Yun Xiao straightened, a wild, cold, and charming smile curving her lips. She spoke serenely, "Why can't I return? I've come to ask the Empress Dowager for someone."
"Who?"
The Empress Dowager watched her with alarm, her hairs standing on end. She focused intently on the woman before her, who seemed to hate her but now appeared not foolish at all, but more intelligent than average. Yun Xiao, however, remained silent. She wouldn't reveal whom she wanted in front of the entire court. Instead, she looked at Ye Su Xue, whose eyes darted between the Empress Dowager and Yun Xiao. Ye Su Xue stopped crying and spoke quickly, "Mother Empress, Miss Yun is the 'Leng Yue' young master."
"What, Leng Yue?"
The Empress Dowager trembled again, feeling her breathing grow difficult and her face paler. Cold sweat broke out on her forehead. Her delicate fingers, like withered branches, dug into the soft cushion of the couch, clenching it into a ball. Only then did she manage to suppress the despair that was spreading uncontrollably, engulfing and drowning her like a vast ocean.
It was a setup from the very beginning. Her entry into the palace, her disguise as a Phoenix official, her disguise as Leng Yue – it was all Yun Mo's plan. The Empress Dowager couldn't help but laugh, her laughter laced with infinite desolation. Inexpressible despair washed over her. She felt as if she saw a gleaming executioner's blade under the scorching sun, mercilessly severing rolling heads – hers, Jing Yi's, Qing Tian's, the Ye family's. The pervasive red stung her eyes. She began to pant like a small animal, trembling on the verge of madness. She wasn't afraid of death, but what about Jing Yi? What about Qing Tian?
"Mother Empress, Mother Empress, what's wrong?"
Ye Su Xue's voice faded, becoming distant and ethereal. The Empress Dowager finally fainted. Panicked cries echoed through the hall. Ping An and the head eunuch, Lin An, had no idea what had happened. Why did the Empress Dowager faint upon seeing the Empress? Though the Empress was cold and terrifying, she had done nothing. For the Empress Dowager to be scared unconscious was truly perplexing.
Ping An observed everything, piecing together the events. Her heart filled with joy. Could this person be the one the Crown Prince wanted to see? She secretly noted this down. If the Empress came to the palace for the Crown Prince, then the Crown Prince had hope.
Imperial physicians were summoned, and the hall became a scene of busy activity. Ye Su Xue looked on bewildered. She hadn't even had time to tell her Mother Empress about the Emperor's detestable actions before she fainted. Now, it seemed she couldn't even protect herself, let alone seek justice for her. What should she do now?
Yun Xiao watched it all with cold eyes, saying no more, as if observing a joke. However, she noticed Ping An looking at her several times, her expression seeming to hold unspoken words. Yun Xiao's heart stirred. Did Ping An know Murong's whereabouts? Did her expression suggest she wanted to say something? Thinking this, Yun Xiao became agitated. But in front of the assembled court, she showed no outward reaction, only slowly withdrawing with Ye Su Xue.
Outside, the sky had darkened without anyone noticing. Dark clouds gathered, signaling impending rain. Was a real storm about to break? Yun Xiao's lips curved into a cold smile as she slowly descended the stone steps, followed by several palace maids and eunuchs. No one dared to speak. The Consort's face was ashen, her legs weak, relying on her maids for support as she watched Yun Xiao depart.
"Miss Yun?"
Yun Xiao turned back to her. Ye Su Xue offered a desolate smile, a beauty on the verge of fading. "Is it that to be born under imperial power means a life of tragedy?"
"Perhaps," Yun Xiao sighed and turned away. A large retinue followed her towards Jinhua Palace. Ye Su Xue looked up at the sky, her hatred still present, spreading boundlessly, leaving her feeling hollowed out. Her entire life had been driven by the desire to become Empress and restore the Ye family. Now, these supports had completely crumbled. She didn't know what she had left, only a heart full of desolation and emptiness.
"Your Highness, let's go back. The wind is picking up, and it will rain soon," Yue Mei said softly, supporting her. What else could be said in this situation? The Empress Dowager seemed to be in peril herself, and the Emperor paid her no mind. Did she still have the capacity to seek justice for her mistress? More importantly, what use would justice be? She could no longer bear children, and the Ye family would be extinguished, fading into dust.
"Let's go."
In the underground secret chamber of Changxin Palace, the atmosphere was dim and somber. Though lit by candlelight, the lack of sunlight made the space damp and cold. In the small room, Murong Chong had just woken up, his eyes fixed on the dark expanse above. He didn't know the time or how long he had been there. He had been eating, sleeping, and sleeping, much like a wild beast trapped in a cage. The iron cage containing a lion only intensified his restlessness. Because of this, he had tried countless times to break free from the poison within him, only to suffer more, falling into unconsciousness. His internal energy was draining rapidly, but to be completely unable to resist felt like a death sentence. In these dark, dim days, it was fortunate he could think of Xiao'er, which was enough to suppress his frantic heart and allow him some control.
The sound of a door opening brought a sliver of light, the only source of illumination. Murong Chong rolled over and sat up as the light disappeared. Then, Aunt Ping entered. Unlike before, she carried nothing in her hands. She seemed somewhat agitated and rushed forward, speaking with joy. "Crown Prince, someone has entered the palace? The Empress has returned! I heard she was originally the 'Leng Yue' young master. It was he who stole the Emperor's Jade Dragon Talisman. Is she the Crown Prince's person?"
"Xiao'er?"
Upon hearing Ping An's words, Murong Chong grabbed her hand with such force that Ping An gasped. He immediately came to his senses, lessening his grip, realizing he was too excited. "She has entered the palace."
"Yes, is she the Crown Prince's person?" Ping An was also very pleased. It would be wonderful if the Empress was the Crown Prince's person. Since she was Leng Yue and could enter the palace to steal the Jade Dragon Talisman, she must be extremely capable. Bringing the Crown Prince out would be as easy as flipping a hand. "Aunt Ping, can you send her a message? She will arrange everything." As long as Xiao'er arrived, she would surely bring people into the palace, so he would be able to leave. However, this matter had to be handled quickly, or complications would arise. "Send a message out?" Ping An frowned. To be honest, she couldn't leave now, and she knew many people were watching her. If she sent a message herself, she might reveal a flaw, but she would think of a way.