Xuanyuan Zhaoning's twelfth year, December 16th. The Top Ten Strongest, which had been famous for thirty years, had finally changed.
The mysterious woman challenged Hidden Mist at Xuanyuan Kunjing's Spirit Pearl Mountain and defeated Hidden Mist from the eighth position. Xing Hui was present at that time and immediately admitted defeat. When he asked the woman about the title of the Top Ten Strongest, the woman answered: Nine Heavens!
Nine Heavens!
Phoenix in the Nine Heavens, a clear sound ten thousand miles away, shaking the four seas and the five continents.
The title this woman gave herself was above all the titles of the Top Ten Strongest. Her ambition and boldness were evident.
The defeat of Hidden Mist and the appearance of Nine Heavens were like an indestructible castle that collapsed in an instant and fell on the five continents, stirring up a storm in the minds of the martial artists of the five continents. For many days, the martial artists of the five continents talked about this mysterious "Nine Heavens".
After so many years, the name of the Ten Strongest had been deified. The people of the martial arts world did not even think of saying a word of disrespect behind their backs, let alone challenging them. But now, on this bleak winter day, they heard that the legend had been shattered. Only then did they suddenly realize that the strong could also be defeated, and the Ten Strongest had really been famous for far too long. Just like what Moon Soul had said, the legendary era that belonged to the Ten Strongest was about to pass, and a new legend was born along with the new political changes.
The birth of a new strong cultivator could be considered the ruler of the five continents. Every country started to forge a token of the strongest cultivator. They were prepared to give it to the Continent of the Nine Clouds in order to build a good relationship with them. If possible, they wanted to hire them as Imperial Protectors. Even though not many of the ten strongest cultivators had been hired, it was still beneficial to have a good relationship with the strong cultivators.
It was a pity that this rising star had vanished without a trace after the battle at Mount Lingzhu. She did not even leave her real name. All that was known was that she was also a young woman. However, no one had been able to find a suitable person to hook up with after searching through the famous women of the five continents. Some people even thought of Ya Lanzhu. In the end, when the little princess heard about it, she laughed so hard that her pigtails swayed.
"Oh my god, it's so magical. I'm Nine Heavens, I'm Nine Heavens …"
She mysteriously moved closer to the person who came to investigate and whispered, "Let me tell you, Nine Heavens …"
The person's ears pricked up, and his eyes lit up as he waited to listen.
"… I don't know."
"…"
The mysterious "Nine Firmaments" only appeared for a short while. Lord Nine Firmaments himself had already retreated to Emperor Xuanyuan's side, waiting to be "rescued".
After defeating the Hidden Mist, she turned to look at Zhan Beiye. Seeing that he had woken up and was resting, and that Ya Lanzhu was taking good care of him, she did not disturb him. Instead, she talked with Zhangsun Wuji and made plans for the future before returning to Mount Lingzhu to meet up with Xuanyuan Min and An Mei. She met the two of them on the mountain path. An Mei let out a long sigh when he saw her. His eyes were filled with anxiety, and there was a layer of sweat on his forehead despite the cold winter weather. She could imagine how anxious he was after running around all night.
Xuanyuan Min, on the other hand, only cared about Lord Ingot. He looked at Ingot and asked with great interest, "You understand me, right? Am I right? You talk, you talk. "
Lord Ingot was so annoyed that he covered his ears. 'Damn it, this performer is even more long-winded than an old woman. You've been asking me questions the whole night. I understand you. How many times have I told you that I understand you? Why can't you understand me?'
Meng Fuyao snatched Lord Ingot away and tucked him into her sleeves. She warned the performer, "You didn't see him, you didn't see him. Remember, you didn't see him!"
Lord Ingot crossed his arms in disapproval. 'What a joke. I'm so handsome, talented, and unforgettable. You want Xizi to erase my deep memory? Is that even possible? '
An Mei quietly reached over and felt Meng Fuyao's pulse. His eyes were filled with joy, and he mouthed, "Congratulations."
Meng Fuyao smiled, and her smile bloomed like a flower under An Mei's glass-like gaze.
By this time, the team to receive the three had already caught up. The three of them adjusted their expressions. The delicate emperor was still delicate, the empress who did not know martial arts did not know martial arts, and the well-behaved maidservants were still well-behaved.
On the way back to the palace, Meng Fuyao and Xuanyuan Min parted at the back of the palace. She drove straight into the palace, memorizing all the surprised gazes she saw along the way. Before she even sat down, she asked the attendant who stayed behind in the palace, "Are the ladies back yet?"
The servant answered respectfully, "Last night, Imperial Consort Shu and Yao Guipin returned first. The rest of the ladies are still in the Imperial Garden at Mount Lingzhu."
"Oh," she replied. Thirsty from walking, she picked up the teapot on the table and poured herself a cup of water. Just as she was about to drink, she suddenly stopped and said, "It's a little cold. Bring me my big sweater."
The eunuch acknowledged and left. He was also someone sent by Xuanyuan Min and had always been with An Zi. An Zi was in charge of following the Empress while he was in charge of internal affairs. He was a man of few words and was steady and reliable.
After a while, he returned with the clothes and smiled. "Your Highness, which one do you want? This Black Fox and that Silver Raccoon are both good." He handed them over.
Meng Fuyao stared at his hand and smiled. "The Silver Raccoon one." She reached out to receive it.
She took the clothes.
Suddenly, her hand reached out and grabbed the man's wrist. With a shake, she threw him away!
The man screamed in pain as he was thrown away by Meng Fuyao. He crashed heavily against the wall, and two pieces of clothes fell to the ground.
He looked at Meng Fuyao in fear, and even his eyes were trembling.
Meng Fuyao smiled and slowly walked over without batting an eyelid. She stepped on the fur coat and the hand underneath it without any pity.
Her footsteps were not heavy, but the sound of bones breaking immediately came from under her clothes. At her level, her internal energy could already move according to her thoughts. Her body, hair, and skin were all weapons. Not to mention a stomp, just a breath of air could send this eunuch, who didn't know martial arts, to his death.
The man was in so much pain that his body twitched. He clenched his teeth and said nothing. Meng Fuyao looked at him and said, "I've long suspected that Xuanyuan Min has a double agent. Now that I've caught one, tell me, how many more are there? Also, there are people from the Regent among the concubines, right? Come, recite them for me. "
The man stuttered, "Your Highness … Your Highness … I don't know … what … you're talking about …"
"It's fine, as long as I know. Someone poisoned the teapot. Unfortunately, I've already put a drug in it. Whoever's fingernail touches the water in the teapot will have their nails change color. You stirred it with your fingernail after you poisoned it, right? " Meng Fuyao said indifferently, "Let me tell you, when you meet me, there's no use in lying, acting, begging, or pretending to be tough. The smartest way is to be honest."
The man could tell from the look in her eyes that she was not lying. His body trembled, but he kept his mouth shut.
Meng Fuyao smiled and said, "Believe it or not, I don't need to lift a finger to make you talk obediently …"
Facing the man's shocked and disbelieving gaze, she smiled and said, "I only need to promote you to the Chief Eunuch of Chongxing Palace tomorrow. I'll bestow you with jewels, gold, and jade. Hmm … when the Regent sees that I'm safe and sound and you're promoted step by step, what will he think of you? A triple agent? Haha. "
The man's face was pale, and he stared at her in horror. He never thought that this lazy, domineering, and seemingly not very intelligent empress would be so cunning and vicious.
If she really used this trick, the Regent would definitely not allow him to live. The way he died would be worse than he could imagine.
Meng Fuyao looked at him with a smile. She was too lazy to use torture to extort a confession. Eunuchs were creatures with limited loyalty, so there was no need to waste energy.
The man avoided her eyes, and after a while fell at her feet.
"I'll talk … I'll talk …"
Meng Fuyao smiled.
After listening to the explanation, she gave the man a few instructions. The man looked embarrassed, but he did not dare to disobey. He had already sold her the secret, so how could he not listen to her?
Meng Fuyao called Tie Cheng in and said, "Contact Little Seven and ask him to do something."
Tie Cheng accepted the order and left, leaving Meng Fuyao alone in the palace. Watching the swaying pearl curtain, a faint smile slowly appeared on her face.
Those who should be pregnant were already pregnant, and those who should be eradicated would definitely be eradicated. If she failed this time, there would be a next time. Was she going to sit around and wait to be assassinated again? She might as well strike first and gain the upper hand!
She had no interest in letting the two brothers control the pace of the final battle of the Xuan Yuan Family. She wanted to be the one to decide!
At this moment, the wind was calm, and the waves were calm.
Suddenly, there was a faint shadow behind her. A shadow quietly entered the inner palace. The shadow was not long, and it was cast on the ground. His footsteps were light like a cat's.
Meng Fuyao did not move. Instead, she casually sipped her tea.
The man tiptoed closer, quietly pushed aside the pearl curtain, and slowly moved behind her.
Meng Fuyao lowered her eyes and sat still. Steam rose from the teacup, and her eyes were clear and clean like a block of ice.
'Sneak attack me?
You're asking for death! '
A pair of warm and soft hands suddenly covered her eyes!
Meng Fuyao shrugged her shoulders, and the Heaven Piercing Sword at her waist slid out of her sleeves. Her whole body was filled with energy, and she was about to spring up!
"Guess who I am?"
A sweet, childish voice filled with laughter entered his ears. The tone was filled with mischief and naivety.
Meng Fuyao braked!
In an instant, she sheathed her saber, shrunk her shoulders, and suppressed the surging true energy. She reined in her horse at the brink of an explosion. Because she had retracted her saber too quickly, she was actually sweating profusely.
'That was close!
I almost revealed my martial arts! '
Meng Fuyao took a deep breath and turned around. She stared helplessly at the "Doraemon" imperial concubine and frowned. "Ah Guang, why didn't you inform me before entering? You're getting more and more unruly."
Tang Yiguang smiled foolishly and reached for the snacks on her table. "I miss your little walnuts."
Meng Fuyao sighed and pulled her over. She took out another box from the cabinet and said, "The ones on the table aren't fresh. Change this."
As long as there was food, Tang Yiguang was happy. She accepted it with a smile, and only then did she remember to greet her. Meng Fuyao stopped her, not knowing whether to laugh or cry. "Next time, you have to inform me before entering my bedroom, got it?"
The child replied with an "oh". Meng Fuyao had never been resistant to lolis. She would never kill a child with the IQ of a four year old. She personally helped her crack the walnut shells and watched her eat like a child. She recalled Xuanyuan Min's words about how she had fallen off a horse and injured her brain. She could not help but ask, "Ah Guang, you were only four years old back then. How did you learn to ride a horse? Did your father teach you? "
Tang Yiguang's mouth was full of food, and she answered vaguely, "… Big brother taught me."
Meng Fuyao did not hear clearly what big brother she was talking about, but she did not think much about it. She sent her out after she was done eating. When she returned, she stood in the room and thought about what she planned to do soon. Suddenly, the curtain behind her was lifted. She could tell from the strange rhythm of his footsteps that it was An Mei. She did not turn around and asked casually, "Are you alright with the snake venom?"
An Mei replied with a "hmm" and gently walked behind her. Suddenly, he placed his hand on her shoulder.
Meng Fuyao subconsciously moved away, but An Mei said, "Let me help you stretch your bones. Your skills have improved, and your bones have grown. It will be more beneficial for you if you stretch them out now."
Meng Fuyao hesitated for a moment. "No need. This is good enough."
An Mei sighed softly behind her. His voice was like the autumn wind passing through the frosty white treetops, faint and cold. He said, "Are you going to let me owe you for the rest of my life, until I die?"
Meng Fuyao was startled. She turned around and said, "Why do you have to make it sound so serious? Who owes whom? How much? Are you still a friend? "
An Mei's eyes were smooth and glossy. He did not look happy when he heard her words. Instead, the faint desolation in his eyes intensified. He finally smiled and said, "At least I can help you stretch your bones, right?"
Meng Fuyao was helpless. She climbed onto the bed and lay down on the pillow. "If I fall asleep, please don't look. My sleeping posture is only slightly better than Lord Yuan Bao's."
Lord Yuan Bao squatted on her pillow and looked at her with disdain. 'At least I don't drool!'
Meng Fuyao lay there, thinking about her next step. Her mind was in a mess. Suddenly, she felt something soft behind her. An Mei's fingers were already on her back.
His fingers were long and slender, and his knuckles were spread out like unfolded leaves. The moment he touched her back, a warm current flowed into her limbs and bones like a gurgling spring. Following An Mei's elegant gestures, Meng Fuyao could hear her joints cracking. It was clear and bright. That kind of tapping, pushing, knocking, and stretching were as gentle as a breeze, yet powerful like a surging river. It gradually drove away the tension in her body. Meng Fuyao felt as if she was floating. Her whole body relaxed, so comfortable that she almost moaned. She quickly bit her pillow.
"Fuyao, you're too nervous. Your whole body is tense," the person behind her said faintly.
Meng Fuyao smiled sheepishly. 'Actually, it's because I'm not sure if you're a gentleman.'
An Mei smiled again and suddenly changed the topic. "Are you willing to stay in the Xuanyuan Sect forever?"
Meng Fuyao's heart skipped a beat. This topic had always been her greatest fear. Stay in the Xuanyuan Sect? Oh, no. Her life was destined to never stop for anyone. Her footsteps and her heart often ran in opposite directions, yet she had no choice but to grit her teeth and move forward. Taiyuan, Wuji, Dahan, Xuanyuan … the road was always ahead of her.
She was silent. Then, she felt the fingers on her back stop. An Mei's elegant breath approached, and An Mei's body seemed to lean toward her. She was startled and wanted to turn over to avoid arousing suspicion. However, she did not dare to loosen her bones on the bed to avoid arousing suspicion. Beneath her was a narrow bed that was only wide enough for one person. If she turned over, she would either fall into his embrace or face him. That would be even more awkward. While she was hesitating, An Mei's body stopped beside her ear. He stretched out his hand and gently pinched her earlobe.
His fingers were soft and warm. The slight coolness from the past few days had already dissipated. Both of them felt like silk, and both of them trembled. She tilted her head, but An Mei had already let go of her hand. "… Can't you stay after all? But there's still a long way to go, Fuyao. You're someone who doesn't like to be marked by anyone. This is the first time you've made an exception to pierce my ear. I only hope that one day, you'll make even more exceptions for me. "
Meng Fuyao was silent for a while before replying, "I've always given in to what I feel is acceptable."
"I know." An Mei chuckled softly. Her laughter sounded like a sigh. Each sound was as cold as the winter wind, yet each sound was longer than the thousands of strands of love. "If there really isn't another exception, having this one time is better than having nothing at all."
He stood up, handed over a small box, and turned to leave. When he reached the door, he held onto the door frame. Without turning back, he said, "Fuyao … I really hope that you won't let this piercing close."
Meng Fuyao pursed her lips and opened the small box. Inside was a snow-white pill the size of a thumb. Its fragrance was overwhelming. She couldn't smell what it was made of, but she knew that it had to be extremely precious. She turned to look in the direction An Mei had left, and touched her earlobe. After a long time, she sighed softly.
= = = =
Xuanyuan Zhaoning, December 21st. The winter was so cold that even a drop of water would turn into ice. The boundless mountain range between Xuanyuan and the Han Empire was covered in snow for thousands of miles. Crouching silently on the vast land, one looked at the heavily guarded border between the two countries.
It was a particularly cold winter. There was even a snowfall last night. The snow was a foot thick, and the ground was covered in silvery white. Every household closed their doors and kept watch, leaving the snowy ground as flat as a mink carpet, untouched by anyone.
Early in the morning, the faint rays of sunlight spread out on the snowy ground in bright red and silvery white. There was a kind of restrained beauty.
However, the sound of someone treading on the snow could be heard from afar. Along with the noise, a few deep footprints appeared on the snowy ground.
"Damn it, they still have to stand guard in this weather!"
"Aren't they just afraid that the Han Army will cause trouble? They're just bluffing. Their emperor is still here with us."
"I say, in this damned weather, aren't they still cooped up in their tents? Fighting? How are they going to fight? "
"Really, Protector Zheng, he doesn't treat us like humans!"
The chaotic voices broke the silence after the snow. The Changce Garrison of the northeastern border of Xuanyuan Kingdom trudged over with difficulty with their swords and sabers slung on their shoulders. They were the small team in charge of border patrol today.
The Changce Garrison was used to the warm weather and couldn't bear the cold. At this moment, they reluctantly went out to stand guard. They were all dressed like bears. The newly made cotton-padded jackets were so rough that their arms looked like carrots in them. They couldn't even touch their buttocks, let alone draw their sabers.
The leader of the small team climbed up a high hill lazily and looked at the silent Han Army camp across the river. He said, "Who would go out in this weather? There's no sound at all! Let's go back! "
They agreed happily and turned to leave. The last one suddenly turned around and said, "Hey, what's that sound?"
He turned around and saw the sound of hooves coming from the river behind the wire and thorns. Then, he saw a team of crimson-armored guards appear on the opposite bank like fire.
The group of guards was leisurely 'galloping' in the snow, with bows and arrows in their hands. When the soldier saw this, he was amused. He laughed and said, "Ha, which idiot came out to hunt in such thick snow?"
Everyone laughed. The small team leader said, "Hey, which army is this? The Han Army is in black armor. "
"Who cares? It has nothing to do with us." They turned around and suddenly saw a man on the opposite side raise his bow, and then a rabbit ran in front of his horse. The rabbit ran straight across the ice on the river, through the barbed wire, and ran towards the soldiers.
The small team leader became interested and said with a smile, "What a fat rabbit! Since it came to us, let's take it back for a sumptuous feast! "
He nocked an arrow and shot it, hitting the rabbit right in the heart. Everyone cheered. The small team leader was proud and said with a smile, "It's just a rabbit. Back in the Dinghe battlefield …"
He suddenly stopped talking.
The laughter around him suddenly stopped.
Everyone turned around in shock and saw a heavy red-feathered arrow suddenly appear in the small team leader's chest.
The squad leader slowly lowered his head. He saw the arrow in his chest tremble, silently swaying in the cold wind. The arrow was cold, the blood gushing out of the tip was warm. However, this was the last warmth of his life. Soon, he would be as cold as the snow beneath him.
He fell with a crash, his eyes wide open. Blood splashed on the snow-covered ground, which was even brighter than the morning glow.
In the last moments of his fall, he miraculously saw the man opposite him who shot the arrow. He saw the man's handsome eyebrows, calm and cold eyes, and saw that he was holding a crossbow with one arm, the other sleeve hanging down softly.
When she heard his words, she said coldly,
"You. Killed. My. King. Han.'s. Rabbit."
= = =
"You killed Han King's rabbit."
This was the most valiant, shameless, and absurd declaration of war in the history of the five continents.
This declaration quickly spread throughout the five continents. The legendary Han King, who was already famous throughout the world, once again became famous because of him and the rabbit he had killed.
For many years to come, people used this as a synonym for a challenge — I want to beat you up! Why? You killed my rabbit!
However, Xuanyuan, who was the target of this declaration, fell into an awkward and helpless situation at this moment.
On a snowy day, the "hunting" guards of the King of Han brazenly shot the Xuanyuan army on the grounds that the rabbit of Han was killed. Xuanyuan Chang's army immediately tried to counterattack, but found that in an instant, the King of Han's army had already pressed forward fiercely, while the Han army, which was originally at the border, was neatly dressed and far behind.
They didn't attack, but with their absolute superiority in strength and killing intent, they pressed down on the Chang's army, who hadn't fought for many years and were not familiar with the terrain. The majestic army was heavy and cold, like the shadow of a mountain, pressing down on the hearts of the Xuanyuan army.
The Chang's army quickly passed on the military information to Kunjing. The regent held a court meeting for a whole day. A group of ministers covered their faces and sighed, lamenting the shamelessness of the King of Han. Although the King of Han's fief was close to the border between Xuanyuan and the Han, it was actually hundreds of miles away. Who would run hundreds of miles to hunt in such a snowy day? Who was the one who attacked an army with just a rabbit? Was this hunting? This was a robbery!
The King of Han was even more powerful than the Han emperor. He kicked Xuanyuan in the face!
Xuanyuan Cheng, who had been kicked in the face, had a bloody nose and a swollen face. They cleverly went to find Emperor Han, who was still in Kunjing. As expected, the posthouse was empty. Even though Xuanyuan Cheng had sent people to keep an eye on Emperor Han's whereabouts, no one knew when he had left.
In the end, Xuanyuan Cheng had no choice but to send his capable general, Tang Rusong, to the border with a hundred thousand troops.
On the day Tang Rusong's army set off, the regent personally saw them off. On the high platform, Jin Jue served them wine. Tang Rusong drank it in one gulp, threw the cup on the ground, and swore, "I will not return until I kill Meng Fuyao!"
These bold words were heard in the Xuanyuan harem. 'Empress Yuwen' knocked her long armor on the rosewood table, smiled charmingly, and said softly, "Dear, you're going the wrong way."
The smile in her eyes was so creepy that Xuanyuan Min, who had come from afar, shivered.
When Fuyao saw him, she waved for him to come over. Xizi hurried over and started massaging the Queen's legs. Fuyao looked at the dirt in his nails and kicked it away in disgust. "Are you trying to suck up to the Queen again?" she asked.
Xuanyuan Min said seriously, "No, the weather has been cold recently, and the vegetables can't grow anymore. I ordered people to buy vegetables from the market outside to plant them."
Meng Fuyao facepalmed. 'Affectionate, really affectionate.'
Xuanyuan Min grinned and sat on her lap. "Tang Rusong is gone, but there are three more. At least cut off their arms and legs."
"Politics is a wonderful thing. It needs a veil of warmth. Don't make it so bloody," Meng Fuyao said. "Don't worry, there's always a way to solve it."
Xizi looked up at her and suddenly asked, "Am I on your final list?"
Meng Fuyao lowered her eyes to meet his gaze. She smiled and said, "What do you think?"
Xizi smiled but didn't answer. Instead, he changed the topic. "Can I guess who you are?"
Meng Fuyao grabbed a walnut and stuffed it into his mouth. "Nope."
Xizi covered his face with his sleeves and sang, "The milky way is endless, the concubine stands in front of the tearful candle … Long live, which foxy charmer has bewitched you this time …"
"Long live, I'm going to kill foxes." Meng Fuyao kicked the concubine away. "Scram."
The concubine walked away shyly, looking back three times with each step. Her long singing voice could still be heard from afar.
"Ya ya ya … You … killed … my … rabbit …"
= = =
On the 23rd of the 12th month in the 12th year of Xuanyuan Zhaoning, Xuanyuan faced the most internal and external troubles since its founding.
Following the murder of the Meng King of the Han Kingdom, the Shangyuan Kingdom, which had always maintained friendly relations with Xuanyuan, suddenly accused Xuanyuan when Xuanyuan confronted the Dahan Kingdom. They mentioned that the mother of the Shangyuan Kingdom's Qi Xunyi had died in a mysterious manner, and that the murderer was suspected to be the Taiyuan Crown Princess and Taiyuan Empress Xuanyuan. Now that Empress Xuanyuan had passed away, the old case would be settled in the Xuanyuan Kingdom. They asked Xuanyuan to hand over the mastermind behind the scenes and give an explanation.
The old case from 20 years ago had mysteriously resurfaced. Of all times, it happened when Xuanyuan and the Great Han were in a standoff. Taiyuan didn't turn against Taiyuan, but Xuanyuan. Moreover, it was the successor of the Meng King of the Great Han — a robbery.
It was said that when Xuanyuan Cheng received the letter of credence, he punched the table, causing it to crack. Most of the civil and military officials in the hall were so shocked that they knelt down. However, a group of old officials stood up boldly and immediately took out the memorial they had prepared and read it. The content was ruthless and shocking. It pointed out that the Prince Regent usurped power and misbehaved. It hinted that Xuanyuan's current terrible situation was caused by him. It also accused the Prince Regent of murdering the descendants of the former Emperor, secretly harming a loyal orphan, deceiving the Emperor, and manipulating the government.
The one who led the impeachment was a great scholar, the father of the former Prince Regent's wife, the Prince Regent's father-in-law, the current Scholar of Literature, and respected by scholars all over the world, Dou Ming.
Even if Xuanyuan Cheng was made of mud, he would still be angry at the accusation. Besides, no one could bear such a crime. He had no choice but to detain Dou Ming in the Heavenly Prison. He was still rational. He didn't torture the old guy, nor did he say he would kill him. However, even so, when the white-haired and tearful old official, who shouted "Crown Prince's spirit, bless my sincerity", was taken away without his hat, half of the civil officials under Dou Ming's tutelage looked at the Prince Regent differently.
To make matters worse, when the scholars heard that the Old Minister was taken away, and that life and death were imminent, they immediately froze. They called their friends, formed cliques, and attacked the various government offices in Kunjing, the Imperial Censorate, the three departments … and even went to the Imperial Censorate to cry out their grievances. Many officials in the government offices took an indifferent attitude towards this. When the Prince Regent sent people to investigate, they came out and waved their sleeves to chase them away. As soon as the Prince Regent's people left, they went back to squat in the official office with a blazing fire and drink tea.
The court was in a mess. Shangyuan's letters of credence came one after another, and he also made a gesture of deploying troops to the border. He threatened that if he didn't give an explanation, he would have to kill the rabbit. Xuanyuan Cheng ordered the spies to find out what kind of epilepsy Shangyuan had this time, and he brazenly didn't intend to explain. He wanted to simply fight in two places, defeat these people who hit him when he was down, and let them know that Xuanyuan wasn't so easy to bully! In the end, the spy's report made his heart cold.
Shangyuan had been in chaos recently. When Shangyuan was founded, Wuji Nation had given Shangyuan the land of Liangyi, which had always been in dispute between the two countries, to Shangyuan. At that time, Qi Xunyi was extremely grateful, but who knew that it was basically a long-time remote control bomb. The unruly Liangyi had always been subservient to Zhangsun Wuji's iron fist, and Qi Xunyi couldn't suppress it at all. The frequent chaos of the Liangyi made Qi Xunyi exhausted, and he had no choice but to ask Wuji Nation for His Royal Highness to take it back.
Who knew that it was easy to get it, but difficult to give it back? The great, selfless, and polite Wuji Crown Prince said, "How can you take back something that you've given away? Isn't that making me slap myself in the face? No way, no way. Besides, you've accepted it back then, why are you going back on your words now? Could it be that you're not satisfied with the gift that Wuji Nation gave you? Then do you want me to give you the land of Liangyi?
When Wuji's envoy delivered the message in a polite and threatening tone, Qi Xunyi almost broke down. He had only seen people fight for land bit by bit, but he had never seen people fight for it so desperately that they couldn't return it even if they wanted to. Only now did he realize that he had fallen into Zhangsun Wuji's trap. Things that he gave out were indeed not that easy to accept.
In the end, Qi Xunyi tugged on the envoy's sleeve and begged bitterly. Only then did Zhangsun Wuji reluctantly agree to take it back. However, there were conditions.
What conditions? Qi Xunyi asked, struggling on his deathbed.
The envoy unhurriedly tore open an encrypted document and used a very secretive tone to speak to the King of Shangyuan Kingdom, "Your Excellency's mother has been dead for so many years. It's time to take revenge."
"…"
Thus, Shangyuan Kingdom suddenly thought of revenge. Xuanyuan Kingdom was forced to fight on two fronts, and the land that Wuji had given out was taken back without a single cent. Zhangsun Wuji had also helped someone, and he didn't even have to send out his troops.
This was the highest level of getting something for nothing. Give something to trap you, and then make you give it back willingly. Even if you wanted to give it back, I wouldn't be happy and would have to compensate you.
Poor Shangyuan, poor Xuanyuan …
Xuanyuan Cheng understood the twists and turns of the situation and immediately gave up on any ideas. Since Shangyuan Kingdom had the Wuji Nation as its backer, they definitely couldn't win. If they forced Qi Xunyi into a corner, Zhangsun Wuji would definitely not hesitate to rob Xuanyuan once the land was opened.
Helpless, Xuanyuan Cheng had no choice but to send one of his most talented subordinates, Prime Minister Situ Mo, to the border between Xuanyuan Kingdom and the Shangyuan Kingdom to investigate and discuss the murder of the Shangyuan Kingdom's king's mother.
When the opera emperor received the news, he rested his chin on his hand and looked at Meng Fuyao for a long time. Meng Fuyao gently stroked his head and said, "Be good, child."
The opera emperor smiled bitterly and swaggered away. As he walked, he raised his orchid fingers and sang, "Ya ya ya, Your Excellency … Mother … Revenge …"
= = =
The rest of the limbs would be chopped off from the inner palace.
This was something that Meng Fuyao had long planned. First, she would create external trouble, and then when Xuanyuan Cheng was too busy to deal with the inner palace, she would make her move.
This was the only way to deal with the inner palace without Xuanyuan Cheng's alertness and retaliation.
On the 24th day of the twelfth month, the Little New Year, the palace naturally had to celebrate. Meng Fuyao specially ordered the concubines to take a break from weaving and growing vegetables. Each palace could pick up ingredients from the imperial kitchen or cook in their own small kitchens. The concubines were overjoyed and chose to celebrate on their own.
Ever since Concubine Jade, Jian Xue, was ordered by Meng Fuyao to take care of Concubine Xian, she was still shocked and was punished to move out of her main palace. She was now living in the Emerald Cloud Pavilion next to Concubine Xian's Pure Heart Palace. She invited herself to celebrate with Concubine Xian. Concubine Xian originally hated her, but when she saw that she was not favored by the Empress, she became happy and wanted to rope her in. The two of them had a joyous New Year's dinner in Pure Heart Palace. Jian Xue personally cooked, and Concubine Xian was also in the mood to make a few dishes. Halfway through, she realized that there was not enough salt, so she went to the imperial kitchen to get some. During the meal, the two of them were very harmonious. There was a dish of cloud-sliced chicken among the dishes. Jian Xue smiled and said that Concubine Shu liked it the most, so why not give her a portion to express her sincerity?
Concubine Xian pouted and said, "Would she dare to eat it if I gave it to her?"
"Why wouldn't she?" Concubine Jade laughed and quietly whispered into Concubine Xian's ear, "Everyone in the palace can see that the Empress is domineering. You are the number one person under the Empress, the only one who can compete with her. But no matter how grand the Emperor's grace is, you can't do it alone. With your status and family background, wouldn't you be able to make up for what you lack in status?"
Concubine Xian's eyes flickered and she hummed. Concubine Jade stood up and smiled sweetly. "I will personally send it."
Concubine Xian was a little worried at first, but when she saw her volunteering, she felt relieved and smiled. "I will have to trouble you, sister."
While the "sisters" in Pure Heart Palace chatted happily during the New Year's dinner, Chongxing Palace was a different scene.
Recently, Meng Fuyao's thoughts were all on the Overlord, and she was bent on slowly cutting Xuanyuan Cheng to death with a soft knife. She had no concept of the New Year's dinner at all. When she returned from Xuanyuan Min's Chengming Palace at night, she was stunned the moment she stepped into the courtyard.
Why was it so dark? There was no light at all.
Meng Fuyao, who had been through blood and fire all these years, had always retreated as soon as she noticed anything unusual. However, before she could take two steps back, the courtyard door behind her closed silently.
Meng Fuyao stood still and circulated her True Qi. Her face was as white as jade, and she smiled as she walked over.
Suddenly, a lantern floated down from the top of the main hall.
It was a fiery red gauze, exquisitely crafted, decorated with golden ribbons and agate tassels. It was exactly the style of the New Year's palace lanterns, but it was even more beautiful than the usual ones.
The red lantern swayed gently against the dark palace background, illuminating everything it passed through with a golden-red glow. It was beautiful, but because of its strange appearance, it made people feel uneasy.
Meng Fuyao looked up intently.
As the lantern floated closer, she could vaguely see a small, round, black shadow clinging to the gauze and dancing in the sky. Meng Fuyao glanced at it, then at it again, and laughed.
Flying in the sky? It was more like a flying pig.
The lantern landed in Meng Fuyao's hands, and two golden ribbons floated out of it. One read: When spring comes, I see the mountains and rivers never grow old. The other read: Inviting winter to go, celebrating the sun and moon as they were in the beginning.
The words inlaid were homophonous to the word phoenix. It was a beautiful font, different from Zhangsun Wuji's elegance and Zhan Beiye's wildness. It was elegant on the outside and square on the inside. Meng Fuyao smiled and held the ribbon tightly in her palm. She reached out to grab the flying pig from the lantern and asked in surprise, "You didn't get roasted to death?"
Upon closer inspection, she realized that the candle was covered with a thin jade tube. No wonder the light was so hazy.
Lord Ingot's white teeth shone brightly in his big red robe. He felt that his entrance was very cool and elegant, and he was about to dance when he was suddenly grabbed by the back of his neck, taken away, and stuffed into a corner.
After being used, it was time to burn the bridge …
Meng Fuyao's eyes shone brightly. "I didn't expect you to play this trick too."
The man opposite her had a jade-like face that glowed under the red light of the lantern. His lips were a little redder, and his glassy eyes shone brightly. "It's the New Year." He smiled faintly as he tugged at Meng Fuyao's sleeve.
Meng Fuyao raised her head and looked at the gloomy sky, sighing. "Yes, I've aged another year."
An Mei chuckled. "If you're old, what do we count as? On the verge of death? "He pulled her away." Today, the palaces will have their own meals. You're in for a treat. "
"What treat … I'm still worried about what to eat …" Meng Fuyao was dragged away lazily. Suddenly, she stopped. "Huh? There's good food? Huh? You're cooking? "
An Mei did not answer her. Meng Fuyao wrinkled her nose and glared at his back. 'He's cooking?' These pampered fellows who did not do any chores and hated the smell of cooking in the kitchen. Could it be that they cooked vegetables in plain water and vegetables in plain water?
The lights in the warm room lit up one after another, dispelling the darkness in an instant. The carved copper stove warmed the room, and the brocade table in the middle of the room was colorful and fragrant.
Meng Fuyao stared blankly at the alluring mixture of medicinal and vegetable aromas. Even the radishes were carved into beautiful peonies. After a while, she sniffed.
"This world is so illusory …" she muttered.
An Mei picked up a poria pancake and gave it to her. "Eat this first. I'm afraid you'll pounce on it."
Meng Fuyao took a few bites and suddenly muttered angrily, "So someone knows how to cook …"
An Mei only smiled as he slowly served her the food. Lord Ingot crouched down and pulled his sleeve. An Mei conveniently stuffed the plate of pancakes into his arms.
After sending the light bulb away, he said to Meng Fuyao, who was eating under the light, "At least the two of us celebrated the Little New Year together."
Meng Fuyao put down her chopsticks and said slowly, "In the past, my New Year was always very lively …"
An Mei poured wine for her. "Were there many people?"
Meng Fuyao was startled and shook her head. "Eh, that's two people too. Why do I feel like it was especially lively then?"
Many, many years ago, the lights in the small house were dim, not as magnificent as this warm room; the dishes on the table were few, not as rare as this brocade table that was full of rare treasures; the decorations on the four sides were shabby, not as harmonious as this golden censer and copper heater. However, at that time, the two of them sat together to eat hotpot, in the steaming hot pot, they would take a piece from each other, both of them blushing and smiling … Those were the warmest memories of the past that had died in their memories.
An Mei's hand paused and he tilted his head to look at her. After a while, he said, "You're going to make me sad if you say that."
Meng Fuyao snapped out of her daze and smiled apologetically. "I'm sorry, old people tend to reminisce."
An Mei shook his head helplessly and did not say anything else. The two of them sat facing each other as they ate in silence. Fuyao only felt that this moment was peaceful and comfortable. The person sitting opposite her was not lively at all. There was a kind of loneliness about him, but in that loneliness, there was only her consideration and tenderness.
After a while, he asked, "Do you have any New Year's wishes?"
Meng Fuyao thought for a while with her chopsticks in her mouth. Under the light, her eyes were black and white, shining like black and white agate.
She said, "I only hope that my wishes come true and that the people I love can live well."
An Mei lowered his eyes and slowly drank his soup. Meng Fuyao asked again, "What about you?"
An Mei was silent. Meng Fuyao did not want to force him to say anything. It would be hard to resist if she forced him to say anything sweet.
After the two of them finished eating, Meng Fuyao smiled and said, "Hurry up and go to bed. Tonight will not be peaceful." She carried Lord Ingot, who was too full to walk, and left. When she reached the door, she heard An Mei's deep voice.
"I hope that every year, there will be someone to accompany you for the New Year."
= = =
'Every year, there will be someone to accompany you for the New Year.'
'Who is that person?'
Meng Fuyao hugged Lord Yuan Bao in the dark, her sleepy eyes sparkling. She thought about the words she heard. She turned around and saw the gentle yet stern man staring at the side view of Xuanyuan Imperial City, which was decorated with lanterns and colored streamers.
That city … the beginning and end of his life. What was he thinking about at that moment?
Meng Fuyao let out a sigh, drifting in the chilly wind of the midnight snow.
It was already late at night.
"Report!"
The sound of hurried footsteps and urgent reports broke the silence of the Imperial City. Countless people rushed to Chongxing Palace and Chengming Hall. Faintly, there were cries of terror coming from somewhere.
Meng Fuyao smiled in the darkness.
She opened the door and went out. Standing on the steps, she glanced at the sweaty Concubine Shu, who was kneeling at the bottom of the steps. "What are you shouting about in the middle of the night?"
"Concubine Shu …" The eunuch's face was full of fear. Even his voice had changed. "Concubine Shu … Concubine Shu … Something happened to her!"
Meng Fuyao frowned. "Bring her to Jinyun Palace!"
Jinyun Palace was already filled with people. Xuanyuan Min and the other concubines had already arrived. The people from the Imperial Academy of Medicine were kneeling in the room. By the time Meng Fuyao arrived, Concubine Shu's body had already turned cold.
She hurried into the brightly lit inner hall. Her eyes met Xuanyuan Min's, and they both moved aside. "Where are the people who served Concubine Shu tonight? Beat them all to death! "
"Spare me, Concubine Shu!" Concubine Shu's personal maid, Xiang Jie 'er, had her dress removed. Her hair was disheveled, and she was held by several eunuchs. She struggled to kneel in front of Meng Fuyao with tears streaming down her face. "Concubine Shu, it's not my fault. Concubine Shu complained of a stomachache after eating the sliced chicken sent by Concubine Jade …"
Meng Fuyao suddenly turned her head to look at Concubine Jade, Jian Xue, who had also taken out her ornaments. Jian Xue did not show any signs of panic. She knelt in a neither servile nor overbearing manner. "The dishes were sent by me, but Concubine Xian personally cooked them."
"Concubine Jade!" Concubine Xian bellowed, her face ashen. "Concubine Jade, don't bite people in a moment of desperation …"
Concubine Xian was taken aback. She looked at Meng Fuyao in surprise, but Meng Fuyao bowed to Xuanyuan Min. "Your Majesty, please decide."
"The harem is your business." Xuanyuan Min said. "I'm very sad … I want to see my beloved concubine again. Ah, my Concubine Shu …"
The entertainer dashed towards Concubine Shu and went back to her act. Meng Fuyao helplessly said, "Hand Concubine Jade over to the Imperial Clan Temple for questioning. Concubine Xian is also under suspicion. Temporarily put her under house arrest."
"Why am I under house arrest?" Concubine Xian glared at her. "Are you suspecting me, Your Majesty?"
"Can Concubine Xian be cleared of suspicion immediately?" Meng Fuyao cast a sidelong glance at her. "I believe that I have handled this matter fairly and considerately. If Concubine Xian has anything else to say, I can only invite you to the Imperial Clan Temple to clarify things."
"Hmph!" Concubine Xian glared at her for a long time. Seeing that Xuanyuan Min was still weeping while caressing the corpse, she said angrily, "You domineering Empress, one day …"
Meng Fuyao smiled. "How about it?"
Concubine Xian opened her mouth but did not dare to say anything. She stomped her feet and left, knocking on the door loudly as she left. Meng Fuyao only smiled. "Concubine Xian has a bad temper."
The concubines did not dare to speak. Meng Fuyao continued, "Concubine Hua, you stay and comfort His Majesty. Don't let him be too sad and hurt his body."
Concubine Hua was overjoyed. Yao Guipin, who was standing at the side, was livid. Xuanyuan Min had already flipped her card tonight. Before the incident, he had touched her body and praised her for being as soft and tender as a snow doll. He had even promised to promote her to the rank of concubine and give her the title of Snow. Now that things had gotten out of hand, it was all over again.
And this month, Concubine Hua had snatched her opportunity to ask for His Majesty's favor. This was not the first time.
Yao Guipin's face was flushed, and her breathing was uneven. Her nails dug deep into her palms, and the pearls and jades in her hair clashed with each other as her body trembled.
Meng Fuyao pretended not to see anything and ordered people to collect Concubine Shu's corpse. She then left the palace to report the news and prepare for the funeral. "Everyone is dismissed," she said.
She turned around and slowly stepped out of the palace as everyone respectfully sent her off. She looked up at the dark sky and saw that the snow was finally swirling down.
How many corpses would be covered by this snow?
= = =
Three days later.
A series of strange changes occurred in the palace, shocking Xuanyuan Min.
Yao Guipin and Concubine Hua had an argument when they met on the road. They pushed each other, and Yao Guipin pushed Concubine Hua into the pond. How could a delicate concubine withstand the biting cold of the winter moon pond? By the time Imperial Concubine Hua was fished out of the water, she was already dead.
Xuanyuan Min was busy caressing the corpse while Empress Yuwen did nothing but summon Concubine Hua's family into the palace. Concubine Hua's father, the Minister of Revenue, Hua Hongxi, had countless sons, but only one daughter. Madam Hua cried so hard that she almost fainted. It took Meng Fuyao a lot of effort to calm her down. Madam Hua spread out her hands and said awkwardly, "There was no one on the cold road, only a few maidservants accused Yao Guipin. Yao Guipin's words carry little weight, and Yao Guipin refused to admit it. Moreover …" She quietly moved closer to Madam Hua's ear and said, "Yao Guipin's father, Grand Secretary Yao Ling, has been to the palace a few times. He has sworn on his life that there is no such thing. Madam Hua, you have to know that Grand Secretary Yao is also the Prince Regent's favorite.
Madam Hua raised her eyebrows and said, "Yao Ling, you murderous dog!"
She turned over and got up. Forgetting to thank him, she hurried back to her parents' home to find her younger brother, Commander Li Yuan of the Capital Guards Command Department. He was one of the most powerful figures in Kunjing and belonged to the regent's camp like Yao Ling, but they were irreconcilable.
Li Yuan was furious when he heard that his niece had been murdered but could not be avenged. He immediately ordered the 3,000 soldiers under his command to attack Yao Ling's residence. Before Yao Ling could react, Li Yuan had already brought a large group of soldiers with their swords clanging as they entered the residence. He grabbed Yao Ling's shirt and scolded, "You old dog, even if you die a hundred times, you won't be able to redeem yourself!" With a flash of a knife, a white knife went in and a red knife came out.
Then this boorish man, who used to be a border general, killed everyone in the Yao residence. After killing, he wiped the blood on the soles of his shoes and walked away in big strides as if nothing had happened.
Yao Ling belonged to Prime Minister Situ Mo's group. The ministers in the group were all connected by marriage. The Madam of the Yao family and the daughter-in-law of the Yao family were all daughters of important ministers in Situ Mo's group. This time, Li Yuan had poked a hornet's nest. How could the ministers in Situ Mo's camp let it go? Some of them also controlled part of Kunjing's garrison. They also had the Commander of the Capital Guards in their hands. The generals returned a tooth for a tooth and an eye for an eye. They also attacked the Li family and the Hua family. How could the Li family group let it go? As a result, the two sides fought, and Kunjing fell into chaos among the court officials. It was a reign of terror.
In this chaos, the two groups that had deep grudges broke out because of the death of a concubine and the deliberate provocation of one person. It quickly burned the entire Xuanyuan court with an uncontrollable momentum. Nearly eighty percent of the officials were involved in this rebellion. In the end, there was even a chaos where people paid assassins to kill people and corpses were strewn on the streets. The safety of the ministers when they went to court could not be guaranteed. Many people said they were sick and did not go to court. In addition, the old ministers who were loyal to Crown Prince Wen Yi fanned the flames. The entire Xuanyuan court fell into a state of semi-paralysis. In the end, when the chaos ended, more than a hundred of the court officials in Kunjing had lost their lives. They ranged from low-ranking officials with important positions to first-rank officials.
In the Xuanyuan court of the 12th year of Zhaoning, the sun and moon did not shine brightly, and the people were restless. Like the corpses strewn on the streets, people seemed to see the end of the era of the Regent, who had the power to rule the world but was now on the verge of collapse through the bloody battle between the two groups.
This seemingly inexplicable but actually deliberate riot was called "The Blood of Kunjing" by later generations.
At this time, Xuanyuan Cheng had suffered the consequences of the power balance he had always played. He had cultivated the two groups to be irreconcilable enemies and would erupt at the slightest spark. He had divided the military forces in the city to the two groups. On the surface, it was called "mutual integration", but in fact, it was to monitor each other. Now the two groups were in a mess. Even though he had ordered them not to join in the rebellion, the people were still restless and frightened.
And the most stable core figures of the two groups, who could control the overall situation, had now been sent far away. He alone had to suppress the chaos in Kunjing. Not only did he have to deal with the appeals from the old ministers about the case of Crown Prince Wen Yi, but he also had to pay attention to the next move of the King of Han, who had stepped on his face. At this moment, he knew that there was a problem in the harem, but he could not take care of it.
And the woman, who stood at the top of the harem with her hands behind her back, smiled and watched the fierce bloody battle that she had participated in. Finally, she was not in a hurry and entered her final plan.
It was the last and most loyal force under the Prince Regent, the father of Concubine Xian, the Gao family of Xiping Commandery Prince.
Before that, she had to let Concubine Xian "kill" the Empress!
= = =
On the 27th of December in the 12th year of Zhao Ning, it was the first sunny day after the snow.
Meng Fuyao smiled and led her servants into the Plain Heart Hall where Concubine Xian was grounded. Concubine Xian came up to her uneasily and asked, "Your Highness, are you here to lift my grounding order?"
Meng Fuyao looked at her with a smile until she knelt down uneasily. Only then did she nod and order her servants to read her decree. Since the chaos outside the palace, the people in the palace had been cleaned up by Xuanyuan Min. Now, the people they used were trustworthy enough.
As Concubine Xian listened, her face changed.
The decree recorded that ever since she entered the palace, she had been jealous, unvirtuous, disregarded human life, disrespected the Empress, and bullied the concubines …
"No! I didn't! "Halfway through the reading, Consort Xian shouted angrily. She got up and tore the Empress's decree," You framed me, you framed me! "
"You did not disrespect the Empress?" Meng Fuyao smiled. "Why didn't you pay your respects the day I entered the palace?"
"I ordered the palace maids to ask for leave from the Empress!"
"Oh?" Meng Fuyao slowly tidied up her sleeves. "Then do you remember what I said?"
How could Concubine Xian remember? Meng Fuyao kindly reminded her, "I said, if you are sick, you should be treated."
"Yes, yes, that's it. You said that if you are sick, you should be treated."
"Yes." Meng Fuyao smiled. "But did I say you could not come?"
"…"
"As for disregarding human life …" Meng Fuyao smiled. "Someone … pull out those beautiful bones and remind Concubine Xian of her bad memory."
The white bones of the gardeners buried in the Cold Palace were pulled out. The hideous bones, with reddish soil, were pressed in front of Concubine Xian. The smell of blood and the stench of death, which was unique to the bones, rushed to Concubine Xian's face. She screamed and her eyes went straight up. She was about to faint.
Meng Fuyao did not want her to faint now. She had not done what she wanted her to do.
She walked forward and gently patted Concubine Xian. Concubine Xian woke up from her daze and saw the smiling Meng Fuyao. Meng Fuyao leaned over her like a devil. Her clothes were slightly exposed, and a small golden scissors was tied to a silk ribbon.
Scissors …
She stared into Meng Fuyao's eyes. Her eyes were overflowing with brilliance, rippling and swirling like shadows. She seemed to be talking.
What was she talking about?
Her head was slightly dizzy. Layers of fog floated up, spread, descended, and drifted.
She felt as if she was drifting, turning into powder, mist, and smoke. She had become the ruler of this world that floated freely.
Then …
She did not know what happened next.
When she regained consciousness, she saw the eunuchs and soldiers in the hall. The Empress was lying on the ground, covered in blood, and His Majesty was crying bitterly while caressing the corpse.
She felt that her palm was a little cold and sticky. She looked down and saw that her hand was covered in blood. A small scissors was in her palm.
Then she saw the Emperor come angrily, pointing at her nose and scolding her, and saying something to the soldiers. The dirty, vulgar soldiers came forward and pulled her up without pity.
Her hair was pulled out, her dress was trampled, and her noble hairpins were randomly thrown on the ground. She did not struggle, but only stared blankly at His Majesty. The one who doted on her every night, whispered by her pillow, called her sweetheart, little lamb, and little rabbit, and swore to love his beloved concubine with all the love of an emperor.
He ignored her and only stared at her with eyes that were spitting fire. His gaze was cold and emotionless. It was strange and disgusting.
So …
She laughed softly and said,
"Really …"
These were the last words that Concubine Xian, who was the most doted on in the world.
= = =
The case of Concubine Xian killing the Empress shocked the capital. The evidence was conclusive, and she had threatened to teach the Empress a lesson. All the concubines in the palace heard it. Everyone said that the Empress had always been generous to her, but she suddenly killed her. She was worse than a pig or a dog.
She was banished to the Cold Palace, and all the people in the court demanded that the murderer of the Empress be punished. The Prince of Xiping knelt down and begged the Prince Regent for help. The Prince Regent, who was troubled both internally and externally, hesitated and agreed.
However, before he had time to act, Concubine Xian, who was banished to the Cold Palace, committed suicide that night.
She did not die from the web of conspiracy, but from the death of love.
However, for the politicians who were advancing step by step, her death was just an arrow shot to the last barrier of the Prince Regent.
Concubine Xian committed suicide, but when the Prince of Xiping, who had lost his beloved daughter, entered the palace, Emperor Xuanyuan showed him the evidence that Concubine Xian was strangled to death. He even gave him the murderer. The Prince of Xiping knew the murderer. It was one of the double spies he had arranged to monitor the Empress in the inner palace according to the order of the Prince Regent.
At this time, needless to say, the Prince Regent knew that he could not help his daughter get out of the crime, and he had promised him to save Concubine Xian, so he had no choice but to kill Concubine Xian first! Then he pretended to commit suicide!
Xuanyuan Min shed tears to the Prince of Xiping and spoke to him sincerely, "Your Highness … Actually, I love Concubine Xian the most. I banished her to the Cold Palace just to wait for the limelight to pass and let her live. I didn't expect … Alas … It's not uncommon in the court now …"
The Prince of Xiping wiped away his tears and immediately returned to his mansion. That night, the cannons were fired three times, shocking Kunjing.
He rebelled.
The power of the Prince Regent, which was as strong as a mountain, was gradually weakened. With the betrayal of the Prince of Xiping, he finally completely collapsed.
That night, the rumbling sound of the cannons in the suburbs of the capital spread throughout Kunjing, and even the Xuanyuan Palace heard it. Everyone shut their doors and waited in the darkness in horror, waiting for the blood-colored sky to change color again. In the closed Chongxing Palace, however, there was a "ghostly shadow" slowly wandering in the middle of the palace.
The silent wind blew her long hair. She slowly looked at the palace that she had lived in for two months with her hands behind her back. The expression in her eyes was complicated and indescribable … The end of Xuanyuan Cheng had come, and she had finally completed everything she wanted to do. Today, she had used the most perfect method to end the Empress' journey. From now on, Yuwen Zi would no longer exist in this world.
Power was like a knife that could brazenly cut through all resistance, and it could also slowly thin a mountainous fortress. The craftiness of the human heart could overturn all the storms in the world, and it could also destroy and collapse everything.
At this moment, Meng Fuyao suddenly felt tired and desolate. The incident in Kunjing and the chaos in the Xuanyuan Palace, how many people had died? She did not dare to count, nor did she have the ability to count. A general's success was built on the bones of tens of thousands, and the throne of a country required even more blood.
She slowly opened her hands. In the darkness, her palms were as white as jade. She looked at them in a daze, thinking, 'How much blood have these hands been stained with?'
Suddenly, fragments fell from her palms. Her eyes curved and she smiled.
'How could I have forgotten about this child in the recent chaos?
The Xuanyuan Palace will soon be in chaos. Take her away and send her back to the Tang Family. She is still a child, and should not be sacrificed in the Dark Court. '
She opened her hands and said, "Ah Guang, come down. Big Sister will bring you home."
"Oh," a soft sound came from above, and the small body immediately pounced down, bringing with it the sweet fragrance of flowers and soft desserts. It reminded one of some warm and sweet thoughts.
Meng Fuyao hugged her warm body, and her hard heart softened a little. She stroked Tang Yiguang's hair and said softly, "It's almost over …"
Her voice suddenly stopped.
A cold light flashed in front of her eyes.
Tang Yiguang flipped his palm, and a dagger as cold as the moon suddenly appeared!
= = =
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