As their group arrived at Lijing, just as anticipated, representatives from the other six nations had also appeared. These were all important figures, and it was truly a grand gathering. Qingyao sat in her carriage, reviewing the intelligence she held.
She had informants within Lijing, so any hint of movement would reach her ears.
Lijing had indeed become a prize. Crown Prince Changsun from the Qingluo Kingdom had arrived, as had Crown Prince Shangguan from the Wanhe Kingdom. The Crown Princess of the Danfeng Kingdom was also present.
Crown Princess Ji Xue? Qingyao's eyes narrowed, a cold glint flashing within them, her lips curving into a bloodthirsty smile.
On the surface, the leader of the Xianyue Kingdom's contingent remained the Prince of Nan'an. No one knew that everyone in this group obeyed the woman veiled in sheer gauze, who appeared remarkably ordinary.
Qingyao was dressed simply, and along with Mochou, she walked beside the Prince of Nan'an. Others merely took them for the Prince's maids.
The Minister of War and the Minister of Rites from the Huangyuan Kingdom, acting on the Great Prince's orders, came to the city gates to welcome the envoys and escort them to the imperial guesthouses outside the city. They were not permitted direct entry, and naturally, these individuals were not in a hurry to enter the capital.
Lijing was currently a tempestuous place. All of them could only observe the unfolding situation. However, who among them didn't have deep-rooted connections within Lijing? Therefore, even without entering the city, they were aware of the capital's current movements.
The streets were heavily guarded. Everyone was cautious, fearing internal strife. At such a time, it was best to remain low-key and law-abiding.
Patrolling soldiers on horseback passed by frequently, casting a heavy, ominous, and unpredictable atmosphere over Lijing as the winds of change swirled.
The Great Prince had occupied the imperial palace and forbidden anyone from seeing the Emperor. Even princes, princesses, and imperial concubines were denied an audience. All news was being disseminated by Empress Xiao, and no one knew the true situation. The Fifth Prince, leading the other princes and princesses, had blockaded the main gate of the imperial palace, determined to see the Emperor one last time. The Fifth Prince was backed by the Second Great Family, and therefore, he did not fear the Empress or the Great Prince.
Just as the palace walls were about to be stained with blood, the envoys from the other six nations began arriving in Lijing. In his haste, the Great Prince dispatched the Minister of War and the Minister of Rites to properly receive them.
At this juncture, if handled poorly, the Huangyuan Kingdom might well become an object of partition among the six nations. Therefore, the Great Prince calmly and decisively issued his commands. The Fifth Prince and the royal family members did not object to such an order. Familial strife and national conflicts were always kept distinctly separate.
The Imperial Guesthouse.
The Xianyue Kingdom's contingent was housed in a particular pavilion. After traveling by horse for over ten days, they were quite weary and dismissed the maids.
In the parlor, Qingyao sat on a chair. Beside her stood the Prince of Nan'an and two officials. All eyes were fixed on the Empress. Although her face was veiled, her expression was cold, and a chilling glint flashed in her clear eyes.
"Please, all of you, sit down."
"Yes, Your Highness," the Prince of Nan'an spoke. Qingyao frowned slightly, her dark, deep eyes shooting a glance at him. She spoke slowly, "Do not address me as 'Your Highness' when we are outside."
The Prince of Nan'an paused in surprise, then accepted the instruction. He waved to the other two officials to sit down. Mochou stood guard outside the door. Moyou anxiously gazed at his master, seeing the current situation, he feared his father, the Emperor, was truly on his last legs. He had to see him one last time.
"Master, I?" Moyou began to speak, but Qingyao raised her hand. She knew what Moyou wanted to say. She slowly stood and paced the parlor. The small parlor exuded a solemn atmosphere, everyone watching her slender, willow-like figure, wondering what their mistress was thinking.
After a long while, Qingyao's pupils brightened. She suddenly stopped and turned to Moyou, "Do you know the most critical place within the imperial palace?"
"The national treasury, the foundation of the nation," Moyou, being quite intelligent, answered without hesitation.
"Good. Tonight, we set fire to the national treasury."
Mu Qingyao stated with finality. As her words fell, Moyou and the two Xianyue officials' eyes widened. Had their mistress made a mistake? She intended to burn down their national treasury. Was she trying to harm them or help them? This was clearly adding insult to injury.
Only the Prince of Nan'an watched her silently, his eyes deep, his handsome face etched with contemplation. His lips curled into a knowing smile.
"This move is quite brilliant."
Qingyao nodded lightly. Finally, someone understood her intention. "Set fire to the national treasury. The Great Prince holds command of the palace, and his burden must be immense. Therefore, he will dispatch people to extinguish the fire. During this time, the inner palace will be in chaos. We can use this opportunity to infiltrate the Emperor's sleeping quarters and meet the old Emperor."
"Alright, let's proceed with this plan."
Upon hearing that he could see his father, Moyou immediately agreed. Qingyao glanced up at the two officials opposite her. Seeing their expressions of disapproval, as if they feared causing trouble, she spoke with a calm demeanor, "My lords, there is no need to worry. You shall remain here at the guesthouse, maintaining a presence to ensure no clues are revealed. Tonight, we will not receive any visitors. State that the Prince of Nan'an has caught a slight chill during his travels and is resting."
"Yes."
The two officials immediately responded respectfully. The Emperor had issued a decree that all matters were to be obeyed by their mistress. Since that was the case, they would comply.
"Prince of Nan'an, you will take a few subordinates and infiltrate the imperial palace tonight, heading directly for the treasury."
Qingyao finished speaking and turned to look at Moyou beside her. "You shall draw a map of the imperial palace for him, so he does not make a mistake and burn unimportant areas, which would not alert the Great Prince."
"Yes..."
"Moyou, Mochou, and I will disguise ourselves as eunuchs and palace maids and enter the palace. We will use the chaos to infiltrate the Emperor's sleeping quarters."
Qingyao meticulously assigned their tasks. The group accepted their orders. "Yes."
At this moment, Mochou walked in and spoke respectfully and cautiously, "Reporting to the Prince of Nan'an, Third Prince Wen seeks an audience."
Upon hearing it was Wen Yu, Qingyao felt a slight disdain. She glanced indifferently at the Prince of Nan'an, Murong Liuzun. He and Wen Yu had been childhood friends. It wouldn't hurt to meet, but to prevent any unforeseen circumstances, she instructed Moyou, "You may retire to the inner chambers. I am also tired. Let the Prince of Nan'an catch up with Third Prince Wen."
As she finished speaking, Murong Liuzun stood up and respectfully escorted her into the inner chambers. Moyou and Mochou quietly followed behind her.
Only after the three of them had completely entered the inner chambers did the Prince of Nan'an, Murong Liuzun, turn back and sit down. He sternly ordered his subordinate at the door, "Please invite Third Prince Wen in."
"Yes, Your Highness," the subordinate respectfully went out and soon led in three people, who were Wen Yu and his two subordinates. As they entered, Wen Yu clasped his fists and laughed heartily, "Liuzun, it's been a long time."
Murong Liuzun felt both anger and annoyance towards Wen Yu. He recalled the trouble Wen Yu had caused in Xianyue in the past, which was truly troublesome. Moreover, who would have thought that the man with whom he had grown up would actually be a prince of the Yuncang Kingdom? It was truly astounding.
"It has been a long time."
Murong Liuzun's voice was somewhat subdued. He waved his hand lightly, "Please, sit."
"Thank you," Wen Yu clasped his fists in gratitude. He turned to his two subordinates beside him and said slowly, "You may both withdraw. The Prince of Nan'an of Xianyue and I are old acquaintances, and we have much to discuss."
"Yes, Third Prince."
Upon hearing his words, the Prince of Nan'an said nothing more. He glanced at the two officials beside him, "You must also be tired from your journey. Please go and rest."
"Yes, Your Highness," everyone withdrew. In the main hall, only Murong Liuzun and Wen Yu remained, seated at different levels. The surrounding atmosphere was chilling. The Prince of Nan'an, Murong Liuzun, looked coldly at the man below him, who possessed a strikingly beautiful, demonic appearance. Dressed in fine robes with ink-black hair, he exuded an air of nobility, lounging lazily in his chair with a playful smile on his lips.