They wished only to see them fight amongst themselves until they plunged the realm into chaos, allowing them to reap the benefits.
Chu Qianyi, that man, was likely a formidable character.
"Your Majesty?" Mu Qingyao called out. Mu Rong Liuzun pursed his thin lips and after a long moment, spoke, "I will draw them into my schemes. It seems I need to reconnect with Qianyi. We haven't been in touch for a long time, and we've become estranged." The Emperor spoke, a bloody smile forming on his lips.
Mu Qingyao said nothing. In this game of chess, anyone could be used, and anyone could be hurt...
"Your Majesty, I wish to see Master Liaokong tomorrow."
"No, he is a major criminal of the court. What if he acts out of desperation and harms you?" Mu Rong Liuzun did not want her to put herself in danger again. Mu Qingyao's expression turned cold. Now that all the hidden powers had surfaced, she would not be at a disadvantage anymore.
"Perhaps after tomorrow, this consort can make the Empress Dowager personally confess to the matter of harming Empress Li back then."
Mu Rong Liuzun was stunned. His surprise was so great that he forgot to react. This had been his wish for many years. How could that woman admit to killing his mother? It was absolutely impossible, but Yao'er was so resolute. What mystery was behind this?
"Yao'er?"
"Your Majesty, please believe me. I will make her confess."
Mu Qingyao's face held a hint of cleverness as she looked calmly at the Emperor. She believed Master Liaokong was not someone who would kill indiscriminately, and the Emperor's concerns were entirely unnecessary.
"Yao'er?" Mu Rong Liuzun furrowed his narrow, long eyebrows, his expression changing unpredictably. Finally, he agreed, "Alright."
He desperately wanted to know how that woman had harmed his mother, and why she had done so.
"You must be extremely careful. Remember not to act rashly, and do not provoke that old monk," the Emperor cautioned Mu Qingyao.
Although he wanted to know how his mother died, he was still worried, fearing that Yao'er might encounter trouble. Moreover, Yao'er seemed to be hiding something from him. What could it be? A fleeting glint appeared in the Emperor's dark eyes.
The night was infinitely long.
The Weiyang Palace was cold and desolate, empty. Within the vast imperial bedchamber, not a sound could be heard.
By the window, a night breeze blew, stirring the gauze curtain. A slender, forlorn figure stood by the window, gazing into the dark night with a hazy look. With no moon and no stars, her heart could not help but feel more melancholic.
Footsteps sounded, and a richly dressed palace maid approached, her voice soft.
"Your Ladyship, it is time to rest. It is late."
Consort Chu Yuyan turned to look at her personal maid, Yueqiu. Tears streamed down her face, and she choked back silent sobs.
Qiu Yue was startled. "Your Ladyship, what is wrong?"
"Qiu Yue, am I not foolish? Foolishly waiting, foolishly loving, knowing full well that man will never look back at me, yet I stubbornly refuse to give up, still hoping he will one day discover me waiting here for him."
Endless bitterness spread throughout the bedchamber. The fragile, delicate body seemed unable to withstand the chilling cold of the night, trembling slightly. Qiu Yue stepped forward, her heart aching, and hugged her mistress, her eyes fierce as she spoke.
"Your Ladyship, we cannot just sit idly by. Otherwise, we will only be beaten. We must take the initiative."
"This?"
Chu Yuyan hesitated. How could she take the initiative? The Emperor and the Chu family were at odds, and he barely acknowledged her.
She was not like Xi Men Xinyue. Xi Men Xinyue's father was a minister the Emperor trusted implicitly, while her own father was the opposite, an object of the Emperor's intense hatred. They were simply not on the same path.
"Yes, Qiu Yue is indeed insightful."
A seductive and enchanting voice suddenly echoed in the bedchamber. The person had not yet arrived, but their voice preceded them. Upon hearing the voice, Qiu Yue exclaimed with joy, "Young Master, you've arrived?"
As she called out, a tall, elegant figure landed within the bedchamber.
It was indeed the eldest young master of the Chu family, Chu Qianyi. He was incomparably handsome, with his signature devilishly charming smile on his face and a pair of black pupils imbued with unfathomable brilliance.
"Brother," Chu Yuyan released Qiu Yue and rushed into Chu Qianyi's embrace, bursting into tears. The bedchamber fell silent, save for Chu Yuyan's soft sobs, until she cried herself out.
Chu Qianyi patted her shoulder to comfort her.
"Alright, don't feel wronged. Didn't I tell you not to enter the palace when we first discussed it? Since you've entered the palace, you must strive to win that man's heart."
"But?" Chu Yuyan raised her tear-filled eyes. She had no opportunity. The man did not see her, did not look at her. What could she do?
"Brother, he doesn't see me."
"Alright, brother will help you." A fleeting sharp light flashed in Chu Qianyi's eyes. He took Chu Yuyan's hand and led her to a soft couch nearby.
Qiu Yue came back to her senses and quickly served tea to the young master and the consort. She had been mesmerized by the young master just now; he was still so handsome.
"Qiu Yue, I have something to discuss with your mistress. Guard the entrance to the bedchamber."
Chu Qianyi spoke slowly. Qiu Yue nodded, her face flushed. The young master's voice was still so pleasant. She received the order and withdrew, thinking that since the young master had appeared, he would surely help her mistress, and her mistress would gain the Emperor's favor.
Inside the bedchamber, the Chu siblings sat opposite each other. Consort Chu Yuyan looked sorrowful, but she managed to control herself and picked up a tea bowl, handing it to her brother.
"Brother, why have you come?"
Chu Qianyi took the tea bowl, took a sip, and set it down, his gaze soft. He spoke slowly, "Knowing my sister was wronged, I came to see. I told you not to enter the palace, and now look, aren't you heartbroken?"
"Brother?" Chu Yuyan started to cry again upon hearing this. She had entered the palace out of love for the Emperor, never imagining things would turn out this way.
But she still loved the Emperor. If she were asked to leave the palace or something similar, she would be unwilling. Now, she didn't ask for the Emperor's love, only to be by his side, and she would be content. But why couldn't even this small wish be fulfilled?
"Brother is here to help you. Are you willing to make some sacrifices to win the Emperor?"
Chu Yuyan didn't understand what her brother meant. She opened her eyes wide, thought hard, and then nodded vigorously, "Yes, I am willing."
"Good," Chu Qianyi's eyes flashed. He leaned forward, his body half-propped, and whispered into Chu Yuyan's ear.
Chu Yuyan's face quickly turned red, and she bit her lip tightly. When Chu Qianyi returned to his seat, she still hadn't reacted.
"This is your only chance."
"Brother, do we really have to do that?" Chu Yuyan's face turned as red as a shrimp. She was, after all, a woman, and a lady from a prominent family. How could she do such a thing?
"If you don't want the Emperor, then forget I said anything. You will never have another chance," Chu Qianyi said calmly, continuing to drink his tea.