The Chu family did indeed invite trouble, just as the Empress had said, all because of that half of the military power. Chu Yuyan, realizing this, burst into laughter, then stumbled back a few steps, leaving the great hall unsteadily. As long as this man wished for your death, there would always be a reason.
Several young eunuchs followed behind Chu Yuyan as she walked out.
The great hall fell silent. The Emperor furrowed his brows, casting a cold glance at Mu Hen kneeling at the head of the hall, and slowly spoke.
"Is the Right Prime Minister truly ill? Could he not be feigning?"
"Your Majesty, this old minister has sent a physician to examine him. The Right Prime Minister is indeed ill, and gravely so."
"Very well, imprison him in the great jail for now. His case will be tried alongside that of the Prince of Beijin. If found guilty, he shall be punished."
"Your minister obeys your command," the Left Prime Minister and the Minister of Justice replied respectfully, accepting the decree. Mu Rong Liu Zun waved his hand, "You may all withdraw."
"Your minister takes his leave," the two men retreated.
Silence descended upon the great hall. The scent of dragon-saliva incense from the golden cauldron permeated every corner. After handling state affairs, the Emperor's eyes, filled with a warmth that swept over everything, were exceptionally gentle, a smile gracing his lips. Ah Jiu, seeing the Emperor in such high spirits, quickly stepped forward to ask, "Your Majesty, shall I prepare dinner?"
Xian Di stood up but remained silent. It was only after descending from his high seat that he spoke with evident pleasure, "Prepare the carriage to Fengluan Palace."
So, the Emperor wished to visit the Empress. No wonder his mood was so good. Ah Jiu immediately called out loudly, "Your Majesty, prepare the carriage to Fengluan Palace."
Outside the great hall, a soft sedan chair was already prepared. Once the Emperor boarded, the entourage majestically proceeded towards Fengluan Palace.
The moonlight was like water, the night cool and thin. The fresh fragrance of flowers and grass filled the air. The Imperial Palace grounds were as if shrouded in a light mist, like smoke and like rosy clouds.
At Fengluan Palace, Mu Qingyao was leading Meixin and Mochou towards the side hall for a meal. As the group passed through the carved dragon and phoenix corridor, they heard the high-pitched calls of eunuchs outside the great hall: "His Majesty has arrived."
Mu Qingyao stopped, standing by the carved railing, and looked at the man emerging from the sedan chair. It was indeed the Emperor.
He was still clad in his imperial yellow dragon robe, his head adorned with a gleaming purple-gold coronet. The golden light, under the moonlight, rippled with captivating waves. He walked with imposing dignity, like a precious sword hidden within its scabbard, concealing its sharp edge. Yet, she knew how sharp its gleam would be once unsheathed.
"Your Majesty."
Mu Qingyao called out with a clear, cool voice. Her clear eyes were as pure as spring water. Mu Rong Liu Zun walked over from the side corridor, extended his hand, and placed it around her shoulder. "Yao'er, have you not eaten yet? I will dine with you." His affection and natural demeanor were evident as he embraced her and led her towards the side hall.
Mu Qingyao remained impassive, allowing him to embrace her into the side hall. She wondered what scheme he was hatching.
She had heard that Chu Qianyi had escaped from prison, and that the Chu family had been imprisoned. This was the consequence of the Chu family refusing to relinquish their military power.
Watching him move with flowing grace, his every move deadly, one step interlocking with the next, as if all matters were within his grasp, were all worldly affairs truly as he wished? She doubted it. A hint of coldness flashed in Mu Qingyao's eyes.
The side hall was resplendent with light. The Emperor had removed his purple-gold coronet, his ink-black hair lightly tied back. The eunuchs and palace maids had all withdrawn; only he and she remained.
In the center of the hall, a banquet was laid out. Nectar and delicacies were all presented on the table. Mu Qingyao quietly gazed at the Emperor, her eyes calm and undisturbed. She wanted to see what exactly this man was planning.
"Come, Yao'er, you must be hungry. I am very happy tonight, let us have a toast."
So, he was happy. Of course, he was happy. In the vast world, with everything under his command, how could he not be happy?
However, seeing his joy, Mu Qingyao's heart also gradually relaxed. She knew this was not his fault. Having grown up in the imperial family, if you don't kill others, others will kill you. The Emperor was merely employing shrewd strategies.
She did not blame him, only found his methods alarming, and feared she herself might be a pawn in his intricate game, which was why she hesitated.
Why not relax tonight? With this thought, she smiled faintly, and a captivating radiance immediately appeared on her face.
"Very well, Your Majesty."
Mu Rong Liu Zun's eyes were clear and bright, a fervent glow coloring their depths. He raised the jade goblet on the table and drank it down first. Mu Qingyao, without suspicion, also drank hers. The fragrance was indeed pleasant; it was truly good wine.
"How is this wine?" the Emperor asked softly, while using his chopsticks to pick up a piece of stir-fried scallop and placing it before Mu Qingyao. "Try these scallops, they are quite delicious."
"The wine is good, and the dishes are also good. However, Your Majesty seems overly..." Mu Qingyao did not finish her sentence, instead, she lowered her head and gently chewed the stir-fried scallop. It was indeed delectable, tender and fresh.
The Emperor, being so astute and perceptive, must have understood the meaning behind her words. He couldn't help but laugh heartily.
"Yao'er, what are you thinking? In this deep palace, you are my only confidante. I am simply very happy, which is why I sought you out to savor some wine."
After speaking, Mu Rong Liu Zun poured more fine wine for both of them, his gaze lingering on Mu Qingyao beside him, and said earnestly, "Yao'er, do you not see my sincerity? I only wish for you to stay, to accompany me for a lifetime."
Mu Qingyao looked up. Whether it was the wine or the Emperor's words that intoxicated her, her cheeks suddenly flushed. She gazed gently at the man, as pure as the moon, so warm, so sincere, and her heart fluttered. She looked utterly radiant.
"A lifetime?"
Was that possible? How many people in the world truly lasted a lifetime? How many days and nights would that be? Who could maintain their initial affection until old age?
"I will make you believe. Come, Yao'er, another toast." Mu Rong Liu Zun drank another cup, his eyes shining like stars, a hidden, secret fluctuation within their depths, and a captivating temptation curved his lips. Mu Qingyao, without suspicion, accompanied him for another drink. She couldn't drink any more, shaking her head, which somehow conjured a sky full of sparks.
"Your Majesty, I cannot drink any more."
"Good, we shall not drink anymore. How do you feel, Yao'er?"
His voice, warm and magnetic as wine, resonated in her ears. Mu Qingyao found his voice so pleasant. She reached out as if to grasp it, but her body was already tilting to the side. Her mind was becoming hazy. Why was this happening? It was only two cups of wine.
By normal standards, she could have easily handled two cups of wine. What was happening today?
"I feel dizzy," Mu Qingyao murmured, and then her entire body fell into his broad embrace. Smelling the familiar scent of dragon-saliva incense, she curled up like a docile kitten, finding a comfortable position, and fell asleep.
The Emperor smiled, his star-like eyes sparkling, as dark and deep as a secluded abyss. He lifted the enchanting woman in his arms and walked out of the side hall.
He had seen her inner unease and her speculations about him. He did not want her to leave, so he had to make her conceive a child. Only when she was with child would she stay, and the imperial lineage would then continue.