71, The Five Signs of a Celestial's Decay (Part Two) (This chapter is free)
That day, when Chen Caozhi came out of Taiji Hall, he saw people bustling about the palace, seemingly preparing for some celebration. Sima Yu said, "The day after tomorrow, Consort Yu will be installed as empress." As he spoke, he shook his head slightly, seeming quite worried.
Chen Caozhi went to see Xi Chao that night and mentioned the installation of the empress. Xi Chao immediately sneered. "The emperor is so impatient to install an empress-it seems to be aimed at Duke Huan. Consort Yu is Geng Bing's daughter and the younger sister of Yu Xi and Yu Yun. The Yu brothers are the men Duke Huan is most wary of." Then his expression brightened. "Affairs within the palace are not for outside officials like us to discuss-Zizhong, when do you intend to set out for Gushu?"
Chen Caozhi said, "Tomorrow."
Xi Chao said, "I will be on duty in the West Hall tomorrow, so I will not see you off. Clerk Zhu has only just joined the Western Headquarters. Take good care of him, and do not let the likes of Hao Long look down on him."
Chen Caozhi murmured his assent.