Soon, Feng Ninghe arrived at the Empress's sleeping quarters.
The chambers were resplendent, and a pleasant floral fragrance wafted through the air. The spiritual energy here was indeed more concentrated than outside.
"Ninghe!"
Her arrival brought a look of joy to the Empress's face, and she quickly rose to greet her.
The Empress was exquisitely made up, her skin soft and free of any discernible wrinkles. Her crimson, floor-sweeping robe was embroidered with a lifelike phoenix, accentuating her dignified and elegant demeanor.
Feng Ninghe felt an unusual sense of closeness to the Empress before her. She offered a smile, "Sister Empress, you haven't aged a bit in all these years."
Although the Empress and the original host's mother were like sisters.
In reality, there was a difference of about ten years between them.
Therefore, in her childhood, she had always addressed the Empress as "Sister Empress."
The familiar address brought a slight moisture to the Empress's eyes. She affectionately took Feng Ninghe's hand, "It's a blessing that you were strong enough to survive and are well. Otherwise, I wouldn't know how to face your mother. What exactly happened back then?"
Feng Ninghe did not hesitate and recounted her experiences over the years.
She deliberately concealed the fact that this body had been violated by Feng Qingcheng, who had taken her child. She only stated that the Feng Guangyao family had plotted against her in secret, pushing her into a corner, and then cleared their names by claiming she had fallen off a cliff.
Upon hearing her words, the Empress's eyes widened with fury, her chest filled with both shock and anger. "Feng Guangyao and his family actually plotted against you like this! To think that the Duke of Zhenguo treated them with such sincerity, only for them to usurp the nest! Ninghe, I will definitely tell Emperor Li about this and have him seek justice for you!"
The Empress's reaction warmed Feng Ninghe's heart.
Feng Ninghe's eyes curved into a smile, her gaze serene as she looked at the Empress. "Currently, I don't have any leverage against Feng Guangyao's family. Without evidence, I'll only be slandered, and my words will be baseless. Moreover, I want to take revenge myself."
Mentioning revenge, her eyes immediately shifted. The calm, lake-like depths now hid a turbulent undercurrent.
The Empress felt a flicker of unease. "In the years you were gone, Feng Guangyao has already taken over the Feng family and garnered considerable support. Seeking revenge yourself won't be easy."
Five years ago, Feng Guangyao and his ilk had committed such outrageous acts for their own selfish gain. Who knew if they would escalate their actions now.
Understanding the Empress's concerns, Feng Ninghe smiled, her fair cheeks radiant with her bright smile.
"Sister Empress, please don't worry. I have already made thorough plans in secret and have absolute confidence in avenging myself!"
Her face was filled with a smile, and her tone was resolute.
The Empress was about to speak, but upon meeting her determined gaze, she changed her tune. "Very well. Since you have a plan, I will support you from the shadows. If you need any help, I will do my utmost."
Feng Ninghe before her was graceful and poised, her smile clean and clear, yet her thoughts remained unfathomable.
The experiences of the past five years seemed to have transformed her into another person.
The Empress held Feng Ninghe's hands and, as if struck by a sudden thought, frowned and said, "Back then, Lin Yuan died on the battlefield. However, his body was not found during the cleanup. He might still be alive."
These simple words caused Feng Ninghe's pupils to constrict slightly. "Sister Empress, what exactly happened in that war all those years ago?"
The Empress's gaze deepened, seemingly lost in thought. She moved her lips and whispered, "In that battle, Lin Yuan should have won. But somehow, an unforeseen change occurred. The battle took place at Xiyang Ridge, resulting in countless casualties and utter devastation. Someone personally witnessed Lin Yuan being heavily injured and falling, but his body was never found afterward."
Feng Ninghe listened quietly, silently noting the three words in her heart.
Xiyang Ridge.
Located on the border with its unique terrain, Xiyang Ridge was a place of mixed elements. With time, she would definitely visit Xiyang Ridge.
Since Feng Lin Yuan's body was not found, there was hope of finding him.
After the original host's parents passed away, Feng Lin Yuan, her full brother, had been like a father and mother to her, showering her with all the love she could have.
It was a pity that the original host, misled by the Feng Guangyao family, had instead been extremely dismissive of her own brother.
Even though many years had passed, upon hearing Feng Lin Yuan's name just now, Feng Ninghe still felt a significant emotional surge.
Since there was now an opportunity to make amends, even if it was slim, she would go all out!
Recalling the past, the atmosphere in the sleeping quarters became a little somber.
Feng Ninghe looked at the Empress, her gaze lingering on her face. She said, "Sister Empress, your complexion is not good. You must have been very busy in the palace?"
The Empress chuckled lightly, "I heard that the Valley Master of Medicine Valley, Immortal Xu, is your master. It seems you have learned a lot over the years."
Feng Ninghe did not deny it. Instead, she took out a pill she had refined from her spatial spiritual bracelet. "This is a Qingxin Pill, it can relieve fatigue."
The Empress did not hesitate and took the Qingxin Pill.
The medicine dissolved in her mouth, and a cool sensation spread throughout her body.
The Empress's beautiful eyes lit up involuntarily. She quickly looked at Feng Ninghe, a hint of surprise in her eyes. "Ninghe, this medicine is so effective! After taking it, I feel refreshed and much more comfortable."
Feng Ninghe smiled, "I'll refine some more later and send them to you."
The Empress turned her gaze and mentioned a marriage from many years ago. "Ninghe, your marriage to the First Prince was supposed to be between you and the First Prince, but it was delayed due to an accident. Do you need me to mention this matter to Emperor Li?"
That marriage contract was originally bestowed upon the Duke of Zhenguo's daughter. If the original host hadn't been schemed against back then, it wouldn't have fallen to Feng Tongtong.
This question was likely what Emperor Li wanted to ask through the Empress.
A look of disdain flashed across Feng Ninghe's radiant face, and she sneered, "What pot matches what lid. Let dogs lick that pile of dog shit."
Her clear voice carried a strong tone of mockery.
It also made the Empress understand her intentions.
The Empress eagerly took her hand, her affection evident. "If my son were not so young, I would certainly want to take you as my daughter-in-law."
The two continued to chat for some time until dusk approached. Feng Ninghe politely declined the Empress's invitation to stay for dinner.
The Empress could only send someone to escort her out of the palace.
As she emerged from the Empress's sleeping quarters, a palace servant hurried forward and stopped her. "Miss Feng, please wait. The First Prince requests your presence."
"The First Prince?"
A subtle hint of disgust flickered in Feng Ninghe's eyes.
She continued walking, sidestepping the palace servant, and uttered a chilling remark, "Tell the First Prince I'm busy."
In full view of everyone, the palace servant dared not obstruct her and could only turn away to relay the message to the First Prince.
In a luxurious mansion.
Baili Ye leisurely popped a grape into his mouth.
Beside him reclined a devilishly handsome man, the Law Enforcement Elder of the Immortal Sect, Mo Zisang.
After discussing matters with Emperor Li, Mo Zisang was invited over by Baili Ye.
Baili Ye, with an obsequious expression, eagerly poured a cup of tea for Mo Zisang. "Elder Mo, this tea was specially grown by my orders. Please try it and tell me how it tastes."