Candlelight cast a golden glow on Feng Ninghe's radiant face, and even the half jade pendant in her hand was bathed in the warm light.
She briefly recounted the appearance of the black-clad assailant.
The black-clad figure had shot two arrows, clearly targeting Ji Binyu and Lin Yuran.
She had also seized the opportunity to snatch the gourd bottle.
Upon learning the full story, Feng Xing's face showed understanding. "Regardless, this situation is currently in our favor. Without the gourd bottle, the host of this bet will surely win."
Feng Ninghe's slender fingertips gently caressed the half jade pendant in her hand, her clear voice falling slowly, "A Xing, I wish to win not just the stakes, but also to uncover the truth of what happened back then."
Whether she secured the position of Empress was not important to her.
What she cared about was never the Empress's seat, but the truth.
The Empress's position was merely an external possession.
A hint of determination appeared on Feng Xing's handsome face, and he nodded repeatedly in agreement. "Whatever it is, A Xing believes that Master will surely succeed!"
Feng Ninghe unconsciously curved her lips into a faint smile and put away the jade pendant. "Let's hope so."
Her path had never been smooth.
After enduring various hardships, she only trusted herself.
Feng Xing did not linger and soon departed.
The seven-day deadline for the bet was drawing ever closer.
In the following days, the Imperial Advisor and ministers of the court flocked to her, nearly breaking down the door.
Feng Ninghe had not moved her residence, so these ministers came and went frequently.
"Your Majesty, I have thoroughly investigated the young women in the yamen these past few days, but there are no significant clues."
The Imperial Advisor's facial features were tightly furrowed. "If the bet fails, Lin Yuran will surely cause trouble. The position of Empress must not fall into her hands."
Feng Ninghe was the one chosen by the Imperial Seal, and the Dragon Throne, as a divine artifact, had recognized her as its master.
Only she was worthy of the Empress's position.
In contrast, Lin Yuran, despite her contributions to the Lin Kingdom over the past century, had never received the recognition of the Imperial Seal.
The ministers echoed in agreement, "Your Majesty, only you are worthy of the Empress's position. As for Lin Yuran, she has no chance of claiming it."
"Your Majesty, over the years, Lin Yuran has appeared serene, but in reality, she has a close relationship with General Ji and has been in private contact with him. Such a person is not fit for the Empress's position!"
Looking at the chattering ministers, Feng Ninghe merely smiled, her expression remaining largely unchanged.
The Imperial Advisor's expression was anxious. "We still need to devise a strategy. If we lose the bet, how shall we handle it?"
The ministers replied without hesitation, "The Empress is the one chosen by the Imperial Seal. Even if the Princess wins the bet, it will not silence public opinion."
"However, Your Majesty did agree to the bet."
The Imperial Advisor specifically added, "As the ruler of a nation, one cannot break their word, or this will become a pretext for Lin Yuran to make trouble."
The ministers huddled together, discussing countermeasures.
Feng Ninghe calmly observed everything before her, her expression showing a hint of fearlessness.
It was like the saying, "The emperor is not worried, but the eunuchs are anxious."
*Thump-thump—*
The door was gently knocked.
Xiao Ya entered with tea. After pouring a cup for Feng Ninghe, she proceeded to serve the other ministers in the room.
The ministers were in the midst of a heated discussion.
Xiao Ya deliberately slowed her tea-pouring movements, her ears perked, listening to the ministers' deliberations.
After much back and forth, the ministers could not come to a satisfactory conclusion and finally turned their gaze to Feng Ninghe. "Your Majesty, do you have any countermeasures?"
Feng Ninghe raised her eyes, brought the teacup to her lips, and took a sip. A faint glint flickered in her eyes. "Currently, I have no effective methods. If even we have no solutions, perhaps Lin Yuran is also at a loss. If that's the case, she won't be able to affect me."
"Your Majesty!"
The Imperial Advisor's expression grew somewhat urgent. "As Empress, even if you are at a loss, you must devise a plan to respond, otherwise it will be difficult to silence public opinion."
As the Empress of the Lin Kingdom, she had the responsibility and obligation to protect its citizens.
Even if she couldn't awaken those young women, she had to come up with a countermeasure.
Otherwise, Lin Yuran could also use this matter to her advantage.
Feng Ninghe slightly furrowed her brows, her slender fingers tapping lightly on the table, her voice deepening slightly. "The Imperial Advisor speaks wisely, but at present, there is no solution. We must think of other possible strategies."
The scene in the room was fully observed by Xiao Ya.
Xiao Ya unobtrusively carried the tea and left the room.
Watching Xiao Ya's retreating figure, Feng Ninghe's lips curved upward imperceptibly, a hint of deep meaning appearing in her eyes.
In the courtyard, Bai Niannian was practicing her sword.
Xiao Ya stood quietly to the side, waiting for her to finish her practice.
Bai Niannian also noticed Xiao Ya's arrival immediately. She put down her sword and sat in the pavilion to rest.
"Niannian."
Seeing this, Xiao Ya quickly brought over the tea and poured a cup. "This tea was just brewed, and I happened to have some left."
Bai Niannian did not hesitate and readily accepted the tea, drinking it. "Xiao Ya, you've come at the right time. I was just thirsty."
Xiao Ya smiled, but her eyes darted around. Her voice held a hint of probing. "Niannian, the seven-day bet is only three days away. Does Miss Feng have any countermeasures?"
Bai Niannian sighed dismissively, a touch of helplessness in her eyes. "My master has no countermeasures. We don't even know who the person behind this is. For now, we can only take things one step at a time."
Xiao Ya's brows furrowed unconsciously, and she quickly voiced her thoughts. "If no countermeasures can be devised, won't the Princess win the bet?"
"Even Master has no solution, so I'm afraid that princess also has no countermeasures."
Bai Niannian crossed her arms and fell into thought. "If everyone has no countermeasures, at most it will be a draw. At least the Princess won't win, and it still won't affect Master."
Upon hearing this, Xiao Ya showed a knowing expression and approval. "You're right. I believe Miss Feng will surely win!"
Xiao Ya and Bai Niannian exchanged a few pleasantries before leaving the courtyard.
Xiao Ya deliberately looked around, ensuring she was safe before striding forward.
Before long, she arrived at Ji Binyu's sleeping quarters.
Inside the chambers.
Ji Binyu and Lin Yuran were seated opposite each other.
Lin Yuran raised her eyes and calmly turned her gaze to Xiao Ya. "Any new information?"
Xiao Ya recounted everything she knew without hesitation.
The ministers of the court had flocked to discuss countermeasures, but they had no solutions.
Lin Yuran casually picked up a fruit and put it in her mouth. "So, Feng Ninghe has no countermeasures, and that group of old fools in court can't offer any useful help."
Xiao Ya nodded repeatedly in agreement. "That's right. I specifically inquired, and Feng Ninghe indeed has no useful countermeasures."