The Minister of Military Affairs immediately knelt: “This subject dares not dispute with Your Majesty, but if the True Dragon Son of Heaven must face danger, as the nation’s Crown Prince, why can’t His Highness take his place? After all, His Highness needs tempering, and this is the best opportunity! In the south, Dali’s Emperor personally leads the campaign, and in the east, Dazhou’s Regent has also reached the border. If we cannot send someone of comparable status to match them, won’t we be laughed at by the world? Actually… Prince Qin could also substitute, but unfortunately he’s recently bedridden and cannot take the field. If the Crown Prince also refuses, it will truly leave the common people in peril!”

This statement stirred other ministers, who quickly echoed in agreement.

Empress Pei said angrily: “His Majesty is gravely ill. It was decided that on the first and fifteenth of each month, the Crown Prince would temporarily handle court affairs. If the Crown Prince is absent, how should various matters be decided?”

Hearing Empress Pei say this, the Minister of Military Affairs immediately responded: “Your Majesty, this matter isn’t difficult. Daily court deliberations should be jointly decided by all the ministers—this is also our court’s old system. You need only go to His Majesty’s palace every five days to report military and state affairs to him. The matter is easily resolved. This subject boldly requests the Crown Prince campaign in the Emperor’s stead to demonstrate our national prestige!”

The Crown Prince was furious and almost immediately wanted to refuse. At this time, officials from Empress Pei’s faction stepped forward to criticize the Minister of Military Affairs: “What are your intentions? The Crown Prince has no such military command experience!”

Someone beside the Minister of Military Affairs refuted: “Experience is gained on the battlefield. As the Crown Prince of a nation, if he doesn’t dare fight even small battles, isn’t that cowardice? You’re insulting His Highness!”

The two sides argued increasingly heatedly, even beginning to physically tussle. The Minister of Military Affairs’s hat went askew, but he wouldn’t back down, rushing forward to slap the Crown Prince’s Grand Tutor and grabbing the white-bearded old man to spin him around. Watching Empress Pei’s faction officials and other court officials brawl while the great families muddied the waters, taking advantage to escalate the situation, the entire court became as noisy as a duck bathhouse.

At critical moments, these nobles all thought only of their own interests. If they could push the Crown Prince out, court affairs could be stirred up by them. The muddier the water, the more benefits they could gain. So now many people supported having the Crown Prince replace the Emperor in the expedition. This showed that although Empress Pei’s power was great, she couldn’t control the overall situation at all, much less suppress these crafty old officials.

“Enough!” Empress Pei shouted coldly from behind the curtains: “Today’s matter will be discussed another day.” As she spoke, she already stood.

The Minister of Military Affairs quickly said: “Your Majesty, please make a decision now.”

Empress Pei flew into rage, slamming the table: “You’re utterly insubordinate! Do you want to openly contradict me in court?”

The Minister of Military Affairs was shocked and quickly prostrated himself to beg forgiveness.

After Empress Pei left the court, she sighed deeply: “Li Weiyang, truly formidable!”

The Crown Prince said with a deathly pale face: “Mother Empress, I don’t want to go to the battlefield! Blades and swords have no eyes. If your son can’t return alive…”

Empress Pei looked at him coldly, her gaze severe: “How could I not know you? They say you’re skilled in both civil and martial arts, but you’ve only learned superficial tricks! Leading troops into battle isn’t so easy. Moreover, Duke Qiguo is still alive! Sending you over now would first confirm our crime of falsifying military reports, and second, you might never return! The military report is one thing—after all, mistaken reports occur frequently… But if Duke Qiguo takes advantage to make moves, could you still have your life?”

Hearing Empress Pei say this, the Crown Prince grew even more terrified. He quickly knelt and grasped Empress Pei’s hem: “Mother Empress, you must save your son!”

Empress Pei said impatiently: “How could I not know? But to save you means abandoning the original plan.”

Hearing Empress Pei say this, the Crown Prince looked at her uncomprehendingly. Empress Pei said in exasperation: “Can’t you see that all of this was planned by Li Weiyang? She wants to exchange your life for hers!”

The Crown Prince was completely stunned. He couldn’t believe it: “How is this possible? That Minister of Military Affairs has no dealings with the Guo family.”

Empress Pei laughed coldly: “Yes, the Minister of Military Affairs indeed has no dealings with the Guo family. He’s a neutral official who’s always followed the Wang family’s lead!”

Speaking of this, the Crown Prince already understood: “The Wang family? The Wang and Guo families are colluding!”

Empress Pei glanced at him and laughed coldly: “Seems you’re not too stupid after all!” After speaking, she shook off the Crown Prince and entered her chambers alone.

Early the next morning, Duke Qiguo’s residence suddenly received an edict—Empress Pei wanted to summon the Guo family’s young lady. Li Weiyang followed protocol and entered the palace. Arriving before the Empress’s palace, she tidied her attire slightly before entering the great hall. She saw Empress Pei lying on a soft couch to one side, her face showing listlessness as if physically unwell.

Li Weiyang smiled slightly: “Paying respects to Your Majesty. Wishing Your Majesty health and well-being. Is Your Majesty feeling unwell?”

Seeing Li Weiyang appear refreshed and energetic, Empress Pei secretly harbored resentment but smiled calmly: “Recently I’ve been overworked with state affairs and feel somewhat unwell. It’s nothing serious.”

Li Weiyang smiled: “Your Majesty enjoys heavenly protection. Surely you’ll recover soon.”

Empress Pei couldn’t suppress a cold laugh, then showed a warm expression: “Guo Jia, the Imperial Astronomy Bureau made a mistake about that last matter and wrongly accused you. Now they’ve already identified that inauspicious star—it has nothing to do with you… You’re generous by nature, so don’t hold it against those fools! Today I’ll issue an edict lifting your house arrest. From now on, you may move freely throughout the capital, doing whatever you wish. No one can stop you anymore!”

Li Weiyang smiled: “Your Majesty is wise.”

Empress Pei sighed softly: “You’ve been in the capital so long, and the grievances between us are difficult to express in words. Truthfully, probably no one in this world understands me better than you, and no one understands you better than I do. If we’d met in different circumstances, we might have become good friends.”

Li Weiyang quickly said: “This subject wouldn’t dare.”

Empress Pei shook her head. Watching Li Weiyang easily escape from the net she’d spread, then turn around and trap both her and the Crown Prince instead—this was infuriating. If it were anyone else, they’d already be fuming with rage. This was all because Ying Chu handled things poorly, offering terrible advice… What an excellent reversal of positions!

Empress Pei smiled helplessly. If she eliminated Guo Jia someday, she might even feel somewhat lonely! Thinking this, Empress Pei’s usually perfect smile carried a trace of imperceptible coldness: “That’s all I wanted to say. Go see Imperial Consort Guo.”

Li Weiyang maintained her perfect expression throughout: “Yes, thank you, Your Majesty.” She was about to withdraw when she suddenly heard Empress Pei say behind her: “No one in this world is forever without mistakes. Guo Jia, you must be very careful not to make mistakes, or it will tarnish your good name.”

Li Weiyang’s footsteps paused, smiling slightly: “Yes, Your Majesty. I’ve made quite a few mistakes usually. If heaven allows me the chance to make amends, I certainly won’t disappoint Your Majesty’s kindness toward me.”

When she said the words “kindness,” her eyes held a slight cold gleam.

Empress Pei’s heart jumped in alarm. She’d never seen such a gaze. No! Or perhaps it was somewhat familiar—as if in the mirror she’d once seen such a woman with clear, beautiful features yet hateful eyes. That seemed to be herself from many years ago… Thinking this, her hand involuntarily trembled. Ultimately she only said: “Alright, you may go.”

Li Weiyang smiled, turned, and left the great hall. Standing on the high white marble steps, she looked at the brilliant sunshine outside, her brow relaxing, her mood cheerful. A female official beside her bowed: “Miss Guo, this servant will escort you out. Please.”

Li Weiyang glanced at her with a half-smile: “Hasn’t Her Majesty’s health always been good? How did she fall ill?”

The female official lowered her head: “Her Majesty… has been overworked with state affairs.”

“Oh, you say the same thing as Empress Pei.” Li Weiyang smiled calmly, then said: “How is His Majesty’s health recently?”

The female official’s brow tightened. She immediately answered: “His Majesty’s health hasn’t fully recovered, but it’s better than before.”

Seeing the other’s anxiety, Li Weiyang said no more and descended the steps with light footsteps. She met Ying Chu walking toward her. Seeing Li Weiyang, Ying Chu’s expression darkened. He hadn’t expected she could escape so quickly and even use the Crown Prince to counter-attack Empress Pei. If not for the Crown Prince, Empress Pei absolutely wouldn’t be constrained! All of this was because this son was too incompetent. Thinking this, his eyes involuntarily showed a trace of hatred. Just as the Crown Prince disliked Ying Chu, Ying Chu deeply loathed this son of Empress Pei and the Emperor.

“Lord Ying, coming to see Empress Pei?” Li Weiyang’s expression was calm, greeting him as if seeing an old friend.

Ying Chu felt his teeth itch, but he smiled: “Yes. Miss Guo, take care.”

Li Weiyang smiled and calmly departed. Ying Chu coldly stared at her retreating back, his gaze as vicious as nails.

Li Weiyang came to Imperial Consort Guo’s palace and saw Prince Jing accompanying her in conversation, with the latest tribute oranges on the table. Li Weiyang smiled gently and stepped forward to bow: “Paying respects to Imperial Consort and Prince Jing.”

Imperial Consort Guo quickly said: “Jia’er has come! Quickly rise and come sit!”

Li Weiyang smiled gracefully and sat on an embroidered stool.

Prince Jing quietly observed her. Today Li Weiyang wore a lotus-colored dress that made her face appear even more clear and beautiful, her eyes bright—truly a beauty. Imperial Consort Guo saw this and sighed softly in her heart, smiling outwardly: “Jia’er, what brings you to the palace today?”

Li Weiyang’s expression was calm: “Today Empress Pei summoned me to the palace for conversation and asked me to visit Your Majesty.” Before she finished speaking, the Imperial Consort already understood. She glanced around and instructed: “Well, all of you leave.”

The palace maids quietly withdrew. Only then did Imperial Consort Guo say hesitantly: “Recently you’ve been wronged. I’ve wanted to request an audience with His Majesty, but unfortunately have been powerless…”

Li Weiyang naturally knew the Imperial Consort’s situation and didn’t mind, only saying faintly: “Your Majesty specially sent a warning—that was already care for Jia’er. Moreover, His Majesty has been unwell recently, and all palace affairs are controlled by Empress Pei. Your Majesty’s situation is difficult, constrained in everything—how could you free yourself to help Jia’er? No matter how unreasonable Jia’er might be, I wouldn’t blame Your Majesty!”

Imperial Consort Guo had originally worried Li Weiyang would mind. Seeing her speak so easily now, she breathed a sigh of relief: “That you’re so understanding truly comforts me.”

Prince Jing had been watching Li Weiyang from the side. Only now did he speak with a smile: “We’re all family—why so many concerns?”

Li Weiyang only smiled faintly without saying more. With this smile, Prince Jing was momentarily stunned, forgetting what he wanted to say. Not until Imperial Consort Guo looked at him: “Yuan Ying, what’s wrong?”

Prince Jing collected himself and looked at Li Weiyang with a smile: “Jia’er, actually your timing is perfect. Regarding the current war situation… I was planning to find you to discuss it.”

Li Weiyang sighed: “I’m just a woman. If Prince Jing has state affairs, you might discuss them with other princes, or wait until His Majesty’s health improves to report to him.”

Prince Jing’s smile deepened. He said slowly: “Jia’er is a clever person, different from ordinary women. I want to consult you because I trust your wisdom. Duke Qiguo’s residence and I will forever share blood ties. Even just for my uncle’s sake, you shouldn’t abandon me!” Speaking here, he seemed to be joking. But Li Weiyang knew he was cutting like a knife, hinting that she didn’t want to help.

Imperial Consort Guo furrowed her brow and said to Prince Jing: “Jia’er is just a woman. Why make things difficult for her? Let you men handle military and state affairs.”

The Imperial Consort was a very reasonable person. She always felt young ladies should embroider in their chambers, play the zither, read books—at most occasionally going out for walks. That was a true lady of a great family. Jia’er was her sister-in-law’s only daughter, the Guo family’s treasured pearl. As long as she stayed peacefully in the inner quarters, they’d find her a good husband in the future. Sister-in-law was right—Prince Xu Yuan Lie was indeed a good match, just his background was somewhat complicated… Thinking this, Imperial Consort Guo smiled slightly: “A couple days ago, sister-in-law mentioned that once Prince Xu returns victorious this time, she’ll arrange your wedding.”

Li Weiyang’s eyes held a smile, but she only lowered her gaze without speaking.

Prince Jing’s expression immediately darkened. Imperial Consort Guo coughed lightly. Prince Jing’s face immediately assumed a smile: “If so, congratulations to Jia’er first!”

Li Weiyang didn’t care about Prince Jing’s expression, only smiling: “The front-line battle is intense. I fear he won’t return so quickly.” From these words, she clearly understood the situation ahead.

Prince Jing took the opportunity: “Yes, now whether south or east, the fighting is fierce. I’m considering whether I should also request orders from His Majesty…”

Li Weiyang seemed stunned for a moment, staring at him: “Request orders?” Speaking of this, her expression became serious: “Your Highness means you also want to go to the front lines?”

Prince Jing’s brow locked deeply, his expression very solemn: “Yes, I want to submit a memorial requesting to campaign!”

Imperial Consort Guo’s brow immediately furrowed tightly: “Yuan Ying, have you gone mad! Is war child’s play? My brother and nephew are already at the front—I’m already extremely worried, sleepless day and night. Now even you want to go to the front to fight. Are you trying to end my life?”

Prince Jing quickly stood and knelt: “Mother Consort, the rise and fall of the nation is everyone’s responsibility, much less I who am an imperial prince. I should naturally share Father Emperor’s worries! In this situation, if I act like the Crown Prince as a cowardly turtle, I’ll never achieve merit or establish my career in this lifetime, only living in the Crown Prince’s shadow! Can Mother Consort truly bear to watch your son live a lifetime depressed and without accomplishment?”

Imperial Consort Guo was stunned, unable to speak for quite a while. After a long time, she looked at her son speechlessly, her eyes gradually showing sadness. Then she personally helped him up, her tone also softening: “Mother Consort naturally doesn’t mean that. I’m just worried you have no battlefield experience and will instead burden your uncle and them…”

Prince Jing’s face showed a smile, yet very confident: “Mother Consort, rest assured. Although I lack actual combat experience, first, I’ve studied military texts since childhood. Second, I’ve participated in training ground exercises. In any case, I won’t lose to others!” When he said “others,” he glanced at Li Weiyang seemingly inadvertently. That expression clearly said: I can’t possibly be worse than Yuan Lie.

Li Weiyang appeared completely unaware, only saying calmly: “If Your Highness wants to bring glory to the nation and establish merit, Jia’er naturally won’t obstruct you. This is precisely an excellent opportunity to prove Your Highness has the ability to govern the world and stabilize the people’s hearts. If Your Highness can succeed, you’ll naturally command widespread support from officials and commoners in the future. But the southern formation is handled by Grand General Wang Gong, while the east is guarded by my father. Which side does Your Highness wish to go to?”

Seeing she actually didn’t object, Prince Jing was somewhat surprised: “Naturally I’ll go assist Uncle.”

Li Weiyang smiled: “Prince Jing, although you have determination to establish merit, have you considered what will happen if you leave the capital at this time?”

Prince Jing’s hand trembled slightly. He turned to look fixedly at Li Weiyang: “What will happen?”

Li Weiyang’s expression was serene: “Empress Pei went to great lengths to transfer my father and Yuan Lie out of the capital, then couldn’t wait to move against me. Her first target is me, then Duke Qiguo’s residence, then Prince Jing and Imperial Consort. If you leave now, you can certainly avoid temporary disaster, but on the battlefield, blades and arrows have no eyes. The other side might find it even easier to strike…”

Hearing this, Prince Jing’s expression changed: “You mean even the military has spies?”

Li Weiyang sighed softly: “Your Highness probably doesn’t know—not long ago, Empress Pei sent one of my father’s advisors to Duke Qiguo’s residence to report, saying only that eldest brother had fallen and Father was seriously injured, near death.”

Hearing this news, Imperial Consort Guo’s face instantly turned deathly pale. She cried out: “Is this true?”

Li Weiyang shook her head and smiled: “The news was naturally false.”

Prince Jing Yuan Ying looked at Li Weiyang, unable to speak for quite some time. He suddenly realized this point—if the other side could plant confidants in Duke Qiguo’s residence, what was impossible around Prince Jing himself? Thinking of certain people among his advisors desperately urging him to submit memorials to the Emperor, Prince Jing’s eyes darkened. At this moment, he began to doubt whether they wanted him to go to the battlefield to establish merit and overshadow the Crown Prince, or to send him to his death on the battlefield… No one could be trusted! Thinking this, his gaze grew heavy: “But what about Uncle and cousin’s safety?”

Li Weiyang saw Prince Jing’s expression and already knew his thoughts, laughing coldly: “Father isn’t a fool. He naturally anticipated this long ago. Before the campaign, he specifically cautioned that unless he personally sends someone with a token as proof, we shouldn’t believe anyone. Clearly he already suspected those around him. But what about you, Your Highness? Think carefully—your safety is secondary. Once you leave the capital, the first victim might be Imperial Consort.”

Imperial Consort Guo was shocked, looking at Prince Jing dazed, her face showing fear.

Prince Jing smiled bitterly: “In this situation, even though I have no ambition for the succession, the other side won’t easily spare me. For this dragon throne, the Crown Prince has always seen me as a thorn in his eye. It’s made father not father, son not son. Now even Mother Consort suffers because of me. Every time I think of this, my heart turns cold!”

Li Weiyang watched him act pitifully and smiled faintly: “Your Highness, it’s not just about safety. If you submit a memorial immediately now, someone else might reap the benefits.”

Prince Jing stared at her: “What does this mean?”

Li Weiyang smiled: “Don’t forget—Prince Qin has also led troops and fought battles. But first, His Majesty didn’t send him out to fight, and second, he hasn’t proactively submitted memorials volunteering. Isn’t this strange?”

Prince Jing’s heart turned cold, suddenly growing irritated: “That’s because Prince Qin is bedridden… No, he’s always been healthy. This illness is indeed strange. You mean Prince Qin has very likely already sided with Empress Pei, so those hundred thousand Imperial Guards…”

Li Weiyang smiled slightly: “Life is like sailing against the current—if you don’t advance, you retreat. Your Highness, no matter what dangerous environment you encounter, you must firmly believe one thing.”

Prince Jing looked at Li Weiyang, his heart stirring: “What should I believe?”

Li Weiyang said softly: “Since Empress Pei hasn’t moved against Duke Qiguo’s residence, it means she still has concerns. Even if Prince Qin temporarily aligns with Empress Pei, he has other motives—not necessarily much loyalty. If Prince Qin is like this, the Zhou family is certainly the same. Most importantly—do you really think His Majesty has no arrangements within the Imperial Guards? If he couldn’t firmly control them, how could he have safely been Emperor for so many years?”

Prince Jing sighed deeply: “So now I can only wait quietly for the situation to develop.”

Li Weiyang only smiled warmly: “When heaven is about to confer a great responsibility on someone, Your Highness might as well consider this a test.”

Prince Jing’s expression changed. Just now, even after hearing Li Weiyang say so much, he hadn’t truly changed his position. But at this moment, his heart stirred slightly. He stepped forward: “Jia’er, what is Father Emperor’s test?”

Li Weiyang smiled: “His Majesty is an extremely clever and suspicious person. The Crown Prince is the eldest son and legitimate heir, so his position has always been very stable. But precisely because it’s too stable, His Majesty is very suspicious. Now that His Majesty is gravely ill, he can perhaps use this opportunity to see clearly the court’s movements—what the Crown Prince is doing, what actions Prince Qin takes, whether Prince Jing wants to profit from the chaos… His Majesty is a very decisive person. Who can guess his thoughts? If Your Highness takes advantage to make moves in court, I fear it will backfire!”

Hearing this, Prince Jing breathed a long sigh of relief, his face sweeping away its melancholy as he smiled: “Truly, hearing your words is better than reading ten years of books. Jia’er’s reminder is perfectly timed. I understand—I won’t submit this memorial for now.”

Li Weiyang smiled: “Excellent. That Your Highness can readily accept good advice shows you’re also an extremely wise person.”

Imperial Consort Guo listened in confusion. Actually, Guo Jia’s words had too many threads and were overly complicated. Moreover, she always seemed to hint at things before her. First Empress Pei, then Prince Qin, then His Majesty—her head was nearly spinning. She couldn’t help shaking her head: “Talking with you two is truly exhausting.” As she spoke, she turned and handed the orange to Li Weiyang: “Yuan Ying just brought these. Taste them and tell me how they are.”

Li Weiyang gently peeled open a segment of orange and placed it in her mouth, tasting it carefully before smiling slightly: “Very good flavor. Prince Jing is indeed filial.”

Leaving Imperial Consort’s palace, Prince Jing actually bowed slightly to Li Weiyang: “Jia’er, thank you for today’s reminder. Otherwise I might very well have stepped into their trap.”

Li Weiyang smiled. Prince Jing was a very clever person, only recently somewhat eager for quick success. Indeed—seeing that gleaming golden dragon throne, anyone would involuntarily forget everything, lose themselves, and madly rush toward that chair. Along the way, they couldn’t spare any attention for the bloody winds, storms of blood, flashing blades and swords along the path.

At this time, Empress Pei had arrived at the Emperor’s palace. Although the Emperor’s health had improved somewhat, he still hadn’t fully recovered. At this moment, he was neatly groomed, only wearing ordinary clothes and leaning against the headboard. His face appeared somewhat haggard. Unknowingly, both temples had some white, his entire face sunken, quite withered. But the bright light in his eyes was like clusters of dancing flames, like two ghost fires in the dark night—still very striking.

Seeing him like this, Empress Pei laughed coldly in her heart. She stepped forward and bowed: “Paying respects to Your Majesty.”

The Emperor swept his gaze over her and said coldly: “Oh, so it’s the Empress. What do you want?”

Empress Pei looked at him motionlessly for quite a while before smiling: “Just bringing Ying Chu to present medicine.”

Medicine again? He’d long wanted to behead this Ying Chu, but without his medicine, his headache condition couldn’t improve. Though it only treated symptoms without addressing the root cause, he still relied on this medicine to get through. The Emperor forcibly suppressed the surging anger in his heart and said faintly: “Then thank the Empress for her trouble.”

Empress Pei’s lips curved, smiling very gently: “I am Your Majesty’s wife and the mother of the nation. Naturally I must care about Your Majesty’s health. Why must Your Majesty be so polite? This is merely this consort’s duty.”

The Emperor only looked at her vigilantly without speaking.

Empress Pei smiled: “Look at me, truly getting old. Talking here so long, I’ve forgotten to have Ying Chu present the medicine.”

Ying Chu respectfully held the box in his hands, crawling on his knees to the Emperor.

The Emperor glanced at Ying Chu, his tone cold: “How could the Empress be old? You’re much younger than me. I’m the one who’s truly old at this age!”

Empress Pei smiled faintly: “Your Majesty certainly isn’t old. According to your physical condition, living a thousand years would be no problem.”

A thousand years—he was clearly the ten-thousand-year sovereign! The Emperor laughed coldly: “Let’s hope so!” As he spoke, he picked up the pill and looked at it thoughtfully.

Ying Chu’s expression was calm, his eyes deep beneath the half-mask.

The Emperor smiled: “This thing of yours is truly effective. Without the medicine he refines, I truly don’t know who I’d rely on for this illness!”

Even beating a dog requires considering the master! Empress Pei’s expression changed slightly. She looked at the Emperor, a trace of displeasure jumping in her eyes, her tone somewhat gloomy: “Ying Chu is a minister at my side. He’s not some ‘thing.’ Please don’t address him this way, Your Majesty.”

These words caused the Emperor to laugh loudly. He looked at the Empress, then glanced at Ying Chu: “I told you long ago—a cat you raise that doesn’t obey will scratch you someday. You indulge him so much—is he truly loyal to you?”

Ying Chu lowered his head without saying a word, not even raising his head to meet the Emperor’s gaze. Under those cold eyes, he had almost nowhere to hide.

Empress Pei sighed slowly: “I naturally trust Ying Chu. All these years he’s been utterly loyal. Why must Your Majesty sow discord?” Her eyes, usually calm, now revealed a trace of faint hatred: “Your Majesty should take the medicine soon to recover quickly.”

The Emperor closed his eyes. His hands trembled, but ultimately he still swallowed the medicine. Then he opened his eyes and laughed softly, saying: “I’ve always wondered—is this poison or medicine that cures illness?”

Empress Pei felt uncontrollable anger rise in her heart. The Emperor’s tone was very malicious, clearly deliberately provocative. If his purpose was to anger her, he’d truly succeeded. Empress Pei ultimately only smiled slightly: “Your Majesty, this is naturally medicine that cures illness.”

The Emperor laughed coldly, saying sharply: “Oh, medicine? Then why has Ying Chu refused to give me the formula all these years? Must I beg you each time to make the medicine? If you didn’t harbor selfish motives, why would you do this!”

Empress Pei looked calmly at the Emperor: “You’re wrong.”

The Emperor sneered: “Where am I wrong?”

They heard Empress Pei say word by word: “Your Majesty, if this medicine truly had problems, by today you absolutely couldn’t still be sitting here perfectly fine.”

Indeed, if Empress Pei truly wanted to kill the Emperor, after taking this medicine for so many years, he should have died long ago. But apart from the frequently recurring headache condition, he hadn’t lost his life because of it. Yet so what? He clearly had this handle in the other’s hands, having no choice but to be controlled by her. Actually, the Emperor had sought famous physicians. He’d searched the entire realm, yet not one person could treat his headache condition. More importantly, he’d once secretly hidden this medicine, holding it under his tongue. After they left, he’d spit the pill out, trying to have someone analyze its composition to see what ingredients it contained. Unfortunately, those foolish imperial physicians knew nothing.

When imperial physicians didn’t work, the Emperor quietly sought those extraordinary people in the martial world. But the conclusion was still the same four words: nothing known. How could this not frustrate him! So that after all these years, he still had no way to escape Ying Chu, to escape Empress Pei. Otherwise, how could he have endured until today to move against the Pei family? Thinking this, he laughed darkly: “Yes, the Empress is devoted to me, painstakingly raising this dog to make medicine for me!”

Speaking here, these were clearly insulting words. But Ying Chu’s expression remained calm, completely unmoved.

Empress Pei smiled slightly: “Your Majesty is the nation’s sovereign, brilliant and mighty, revered by all people. That he can serve Your Majesty is his fortune—there’s even less to speak of hardship.”

The Emperor glanced at Empress Pei, his gaze changing several times before sighing deeply: “Actually, I’ve thought—if you hadn’t married me back then but just married an ordinary person and lived a plain life, wouldn’t that have been fine?”

Empress Pei was slightly stunned, ultimately dismissing it with a laugh: “Throughout history, how many women can sit in the Empress’s position? Since I’ve enjoyed glory that ordinary people cannot, naturally I must pay something. Regardless of the reason, I’m grateful Your Majesty gave me everything I have today. If I’d really married an ordinary person and just lived plainly, decaying with grass and trees, what meaning would that have? Or… does Your Majesty still resent what happened back then even now?”

With the Empress’s words, the Emperor, whose expression had been relatively calm, suddenly flew into rage: “What did you say?”

Empress Pei’s eyes showed mockery: “Princess Qixia—surely Your Majesty hasn’t forgotten? You were so infatuated with her back then, even willing to offer her everything in the world. How is it that after just these few years, you no longer mention her?”

Empress Pei hadn’t mentioned this matter in many years. The Emperor’s voice suddenly became shrill and trembling: “Shut up!”

Empress Pei’s smile was full of cold poison: “Your Majesty, do you still remember that the late Emperor left a testament?”

The Emperor was shocked. He looked at Empress Pei, his gaze falling into depths. After a long time, he said gloomily: “What testament? I don’t know of it.”

Empress Pei smiled slightly: “The testament said that if you truly defied human ethics and disregarded everything, the testament could be produced to depose you. I could have produced the late Emperor’s testament when you doted on Princess Qixia, denouncing you before all civil and military officials, before all the realm’s people, saying you defied human ethics and weren’t fit to be sovereign. At that time, could you still sit securely in this position? Unfortunately, this testament was later tricked away and destroyed by you… If it remained until today, could you still sit here issuing commands!”

The Emperor said angrily: “You—shut up! Do you really think I don’t dare kill you?”

Empress Pei laughed coldly, her voice suddenly dropping low as she looked at him faintly: “Your Majesty, do you think I’d give you this opportunity?” As she spoke, she stared viciously at him.

The Emperor looked at her smile and felt his entire body shudder with horror. He could no longer control himself, pointing at her tremblingly: “Get out! Get out quickly!”

Empress Pei only looked at him quietly, that devastatingly beautiful face showing a gentle smile: “Your Majesty needn’t worry. I’ll leave now. I’ll come see Your Majesty another day. Hopefully by then you’ll have recovered.” As she spoke, she glanced at Ying Chu: “Let’s go!” Ying Chu quickly followed Empress Pei and withdrew together.

The Emperor could no longer contain himself. He suddenly stood, violently pushing over the nearby tea table. The teacups on it crashed to the floor, shattering to pieces. He said sternly: “Pei Huaizhen, you damned bitch!”

Empress Pei heard that furious roar from afar and laughed coldly, her footsteps unconsciously quickening.

Returning to her own palace, Empress Pei suddenly sat in a chair. She rubbed her temples: “Ying Chu.”

Ying Chu immediately said: “Yes, Your Majesty. This subject is here.”

Empress Pei beckoned to him: “My head aches. Massage it for me.”

Ying Chu slowly stepped forward. Empress Pei’s eyes closed slightly. Ying Chu raised his hand, then lowered it. Empress Pei waited a long time but didn’t feel any movement. Ultimately she only opened her eyes, her face showing a trace of displeasure. Seeing this, Ying Chu suddenly grasped Empress Pei’s hand and placed it at his heart, saying in a low voice: “Why must Your Majesty suffer such grievances?”

Empress Pei suddenly gradually leaned her body against Ying Chu’s chest, saying faintly: “I naturally have my reasons.”

Ying Chu closed his eyes in pain. He didn’t know when he’d lost the ability to grasp this woman’s moods. What exactly was she still staying in the palace for, keeping that dog Emperor alive? She could have eliminated him long ago, supported the Crown Prince to ascend the throne—then wouldn’t everything be hers? Why still endure like this? The Emperor was indeed cunning and treacherous, not an easy persimmon to squeeze—this was one reason. More importantly, he sensed Empress Pei never wanted to kill that person. This made his heart surge with jealousy, his voice trembling: “Your Majesty, this subject has an idea that could eliminate future troubles forever.”

Empress Pei suddenly opened her eyes, saying coldly: “Since when do you make decisions for me?”

Ying Chu was shocked and quickly knelt: “Your Majesty, this subject is guilty.”

Empress Pei gazed at him for a long time, ultimately saying nothing more, only saying faintly: “My chest hurts. Massage it for me.”

Ying Chu glanced at Empress Pei and couldn’t help but reach out his hand. The Empress Pei who’d been so fierce just moments ago now melted like spring water, leaning in Ying Chu’s embrace. But from beginning to end, her eyes held not the slightest affection—completely endless coldness. Every time she felt lonely, she’d have him come accompany her… And Ying Chu had used every method possible to serve Empress Pei. Unfortunately, he ultimately wasn’t a true man. Empress Pei couldn’t obtain what she wanted. She became extremely angry and pushed him away, saying coldly: “Get out!”

Seeing Empress Pei, who’d been gentle as water just moments ago, now become so harsh frightened Ying Chu’s heart. He hated his own incompetence in serving Empress Pei happily. But if he weren’t a eunuch, he probably couldn’t have entered the palace, much less served closely. He tremblingly left Empress Pei’s body and fell to the ground with a thud, his voice carrying hidden pain: “Your Majesty, calm your anger. This subject deserves death!” As he spoke, he raised his hand and slapped himself. This blow was extremely forceful, almost drawing blood from his mouth corner.

Empress Pei glanced at him and waved her hand: “Forget it. Go.”

Ying Chu hurriedly withdrew. Reaching the main gate, he looked back to see the door tightly closed. He couldn’t help grinding his teeth, almost drawing blood, his heart hating that Emperor to the extreme.