Peach Blossoms in Chang'an

Chapter 108: The Prime Minister and his followers were caught in one fell swoop

The confidant took the order and left, but the fierceness in the prime minister's eyes did not dissipate for a long time. He had laid a net of heaven and earth, how could he easily believe that Hu Bugui really obeyed the law? He wanted to see what tricks these two people could play!

In Hu Bugui's mansion, Wu Tao's uneasiness grew day by day. The Prime Minister's power was intertwined, and even if the Emperor wanted to suppress it, it would not be done overnight. She knew very well that the calm before the storm was often more dangerous.

"Taotao, don't worry." Hu Bugui held Wu Tao's hand, his tone gentle but firm, "I have presented the evidence to the emperor. The emperor is wise and will give us justice."

It turned out that Hu Bugui had secretly collected evidence of the prime minister's crimes and found evidence of the prince's rebellion in collusion with the prime minister. He knew that he could not fight the prime minister alone, and only with the help of the imperial power could he eradicate him.

On the day of the birthday banquet, the atmosphere was particularly solemn. Everyone knew that this birthday banquet was ostensibly for the emperor's birthday celebration, but in reality, it was a power game that determined the lives of countless people.

Halfway through the banquet, Hu Bugui suddenly stood up and presented a secret letter to the emperor. He accused the prime minister on the spot of forming a clique for personal gain, accepting bribes and committing corruption, and even colluding with the prince to rebel.

The prime minister's face turned pale, but he could not defend himself. He could only watch helplessly as the power he had painstakingly built up for many years collapsed in an instant.

The emperor was furious and ordered a thorough investigation. In the end, in the face of overwhelming evidence, the prime minister and his followers were arrested, and the prince was deposed and imprisoned in the ancestral temple.

From then on, the haze that had shrouded Chang'an City finally dissipated, and the people were rejoicing, praising Hu Bugui's achievements and admiring Wu Tao's intelligence.

After this battle, Hu Bugui's reputation reached its peak, and the emperor relied on him more and even intended to give him more power. However, Hu Bugui's mind was not on the court, he was more eager to live a peaceful life with Wu Tao.

After returning to the palace, Hu Bugui began to rectify the palace. Wu Tao also used the knowledge he learned in modern times to help Hu Bugui implement a series of reforms in the palace, optimizing and improving everything from daily life to financial management.

With their joint efforts, life in the palace became more convenient and comfortable, and the servants were full of admiration and love for this "lady" from another world.

However, will their peaceful life really continue forever? What kind of turning point in their fate will the emperor's reward to Hu Bugui bring?

 Peach blossoms reflect smiles

After the fall of the prime minister's party, Chang'an City ushered in a rare period of peace. The people lived and worked in peace and contentment, and the streets and alleys were filled with cheerful laughter, as if the previous political storm had never happened.

In Hu Bugui's house, Wu Tao sat by the window, looking at the peach blossoms in full bloom in the courtyard, with a look of sadness on her face. Seeing this, Hu Bugui walked gently to her side, took her into his arms, and asked softly, "What's wrong? Are you still worried about the Prime Minister?"

Wu Tao shook his head and sighed, "I'm just wondering, how long can our peaceful life last now?"

Hu Bugui understood her concerns. Although the prime minister had fallen, there were still many unknown risks in the court. He held Wu Tao's hand tightly and said firmly: "Don't worry, I will protect you and will not let anyone hurt you again."

His words flowed into Wu Tao's heart like a warm current, dispelling the haze in her heart. She raised her head and looked at Hu Bugui's resolute profile, her eyes full of trust and love.

At this moment, a guard came hurriedly to report: "Your Majesty, someone has come from the palace. The emperor summons you and Miss Wu Tao to the palace."

Hu Bugui and Wu Tao looked at each other, and they both guessed something. They did not dare to neglect it, and immediately changed their clothes and went to the palace to meet the emperor.

In the Golden Palace, the emperor sat on the dragon throne, accompanied by the empress. Seeing Hu Bugui and Wu Tao coming, the emperor smiled kindly: "My dear Hu, Miss Wu Tao, I summoned you here today to grant you marriage."

When these words came out, everyone in the palace was shocked. The Queen also smiled and said, "The Emperor has long seen that you two are in love. Now that the Prime Minister's party has been eliminated, it is time to give you a status."

Hu Bugui and Wu Tao knelt down to thank the emperor, their hearts filled with gratitude. The emperor's marriage was not only a recognition of their feelings, but also an affirmation of Hu Bugui's achievements, and it also completely put an end to the criticism of Wu Tao's identity by the court officials.

Three days later, Hu Bugui's house was decorated with lanterns and filled with guests. The emperor granted marriage to Hu Bugui and Wu Tao, and Wu Tao officially became a real princess.

On this day, Wu Tao wore a bright red wedding dress and, under the envious gaze of everyone, was held hand by Hu Bugui and slowly walked towards a new chapter in her life.

Inside the palace, there was singing and dancing, and laughter and joy. Hu Bugui and Wu Tao sat in the main seats, accepting the blessings of the guests. Wu Tao looked at the sincere smiling faces around him, and his heart was filled with happiness and emotion.

After the banquet, the guests dispersed and the night deepened. Hu Bugui held Wu Tao's hand and strolled in the garden of the palace. Under the moonlight, the two figures snuggled together under the peach tree, as if forming a beautiful painting.

"Taotao, from now on, you are my princess." Hu Bugui looked at Wu Tao affectionately, his eyes full of tenderness.

Wu Tao lowered her head shyly and said softly, "Well, I will try my best to be a good princess."

However, she knew in her heart that becoming a princess was not just a change of title, but also meant taking on more responsibilities. The palace was as deep as the sea, and the palace was not a pure land. The road ahead was still long and full of unknown challenges.

At this moment, a palace maid came hurriedly and saluted Wu Tao, saying, "Princess, the Queen has ordered that you come to the palace tomorrow. The Queen will personally teach you the court etiquette and rules."

Wu Tao's heart tightened, and she couldn't help but tighten her grip on Hu Bugui's hand. The words "palace" and "rules" were like two huge mountains, weighing her down and making her feel a little breathless.

Hu Bugui sensed her uneasiness, patted the back of her hand gently, and gave her a soothing look. He knew that the road ahead was still long, but no matter what happened, he would stay by her side and face it together.

 Peach Blossoms Reflect Smiles (Continued)

The next morning, just after daybreak, Wu Tao got up early and dressed up with the help of her maid. The bronze mirror reflected a beautiful face with a little nervousness. She took a deep breath and tried to calm her inner anxiety.

Hu Bugui also changed into court robes. Looking at Wu Tao's slightly pale face, he embraced her in his arms with heartache: "Don't worry, the Queen just wants you to adapt to the identity of the princess faster. She won't embarrass you."

Wu Tao nodded and tried to force a smile: "Well, I know, don't worry about me."

After breakfast, Hu Bugui personally escorted Wu Tao to the palace gate and watched her sedan chair go away before turning around and leaving.

The queen's bedroom was magnificent and splendid, showing the royal majesty everywhere. When Wu Tao walked into the palace, he saw the queen wearing a phoenix robe, sitting on a high seat, with a gentle smile on her face.

"Your Majesty the Queen is greeted by your humble servant." Wu Tao bowed respectfully.

"Stand up." The queen gave her a false helping hand and motioned her to sit down beside her. "I heard that you were born in the common people and are not familiar with the court etiquette, so I specially summoned you to the palace to teach you some rules in person."

Wu Tao was grateful and quickly thanked her: "Thank you for your kindness, Queen. I will study hard."

In the next few days, Wu Tao stayed in the palace and followed the Queen to learn the court etiquette and rules. Although the Queen was the mother of a country, she was not arrogant. She patiently taught Wu Tao and personally demonstrated and explained everything, no matter how big or small. From how to greet, how to handle harem affairs, to how to get along with court officials and ladies, the Queen taught him everything she knew.

Wu Tao was also very diligent and eager to learn. She humbly accepted the Queen's teachings and made rapid progress. The Queen was very satisfied with her intelligence and quick understanding, and her love for her grew day by day.

At the same time, Hu Bugui was not idle. Under the influence of Wu Tao, he changed his cold image and became more approachable and down-to-earth. He often went out incognito to understand the people's sentiments and listen to their voices. He also ordered tax reductions and water conservancy projects, and did many practical things for the people. The people all felt the change of this prince, and they praised him and loved him.

One day, Hu Bugui returned to the palace after handling government affairs, but he did not see Wu Tao. After asking, he learned that she was still in the palace learning court etiquette. Hu Bugui missed her so much that he went to the queen's bedroom alone.

As soon as he walked outside the palace, he heard bursts of laughter coming from inside. He curiously pushed the door open and saw Wu Tao accompanying the queen to drink tea and chat. The two got along well, just like mother and daughter.

"Taotao, you have done very well. I believe you will become an excellent princess." The queen held Wu Tao's hand, her eyes full of love.

Wu Tao smiled shyly, with happiness shining in the corners of her eyes and eyebrows.

Seeing this scene, Hu Bugui felt a warm current in his heart, and a gratified smile appeared on his face unconsciously. He believed that his and Wu Tao's future would be as beautiful and full of hope as it is now...

Time flies, and in the blink of an eye, it is spring of next year.

The warm sunlight shone into the house through the window lattice, shining on Wu Tao's fair face, giving her a light golden glow. She gently stroked her slightly bulging belly with a happy smile on her lips. The growth of a new life in her belly added a bit of maternal radiance to her already gentle face.

Hu Bugui pushed the door open and saw such a warm scene. He walked to Wu Tao with light steps and gently embraced her in his arms: "What are you thinking about?"

"I'm thinking about our child," Wu Tao raised her head, her eyes full of tenderness, "Do you think he will be more like you or me?"

"I hope he is like you, kind, intelligent, and beautiful," Hu Bugui looked at her affectionately, "Of course, it would be even better if he could be as brave and strong as me."

The two smiled at each other, and their happy laughter echoed in the room.

The news of Wu Tao's pregnancy spread quickly throughout the palace, and the servants were all excited and sent their blessings. The emperor and the empress were very pleased when they heard the news. They not only rewarded her with countless treasures, but also specially sent experienced nurses and doctors to take good care of Wu Tao's daily life and diet.

The whole palace was immersed in a joyous atmosphere, as if even the air had become sweet. Under the care of everyone, Wu Tao rested and took care of her baby, and her life was peaceful and happy.

However, just when everything seemed perfect, an anonymous letter broke the tranquility.

That evening, Hu Bugui was handling official business in his study when the housekeeper hurried in with a letter in his hand: "Your Majesty, someone outside the door has delivered a letter to you by name."

Hu Bugui took the letter and saw only five words written on the envelope: "Hu Bugui personally wrote this letter." Apart from that, there was no signature or inscription. Puzzled, he opened the envelope and took out the letter.

There was only one line of words on the letter paper. The handwriting was sloppy, but it exuded a chilling chill:

"A bigger crisis is coming, so be prepared."

Hu Bugui frowned, and a sharp light flashed in his eyes. This letter came strangely, and the content was even more disturbing. Who was secretly passing the message to him? What was this so-called "greater crisis" referring to?

He tightly grasped the letter in his hand, feeling a strong sense of uneasiness in his heart, like the calm before the storm, which was suffocating.