He turned and stepped onto the long corridor, heading towards the Prince of Bei Jin’s study. Steward Ning hurried to follow. They walked in silence, the only sound in the night being their steady, powerful footsteps.
Inside the study, Murong Liumo lifted the hem of his robe and sat elegantly at the head of the table. With a stern face, he looked down at Steward Ning, who stood below, and slowly asked, “Speak, what is going on?”
“Reporting to Your Highness, it was the Empress Dowager’s decree. She ordered us to kill that woman.”
“Nonsense.”
Murong Liumo suddenly let out an angry roar, his long, slender hand slamming heavily onto the desk. His deep, dark eyes, filled with a bloodthirsty killing intent, stared chillingly at Steward Ning.
“Are you a person of the Bei Jin Royal Residence or from the palace?”
“This subordinate deserves to die.” Steward Ning felt a slight tremor within him. His Highness was currently in a rage, and it was best not to provoke him, otherwise, he would only be asking for trouble.
“Do you know how many people are watching that woman now? Your actions are truly asking for trouble. If we make even the slightest mistake, it will be irreparable. Don’t you know that?”
The Prince of Bei Jin, usually gentle and refined in front of others, was now somewhat anxious. His gaze was frighteningly sinister. The candlelight illuminated his face, making it pale and ghostly, like a wisp of a lonely soul in the dark night, or even more so, like a cruel official from hell.
Steward Ning, only now realizing his carelessness, immediately knelt down in panic. “This subordinate deserves a thousand deaths.”
The person at the head of the table slowly regained his composure, frowned, and thought for a moment. He waved his hand lightly and said, “From now on, use your brain before doing anything. Also, find a way to deal with those few people. Don’t cause any trouble in the Bei Jin Royal Residence.”
“Yes, Your Highness. This subordinate will go and do it now.”
“Go.” He waved his hand with a hint of weariness. After Steward Ning quietly withdrew, Murong Liumo reached out and gently rubbed his temples. His drifting gaze shifted to the candlelight in the study.
The wind blew in through the window, swaying back and forth, much like the current situation. It was indistinct, and a slight misstep could lead to a complete loss.
At times like these, one had to tread carefully with every step. Otherwise, what was the meaning of his years of forbearance? It was just his mother…
It seemed he needed to go to the palace once to remind his elder that she should not entertain any ideas. Otherwise, she would not be helping him; on the contrary, she would disrupt all his affairs.
The Imperial Palace.
The moonlight shone on the glazed tile roofs of the Liuli Palace, emitting a radiant glow. Inside the magnificent palace, it was now utterly silent. The palace maids and eunuchs had all withdrawn. At the head of the grand hall, a man as beautiful as a painting lay lazily. His golden hair was tied up with a crown, and his imperial yellow brocade robe embroidered with coiled dragons accentuated his noble bearing.
He had his eyes slightly closed, his long eyelashes casting a shadow on his fair cheeks. His lips were pressed tightly together.
Even without moving or showing anger, one could still feel a sense of cold ruthlessness from his features, and an innate imperial dominance permeated his entire being.
In the center of the grand hall, two equally outstanding men were kneeling.
One was dressed in red brocade, his black hair tied up with a silver hairpin. His face was three-dimensional and full of character, with sharp eyebrows, starry eyes, and naturally rosy lips. This man was Hua Li Ge, the Commander of the Imperial Guards.
Beside him knelt a man carved and painted as if made of jade, Eunuch A Jiu, the Chief Eunuch of the Emperor. The two exchanged a glance and looked towards the Emperor at the head of the hall.
Hua Li Ge reported in a deep voice, “Your Majesty, someone attempted to assassinate Miss Mu today. This subordinate has already ascertained where that group of people resides.”
On the golden dragon couch, Murong Liu Zun remained silent. He moved slightly, suddenly opening his eyes. The corners of his lips curved into a deeply amused smile. “This is interesting.”
His voice was cold and hard, without a hint of emotion. “Immediately go to the Prince of Nan’an’s residence and have the Prince of Nan’an take charge of this matter. Ensure Miss Mu is protected.”
“Yes, Your Majesty.” Hua Li Ge rose and exited the grand hall.
The other kneeling man, after Hua Li Ge had left, spoke clearly, “Your Majesty, Bingxiao has sent word that Changsun Zhu rescued Miss Mu, and the two seem to know each other.”
“Know each other? Very good. You may rise.” Murong Liu Zun glanced at A Jiu and waved him up. “Tell Bingxiao not to alert Changsun Zhu. Let him play for a while longer. Since he has come to our Xian Yue Kingdom, why shouldn’t we indulge his pleasure?”
His words were clearly teasing, yet they carried a deep undercurrent of conspiracy, as if some scheme was brewing within.
“This small one understands.” A Jiu accepted the order and respectfully said, “Your Majesty, it is getting late. You should rest early.”
“Mm.” A Jiu went over to attend to the Emperor’s rest.
As the sky began to lighten, a ray of dawn broke through the layers of clouds, enveloping the entire Prince of Nan’an’s residence.
The morning mist was hazy, and a gentle breeze blew softly. The mist gradually dispersed. The early risers in the Prince of Nan’an’s residence began their busy work. Along the ornate corridors and graceful pathways, people walked by from time to time.
On both sides of the secluded path, green grass grew lushly. Dewdrops gently slid down the tender green leaves. Thin wisps of mist rose into the air, coiling around the entire mansion, creating a dreamlike, ethereal atmosphere.
At the end of the small path, a steward-like figure dressed in dark blue led someone along in a hurry, his demeanor respectful and cautious, constantly greeting the man behind him.
The man had a strong build with sharp, star-like eyes and a naturally upright, chivalrous air. Yet, he wore a fiery red robe, exuding an aura of unyielding loyalty.
“Commander Hua arriving so early is truly a hardship.”
Steward Zhang of the Prince of Nan’an’s residence, with a fawning smile, led the Commander of the Imperial Guards, Hua Li Ge, to the Prince’s main residence.
Along the way, he noticed many maids looking at the handsome commander with flirtatious glances.
Although the Prince of Nan’an was also handsome, all the maids in the residence dared not look at the Prince too much. This was because the Prince detested women, and if they harbored any improper thoughts, they would be immediately expelled from the residence.
More importantly, the coldness emanating from the Prince kept everyone within three feet of him at bay.
However, Commander Hua was entirely different from the Prince. He was full of heroic spirit and also very amiable. No matter who spoke to him, he would respond with a kindly demeanor, which was why the maids of the Prince of Nan’an’s residence were very fond of this Commander of the Guards.
“Steward Zhang is too polite. This subordinate is also here on the Emperor’s orders. Otherwise, how could I possibly disturb His Highness?”
“Commander Hua, you have worked hard.”
As they spoke, the two walked through courtyards and across ponds to reach the main dwelling of the Prince of Nan’an’s residence.
The house was elaborately decorated with carved beams and painted rafters, long corridors with jade railings, and orderly stone steps. Below the steps, flowers and plants clung to the walls, rockeries folded and intertwined, and vines twined. White flowers bloomed amidst the green vines, emitting a fragrant scent.
On the stone steps, two servants stood guard, the Prince’s personal guards Geng Han and Duan Ri. Looking up, they saw Commander Hua and respectfully greeted him, “Why has Commander Hua come?”
“I have something to discuss with His Highness.”
As soon as Hua Li Ge finished speaking, Geng Han knew it must be something from the palace. He nodded and softly indicated, “Please wait a moment, Commander Hua. This subordinate will report to His Highness.”