"Why doesn't Your Majesty issue a decree ordering her death? A woman like that should just die."
In the pavilion, Mu Qingyao's voice, filled with indignation, sounded cold and sharp.
Hearing Mu Qingyao's words, Mu Rong Liu Zun regained some of his composure, his expression softening.
"Actually, we've all been deceived by her. The late Emperor, and I myself... these were all told to me by the late Emperor on his deathbed. But I had just ascended the throne, and the Chu family held military power. If I had proof, I could certainly have her killed. However, she had erased many of the evidence from back then. Now, to find proof is like searching for a needle in a haystack, extremely difficult."
"Are you just going to let her continue to act with impunity and harm others?"
Mu Qingyao thought of how that woman had caused Mu Qingxiang to be defiled. Such a woman deserved to go to hell, never to be reborn. She harmed everyone, and in the end, her death should not be peaceful. She deserved to have her heart gouged out.
"This is the reason I asked you to enter the palace to be my Empress. I hope to find a clever woman who can, firstly, counterbalance her influence in the palace, and secondly, find the evidence from that year. Although many years have passed, there must be some clues."
Mu Rong Liu Zun gazed at Mu Qingyao frankly. His words were sincere, his eyes clear and earnest, showing no hint of ulterior motives.
Yes, the reason he had initially asked her to enter the palace was because of her intelligence. He wanted someone to investigate the evidence of his mother's death and put that woman to death.
As for the legends about the Feng Lin Prime Minister's mansion, he didn't care at all because he believed in his own ability. Unifying the seven kingdoms was his dream.
But now, her abilities seemed truly powerful, making him eager for her help. However, what concerned him most right now was still his mother's death.
"Yao'er, can you help me?"
Mu Qingyao didn't speak. She had known from the beginning that her entry into the palace was to counterbalance that person in the palace. But... her eyes suddenly turned icy, a chill settling on her face. She spoke indifferently.
"I can help you, but only with this matter. And once this is done, I want to leave the palace."
Her tone was decisive, with no room for negotiation. Mu Rong Liu Zun froze, his pupils flickering, unfathomably deep. The corners of his lips curved into a beautiful arc.
"Yao'er, where will you go after leaving the palace? Staying by my side now is the safest. You must know that the other six kingdoms have witnessed your abilities. If you cannot be used by them, you will inevitably be ambushed."
Mu Qingyao knew he was speaking the truth, but she also believed that with her own abilities, she could manage well and didn't need the Emperor's concern.
"That is my business, Your Majesty."
"Why can't you stay with me forever, or help me? I can share this empire with you."
Mu Rong Liu Zun was somewhat emotional tonight, his words carrying a deep allure. However, Mu Qingyao had not forgotten one thing: accompanying a ruler was like accompanying a tiger. Moreover, she didn't love him. Without love, how could she accompany him?
"You have only two choices: either you let me help you deal with the Empress Dowager, and then let me leave the palace, or you let me accompany you forever. But I will also find a way to leave the palace."
"Have you forgotten the Mu family behind you?"
Mu Rong Liu Zun's pupils darkened, his voice low.
Mu Qingyao laughed, her beauty captivating.
"I believe you won't. I always thought that if I didn't enter the palace, you wouldn't let the entire Mu family off. But after tonight, I know one thing: even if I leave the palace, you won't lay a hand on the Mu family. Because if you did, you would lose the faith of the people under heaven. Who would support a bloodthirsty monarch as emperor?"
Mu Qingyao said this with absolute confidence. A hint of helplessness flashed across Mu Rong Liu Zun's face, followed by a captivating smile.
"Very well, I will make a bet with you. If you win, I will let you leave the palace."
"Good, speak," Mu Qingyao said heartily. She had rarely lost a bet since she was young, and she didn't believe she would lose this time. This man was so confident; who gave him that confidence? The corners of her lips curled into a playful smile.
"If, by the time you leave the palace, you have fallen in love with me, then you will stay and accompany me."
In the darkness of the night, these words were like a thunderclap, stunning Mu Qingyao speechless.
Did this man have too much confidence? She surveyed him. He was exceptionally handsome, with an imposing aura, truly a rare handsome man in the world. Both in appearance, character, and wisdom, he was top-notch.
But did that mean she would fall in love with him? Mu Qingyao reached out and spoke calmly.
"Alright, it's a deal. If I fall in love with you, I will stay. Do you know, that's not an easy thing?"
She gave him a small warning. Perhaps he did have the qualifications to make people infatuated, but nothing was absolute, was it? There was always an exception.
"Alright, as long as you still insist on your request at that time, I will let you leave the palace."
At this moment, Mu Qingyao felt refreshed and light. The night was beautiful, the water was beautiful, and the person beside her was also beautiful. Her mood was as joyful as a little bird.
As long as she defeated that old woman, she could leave the palace.
No matter how magnificent this palace was, or how delicious the imperial food was, it was ultimately a giant cage. And this cage didn't just hold one bird, but several birds. No, it should be more and more birds.
"I will help you."
The two shook hands to seal the deal. On such a night, they shed their heavy shackles and spoke with ease.
Because of Mu Qingyao's company, Mu Rong Liu Zun was able to spend time by the artificial lake with a calm heart for the first time. Both of them relaxed their brows due to their sincerity. It was indeed easier to speak openly, without having to hide things; it was too uncomfortable.
"The Minister of Justice has returned. The Empress of Danfeng has ordered the execution of Prince Ji," Mu Rong Liu Zun changed the subject, informing Mu Qingyao of the Minister of Justice's return.
When Mu Qingyao heard this, her heart felt much lighter. Prince Ji truly deserved to die. How could he have killed his own imperial sister? Even for the throne, he shouldn't have disregarded familial ties.
"Mm, Da Qiao can finally rest in peace. Thinking of those two girls, my chest still feels sore. They were truly loyal girls. There is no distinction between noble and humble people, only between upright and not. I think those two are so much better than those so-called noble people, infinitely better."
Mu Qingyao spoke softly. Mu Rong Liu Zun gazed at her, his eyes deep and sparkling, incredibly moving. He had never heard such words before, and upon careful consideration, it truly made sense.
The night deepened slowly, and the moon shifted westward.
"Your Majesty, it is getting late. You should return to rest."
"Shall I play a piece of music for you?" He had always preferred to play the xiao alone and disliked being disturbed. But now, he felt that having someone listen to him play the xiao was also very good.
Knowing that someone was accompanying him was actually a happy thing. Would she always accompany him? What if?