"From now on, we will be together in love."
After speaking, he reached out and pulled Mu Qingyao close against his chest. Mu Qingyao didn't move at all. His joy was infectious, and she nestled against his chest, listening to the strong, thumping beat of his heart.
For now, she would quietly savor everything, her eyes half-closed.
Inside the imperial carriage, a gentle breeze wafted through, creating an atmosphere of harmony.
The grand procession moved through the bustling marketplace, the air filled with a cacophony of sounds, many of which were clearly audible.
"Do you know? King Beijin wants to rebel and even attempted to kill the Emperor?"
"But they said he was helpless?"
"It was all a lie, such terrifying schemes! Fortunately, our Emperor is wise and brought many guards, and General Ximen arrived in time."
"That was close."
Hearing these words, Mu Rong Liu Zun closed his eyes, his long eyelashes fluttering, concealing the sharp, blade-like glint in his eyes.
The imperial carriage smoothly entered the palace. Mu Rong Liu Zun personally escorted Mu Qingyao back to Fengluan Palace, his doting instructions echoing,
"Yao'er, I am going to deal with King Beijin's affairs. I will come to visit you again tonight." The fiery intensity in his eyes made Mu Qingyao quickly turn her gaze away, feeling as though the man's gaze was about to devour her.
After the imperial carriage departed, Mei Xin, leading a group of people, rushed over, curiously questioning, "Why did you return so quickly? Weren't you going to attend King Beijin's wedding?"
Mu Qingyao's expression was cool and indifferent; she didn't wish to speak much. The events of today had truly shaken her.
It made her understand the Emperor even more, his meticulous and rigorous mind, which made her feel uneasy.
Yet, in matters of emotion, he was a blank slate. She vaguely recalled the events of that night; such a handsome and extraordinary man, a wise and astute man, also had moments of utter helplessness. She truly didn't know which version of him to believe.
"I am tired and wish to rest for a while."
Mu Qingyao waved her hand, ignoring the startled maids behind her, and led the way into the main hall.
Mo Chou and Mei Xin quickly followed, "Your Highness, Your Highness, we will attend to your rest."
The group returned to Fengluan Palace. However, before Mu Qingyao could even settle down, an anxious voice echoed from outside the sleeping quarters, "Imperial Sister-in-law, Imperial Sister-in-law, is what they are saying true?"
Princess Mu Rong Xing Zhu had already burst in, swiftly circling the glazed screen, and grabbed Mu Qingyao, who was about to lie down and rest. Her small face was etched with anxiety.
Mu Qingyao didn't know what she was asking about and raised an eyebrow in confusion, "What are you talking about?"
"They say Second Imperial Brother rebelled and wanted to kill the Emperor to become Emperor himself. Is this true?"
Mu Rong Xing Zhu spoke quickly and urgently, tears welling up in her large eyes. She couldn't comprehend or process such a thing.
Second Imperial Brother was clearly a frail and sickly person; how could he assassinate the Emperor? And wanting to usurp the throne, he was so unwell, what Emperor did he want to be?
Mu Qingyao looked at the heartbroken girl and reached out to stroke her head. In the imperial family, such matters were all too common.
"It's alright, it's over now, everything is fine."
"But, but I really find it hard to believe?" Mu Rong Xing Zhu sobbed.
With Imperial Sister-in-law saying this, it clearly meant it was true. What was all this for? Why did Second Imperial Brother have to kill the Emperor? He had always treated them so well. Was the throne really that important, causing him to lose his life?
"Silly girl, living in the palace, these things are unavoidable. Don't think too much about it. From now on, it will be fine, and no one will try to seize the Emperor's position again." Mu Qingyao's eyes were dim.
Next would be the Chu family. It was heard that Chu Qian Yi had been detained by the Emperor, and coupled with the previous decision to assist King Beijin, the guards would surely expose the Chu family's involvement. In this light, the Chu family's military power was bound to be lost.
"Imperial Sister-in-law, the Empress Dowager will be very sad if she learns of this."
Princess Xing Zhu did not yet know that the Empress Dowager was under house arrest, nor did she know that the Empress Dowager had killed her own mother.
Mu Qingyao didn't want her to know such a fact; it was too cruel. It was better to preserve a sliver of her innocence.
"Yes, there is nothing that can be done about it." Mu Qingyao heard the Princess's words and thought of that detestable woman. If she knew King Beijin was captured and that Su Zhan was also dead, she would likely go mad. However, she had brought it upon herself.
Mu Qingyao didn't want the Princess to dwell on this matter and quickly changed the subject, chatting with her about other things. She asked how her flower watering had gone that morning, and then told her two jokes, finally diverting the Princess's attention. After staying a while longer, she left the palace.
In the sleeping quarters, Mei Xin listened to the conversation between her mistress and the Princess, equally startled.
"Will that King Beijin die?"
Mo Chou shot Mei Xin a cold glare. Didn't she see that her mistress was unhappy? What a tactless remark. She quickly replied, "Attempting to assassinate the Emperor is, of course, a capital offense. Alright, the mistress is tired, let her rest."
"Okay," Mei Xin said no more and quickly began to attend to her mistress's rest. The two of them stood guard outside...
Guangyang Palace.
In the vast sleeping quarters, the Empress Dowager lay on a wide divan. Gone was her former elegance; she was now merely a pitiable old woman, her hair as white as snow, her face wrinkled, her eyes red and swollen, her vision blurred.
Due to her advanced age, the continuous weeping, and the Emperor's refusal to summon imperial physicians, she now had to squint to see people and objects, struggling greatly to do so.
"Little Li Zi, is there any news of Mo'er yet?" her desolate voice rang out. Little Li Zi, who had been by her side, quickly stepped forward to reply, "Your Highness, there is none yet. As soon as there is any news of the Prince, I will report it to you."
The moment Eunuch Li finished speaking, footsteps sounded from beside the screen, and a voice on guard called out, "Who?"
The approaching figure was imposing, clad in a bright yellow dragon robe. The Emperor's handsome face was clouded with a somber expression. Eunuch Li, upon seeing him, was startled and quickly knelt, preparing to speak. The Emperor waved his hand, and he could only comply, slowly backing away.
In the vast sleeping quarters, only the Empress Dowager in the divan, widening her eyes with effort, looked over. She saw only a figure in imperial yellow and trembled slightly as she spoke.
"It's you, Your Majesty."
Mu Rong Liu Zun sat down opposite her. Ah Jiu stood by his side, attending to him.
The Emperor's handsome face displayed a warm, spring-like luster, and a smile curved his lips, though his eyes held a hint of disdain.
"I've come to visit you and to tell you two things. I wonder if Mother will be saddened to hear them."
The words "Mother" were delivered with particular sharpness and coldness.
"What is it?" The Empress Dowager nervously sat up from the divan. Following the sound of his voice, she turned her direction towards the Emperor, a flicker of panic crossing her face, her hands beginning to tremble uncontrollably.