Mu Qingyao finished her business and looked up at the Emperor, who had shown no expression and said nothing from beginning to end.
"Qingyao takes her leave."
With that, she swept out gracefully. In the grand hall, Xi Men Xin Yue was truly stunned, tears welling in her eyes, wishing she could spew blood from hatred.
That woman had actually struck her in front of the Emperor, and the Emperor seemed not to have noticed. This almost made her faint. Her other cheek had been slapped by herself earlier, and she knew the extent of it, but that vile woman had used all her strength, leaving half her head buzzing. "Your Majesty."
Murong Liu Zun waved his hand, his tone softening slightly. "Alright, you may go. Do not forget, the Empress is always the Empress."
"Yes, Your Majesty." This time, her attempt to gain an advantage had backfired. She had originally intended to get some unspeakable secrets from Eunuch Li.
Who knew that the Empress's subordinates would barge in, not only taking Eunuch Li away but also striking her.
Indeed, she knew martial arts, but she was no match for those two. One person was manageable, but two were not. Moreover, they hadn't hit her face. She had intended to gain the Emperor's sympathy, but instead of sympathy, she had received a heavy slap.
Seeing her tearful, fragile appearance, coupled with the severe swelling on her usually gentle and lovely face, the Emperor felt a trace of pity and instructed Ah Jiu, who stood at the side.
"Summon an imperial physician to examine her."
"Yes, Your Majesty." Ah Jiu led her out.
At the last moment, Xi Men Xin Yue felt the Emperor's softening.
This was the first time she had seen hope in a long time. In the end, her cheek didn't even hurt anymore. A man's heart, as long as it softened, could be managed. A smile flickered at the corner of her lips.
The Grand Hall of Fengluan Palace.
Mu Qingyao looked coldly at Eunuch Li below, his face bearing marks, seemingly from a bad blow by Xi Men Xin Yue.
"Eunuch Li, I have asked you here because I wish you to do something for me?"
"Empress Niang Niang, this humble one is terrified. This humble one does not know what he can do for Empress Niang Niang." Eunuch Li knelt down with a thud and kowtowed repeatedly.
"Very well. It concerns the treason case of the King of Beijin. I wish for you to testify."
Mu Qingyao stated her request concisely. As soon as her words fell, Eunuch Li hesitated, remaining motionless for a long time.
"I know what you are worried about. If you help me accomplish this, I can give you a sum of money, enough for you to live out your years comfortably, and then arrange for someone to escort you out of the palace."
As soon as Mu Qingyao finished speaking, Eunuch Li immediately nodded. "This humble one thanks Empress Niang Niang for her grace. Niang Niang, please rest assured, this humble one will certainly do this matter well."
Although Eunuch Li was a servant under the Empress Dowager, he had heard much about the Empress Niang Niang during his time in the palace and understood her character. He trusted her implicitly. Therefore, he believed her words wholeheartedly.
Unlike that woman Xi Men Xin Yue, even if she were to beat him to death, he would not believe a word she said.
"Very well, Mo Chou, take Eunuch Li down and arrange for someone to send him to the King of Nan'an's residence. The King of Nan'an will know what to do."
"Yes, Niang Niang." Mo Chou bowed her head in assent and walked to Eunuch Li, signaling him to follow her out. Before leaving, Eunuch Li kowtowed deeply to Mu Qingyao again. "Thank you, Empress Niang Niang, thank you, Empress Niang Niang."
The hall fell silent. Mu Qingyao was enveloped in an aura of detachment, leaning languidly on the couch with a pensive expression.
Mo You and Mei Xin dared not disturb her. Finally, even Mo Chou entered, but the Niang Niang had not moved.
All three felt that the Niang Niang seemed different, as if she were making a decision. What could it be? The three exchanged glances.
Mu Qingyao maintained her posture for a full hour before stretching. She raised her eyebrows and opened her eyes, her gaze calm and clear.
"The three of you come here. The others may withdraw."
"Yes, Niang Niang." A flurry of movement filled the hall. Those who should withdraw did so, and those who should come forward did so, all respectfully gazing at their master at the upper seat. She leaned forward, curled up on the couch, like a lazy and noble cat.
"Mei Xin, Mo Chou, Mo You, I have decided on something. It is time for you to know?"
"Yes, Niang Niang, please speak." The three spoke in unison, their voices deep. The Niang Niang was so solemn; this matter must be very important, otherwise, she would not be so dignified.
Mu Qingyao raised an eyebrow, her gaze drifting to the air. Determination was in her eyes. "I have decided that after the King of Beijin's matter is concluded, I will leave to roam the martial world. Are you willing to leave here with me?"
The hall fell into silence. The three exchanged glances, remaining motionless for a long time. Their only thought was, what had happened to the Niang Niang?
The Emperor doted on the Niang Niang. Why did the Niang Niang want to leave? However, since their mistress wished to leave, they had no reason to stay, and they responded in unison.
"Yes, your servant (subordinate) is willing to accompany Niang Niang."
"Good. You know what to do. In the coming days, prepare everything that needs to be prepared. When the time comes, we will leave here and go out of the palace."
Mu Qingyao spoke in a low voice. Thinking of leaving this place, her heart felt a sting, a deep discomfort.
She was not an unfeeling person. She was not unaware that that man liked her. However, recently, she increasingly felt the gap between them and the vast misunderstanding in their concepts.
For instance, she did not agree with punishing an entire family for one person's crime, nor did she like cruel and bloodthirsty methods. Although she was sometimes more bloodthirsty than others, it had to be directed at specific individuals.
"Yes, Niang Niang."
The three took their orders. In fact, they were quite happy to think of leaving the palace. The imperial palace, though magnificent, was ultimately a cage. The Niang Niang's departure was perhaps a yearning for freedom.
"Mm, you may all go."
Mu Qingyao waved her hand, wishing to be alone.
After returning from Liuli Palace today, she had genuinely thought about it. She did not want to wait until they truly turned against each other and the situation became irreconcilably tense before leaving.
At that point, she might not even have her dignity left. She did not approve of the Emperor's methods, and similarly, the Emperor might not approve of her ways of handling matters.
Today, she had struck Xi Men Xin Yue. Although the Emperor had not said anything, she had not missed the fleeting darkness in his eyes.
She knew he was blaming her, blaming her for doing such a thing in front of him. Her silence did not mean ignorance.
Some rifts had already formed, and even if ignored, they could not be erased from the heart.
Just as she could not tolerate in her heart that he viewed human lives as mere grass, she could not overlook the schemes he employed to keep her.
If it were true love, it should at least be open and sincere. If love also involved schemes, then this love was not what she desired.
Everything would come to an end. This place ultimately did not belong to her.