"Comrades, we're all in the same boat, but we have our own ways of living." Meng Fuyao sat idly and sipped her tea. She glanced at Hua Yan and Feng Wu, who had blended in with the guards and entered the posthouse. They were sitting opposite her, looking at each other.
"Whether you survive the winter and live another season, or just give up and accept your fate, it's up to you." Meng Fuyao crossed her legs and smiled. "So, come on, tell us everything you know, even if it's just the slightest bit suspicious."
Her face was facing the two of them, but her eyes were on Hua Yan. It was obvious that she was talking to him.
Hua Yan hesitated for a while, his expression changing, as if he was thinking about an extremely difficult matter. Meng Fuyao did not rush him, but waited patiently. After a while, Hua Yan seemed to have made up his mind. He slowly stood up, took out a small brocade bag, raised it above his head with both hands, and handed it to Meng Fuyao and Zhangsun Wuji.
Meng Fuyao looked at his exceptionally respectful attitude and glanced at the bright yellow brocade. There were faint traces of blood on the bright yellow brocade, but she did not know whose blood it was. She then looked at the square-shaped item, which reminded her of something deadly. Her heart skipped a beat, and she thought to herself, 'It can't be, right?'
She opened it with a heart full of doubt. The silk cloth was tightly wrapped, and when the last layer of dark red brocade was lifted, a flawless white jade seal was revealed. The golden dragon button at the top was dignified and dignified, and the four words at the bottom of the seal could be clearly seen: Imperial Treasure.
The Imperial Jade Seal!
It turned out that the Eleventh Prince's relentless pursuit of Hua Yan, even at the expense of Meng Fuyao, was actually for the Xuanji Imperial Jade Seal!
Deadly indeed!
Feng Wu was also shocked by the thing. He sat there, twisting his fingers and rubbing his feet anxiously. Even his breathing was messed up.
The Imperial Jade Seal was the highest symbol of a country, the representation of the highest authority. Many people lived and died for it, abandoning their homes and homes to fight for it. Just like in the history of Meng Fuyao's previous life, there was a Heshibi, the Imperial Jade Seal of a thousand-year-old dynasty, a record of thousands of years of war, the tyrannical Qin, the rise of the Han, the unrestrained and romantic Jin, the chaotic Five Barbarians and Sixteen Kingdoms, the glorious Southern Dynasty, and even a trip to the minority Turkic Khaganate before returning to the prosperous Tang Dynasty. Until the end of the colorful Five Generations, the Emperor no longer had the Imperial Jade Seal, and the imperial authority no longer had any proof of legitimacy.
It could be imagined how great of a wave it would cause once the Jade Seal of Twelve Stars appeared before someone with ulterior motives!
She caressed the smooth and glossy object, feeling a little absent-minded for a moment. The seal of the ruler of the Xuanji Kingdom, the true treasure of the emperor, had appeared in front of her out of the blue.
But how did Hua Yan get his hands on such a thing?
"His Majesty gave it to my wife." Hua Yan understood the question in her eyes and said bitterly, "Two months ago, His Majesty suddenly summoned my wife to the palace. I don't know what happened then, but when she returned, she looked panicked and immediately ordered the soldiers from the Qi Palace and the Princess Residence to leave Tong City. Then, we were hunted down, and the soldiers and family generals who followed us gradually died during the long escape. We were also injured, and there were many times when I felt that we would not be able to escape. I asked my wife about the truth countless times, but she always shook her head with tears in her eyes. In the end, my wife was hit by a stray arrow near the border between the Great Han and the Xuanji Kingdom. She could no longer hold on, and before she left, she gave me the Jade Seal and told me to escape to your fief in the direction of the Great Han."
"What else did she say?"
"She said that this item cannot be given to anyone easily. If you save me and promise to avenge us, I will give it to you. Please return it to the Xuanji Palace and return it to His Majesty. His Majesty will repay you accordingly."
"That's strange." Meng Fuyao raised her brows. "Has His Majesty gone crazy? Why would he let your wife bring such a treasure out of the palace and cause so much trouble outside, killing so many people, just to have me send it back? That's ridiculous! "
"I don't know either …" Hua Yan shook his head and said sadly, "I don't understand either … Perhaps there's a problem with the origin of the Jade Seal, but no matter what, my wife has already passed away. Now, we can only ask His Majesty. You're entering the palace tomorrow, so please think of a way to return this item to His Majesty."
"Why don't you try to ask him yourself? Or even try to use the Jade Seal to seize the throne? "Meng Fuyao frowned at him." The Jade Seal is such an important item, and you're handing it to an outsider like me? Besides, my reputation isn't that good. "
"The Hua Family has no military power, so what's the use of the Jade Seal? I'll be torn to shreds by the princes and princesses of the various factions, and why would the generals listen to me? This isn't the Jade Seal at all, it's a knife that kills. If you don't have the life to use it, your family will be ruined. "Hua Yan sighed deeply and stood up." As for why I'm handing it over to you … "
He stood there silently, recalling the days when he had followed Ji Yu and his 3,000 guards back to Tong City. Along the way, he had witnessed the strict military discipline of the Han Royal Army. They were well-trained, efficient, and meticulous. He recalled the reverence with which Ji Yu and the others spoke of Meng Fuyao. He recalled the stories he had heard about this notorious woman along the way, and how she had struggled while bathed in blood.
Those stories had shaken him to the core.
After a while, he said, "I believe in you. I believe that a ruler who can command the loyalty of a subordinate like General Ji will never disappoint me."
= = =
"What a big compliment …" Meng Fuyao was still sighing even after Hua Yan and Fengwu had walked far away. "He didn't even greet me."
"Being in a high position may seem impressive, but the burden on your shoulders is far beyond that of an ordinary person. You'll have to get used to it sooner or later." Zhangsun Wuji and Lord Ingot were playing a guessing game under the lamp. Zhangsun Wuji grabbed the dice in his palm and asked Lord Ingot to guess how many there were. Lord Ingot stuck out his butt and tried to find the answer between his master's fingers. Unfortunately, his master's fingers were like a steel bucket, and he couldn't get a single guess.
Lord Ingot was filled with resentment. He felt that he had chosen his master unwisely. Why did he fall for him?
Meng Fuyao's interest was piqued. She squeezed her butt over and said, "Rat, don't play that with him. Even if you get it right, you're still wrong when he moves his fingers. Come and play brain teasers with me."
Lord Ingot stared at her. 'What brain teasers? Can't your brain get knotted? '
"Little Ming's father has three sons. The eldest is called Da Mao, the second is called Er Mao, and the third is called Er Mao."
Lord Ingot burst out laughing. 'Too easy! Too easy! He's looking down on the Oracle Mouse's supreme intelligence! '
He stretched out three claws. "Zhi zhi!"
Meng Fuyao asked. "Er Mao?"
Lord Ingot nodded proudly.
Meng Fuyao burst out laughing. "My dear Ingot, if your father had three brothers, your eldest would be called Da Bao, and your second would be called Er Bao. Should you be called San Bao?"
Lord Ingot widened his black eyes and squeaked. Meng Fuyao saw that he didn't look ashamed, but excited. She looked at Zhangsun Wuji, who translated, "He's asking how you know his eldest brother's name is Da Bao."
Meng Fuyao was speechless.
Lord Ingot's interest was piqued, and he pestered her to continue. Meng Fuyao, on the other hand, felt that it was inhumane to play brain teasers with such a low IQ rat. She firmly refused.
"A rooster and a hen. Guess three words?"
Lord Ingot was deep in thought.
"Two chickens!"
Lord Ingot was speechless.
"A rooster and a hen. Guess five words this time."
Lord Ingot scratched his ears and cheeks.
"And two chickens!"
Lord Ingot was speechless.
"A rooster and a hen. Guess seven words this time. It's easy."
Lord Ingot bit his claws and racked his brains to no avail.
"Idiot! And two chickens! "
Lord Ingot was speechless.
With just a few words, Meng Fuyao killed a certain mouse with a certain lack of intelligence. Her eyes sparkled as she moved closer to Zhangsun Wuji and smiled. "Your Highness is wise and omnipotent. I wonder if you can answer a small question?"
Zhangsun Wuji lifted his eyelashes and glanced at her. From the depths of her eyes, he could read 'treachery, treachery, provocation, trap …' and a series of other negative emotions. Yet, he remained calm and smiled. "Hmm?"
"Behind every successful man is a woman. What would a failed man have?"
Zhangsun Wuji was silent for a while. "Meng Fuyao."
Meng Fuyao was speechless.
"You can't do that!" she said with grief and indignation.
"Is that wrong?" Zhangsun Wuji looked at her innocently. "Wrong?"
"What I'm trying to say is …" Meng Fuyao gritted her teeth. "Behind every failed man, there are too many women …"
Zhangsun Wuji smiled and lowered his eyelashes. "Fortunately, I only have you. Seems like I'm destined to succeed."
In front of the powerful Crown Prince, Meng Fuyao had once again thrown away her armor and suffered a crushing defeat …
"One last question … What kind of people lie to others and to themselves?" she asked resentfully.
Zhangsun Wuji smiled again and drank his tea slowly. Meng Fuyao didn't seem to be waiting for his answer. She smiled and glanced out the door.
Someone walked in with a bitter smile and said, "It's me."
The two men looked at him with a look that said, "You're finally willing to be honest." The man did not feel ashamed and calmly sat down. He shook his robe and poured himself a cup of tea. His eyes turned twice and suddenly a divine light appeared in his eyes, a mixture of an eagle and a fox.
"Tang Yizhong, young duke of the Tang Clan." Meng Fuyao smiled. "My answer is' liar '. It's rare that you're willing to admit it."
Zhong Yizhong maintained his beautiful smile and said innocently, "Actually, it's not called liar. I didn't lie even once."
"I fought with you during the True Martial Arts Meet. Hero Tang Yizhong, which one is your real face?" Meng Fuyao looked at his face carefully.
"How can my peerless appearance be casually looked at by ordinary people in the True Martial Arts Assembly?" Tang Yizhong said contentedly, "Of course it is true now."
"You appeared beside us for this, didn't you?" Meng Fuyao pointed at the jade seal on the table. "You thought Hua Yan would give me the jade seal when he asked me for help, didn't you?"
"To be honest, I'd be surprised if he didn't give it to you." Tang Yizhong spread his hands. "Without the temptation of the jade seal, you'd be willing to help him and take on that hot potato? King Meng, you're really a weirdo. "
"Do you think everyone is as selfish and utilitarian as you?" Meng Fuyao snorted disdainfully. "Don't you know that I'm a noble king with unquestionable character, unparalleled elegance, and the admiration of the world …?"
She went on and on, causing Zhangsun Wuji to turn away, and Lord Ingot to cover his face, ashamed to be associated with her …
Tang Yizhong was still listening with admiration. His eyes were shining, and he kept tapping his knuckles. He was really fascinated. After listening, he said, "Ah … I see!"
Meng Fuyao stopped talking and looked at the man who had left a deep impression on her ever since the True Martial Arts Meet. She slapped his head and said, "Let's be serious!"
"It's like this." Tang Yizhong sat closer and said sternly, "I don't have any ill intentions. My original intention is to retrieve the imperial jade seal. For this, I did not hesitate to lock my power and appear alone to gain the trust of the two of you. I also used my actions to prove that I have never harmed the two of you."
"Do you dare?" Meng Fuyao glanced at him. "If you really moved, I would have turned you into ashes."
"Actually, even though I'm close to you, I'm not sure if I'm looking for the jade seal," Tang Yizhong suddenly said.
"What do you mean?"
"His Majesty hasn't seen me for a long time. No one can even enter Yong Chang Palace. " Tang Yizhong had a rare look of worry on his face. "This is very unusual, so I used my spy in the palace. He told me that the number of attendants in Yong Chang Palace is decreasing, and he can't enter either. He can vaguely feel that His Majesty's movements are being hindered."
"Trapped?" Fuyao was stunned. "He's the ruler of a nation, who could trap him?"
"I don't know." Tang Yizhong pondered for a while before answering. He sounded hesitant. "My spy once sneaked into the palace when no one was looking and heard His Majesty murmuring in his sleep. He kept repeating, 'Ah Liu … found …'"
"The Ah Liu that His Majesty mentioned is the sixth princess, the wife of Hua Yan's son-in-law," Tang Yizhong explained. Tang Yizhong explained, "Obviously, something was taken away by the sixth princess, and His Majesty was anxious to get it back. Thinking of the sixth princess being chased, the eleventh prince did not hesitate to send killers to chase her out of the country, I thought that what was lost must be very important, such as the jade seal, and very few people know it. Probably only the eleventh prince accidentally learned it, so only he took the risk to try to kill you. Otherwise, your journey would be more lively."
"That's not all." Meng Fuyao laughed coldly. "Didn't you see that imposter?"
"That person …" Tang Yizhong frowned. "He doesn't look like someone that the princes and princesses can invite. I'm still very clear about the princes and princesses in Xuanji. His Majesty has raised many children, so he has always been very cautious and has never stopped using the art of checks and balances. They don't look like they have the ability."
"Alioth!" Meng Fuyao's white teeth bit into her lower lip. At the mention of this person, all jokes and banter were swept away. If there was anyone in the world that she wanted to kill the most, it would be this guy. If it wasn't for him, how would she have been humiliated? How would she be estranged from Zhangsun Wuji? How would she have forced Zhangsun Wuji to the brink of losing control and indirectly caused the destruction of the Li family? How could she have fallen into a dilemma and almost lost her life?
"If it's really him, it's a troublesome matter." Tang Yizhong seemed to be deep in thought. "Our Xuanji imperial family used to have a secret saying … maybe we can check it out."
Meng Fuyao glanced at him and did not ask anything. After a while, she said, "Even if your emperor lost something, why did you join in the fun? Did you not hesitate to lock your skills and take the risk to find it?"
"His Majesty is tired of politics in his later years, and the imperial court is in chaos. The military and economy are in a slump, the princes and princesses are busy fighting for the throne, and the court officials are busy choosing sides. This time, Tang Yizhong was really serious. "His Majesty has indeed been ill for a long time and will not live long. Under such chaotic circumstances, who will be the new ruler is not only His Majesty's problem. It concerns the millions of people in Xuanji, the court officials, and the fate of Xuanji. How can an ordinary man shirk his responsibility? "
"Gu Yanwu is the second. Everyone is responsible for the rise and fall of the world." Meng Fuyao felt deep respect for him, but before she could praise him further, he chuckled and said, "What if there's someone who isn't good enough to inherit the throne and get rid of the dissidents? How are we going to get the glory, splendor, wealth, and rank?"
Meng Fuyao spat and could not be bothered with him. Tang Yizhong glanced at her and said, "Along the way, there were some things that I could not figure out. But now, I'm suddenly enlightened and vaguely guessed something … Haha." He stood up and said, "I'm going back. If there's anything in the future, please feel free to order me. As for the imperial jade seal … the Crown Prince and King Meng can return it whenever they think it's appropriate."
He patted his lapel and casually walked out, not even looking at the imperial jade seal. Meng Fuyao stared dumbfounded at the little duke's departure. After a while, she said in a daze, "Didn't he follow me for the imperial jade seal? Why doesn't he care about it now? "
Zhangsun Wuji glanced at the yellow satin bag and frowned slightly. After a while, he sighed and said, "Some things … can't be avoided …"
= = =
The next day, the Emperor of Xuanji met with the Crown Prince of Wuji and King Meng of the Han Dynasty.
Under Meng Fuyao's forceful request, the Emperor of Xuanji, who had been secluded in the palace for several months, finally made an exception to receive the two distinguished guests. The doors of Yongchang Palace, which had been closed for many days, were opened one by one. The heavy curtains that blocked out the sunlight were drawn up, and the eunuchs and palace maids who had been chased out quietly stood on both sides of the hall, waiting to be ordered at any time.
The only remaining barrier was a layer of gauze in front of the throne. It was vague and indistinct, obscuring the figures of the people inside.
The sun shone through the tall partition fan, illuminating the vast and desolate Yong Chang Palace Hall. Accompanied by the drawn-out chanting from the jade steps, Zhangsun Wuji and Meng Fuyao led their respective Wuji and Han officials into the hall under the guidance of eunuchs.
The thick finely woven carpet drowned out the sound of their footsteps. The princes, princesses, and ministers who had been waiting in the main hall all stood up in unison. The head eunuch of Yongchang Palace came forward respectfully and bowed deeply. "Your Highness and King Meng, please wait for a moment. His Majesty will be here soon."
Zhangsun Wuji and Meng Fuyao nodded. It was not appropriate for them to sit together on such an occasion, so they each sat on one side and smiled at each other.
This smile caused the accompanying ministers to feel their hearts skip a beat. They were afraid that the two of them would cause trouble on such an occasion.
In the huge palace, all the ministers held their breath and waited, not even coughing could be heard. After waiting for a while, muddy coughing sounds could be heard from behind the gauze curtain. It was the sound of slow and sluggish footsteps, the heavy and hoarse breathing of an elderly person, and the jingling of ornaments. Two indistinctly came out of the inner palace, a man and a woman. The woman was walking on the outside, wearing a luxurious crown and luxurious clothes. Her twelve layers of embroidered robes of phoenixes rustled on the crimson carpet. The sunlight shone through the thin gauze curtain, illuminating her slightly raised chin and straight back profile, as well as the man in the dragon robe she was supporting. He was weak and slightly hunched, coughing as he walked.
One of them had her head held high, while the other had her waist bent. The woman's hanging sleeves rested on the man's arm. It did not look like an empress supporting the emperor, but more like an empress being served by a eunuch.
Immediately, Meng Fuyao gave an unkind smile.
The consequences of an old cow eating young grass were really tragic …
Meng Fuyao's smile immediately made all the Xuanji ministers sad.
How was His Majesty like this? He was a handsome man who was not young, but still as elegant and handsome as ever. He had only begun to age in the past half a year, but not to this extent. How could he not be able to straighten his back after not seeing his foreign minister for two months?
An old man with a young wife, a beautiful man …
Behind the gauze curtain, Empress Xuanji helped the emperor to sit down. Meng Fuyao originally thought that the empress was going to sit on a side seat, but unexpectedly, she raised her head and gracefully clasped her hands on her knees, squeezing herself onto the throne beside the emperor.
The Xuanji ministers turned pale. Although the empress was domineering in the past, she had never really participated in political affairs. His Majesty was still very clear about this, allowing her to cause trouble in the harem, and the court could not interfere. What was going on now? Allowing the empress to squeeze onto the throne in front of the distinguished guests of the Boundless Universe? This, this, this, this … Wouldn't she become the laughing stock of the world? Had His Majesty become muddled from his illness?
He looked up at King Meng, and sure enough, King Meng laughed without giving him any face.
Not only did he laugh, but he also opened his mouth. Not only that, but his first words were explosive.
"Eh, since when did Xuanji have two emperors? It's said that heaven is unparalleled, and there are no two rulers in Japan. Now I've seen it for myself. "
Smiling, Zhangsun Wuji glanced at the ashen-faced Xuanji Minister of Rites. "Minister, please give us a rule so that we can consider the etiquette."
According to the customs of the seven countries, the etiquette for paying respects to the emperor and the empress was different. Given Zhangsun Wuji and Meng Fuyao's status, they should bow to the Xuanji Emperor, who should return the greeting after receiving it. But to the Empress, they should only bow. Now that the throne was squeezed, the etiquette would naturally be difficult.
The Minister of Rites glanced at the empress, who was sitting proudly behind the gauze curtain, and the silent emperor. For a moment, he did not know what to do. The customary etiquette was set in advance, and could not be changed. What should he do now that the empress had done this?
Seeing that neither Zhangsun Wuji nor Meng Fuyao moved, the situation was in a stalemate that could not be resolved. His forehead was instantly filled with sweat.
Meng Fuyao sat calmly, picking at her nails in boredom. She did not feel the slightest bit of pressure. The empress was extremely restless, and her cold and sharp gaze pierced through the gauze curtain like a sword. She scanned Meng Fuyao over and over again. If her gaze could turn into a ferocious beast, she would have already pounced and bitten her.
Thus, Meng Fuyao came to a realization. It seemed that the person in front of her was Zhangsun Wuji's ex-father-in-law and mother-in-law? It seemed that the son-in-law who had broken off the engagement had brought his new girlfriend to his father-in-law's house to show off?
Aiyaya, this was too much! No wonder her adrenaline was surging. She was sitting there motionlessly, but her hair was making noises.
Of course, Meng Fuyao would not admit that she was someone's girlfriend, but it seemed that she could not stop others from thinking so. Moreover, judging from how closely the crown prince was staring at her, the entire imperial family of the Five Continents probably thought so.
It was said that not only did they think so, but there were also many weird versions of it. When she was drinking at the West Wind Tower, she vaguely heard two Xuanji officials whispering to each other. They were wondering whose girlfriend King Meng was. Why did she become the king of the Han Empire, even though she had the Wuji crown prince by her side? Why did she have no qualms about becoming the Imperial Preceptor of the Xuanyuan Empire after becoming the Han Empire's king? Through the endless imagination of the human brain, countless versions of love, love triangle, love triangle, love triangle, love triangle, love triangle, love triangle, love triangle, love triangle, love triangle, love triangle, love triangle, love triangle, love triangle, love triangle, love triangle, love triangle, love triangle, love triangle, love triangle, love triangle, love triangle …
Sigh … A mother-in-law looks at her ex-son-in-law with tears in her eyes. A mother-in-law looks at her ex-son-in-law's girlfriend with tears in her eyes …
She smiled sinisterly as she thought about it, while the Xuanji officials were in an awkward mess. Not everyone had the ability to resist embarrassment like Zhangsun Wuji and Meng Fuyao, who sat there without moving. The Xuanji officials saw that the two of them did not bow, and even Wuji Han's subordinates did not get up. This was something that had never happened on such occasions. It was tantamount to looking down on the Xuanji officials. However, it was indeed the Xuanji officials who had been rude first, so they could only remain silent.
The Xuanji princes and princesses were also present. The First Princess, who was sitting in the first seat, was the first to lose her patience. She raised her eyebrows and was about to speak when she caught the gaze of the Ninth Princess, who shook her head slightly. The First Princess tilted her head and sneered silently.
The Tenth Princess, the Eleventh Prince, and the Twelfth Prince sat together. They were all children of the Empress, and their expressions were very similar. They cast sidelong glances at Zhangsun Wuji and Meng Fuyao, intending to exert pressure on them with their gazes. Meng Fuyao turned a blind eye to this, but took a few more glances at the gentle and calm man beside the First Princess. This man's gaze was flat from beginning to end, and he was extremely composed. In this situation, the Xuanji officials felt somewhat pressured, but he was the only one who remained calm and composed.
'Look who's the Third Prince of Concubine Ning?' The only prince was the most solitary one, but he did not give in because of his talent and the strength of his mother's family. From the looks of it, he was not an easy person to deal with.
While Meng Fuyao was leisurely observing the Xuanji princes and princesses, the Empress finally spoke amidst the low commotion.
"What's there to consider?" The Empress sneered behind the veil, her somewhat shrill voice echoing clearly in the spacious hall. "I and His Majesty are enemies, so how can I not deserve a bow from these juniors?"
She sat upright, not intending to take a step back even if she would be impeached by the court officials and censors in the future. Today, she had to make those two arrogant juniors bow to her in the national etiquette, at least to vent the anger in her heart.
Meng Fuyao raised her eyebrows slightly. She was not stupid, after all. She actually knew to use seniority to suppress them. If it was based on seniority and not the national etiquette, it would make sense for them to bow to her.
Unfortunately, Meng Fuyao would not bow to her even if it was a pig. She just hated this woman for no reason.
"Done." Meng Fuyao smiled and said slowly amidst the Xuanji officials' sighs of relief, "Your Majesty is virtuous and magnanimous. You have a good relationship with your subjects, and your reputation has spread throughout the Seven Nations. I have also admired you for a long time, so this bow is absolutely worthy."
An angry snort came from above. No matter how good the Xuanji empress thought of herself, she knew that her reputation was not "virtuous and magnanimous". Meng Fuyao was clearly praising her, but actually belittling her.
"But the nation is also an enemy, and there is no such thing as seniority in national etiquette." Meng Fuyao laughed. "If we really want to talk about seniority in the nation … Oh, it seems like Wuji was founded earlier than Xuanji? Does this count as seniority in the nation? Does His Highness have to accept a bow from you? Oh, no, no! "
The Xuanji officials listened like clay sculptures. They knew that King Meng would not be so easy to talk to. Since the Empress had taken the initiative to accept this hot potato, she would have to swallow it herself.
Meng Fuyao could not be bothered to talk to her, and directly clapped her hands.
"Your Majesty, if you really want to talk about seniority and want His Highness and I to bow to you, please return to your harem first."
"How dare you, young one!" The Empress stood up abruptly, and with a wave of her phoenix robe, a palace maid who was fanning her was pushed down the stairs. Her head was bleeding, but she did not dare to cry out. With her face covered in blood, she was hurriedly dragged down by the well-trained eunuchs of Yong Chang Palace.
Meng Fuyao's eyes flashed — this evil woman! Looking at her domineering and fierce demeanor, how many innocent souls in the Xuanji palace had died in her hands?
Suddenly, Feng Xuan spoke.
"Your Majesty … where's my medicine …"
The old man's hoarse voice reverberated throughout the hall. The Empress was startled, and subconsciously replied, "In the rear hall …" But when she turned around, she found that Feng Xuan had already retreated, her entire body nestled in the throne, and there was no space left for her to sit on.
She stared blankly for a moment. At this moment, she immediately understood that her husband was using this method to preserve her face to chase her away from her seat. At this time, taking advantage of the current was naturally the best. However, this woman who had never suffered a loss for several decades couldn't accept being at a disadvantage right now, and even more so couldn't accept her husband's' favouritism '. She stood there rigidly, her fingers twisting together under the spacious Sea Luan robes, the enamel blue precious armor clashing against each other, releasing creaking sounds in the silent hall.
Then, she suddenly raised her head and looked in a certain direction behind the screen.
There seemed to be a slender figure flashing there.
Meng Fuyao suddenly jumped up!
Just as Empress Xuanji raised her head hesitantly, her lazy posture suddenly transformed into that of a flying leopard in the forest. Like a flash of light, she shot out from the throne like a flash of white lightning in the spacious and quiet hall, pouncing on the throne!
The entire hall was in an uproar. There was no lack of martial arts practitioners, and they all leaped up in an attempt to stop her. But suddenly, they felt a surge of hidden energy, forming a whirlpool-like airflow in front of the hall. It was like a silent wave, and by the time they managed to dodge it, Meng Fuyao had already passed the front of the hall.
She pounced on the screen, but the golden-armored warrior in front of the screen blocked her with his golden spear. Without even looking, Meng Fuyao lifted her leg, and the golden spear flew in a brilliant arc, crossing the hall and nailing itself onto the gorgeous carvings of dragons and phoenixes. Before the tremors subsided, she had already kicked over the chairs and guards with a cold smile, tearing apart the screen and heading straight for the back.
"Come out!"
Meng Fuyao did not even look at the frightened old man on the throne or the panic-stricken lady in the luxurious robe. She reached out with her five fingers and grabbed the back of the screen.
But there was nothing there.
There was no one behind the screen. There was no one there.
Meng Fuyao was stunned. How fast had she been when she had pounced at full force? How many people in the world could surpass her speed? In the blink of an eye, she had really disappeared!
She scanned the hall unwillingly. There were only beds and tables in the back hall, all carpeted and soundless. The four walls were covered with heavy curtains. Her gaze swept past the quietly hanging curtains. She wanted to lift them one by one, but she knew that it was impossible.
The Xuanji princes and princesses, as well as a large number of imperial guards, had all rushed over.
"King Meng! Are you trying to assassinate me? "It was the First Princess who shouted angrily.
"King Meng … you're too rude!" The Prime Minister pointed a trembling finger at the air, as if saying, Your Excellency's behavior is insane and makes one's hair stand on end. How can a dignified marquis act so presumptuously?
"Please explain yourself, King Meng!" It was the Twelfth Prince who was filled with righteous indignation.
The crowd's emotions surged and spittle flew everywhere. The crowd squeezed forward, but all of them were ten feet away. They used their fingers and spittle to express their hatred for the valiant, shameless, impolite, hateful, yet powerful King Meng that no one dared to approach.
The Eleventh Prince made the following statement on behalf of the country and the officials.
"Your behavior has severely hurt the feelings of the Xuanji people!"
"We strongly condemn this!"
Suddenly, someone pushed the crowd aside and walked up to Meng Fuyao calmly. He first ordered the guards to stand down, then personally helped the emperor, who had collapsed on the throne in shock and had long been forgotten by his filial sons and grandsons. He also helped the empress, who had been scared out of her wits by the attack, so that the two of them could sit properly. Only then did he bow deeply to Meng Fuyao and say, "I believe that I, Xuanji, did not arrange things properly and caused King Meng to be angry. I hereby apologize, but my father is seriously ill and cannot bear the shock. I hope that King Meng can explain things clearly to His Majesty to calm the sick."
Beautiful!
Meng Fuyao narrowed her eyes and sized up the unhurried Third Prince. He really lived up to his reputation. His actions were courteous, filial, righteous, selfless, and fearless. His words even exonerated and flattered both sides. He was clearly several levels higher than the other princes!
"There's no such thing." Meng Fuyao smiled and said slowly, "The law and order of Xuanji are beautiful, the scenery is beautiful, the etiquette is perfect, the Emperor and Empress are graceful, and the sons and daughters of the various emperors are extraordinary. As a lowly person, I can only admire you. Why would I do anything to anger you?"
She smiled sincerely and extended her hand, which was behind her back, to wave the thing in her hand in front of the officials.
"Little Wang just found a mouse," Little Wang said.
Lord Ingot lowered his head and extended his claws, cooperating with Meng Fuyao in her palm.
"Ah! A mouse!" The empress, who had yet to get a clear look at the lump in Meng Fuyao's hand, screamed and took a step back upon hearing the word 'mouse'.
"See, the empress is frightened, isn't she?" Under the disgusted gaze of the officials, Meng Fuyao stuffed the 'dead mouse' into her sleeve and shrugged. "I knew the empress would be afraid."
"Tell me," Meng Fuyao said passionately, "when I found out that an evil mouse had suddenly sneaked into the noble Xuanji throne and behind the screen with the intention of disturbing the elegant Emperor and Empress, causing the Emperor and Empress, who understand etiquette the most, to be disrespectful in front of the guests from a friendly country — how could I tolerate such a thing happening? How could I not make a move and drag out this damned mouse that was sneaking behind the screen! Pinch it to death! Slaughter it! Dismember it! Grind its bones to ashes! Throw it into the sea! … "
The Xuanji princes, princesses, and the officials looked up at King Meng, whose spittle was flying everywhere and whose eyes were filled with hatred and whose hair stood on end — why was he so cruel to a mouse? Did King Meng have a grudge against mice in his previous life?
Only the expressions of the Third Prince and the Ninth Princess did not change. Both of them smiled and bowed, praising sincerely, "King Meng is kind-hearted!" The other, who was even better, clapped his hands and sighed with gratitude. "Thank you, King Meng, for saving His Majesty and Empress from danger!"
Meng Fuyao returned the gesture. "It's what I should do, you're too polite."
'Hmm, looks like the Third Prince is a level higher than the Ninth Princess, because his skin is thicker.'
"I'm so tired …" Meng Fuyao 'wiped her sweat' and cast a sideways glance at Feng Xuan, who had been sizing her up with murderous eyes. "I've suffered some minor injuries some time ago and have yet to recover. I'm exhausted after this move, hmm …" She swayed and sat down immediately when she saw a stool, pounding her legs with all her might. Her body was weak and she couldn't take another step.
The corners of the mouths of everyone in the hall twitched. "When you rushed out just now, you were full of spirit and energy. You were so ferocious that even the eagles couldn't compare to you. The Golden Armored Guard, who was trained in external martial arts, couldn't even take one blow from you. How could you say that your body was weak and weak?"
Although they were cursing in their hearts, they did not dare to say a word. If they did, it would be hard to guarantee that Lord Jiuxiao, one of the top ten experts, would 'spar' with them on the spot.
In any case, everyone could see that there was nothing in this world that King Meng didn't want to do. There was nothing that she didn't dare to do.
"Crown Prince and King Meng, please rest in the palace tonight." The Third Prince received Feng Xuan's look of approval and was the first to understand. "Actually, if it wasn't for the fact that you two might not be used to it, I would have invited you two to stay in the palace."
One night was more than enough. Staying any longer would lead to lupus erythematosus. Meng Fuyao put on a fake smile and expressed her appreciation for the Third Prince with her eyes. "Thank you, Your Majesty, for understanding. Thank you, Third Prince …"
"No way!"
The Empress suddenly stood up and said sternly, "I don't agree!"
Trembling with anger, she pointed at Meng Fuyao and said, "This person … this lowly woman … how is she fit to step into the Xuanji Palace!"
The faces of the Xuanji officials darkened and they glared at the Empress. Did she think that the country's affairs were not chaotic enough? How dare she say such things in public!
"I've been traveling around the various countries for some time now." Meng Fuyao did not get angry. With her back facing the Empress, she clasped her hands behind her back and looked up at the sky. "I've always felt that although the various countries are good, they're too conforming. There's no personality, no surprises, no eye-catching and flirtatious temperament. For example, women usurping authority …"
"Please return to the palace, Your Majesty!" One of the censors could not help but take a step forward and bow to the Empress. "The court is open and dignified, Your Majesty. Your court is in the harem!"
Meng Fuyao looked at the bold fellow with a smile. 'Not bad, not bad, a loyal official with a backbone that's hard to come by. Like I said, it's one thing for the Empress to be domineering in the harem, but how could the officials tolerate it?'
"Please return to the palace, Your Majesty!" The Xuanji officials bowed in unison. Their voices were low and cold, forming a whirlpool-like airflow that rumbled in the main hall.
The Empress had never been popular. She was protected by Feng Xuan and had never interfered in the political affairs of the court. Even so, the censors often advised Feng Xuan to abolish the Empress, but Feng Xuan refused. Although the officials knew that Meng Fuyao was not a good person, they still wanted to keep the peace and not give others a chance to use it against them. If she really caused trouble, no one would have a good life. Seeing that the Empress was here, a conflict would break out sooner or later, so it was better to ask her to leave as soon as possible. After all, everyone was involved, and the law did not punish the masses, so the Empress could not do anything about it.
Indeed, the Empress could not do anything about it. Even Feng Xuan had to listen to the advice of the officials, let alone her. She stood there angrily, the pearls on her phoenix coronet swaying, reflecting the anger and hatred in her eyes. After a long while, she brushed her sleeves, turned around and walked away.
"Your Majesty, please set off."
Meng Fuyao smiled and waved her sleeves, sending her off respectfully.
'I don't care if you're willing or not, even if the Xuanji officials don't ask the Empress to leave, I'll stay here tonight.
I must find out who that damned shadow is! '
= = =
Select text and click 'Report' to let us know about any bad translation.
