Chapter 818

After the night of terror at the Cui residence, Empress Zhangsun Zhangsun Wuji had been scared out of his wits.

He went home to rest for half a day and drank quite a lot of pearl soul-calming soup before he slowly regained his senses.

Seeing ghosts was a first for him last night.

Empress Zhangsun Zhangsun Wuji was unwilling to believe it, but the more he thought about it, the more uneasy he felt.

He jumped out of the ghost-fearing mindset and discovered that this might be a trap specifically set for the Cui residence by someone.

As for why they would do this? He didn't quite understand.

Empress Zhangsun Zhangsun Wuji prepared a Bagua copper mirror to carry on his person to ward off evil and hurried into the imperial palace to request an audience with Li Er.

Come to think of it, he was still a bit worried about the vengeful ghosts. Bringing this copper mirror along was also just right to give to Li Er.

"Your Majesty, there were ghosts at the Cui residence last night!"

This opening sentence upon meeting gave Li Er a fright.

This morning, someone had already reported the matter of the ghosts at the Cui residence to Li Er.

But he didn't believe it!

As a dignified Emperor, as long as he didn't see it with his own eyes, he wouldn't believe such talk of ghosts and monsters.

Since the founding of the Great Tang, there had never been an incident of ghosts appearing.

But now, even Empress Zhangsun Zhangsun Wuji, whom he trusted most, said so, which surprised Li Er. "Zhangsun Wuji, were you also at the Cui residence last night? Tell me slowly, what exactly happened?"

Empress Zhangsun Zhangsun Wuji gave an embellished account of his encounter last night.

Using it to put on a show.

He also exaggerated the ridiculous behavior of a group of high-ranking court officials after encountering the ghosts when telling the Emperor.

Saying it this way was mainly to cover up his own embarrassment.

Empress Zhangsun Zhangsun Wuji's performance last night hadn't been much better. The sight of him crawling into a chicken coop would likely become a laughingstock for the whole world. Smearing others was also to ensure he didn't appear too awkward.

"Your Majesty, the matter of the ghosts is undoubtedly true. Look, if I hadn't been carrying this Bagua copper mirror today, I wouldn't have dared to step out." In this way, Li Er could not help but believe it.

"How did ghosts start appearing out of the blue?"

Empress Zhangsun Zhangsun Wuji was waiting for this question and immediately advised.

"Your Majesty, perhaps the Cui family's female relatives died too unjustly, and their ghosts blame the Cui family for not avenging them." Li Er sighed endlessly.

Revenge, how easy is that to talk about?

This matter was done by Great Qin; seeking revenge would mean war. There was no help for it; he could only let the Cui family's female relatives remain aggrieved in the underworld.

"The Cui family is also having a hard time; why not invite a high monk to perform a ritual to deliver the souls of the departed."

Li Er indeed avoided the topic of revenge and only spoke of the ritual.

Empress Zhangsun Zhangsun Wuji finally threw out the true purpose of his entry into the palace this time.

"Your Majesty, while chatting at the Cui residence last night, the four major aristocratic families all advocated that they want Your Majesty to approve the establishment of private soldiers by the great aristocratic clans."

Private soldiers!

Li Er's eyes widened abruptly.

These aristocratic families are none of them easy to deal with. Taking advantage of this attack, they want to seize the opportunity to raise private soldiers!

"The matter of raising private soldiers involves too much. We can't just raise private soldiers because of one attack, right?

Zhangsun Wuji, what is your meaning?"

At this moment, Li Er still hoped that Empress Zhangsun Zhangsun Wuji could stand on his side.