Mu Rong Liu Zun cast a cold glance at his retreating back, his restrained voice ringing out as Ah Jiu acknowledged the order and respectfully escorted the King of Beijin out.
Mu Rong Liu Zun's eyes blazed with a frigid, dark glow, unfathomably deep. A sinister, cruel smile played on his lips, reminiscent of a Asura in the dead of night.
Although he had never managed to catch the King of Beijin red-handed, the latter's excessive caution and wariness always left an unsettling darkness lingering in his heart.
The King of Beijin was the Empress Dowager's biological son. Initially, the Empress Dowager had advocated for the King of Beijin to be made Crown Prince. It was His Majesty who insisted on him being the Crown Prince, entrusting him with the unification of the Seven Kingdoms.
He believed his judgment was not mistaken; Zun possessed the capability to unify the Seven Kingdoms.
The reason Mu Rong Liu Zun was so wary of the King of Beijin was entirely due to the Empress Dowager. When the Emperor's birth mother, Empress Li, was inexplicably murdered, he, as a child, was repeatedly harmed. Eventually, his father sent him to study at Mount Tian to escape these dangers.
Since he ascended the throne, the Chu family still controlled half of the Xuan Yue Kingdom's military power. Therefore, while harboring suspicions towards the Empress Dowager, he also doubted her intentions, leading him to repeatedly guard against the King of Beijin.
He simply refused to believe that the King of Beijin acted without ulterior motives. If he truly had no motives, why did the Chu family cling so tightly to half of the military power, while the Mu family surrendered their military power to him the moment he ascended the throne?
Fearing that all military power would fall into the hands of the Chu family, the late Emperor, on his deathbed, divided the military power into two. This way, no one faction could become too powerful, hoping that once he was strong enough, he could reclaim the military power.
He understood his father's intentions and therefore never forgot his mission.
Firstly, to uncover the truth behind his mother's death. Secondly, to reclaim the Chu family's military power. If the King of Beijin harbored any rebellious intent, he would not be blamed for being ruthless. Thirdly, to unify the Seven Kingdoms.
For these reasons, he needed to be more farsighted than ordinary people, considering both family and country, as well as the peace between nations. This was why he allowed the Empress Dowager to act with impunity. She was his adoptive mother in name. If he punished the Empress Dowager without just cause, how would the world perceive him? Would they still be convinced by him?
How could he then unify the Seven Kingdoms? The unification of the world depended on the people. If the people did not exist, where would the emperor be?
Mu Rong Liu Zun's thoughts churned. As he pondered, he leaned against the dragon throne and fell asleep.
Ah Jiu entered and carefully placed a thin blanket over the Emperor.
Guangyang Palace.
From early morning, an oppressive cold permeated the air, with chilling winds swirling. The vast palace was devoid of any human presence.
The Empress Dowager, seated high above, had a face that had turned a deep, bruised purple from fury.
This morning, she had only just received the news: all envoys had departed the Xuan Yue Kingdom, the Crown Princess was killed by Ji Xue, and the King of Nan'an had been released. Why had no one informed her of such significant events?
The Empress Dowager's face was contorted and terrifying. Grinding her teeth, she spoke with murderous intent.
"Little Li Zi, where is Huamei from Fengluan Palace? Why hasn't this servant sent any messages?"
Eunuch Li emerged trembling, replying cautiously.
"Reporting to the Empress Dowager, Huamei has lost contact. I have been searching for her, but there is no trace of her or Xiao Qiu. I heard that the female officials in Fengluan Palace have been replaced by a young palace maid named Yiyun."
"What? When did this happen?"
The Empress Dowager was so enraged she nearly convulsed. She heavily pounded a low table beside her, shouting in anger.
"Why do I not know about this?"
"I just received the news. It seems to have happened three days ago. We cannot get any information from Fengluan Palace," Eunuch Li stated cautiously.
The Empress Dowager was on the verge of exploding. Red bloodshot veins crisscrossed her eyes, creating a truly terrifying expression. He had to be careful.
"And where are Huamei and Xiao Qiu now?"
"I am dispatching people to investigate," Eunuch Li nodded vigorously, daring not to be negligent. The Empress Dowager's gaze was so fierce it felt like she could kill.
"Useless."
The Empress Dowager's reprimand silenced Eunuch Li. He remained kneeling on the ground, enduring the scolding.
Even so, the Empress Dowager's expression did not improve. In the hall, apart from Eunuch Li, several other palace maids were also kneeling. No one dared to speak at this moment; it would be courting death.
Suddenly, footsteps were heard from outside the hall door. The palace maid guarding the door respectfully announced, "Your Ladyship, the Empress requests an audience."
"Hmm?" The Empress Dowager raised an eyebrow. Her cold, intimidating face instantly radiated a seductive blush, and a bloody smile curved her lips. She waved her hand sinisterly, "Let her in."
"Yes, Your Ladyship," the palace maid's eyes showed some trepidation, her lips trembling slightly. She retreated nimbly.
She dared not mention that the Empress had brought in two women, bruised and battered, staggering feebly. They were the Empress Dowager's confidantes, Huamei and Xiao Qiu.
They had once been haughty and imperious here. Now, having been punished, despite her fear, the palace maid felt a flicker of joy. The palace maid retreated.
In the hall, the Empress Dowager adjusted her breathing and tidied her appearance. She waved her hand commandingly, "Everyone, rise and move aside."
"Yes, Your Ladyship," everyone breathed a sigh of relief, but the thought of the arriving person made their hearts pound again.
The Empress was not someone to be trifled with either. The inner palace was truly restless. With the Consort and General Ximen's daughter, the situation was likely to become even more mired in darkness.
From outside the hall, a graceful, slender figure strode in, enveloped in a pure, ethereal fragrance. As she stood in the hall, she was like a solitary orchid in a secluded valley.
The Empress Dowager, seated on her high throne, was furious but also admired the woman before her. This woman was truly blessed with extraordinary gifts, exuding a pure and captivating scent, and possessing exceptional intelligence. A hint of regret arose in her heart: why was she not a child of the Chu family?
"Qingyao pays her respects to the Empress Dowager."
"Be seated," the Empress Dowager's voice was cold.
Mu Qingyao did not get angry nor show fear. With an unflustered smile, she gazed at the Empress Dowager. Her eyes flickered, and she spoke with concern, "Is Your Ladyship feeling unwell? Shall Qingyao summon the imperial physician?"
Her gentle gaze and elegant smile flowed smoothly, flawlessly executed. The Empress Dowager observed this with hidden resentment, yet also a touch of admiration, a kindred spirit of the strong.
"The Empress is truly kind-hearted."
Beside her, Eunuch Li, leading two palace maids, arranged a seat for Mu Qingyao and laid a silk cushion.
Mu Qingyao sat down calmly, slowly parting her lips to smile.
"Your Ladyship's health is more important than Mount Tai; how can one be careless? If Your Ladyship is truly unwell, do not delay. If an illness becomes chronic, it will be troublesome, and His Majesty will be saddened."
Mu Qingyao's natural and amiable demeanor made her seem like a true daughter-in-law.
The Empress Dowager's teeth gnashed with anger, but she could not voice it. Her imperious eyes shot out cold glints from time to time.