It was impossible to say how much time passed before Nanmeng Rong finally eased somewhat, pulling herself out of the grip of terror and back into clarity.

In truth, it was hardly fair to blame her for such panic. In those years, Long Feiyan had been like a great mountain, always standing directly in her path.

She could not say how much effort and energy she had expended — but at last, through schemes and stratagems laid one upon another, she had won in such a beautiful, decisive stroke, making this woman vanish entirely from her world.

As long as Long Feiyan was alive, men’s eyes never rested on Nanmeng Rong. The love and adoration of the people never extended to her by even a fraction.

Long Feiyan — she was truly a terrifying person, at least as far as Nanmeng Rong was concerned. Truly terrifying.

With her in the world, there would never be a day when Nanmeng Rong could rise to prominence.

So she had plotted with single-minded purpose, had exhausted every scheme — and at last, she had brought Long Feiyan down.

After Long Feiyan fell, the Long Family swiftly crumbled. And at last, it was the Nanmeng clan’s turn to be powerful — and powerful they had remained, for so many years.

If someone were to tell her now that Long Feiyan was still alive, that she might return and seize everything Nanmeng Rong now possessed — how could she not be afraid?

And yet, in that battle of those years, the Long Family’s army had clearly been wiped out to the last soldier. How could Long Feiyan have survived?

But then — what was the story behind this dagger? As long as the person in that cabin had not been identified, Nanmeng Rong’s heart could not know a single moment of true peace.

“Your Highness, the most pressing matter now is to have men continue searching up on the mountain. This servant believes that person must have simply found the dagger. It could not possibly be Long Feiyan herself.”

Even speaking Long Feiyan’s name now left Matron Qin feeling unsettled. And of course, how Nanmeng Rong both despised and feared Long Feiyan — she had watched it all with her own eyes, plain and clear.

Nanmeng Rong said nothing more. The fright she had received today was greater than anything she had experienced in the past decade and more.

Now, her mind was in turmoil. She wanted to do something — anything — otherwise, her heart could not settle.

At just that moment, the voice of a young eunuch came from outside: “Your Highness, a spy requests an audience.”

Nanmeng Rong still said nothing. Matron Qin saw that some of the color had returned to her complexion and, acting on her own initiative, said: “Send him in.”

The spy had only made it as far as the tent entrance before he knelt to the ground, head hanging low, not daring to cast so much as a single glance inside.

This display, somehow, irritated Nanmeng Rong for no reason she could name. She sat upon the bed and said: “Why do you not raise your head and look at me? Am I so unpleasant to look upon that you cannot spare me even a glance?”

The spy had come fully prepared to deliver his report in a proper manner — but at these words from Her Highness, he was struck dumb all at once.

He wondered whether he had misheard. Was this truly something Her Highness would say to a spy?

Her Highness was clearly seated on the divan inside the tent. He was a man — and the only reason he had dared enter at all was because of Her Highness’s enormous authority within the palace. Regardless, as a man, it was simply not appropriate for him to raise his head and look at Her Highness. This had nothing whatsoever to do with pleasant or unpleasant appearances.

Besides, Her Highness was of that age now — at such an age, what did pleasant or unpleasant looks even mean? No matter how attractive one might be, it could hardly compare to the beauty of youth.

The spy was at a loss, uncertain whether he should raise his head or not. For all he knew, raising it might result in his execution.

Matron Qin also found Her Highness’s words rather… peculiar, to say the least — but Her Highness was in the heat of her anger, and no matter how peculiar the remark, she did not dare say anything further.

“Her Highness bids you raise your head and speak.” She said it in a level tone.

The spy at last convinced himself he had not misheard, and raised his head — but still did not dare let his gaze venture even a fraction inside the tent.

Perhaps even Nanmeng Rong herself felt she was being somewhat unreasonable. It was simply that just a moment ago, her mood had plummeted without warning.

“What is it?” Her outward composure had at least been restored, and she asked this coolly.

The spy finally exhaled in relief and hurried to report: “In reply to Your Highness — Your Highness previously instructed this subordinate to keep watch on Feng Jiu’er’s movements…”

“What has that wretched girl done now?” First Long Feiyan, now Feng Jiu’er — were these two mother and daughter born into this world purely to torment her?

“Feng Jiu’er has tonight taken up residence in the Ninth Prince’s manor. By the look of things, it appears she will not be leaving again before morning.”

“What?!” Nanmeng Rong’s fury surged and she nearly leapt up from her seat.

She had always known it — mother and daughter, the two of them were equally hateful! Day in and day out, all they knew was how to bewitch men!

That wretched girl was still an unwed young lady, yet she thought nothing of staying in a man’s quarters at the drop of a hat — had she no sense of propriety whatsoever?!

Nanmeng Rong was truly furious, nearly maddened by rage. What infuriated her most of all was that this Feng Jiu’er — whom she despised so thoroughly — was actually a phoenix maiden.

No. This could not be allowed. A phoenix maiden could not be permitted to take up with A’Jiu. She had no intention of letting A’Jiu become master of the realm.

Once a man became Emperor, the inner palace would inevitably fill with countless women. Even if she could hold the position of Empress for A’Jiu at that point, it would not stop him from selecting consorts to fill his harem.

No — she absolutely could not allow the phoenix maiden to be with A’Jiu. No — she absolutely could not allow A’Jiu to be with any woman at all!

“Quickly — prepare my jade palanquin. I must go and see the Emperor!”

She dismissed the spy with a wave of her hand, then turned and glared at Matron Qin, who had not stirred: “Why are you not already arranging for the jade palanquin?!”

“Your Highness — it is so late. Going to see the Emperor now, at this hour… it may not be appropriate…”

Matron Qin’s heart was filled with misgiving. Going to seek out the Emperor at this hour — was that really wise?

“Besides, Your Highness’s body is in such a condition — how can you go running about? The physician said you must rest, Your Highness…”

“Enough — I must see the Emperor. Now! Stop your nattering and prepare my jade palanquin!”

She had reached the end of her patience. This could not be tolerated — not for a single moment longer.

The possibility that Long Feiyan might still be alive in this world had already left her restless, anxious, and deeply unsettled, her heart wrung with an indescribable anguish.

And now — on top of that — came Feng Jiu’er, spending the dead of night in A’Jiu’s manor, intent on seducing him. How was she supposed to endure it? How could anyone endure it?

“Where is the jade palanquin? Matron! Why have you not gone yet — are you, too, defying me now?!”

“This servant would not dare!” Matron Qin had no choice, and immediately went out to have the jade palanquin made ready.

Given how weak Nanmeng Rong currently was, they brought the jade palanquin directly inside.

Matron Qin helped her change into a presentable set of clothing. Then, supported by two maids, Nanmeng Rong was assisted into the jade palanquin, and the procession set off at once toward Emperor Qiwen’s sleeping quarters.

At that hour, Emperor Qiwen had already retired for the night. Upon hearing of Nanmeng Rong’s arrival, he was somewhat reluctant — yet he received her nonetheless.

“Your Majesty, I wish you to rescind the imperial edict betrothing Feng Jiu’er to Nanmeng Xu, and instead issue a marriage decree granting that girl to Heng’er.”

Nanmeng Rong had not even bothered with a proper bow. The jade palanquin had been carried directly into Emperor Qiwen’s sleeping quarters — this sort of grandeur was something only she, alone in all the inner palace, would dare.

Besides, she was currently injured. Could the Emperor not show some consideration?

“Your servant has thought it over carefully. Feng Jiu’er truly is better suited to Heng’er. Your Majesty, please grant them the marriage.”