Long Yang did not force her after seeing how insistent she was.
Lu Liangwei wiped the sweat from her forehead and asked, “By the way, what happened the other day? Why did you barricade the Duke Chen Mansion?”
Her tone was casual, and she did not realize that what she said had infringed on governing state affairs.
Long Yang paid no attention to it. He played with her slender and beautiful fingers and said lightly, “I went to see the brothel in Xiawu Town. Only then did I realize that such filthy dealings were happening right under my nose…” He paused at this point, not wishing to taint her ears with those events.
In the days following since he first discovered the dealings, his initial anger had long subsided.
Even if he brought it up now, it would only be another passing incident.
After all, he had directed orders to conduct investigations on all the officials involved. He would execute their families and confiscate their assets. The execution would take place after autumn.
What he did not know was that Lu Liangwei knew more than he expected.
Noticing that he did not care to elaborate, she did not ask any more questions.
That was because she knew the brothels that Lu Yunshuang had set up were utterly vile.
They had kidnapped men and women using underhanded tactics and held them captive in the brothel. The victims exclusively served the pleasure of dignitaries and aristocrats.
“So, is there no one else involved in this matter?” She could not help asking after thinking about it.
Long Yang knew what she wanted to find out and sighed. He caressed her tiny face and said, “You can ask me anything you want. You don’t have to be on tenterhooks with me.”
Lu Liangwei nodded. “I just want to know how Lu Yunshuang managed to wheedle herself out so immaculately. She was obviously involved in this matter. Otherwise, Chen Qiyu would never have been sent there.”
Long Yang inclined his head in affirmation. “Yes, Lu Yunshuang is indeed inextricably linked with the proceedings. But there was no mention of her name in the accounts, nor any trace of her at all. I’m guessing that her intention was for Chen Xuping to be the scapegoat from the very beginning. On top of that, this affair involved many parties, and I don’t think Lu Yunshuang could have orchestrated it alone. There should be someone else behind her.”
Lu Liangwei felt a tug in her heart. Could it be the Empress Dowager?
She gazed at his expression and said tactfully, “Why did Empress Dowager send for Lu Yunshuang at this juncture?”
“Why are you so guarded?” Long Yang smiled. After a pause, his smile faded. “The Empress Dowager and I do not see eye to eye and are on opposing sides. She yearns for me to die to pave the way for her grandson. You don’t have to let her affect you in the future, you know?”
Lu Liangwei felt her heart tightening in her chest. Had she guessed it right?
Empress Dowager had long resented Long Yang, who owned the seat on the throne.
Nevertheless, Long Yang was the direct successor of the late Emperor. He did not seize the throne from her son and grandson. Was she in any position to be resentful?
Lu Liangwei nodded lightly. “I see.”
Long Yang stroked her head contentedly and said, “Good.”
Lu Liangwei was a little embarrassed. He always touched her head like this, which made her feel like a child in front of him. He treated her just like her father did.
“So, is the Empress Dowager the person behind Lu Yunshuang?” she asked.
Long Yang curled his lips. “Yes. Although, she didn’t need to do so much. My original intention was to make Long Chi the Heir Apparent anyway.”
Lu Liangwei paused after hearing this. “What about now?”
Long Yang drew her head into his embrace. “I have you now, so I have to make arrangements for you.”
Lu Liangwei felt her heart rate quickening, and she stared at him in a daze. After a long time, she asked softly, “Why?”
Was it like what she thought? Would Long Yang abolish Long Chi’s position as the Crown Prince just for her?
