"Is she settling in well at the Shu Residence?"
A cold, magnetic voice rang out. Mu Hen, startled, quickly regained his composure and replied, "Reporting to Your Majesty, this old subject is currently helping my daughter find a new residence. Firstly, her facial blemishes cause her considerable distress. Secondly, she mentioned wanting to establish a place to manufacture military weapons, so this old subject will be attending to that matter shortly."
Murong Liu Zun's lips curved slightly, his unfathomably deep black eyes growing even more profound. A hint of a wild, unrestrained smile touched the corners of his eyes.
This was his oversight. Given her disposition, she could tolerate the unusual gazes of her own family, but would be more at ease with strangers. It was the eyes of her family that made her uncomfortable.
A fleeting gleam flashed in Emperor Xian's sharp black eyes as he slowly spoke, "Prime Minister, you need not worry about this matter. Leave it to me. I have long wished to do something for her."
"Thank you, Your Majesty," Mu Hen bowed to receive the imperial favor. He opened his mouth, but ultimately asked nothing. In truth, he truly wished to know how the Emperor would arrange for Yao'er, and for Little Fish. That was, after all, of the imperial bloodline.
However, Mu Hen was unaware that Qing Yao and Little Fish had no desire to return to the palace. It was not a matter of how the Emperor would arrange for them, but that the ultimate say lay with that mother and daughter, not the Emperor, a fact unknown to outsiders.
Mu Hen withdrew and returned to the Mu Residence.
At the Mu Residence, Princess Murong Xingzhu remained until evening before returning to the palace. After her departure.
An uninvited guest arrived at Qing Courtyard. It was the Emperor himself, dressed in civilian attire. A Jiu and Hua Li Ge stood guard outside, while Chang Ting and Duan Hun had already returned to their respective positions.
In the parlor, Qing Yao invited the Emperor to sit. Mo Chou brought tea and then retreated. Qing Yao slowly spoke.
"Why has Your Majesty left the palace privately again? It is fraught with danger outside the palace. Your Majesty should be more careful."
As Qing Yao's words fell, Murong Liu Zun's heart warmed, his eyes deepening as he slowly said, "Yao'er, are you concerned for me?"
"One could say so," Qing Yao pursed her lips and smiled faintly. This man was truly adept at seizing opportunities. However, she immediately added, "We are in a partnership now. If you are well, then I will be well, will we not?"
"You…"
Murong Liu Zun gazed at her indulgently, a look of both helplessness and exasperation on his face. However, he had come with a serious purpose tonight. His expression turned stern, and he spoke gravely, "I heard from the Prime Minister that Yao'er intends to find a new residence outside. Is this true?"
Qing Yao raised an eyebrow, looking at him calmly. She hadn't expected her Prime Minister father to tell him everything. But he would know sooner or later, so she didn't deny it, simply gazing at him, wondering what he intended. Had he come out of the palace specifically for this?
"Since that is the case, why not reside at the Imperial Villa? That place has been vacant since it was built. Since you and Little Fish do not wish to return to the palace, then stay at the Villa. That way, at least I can be at ease knowing you are living comfortably."
"Your Majesty is too thoughtful. I would prefer to find a new place. Your Majesty and I no longer have any relationship. Residing at the Imperial Villa is simply not justifiable in any way."
"Yao'er, I insist on this point."
A steadfast glow shone in Emperor Xian's eyes, as calm as a deep pool. His handsome face exuded an innate dominance.
He believed that a truly good man should stand firm on what he must, and that he was doing this for her own good.
"Do not forget that Little Fish is my child. I wish for her to live a better life, and there is nothing wrong with that. Furthermore, for the matters you intend to undertake, no place is safer than the Imperial Villa."
After Murong Liu Zun spoke, Qing Yao carefully considered his words. It wasn't the part about Little Fish living comfortably that swayed her, but the safety of her endeavors. The Villa was vast and spacious, making it convenient for any undertaking. Moreover, being imperial property, no one would dare trespass. It was indeed more secluded and convenient than other places.
"Very well. However, no one is to enter without my permission."
"I can guarantee this point."
Seeing her agree, Murong Liu Zun felt a measure of relief. The thought of them residing at the Villa put his mind at ease. He did not wish for mother and daughter to suffer any harm. Although with her current abilities, it was unlikely anyone could hurt her, he always wished to do something for her.
"Alright," Qing Yao nodded. Since there was a ready-made excellent location, why refuse? Having settled this matter with the Emperor, there was another issue.
"Your Majesty should summon the court officials to discuss strategies for unifying the Seven Kingdoms. The most pressing matter is how many troops the court can deploy. These soldiers will require retraining, which will take at least three to six months. During this period, we will first capture the Huang Yuan Kingdom."
"Capture the Huang Yuan Kingdom," Murong Liu Zun gazed at Qing Yao with deep, dark eyes, unsure of the meaning behind her words.
"What does Yao'er mean?"
"Three courses of action, proceeding simultaneously. First, the arms factory must be immediately established to build various weapons usable in warfare. Of course, we will charge for these weapons, and I will provide the data to Your Majesty. Second, immediately dispatch two hundred thousand troops for retraining. I will provide you with a training plan and send several individuals from Feng Chen Palace to coordinate with you. While the court's generals may already be excellent, I am not yet certain if they are sufficient to bear such responsibility, so I must see their true capabilities."
"And the third?"
Qing Yao paused, frowning slightly, and spoke calmly.
"I can help you capture the Huang Yuan Kingdom without a single soldier."
Upon her words, Emperor Xian's expression clouded over with a dark gleam, his black eyes widening before slowly returning to their placid state. "Yao'er? How will you do it?"
She was never one to make idle boasts. If she said it, she could undoubtedly accomplish it, and he believed her. He simply didn't know how she would proceed.
"Do you know Mo You?" Qing Yao looked up at Emperor Xian. His handsome face remained impassive, his eyes growing deeper and more profound, waiting quietly for her next words.
"He is the Seventh Prince of the Huang Yuan Kingdom and the late Emperor's chosen successor. I only need to help him reclaim the throne, and have them submit a letter of surrender, becoming a vassal state of the Xian Yue Kingdom."
Qing Yao's expression was serene, her face bathed in the light of wisdom. Her clear eyes held authority, and at this moment, looking at her, one would never feel that the red blemishes on her face could diminish her. Even like this, she was a radiant presence.
However, the Emperor harbored a concern: "But even if Mo You ascends the throne, he may not truly be willing to submit. Moreover, if he submits to Xian Yue immediately upon his enthronement, what will the people of Huang Yuan say of him?"
Qing Yao's eyes gleamed with intelligence, and she curved her lips into a faint smile. "I did not say he must declare allegiance immediately. This is merely an agreement between him and me. As for the public matters, I will assist him. Our two families will cooperate to attack the Dan Feng Kingdom. His letter of surrender will only be presented when the world is unified, at which point he will step forward and feign surrender. At that time, the populace will only express gratitude to such a ruler, as he will have spared them the ravages of war."
As Qing Yao finished speaking, even the astute Murong Liu Zun could not help but admire her strategic mind. It was indeed a plan with layers, a move within a move. Now, it was simply a matter of seeing how she would persuade Mo You, who seemed to have no desire to be an emperor.
"Mo You may not be willing to return."
"That, Your Majesty need not worry about. I have just received news that the old Emperor is gravely ill. His father, who doted on him, would he not wish to see his father one last time?"
Qing Yao spoke calmly. In truth, everyone possessed an irresistible sentiment towards family affection, just like her, and like Wu Qing.