Inside the imperial study, Shangguan Yin was awaiting news. Upon hearing of the incident, his face turned cold, his pupils sharp. He said nothing for a long while before reaching out to rub his forehead. "Everyone, rise. It was my oversight. The one who rescued Ye Jingyi was still the Skeleton Blood Thieves of Xishan. They've always sought revenge, hence they rescued Ye Jingyi. However, his martial arts are lost. Even if he falls into their hands, he likely won't fare well."
"Your Majesty must strengthen the imperial palace's security; not a single detail can be overlooked."
Yun Mo spoke with composure. He had heard of the Skeleton Blood Thieves of Xishan. They were a band of desperate fugitives, known for their cunning and insidious nature. They had lived in dark places for years, their specialty being underground activities, possessing skills akin to burrowing rats, hence their involvement in grave robbing.
Now that Ye Jingyi had been rescued, it could only be said they had miscalculated. They hadn't expected anyone to rescue him at such a time, allowing the Skeleton Blood Thieves of Xishan to succeed.
Furthermore, their abduction of Ye Jingyi was likely not out of a desire to save him, but rather to openly challenge the Eastern Qin imperial family. By rescuing Ye Jingyi in public, they had embarrassed the imperial court.
Thinking this way, the most endangered was the Emperor, as it was the Emperor who had killed several of the Skeleton Blood Thieves of Xishan that day.
"I will be fine."
Shangguan Yin's pupils were deep and cold, his face covered in frost.
The former Imperial Guard Commander, Song Yuan, had already been dispatched to the border. The current Imperial Guard Commander was Jin Jian, his subordinate. Jin Jian possessed exceptional skills, along with some of the subordinates from the Divine Dragon Palace who refused to leave.
Their skills were such that each could fight ten ordinary palace guards.
As for the others, Yi Yuxuan had arranged for them to be in proper positions, no longer needing to do any dark work.
This was the only compensation he could offer them, a way to acknowledge their loyalty.
As for Yi Yuxuan, Shangguan Yin had intended to promote him, but he refused. From then on, he only wished to live as a carefree recluse, content to be a martial arts alliance leader in the jianghu, securing a safe path for his master.
Shangguan Yin agreed, knowing Yi Yuxuan cherished freedom, and being a martial arts alliance leader was his lifelong aspiration.
Let him be free.
Of the four protectors of the Divine Dragon Palace, the remaining one was Ximen Yue.
He had made many contributions in the past, but now he claimed to be old. Originally a household slave of Yunshui Villa, he still guarded Yunshui Villa, living out his twilight years.
"You may all go."
Shangguan Yin waved his hand. Such an incident was not what anyone desired. The Skeleton Blood Thieves of Xishan would not appear for some time.
Moreover, if they did appear, they would surely issue a warning first. Then, they could figure out how to deal with them. A mere tomb-robbing organization, he refused to believe they couldn't handle it.
"Your subordinates take their leave."
Yun Mo and the Minister of Punishment retreated.
The imperial study fell silent. Shangguan Yin's exceptionally beautiful and refined face was etched with cold frost. Thinking that in the vast imperial palace, there were only him and Murong Yingxue, his heart felt an infinite loneliness. He couldn't help but reach for a jade flute and begin to play a gentle melody.
Outside the study door, Fuhai and a group of eunuchs listened to the moving music, frozen in place, all falling silent...
The imperial palace of Xiliang Kingdom.
In Huaqing Palace, the old Empress Dowager had been very pleased these past few days. Gone was her former frail state, akin to being on death's door. Now, she was radiant and energetic, spending her days chatting with Yun Xiao. When tired, she would rest for a while.
As long as she was awake, she spent most of her time with Yun Xiao.
Over these few days, Yun Xiao had developed some affection for her. She could see that the old lady genuinely liked her.
Furthermore, as an Empress Dowager, she lacked the imposing aura of royalty. Instead, she exuded a kind of kindness.
Perhaps she had been a formidable figure in the past, but that was all gone in her old age. Now, she was simply a kind and loving old woman, so Yun Xiao was happy to keep her company.
Princess Li, Ji Qingge, had visited her twice in the palace. Fearing she wouldn't adapt to palace life, and in a fit of anger, she had left the old lady. Only after seeing that she was getting along well with the Empress Dowager did she feel somewhat at ease.
Having stayed in the palace for so many days, the person the old lady mentioned most often was this Princess Li, her cousin Ji Qingge. She said he was a good person, kind-hearted, and extremely filial.
Although Yun Xiao had not interacted with Ji Qingge for long, she knew that fellow was indeed decent. However, she still resented him for bringing her to Xiliang without a word.
These past few days, she missed Murong more and more, yearning for his gentleness, his care, and the look of doting tenderness in his eyes when he held her.
Perhaps in this world, there was no one else who doted on her so much. The more she thought about these things, the more a feeling of homesickness arose, making her wish she could return to Yanjing immediately.
However, the old Empress Dowager refused to let her leave, and Ji Qingge had also asked her to wait a few more days, promising to help her inquire about the situation in Eastern Qin.
Only then did she settle down. When she had nothing else to do, she would play the zither for the Empress Dowager.
The Empress Dowager praised her zither skills, even bestowing upon her a treasured zither named Yao. This famous zither could rival her own Liangyue.
Yun Xiao was very pleased. She had always wanted to give Wanwan a zither, and now that she had obtained such a fine instrument, her wish was finally fulfilled.
In the afternoon, the sunlight poured down like water. A breeze blew, carrying fine sand that stung her cheeks slightly.
In the garden of Huaqing Palace, a layer of fine golden sand was spread, appearing like a golden carpet from a distance. However, upon closer inspection, it was somewhat unsightly. Many palace maids were busy sweeping this sand away.
Yun Xiao frowned, gazing at the scene before her. In the past few days, she had heard from the old lady about the conditions in Xiliang. The people here often suffered from sandstorms. A few hundred miles to the west lay a desolate desert.
As soon as the wind blew, it would whip up vast amounts of yellow sand, causing Xiliang Kingdom to be covered in sand, making life miserable.
Therefore, on windy days, both young ladies and young men in streets and alleys liked to wear veils to protect their delicate facial skin from being scratched by the sandstorms.
As Yun Xiao was lost in thought, she failed to notice a tall figure approaching on a bluestone path. The palace maids were just about to curtsy when the newcomer waved them away, signaling them to retreat.
In the vast garden, everyone retreated in an orderly fashion.
Yun Xiao came back to her senses and was about to turn when she heard a voice by her ear, "What are you thinking about, cousin?"
It turned out to be Prince Li, Ji Qingge. Yun Xiao looked up and glared at him. This fellow was so elusive. Wasn't he just showing off his superior martial arts skills? Her expression soured, and she coldly huffed, "What are you doing here again?"
"Father wishes to see you."
"Uncle wishes to see me."
Yun Xiao involuntarily repeated. She had met the Emperor of Xiliang a few times, always when he came to visit the Empress Dowager.
He was indeed a good ruler, governing Xiliang in an orderly fashion. He was also filial to the Empress Dowager and showed fatherly concern for his imperial offspring. Truly, he was not an easy emperor to be.