi about the situation.

"I offer advice to Your Majesty twice, and Your Majesty will adopt it, but every time I say it, Your Majesty may think that I am a harem interfering in politics and have ulterior motives. In fact, it is most appropriate to make suggestions from your Majesty's nearby servants, because these eunuchs are His Majesty's slaves, and protecting the interests of his master is his duty!"

After Concubine Li had an idea, she immediately went to see Xiao Guozi.

At this time, Xiao Tiaozi was not serving Emperor Zhengde, because Zhu Houzhao didn't want outsiders to disturb him when he was hanging with a woman. Xiao Tiaozi was considered half a man. Even if the emperor didn't feel embarrassed, those women would be shy, so Zhu Houzhao simply asked Xiao Tiaozi to avoid it.

Xiao Tiaozi was guarding outside the hall, yawning repeatedly, not knowing what he should do, but when he saw Concubine Li coming, he quickly stood up to greet him.

Concubine Li called Xiao Guozi to the nearby Miaoshou corridor. Seeing that there was no one around, she told Xiao Guozi in detail what she asked Liao Han to investigate.

Xiao Zhuozi said in surprise: "Empress Li, what you said is of great importance. This... Is anyone really dare to tamper with the memorial of Shangshu Shen?"

Concubine Li shook her head and said, "I'm not sure if anyone has forged the memorial now, but the possibility is very high. Needless to say, you should know who did it, right?"

Xiao Twistzi lowered his head, thinking and sighed: "But... what are the benefits of Eunuch Zhang doing this?"

Concubine Li said: "No one can tolerate Shen Shangshu... I heard before that most officials in the court did not support sending troops. From Xie Ge Lao to Liudu Hall, no one stood on Shen Shangshu's side except the Ministry of War. However, the matter of sending troops was decided in the end. Because His Majesty killed the chicken to warn the monkey, he was furious and sent Xie Ge Lao to three sides to manage military salaries."

"That's the case." Xiao Zhuozi nodded.

Concubine Li said again: "I also heard that after Eunuch Zhang became the boss, the supervisor of the seal, he had a close relationship with Mr. Xie... Eunuch Zhang had a grudge against Mr. Shen. Perhaps Mr. Xie would not deliberately pull his back for the country and country in the Ming Dynasty, but Mr. Zhang said it may not be certain. With his character, if he hates someone, he can do anything to do!"

Xiao Zhuozi shivered: "Don't say it, Empress Li, you should not say it, it's so terrible!"

Concubine Li said: "There has happened now, is there anything to avoid? Shangshu Chen will set out on May 11, and His Majesty will not send troops until the end of May. The interval between them is not three or five days, but twenty days. In the extra half month, I am afraid that several major battles will end?"

"Eunuch Zhang has been wandering in front of His Majesty, and he will inevitably obstruct the military. With His Majesty's character, the marching speed will definitely not be fast... I am afraid that it will be like the road from Juyong to Xuanfu, and delayed it. As a bait, Shangshu Chen could not get the main support outside the border. At that time..."

Xiao Guozi was very anxious and was about to cry out, saying, "Empress Li, you have to think of a countermeasure that you can't let such a thing happen, otherwise the defeat in the war will be small, and the advantages of the northern border accumulated over the past ten years of the Ming Dynasty will be gone!"

Concubine Li thought to herself: "The court had only won several battles in the northwest before. Who told you that the Ming Dynasty had an advantage in the northern border? The grassland tribes can be said to be endless. There were the Huns and Turks during the Han and Tang Dynasties, and then the Mongol Yuan rose. Even if the middle declined temporarily, it would rise quickly in no time!"

Concubine Li sighed: "This, it is not easy for me to find these in the palace, and the others may not be able to do the best. Eunuch Ning might as well put her in her shoes. My palace has an awkward identity and is actually not qualified to make suggestions to Your Majesty... It is the legacy of Taizu's ancestors if they are not allowed to interfere in politics in the harem!"

Xiao Tuozi suddenly knelt on the ground and kowtowed: "Empress Li, you are the most favored in front of you. If it is revealed by you, Your Majesty will accept it happily. At that time, Eunuch Zhang's bad deeds will be noticed by Your Majesty... Even if the villain wants to say it, he will not have the ability. Your Majesty will doubt the villain's intentions and think that he is coveting the position of Zhang Gong Company's etiquette and slandering!"

Concubine Li couldn't help but be upset and thought to herself: "I wanted you to make suggestions with Your Majesty so as not to get angry. You're going to push the matter on me!"

Concubine Li shook her head and said, "I am a woman, how can I take on such a heavy responsibility? I will fight my grandfather. Whether it is Eunuch Liu who was in power in the past or now Eunuch Zhang is in power, your Majesty will accept it, because you are the most trusted close minister. Why did you... retreat this time?"

Xiao Jiaozi is a smart person and immediately realized that Concubine Li wanted to use him as a gun.

From the very heart, Xiao Taozi didn't want to fight Zhang Yuanminghuo stubbornly, but he soon realized a problem. If he learned some news but did not tell Zhu Houzhao, he would be suspected of deceiving the emperor.

"That villain... I don't know what to do!" Xiao Taozi was depressed and almost cried.

...

...

In the end, the result agreed by the two was to report to Zhu Houzhao.

Xiao Guozi had no choice but to pretend to be confused, but he couldn't. It was his responsibility to find out the truth outside for the emperor. However, after thinking about it carefully, Xiao Guozi felt that this was an excellent opportunity to overthrow Zhang Yuan, and maybe he could work hard.

Xiao Guozi didn't dare to report things while Zhu Houzhao was in a state of desolation, so he stayed outside the palace. However, he waited until the sky was getting brighter and he still didn't see Zhu Houzhao coming out. He could only try to enter the palace to check the situation. After entering, he found out that Zhu Houzhao had fallen asleep in the pile of powder.

Xiao Guozi could only withdraw quietly. He wanted to discuss the follow-up plan with Lifei, but he did not find anyone.

Xiao Guozi was very upset: "If I go to disturb Your Majesty's Qingmeng now, Your Majesty must pull out my skin... Let's wait until Your Majesty wakes up before talking."

Because of fear, Xiao Tiaozi did not dare to disturb Zhu Houzhao, so he could only wait outside the hall and wait.

But I didn't sleep all night, Xiao Tiaozi was drowsy and sat on the chair with his hands in his arms and leaned against the back of the chair. He wanted to close his eyes and sleep for a while, but soon he entered deep sleep and completely forgot about the time.

Xiao Tiaozi woke up at noon and found someone standing there looking at him. He immediately said angrily: "There is no rule, do you want to scare people to death?"

The man was a little eunuch under Xiao Guozi, and said aggrievedly: "Dude-in-law, there are several adults outside the palace who jointly asked for your Majesty. Will you give me a message?"

Xiao Guozi was a little surprised and said, "Are they those adults? Do you know who it is?"

The little eunuch thought for a while and said, "It seems... Lord Shouren, the King of Xuanda General, brought a few people here. The villain was timid and did not recognize the rest."

Xiao Taozi couldn't help but secretly rejoiced when he heard this, thinking: "I can't report to Your Majesty about Eunuch Zhang's tampering with the memorials of Shangshu Chen, but these adults can do it. I just need to help you pass their words to Your Majesty, let Your Majesty decide whether to see them... In this way, I have fulfilled my responsibilities!"

Thinking of this, Xiao Taozi was inexplicably happy and no longer rushed to report to Zhu Houzhao. Instead, he wanted to go out to see these officials first and find out why they came.

When Xiao Tiaozi left the palace, he felt more at ease when he saw Wang Shouren, Hu Lian, Yang Wu and other governors all present, but he still looked unknown and walked over and asked, "Several masters, Your Majesty is still resting, what's wrong with you here?"

Wang Shouren had the highest official position. He recognized Xiao Jiaozi and hurried forward and said, "Duke, I have an urgent military information to report to His Majesty. Please pass it on your behalf. This matters is related to the victory or defeat of the Battle of the Grassland..."

Xiao Tuozi looked at the people present. When he saw Yang Wu and some local officials looking gloomy and constantly winking each other, he intuition told him that these people were not the same as Hu Lian and Wang Shouren. He probably heard about some things before and knew that local officials are now flattering Zhang Yuan, and things are not as simple as expected.

Xiao Tiaozi said in a difficult manner: "Your Majesty has no intention of seeing you all, please see you at this time... It's really embarrassing. Why don't you ask Eunuch Zhang for instructions?"

Wang Shouren said: "But this matter has a great relationship with Eunuch Zhang. Logically, he should take the initiative to avoid it... Please call my father-in-law in and communicate with me. I can wait here!"

Xiao Guozi nodded: "Since that's the case, the villain can only go in and report... Is Your Majesty willing to give me a message? Please don't give me too much hope."

After saying that, he quickly turned in.

With these big names, Xiao Tiaozi was more confident and finally had the courage to disturb Zhu Houzhao's elegance... Zhu Houzhao had woken up and was playing with those firework women.

The arrival of Xiao Tiaozi ruined Zhu Houzhao's interest. Seeing a group of women retreating aside, Zhu Houzhao stared at Xiao Tiaozi and asked, "What are you doing? Are you tight?"

Xiao Tiaozi said, "Your Majesty, Lord General of the Three-Border General, and Governor Hu and others were asking for a meeting outside the palace, saying that it was a major matter related to the victory or defeat of the Grassland Battle. I dare not be negligent and could only come and ask for instructions... If Your Majesty does not want to see you, the villain will go out and say to them so that they don't have to wait."

Zhu Houzhao frowned and said, "These people will make a big fuss. What will be related to the victory or defeat of the Battle of the Grassland? Are they scaring me?"

Xiao Guozi could see that Zhu Houzhao was very impatient. He knew that if he didn't help Wang Shouren at this time, they would probably be punished by Zhu Houzhao if they saw him. In this way, Xiao Guozi stopped hiding and leaned forward and said, "It seems to be related to the military memorial submitted by Shangshu Chen... It seems that time does not match what Eunuch Zhang said."

"Um?"

Zhu Houzhao frowned and looked at the women around her. Although she had not had enough fun, she knew that the relationship was important. She waved her hand immediately. After all the women were bowing and retreating, he said, "Let them come in and wait... I will wash up first and then go out to see them!"

"Yes, your Majesty!"
Chapter completed!