He had originally wanted to kill the Chu family to cut the grass and eliminate the roots, thereby luring out Chu Qianyi and eliminating him as well. However, the Chu family now had no sons; their son had been killed more than twenty years ago. The person before him was the Third Prince of Yun Cang Country. As for the reason for his presence, the Emperor did not need to think hard to know the underlying cause.
The wolfish ambitions of Yun Cang Country had infiltrated so thoroughly, with plans laid out from more than twenty years ago. That he had been completely unaware was truly infuriating and detestable.
“Third Prince, from today onwards, our Xian Yue does not welcome you. Please leave the territory of Xian Yue immediately and never set foot in Xian Yue again, otherwise, the Chu family will be executed without exception.”
Mu Rong Liu Zun issued the expulsion order with a chilling tone. He knew that Chu Qianyi still cared about the Chu family. By using the Chu family to control him, he believed that from now on, Chu Qianyi would never step foot in Xian Yue again. If they were to meet again, it would be on the battlefield to determine their victor.
“We shall meet again,” Chu Qianyi said no more. He had already guessed all of this. Without further ado, he clasped his fists and retreated. Mu Rong Liu Zun gave a stern command: “Hua Li Ge, escort the Third Prince Wen Yu out of the capital immediately.”
Hua Li Ge rushed in, clasped his fists, and accepted the order. “Yes, Your Majesty.” He then leaped forward, leading a group of people to follow the figure ahead.
The great hall quieted down. The Xian Emperor, seated on the high throne, had a grim and chilling expression that was extremely unpleasant. Suddenly, a eunuch rushed in from outside to report: “Your Majesty, the Minister of Rites requests an audience.”
Mu Rong Liu Zun’s long, narrow eyebrows twitched. He raised them and said, “Announce him.”
The little eunuch turned and left. Soon, the Minister of Rites, clad in official robes, walked in respectfully. “I greet Your Majesty.”
“Rise. What is it?”
“Your humble servant received a notification. The six kingdoms have all dispatched envoys to our Xian Yue. They are now only more than eight hundred li away from our Lin’an City. If there are no unforeseen circumstances, they will arrive at Lin’an City by dusk today.”
“Hmm, what are they coming for?” The Emperor Xian’s already unpleasant expression was now covered with layers of dark clouds, his pupils deep like an ancient pool, making it impossible to fathom them at a glance.
“Reporting to Your Majesty, your humble servant has sent people to investigate. The individuals sent by the six kingdoms this time are all intelligent and wise ministers from their respective countries. They seem to be coming for the Empress.”
As soon as the Minister of Rites finished speaking, a fleeting dark glint flashed across Mu Rong Liu Zun’s handsome face. He must have seen the Empress’s astonishing talent the last time the six kingdoms were present, which had alerted the emperors of the six kingdoms.
This time, they were sending envoys again to deliberate and see if the Empress was as formidable as rumored. The world had been divided into seven parts, and they had always coexisted peacefully. Although each country desired to unify the other six, none had found a breakthrough.
Now, with the appearance of Yao’er, she was likely that breakthrough.
Mu Rong Liu Zun’s black pupils were like brilliant black crystals, gleaming and dazzling, sweeping away his previous sternness.
“Good. Minister of Rites, along with the Left Prime Minister and General Ximen, escort the distinguished guests out of the city on my behalf. This time, all guests will be arranged in the post station in the eastern suburbs. The Ministry of War must ensure adequate security measures.”
“Yes, Your Majesty,” the Minister of Rites accepted the order and left.
Mu Rong Liu Zun shed his previous sternness, his face full of radiance. Although he was annoyed that Chu Qianyi was not within his calculations, the internal strife was now removed, and all military power had been returned to his hands. Moreover, he now had the intelligent and wise Yao’er by his side. With him and her, why worry that the world would not be under their control?
The Emperor laughed arrogantly. He suddenly remembered Chu Yuyan in the cold palace. This woman did not seem so bad after all.
Furthermore, she had not acted according to Chu Qianyi’s words, which saved him a lot of trouble. It showed that her heart was pure, and she had also actively persuaded the Right Prime Minister to hand over military power.
If it weren't for Chu Qianyi’s meddling, the Right Prime Minister's military power would have been handed over long ago. This woman was somewhat pitiable.
“A’jiu, send a little eunuch to the cold palace to announce that the Noble Consort is to return to Weiyang Palace.”
“Yes, Your Majesty,” A’jiu’s gentle voice rang out. He accepted the order and hurried out, instructing the little eunuch to deliver the imperial decree.
Seated high on the throne in the great hall, the Emperor was full of brilliance, his handsome eyes radiating dazzling divine light.
Now, everything was complete, both in the harem and in the imperial court.
In Fengluan Palace, Mu Qingyao lay lazily on the wide soft couch, her eyes half-closed, like a lazy cat that did not move. She was curled up on it, occasionally yawning.
Mo Chou and Mei Xin exchanged glances, worry evident in their eyes.
Their mistress had been listless these past few days. She didn’t eat much and liked to sleep. Could she be sick?
The two walked over. Mo Chou carefully tucked the long woolen blanket around their mistress. Mei Xin reached out and touched their mistress’s head, asking with concern, “Your Highness, you seem unwell. Shall I summon an imperial physician to examine you?”
“Perhaps it’s because it’s cold, and people become a bit lazy. Anyway, I don’t feel like moving.”
“Mei Xin, go and have a little eunuch summon an imperial physician.” Mo Chou signaled Mei Xin. The person on the soft couch opened her eyes, looking a little displeased. “I’m fine. Don’t make a fuss.”
“No, we must call one this time.” Mo Chou and Mei Xin refused in unison. After speaking, Mei Xin had already walked out to instruct a little eunuch to summon an imperial physician.
Outside the great hall, Mo You walked in. His slender body stood tall and straight like a jade bamboo. He lifted his robe hem and bowed respectfully.
“My Lady, your subordinate received news that the Chu family was not executed. They were escorted back to the military department’s prison. It is said that the eldest son of the Chu family prevented the execution, and there are rumors that the eldest son of the Chu family was not originally a member of the Chu family but was the Third Prince of Yun Cang Country.”
“The Third Prince of Yun Cang Country?”
Qing Yao’s eyes widened, seemingly in disbelief. She never expected the born-and-bred eldest son of the Chu family to be the Third Prince of Yun Cang Country. Then he must have been switched into the Chu family from childhood.
Heavens, the scheming of the ancients was truly venomous! Not only did they break apart familial bonds, but the young children likely couldn't escape a cruel fate either.
“Yes, Your Highness.”
“Poor Chu family,” Qing Yao sighed.
She never expected the Chu family to suffer such a major setback. However, it was fortunate that Chu Qianyi was considered kind-hearted. In remembrance of their nurturing kindness, he had finally stepped forward to save their lives. Otherwise, it was likely that not a single one of the seventy or eighty members of the Chu family would have survived.
The great hall fell silent. Mei Xin walked in from outside, leading the imperial physician.
The imperial physician respectfully bowed to Qing Yao.
Qing Yao nodded, not moving her body. She only spoke slowly and lazily, “Good, since you are here, then examine this consort. Lately, I’ve been feeling very sleepy, my body is a bit lazy, and most importantly, I have no appetite.”
The aged imperial physician, after hearing Qing Yao describe her symptoms, did not show worry. Instead, a hint of joy seemed to appear in his eyes. However, he said nothing, merely stroked his beard, sat on the stool Mei Xin brought over, and carefully took Qing Yao’s pulse.
Soon, a smile appeared on his face. However, to ensure there were no mishaps, he took her pulse again. Finally, he released Qing Yao’s hand, knelt on the ground, and repeatedly said, “Congratulations, Your Highness, congratulations, Your Highness. This is a happy pulse. Your Highness is carrying the Dragon Seed. The child is more than a month old. Your Highness must take good care of your health.”