"Your servant greets Her Majesty the Empress."
"Rise," Mu Qingyao flicked her flowing sleeve.
A Jiu quickly turned to lead the Empress towards the main hall. Mu Qingyao observed his slender, willow-like figure, her brows furrowing deeper. From the solemn expressions of the ministers outside to A Jiu's pallor, she had a faint feeling that the matter at hand was very serious.
She feared that the Prince of Nan'an would not escape accusation, otherwise, everyone would not appear so grave.
Within the great hall, dragon saliva incense burned in a golden tripod. A gentle breeze lifted the yellow gauze curtains, revealing luxurious splendor everywhere.
Upon the high seat, the tall and slender Mu Rong Liu Zun sat on the golden dragon couch, his sharp and bright eyes fixed on Mu Qingyao as she entered the hall.
"Qingyao greets His Majesty."
"Empress, you are excused. Be seated," Mu Rong Liu Zun's voice was cold and unfathomable. Though a thousand armies seemed to be churning within his heart, his demeanor was contained and steady. With a wave of his hand, he gestured for Mu Qingyao to sit down.
"Thank you, Your Majesty," Mu Qingyao performed the courtesy motions impassively and took a seat to the side. Since this man wasn't mentioning the Prince of Nan'an, why should she make an unnecessary effort?
However, Princess Mu Rong Xing Zhu grew anxious and quickly spoke up.
"Imperial Brother, quickly tell me about Third Imperial Brother's affairs. I've invited Imperial Sister-in-law. Imperial Sister-in-law is very intelligent and might have a way to clear Third Imperial Brother's name."
"Xing Zhu?" The Emperor's stern voice held a hint of displeasure. His narrow phoenix eyes swept over his beloved younger sister. Seeing the tear tracks on her beautiful, delicate face and her red eyes, he felt a pang of concern.
It seemed this girl had been crying for a long time. She must have been worried sick about her Third Imperial Brother. Although the Prince of Nan'an treated women like clothing, he was very fond of Xing Zhu and fulfilled his duties as an elder brother. That was why Xing Zhu was frantic about his current predicament.
"Imperial Brother, don't blame Xing Zhu first. I just want to save Third Imperial Brother." The young girl's eyes reddened again as she spoke.
Mu Rong Liu Zun could no longer bear to reprimand her. The solemn expression on his handsome face relaxed slightly, and he spoke coldly, "Sit down."
"Yes, Imperial Brother."
Xing Zhu responded obediently. Now was the time to discuss important matters, not to cry. Third Imperial Brother was still imprisoned. When had someone as noble as him ever been locked up in a prison?
"Qingyao, you know about the Prince of Nan'an's situation?"
Mu Rong Liu Zun's tone was as continuous as seawater, becoming gentle as he slowly looked at Mu Qingyao.
His black, glass-like pupils were clear, openly displaying his anxiety. He knew that only by showing his most genuine thoughts could this woman before him potentially help him.
"Yes, Xing Zhu rushed to Feng Luan Palace early this morning crying. Does Your Majesty think Qingyao wouldn't know?"
Mu Qingyao glanced at Mu Rong Xing Zhu with a hint of annoyance. The latter stuck out her tongue and offered both clasped hands and a bow, looking quite adorable. Seeing her pitiable state, Mu Qingyao didn't press her further.
"Qingyao would like to know more details. For example, has Your Majesty questioned the Prince of Nan'an about whether he visited the other palace? At the Ch'ou hour last night, he was still in the imperial palace; why did he appear at the other palace? And those so-called witnesses, did they personally see the Prince of Nan'an walk out of the Imperial Grand Princess's chambers? If any part of this chain of events is flawed, it could plunge the Prince of Nan'an into deep trouble. Conversely, it could become strong evidence proving that the Prince of Nan'an is not the murderer of the Imperial Grand Princess."
The hall was silent. Not a sound could be heard.
Only Mu Qingyao's clear and cool voice flowed like a babbling stream, making everyone feel refreshed.
Mu Rong Liu Zun gazed at Mu Qingyao, his black eyes unblinking. His mind became increasingly clear, and the oppressive gloom that had accumulated all morning gradually dissipated. He suddenly stood up and looked down at Mu Qingyao.
"I wish to entrust this matter to the Empress. Does the Empress think this is feasible?"
"What?" Mu Qingyao's forehead was covered in dark lines. Was this man overestimating her, or trusting her?
In her memory, the inner palace in ancient times was not allowed to interfere in state affairs. Furthermore, given the Emperor's capabilities, he could surely ascertain the truth. Why would he want her to do such a thing?
Moreover, thinking of what Changsun Zhu had said, her expression turned cold.
"Qingyao must be wondering why I am not investigating this matter myself and am asking you to do it. In truth, if I were to personally handle it, the truth would be revealed. However, with the envoys from the six nations residing in the other palace, if I were to make a move, it would surely alert the people from the other five nations. They would certainly take action behind the scenes, thus making Xian Yue Kingdom and Dan Feng Kingdom subject to them. But now, since I have not made any overt moves, they naturally will not be wary. And Qingyao, besides myself, is the most powerful person. By investigating secretly, I believe the truth will be uncovered quickly. This time, I and the Empress will perform a double act. Is it feasible?"
A deep gleam flickered in Mu Rong Liu Zun's eyes. The long, slender eyelashes on his handsome face trembled, revealing profound stratagem. Even Mu Qingyao had to admire the Emperor's intelligence; every step was well-planned.
Looking at the current situation, no one was more suitable than her to investigate this case. As the Empress, she could move freely between the Ministry of Justice and the other palace. Moreover, it was generally known that the inner palace was not to meddle in politics. Who would have thought that Emperor Xian would employ such an unusual tactic, having a woman come forward to investigate this matter secretly?
And he remained standing in place, with everyone's eyes fixed on him, which unexpectedly provided Mu Qingyao with an advantageous position.
Mu Qingyao smiled, warmth in her eyes, but her words lacked any heat.
"Why should I help that fellow? If Your Majesty remembers correctly, he was also causing trouble for me yesterday."
Mu Rong Liu Zun's narrow eyebrows arched. His handsome face was adorned with a smile, his black eyes filled with boundless charm. The corner of his lips curled into an alluring smile. Women, truly, held grudges. He slowly rose from the high seat and looked directly at Mu Qingyao.
"If Qingyao helps me this time, I will owe you a favor. Should you have any requests in the future, no matter what they are, I will grant them."
A smile flickered in Mu Qingyao's dark eyes, her face radiating brilliance. This was quite a good deal. As for anything else, they would discuss it later. She immediately extended her hand: "Alright, deal."
"Deal," the two hands, one large and one small, clasped tightly, fitting together naturally. Following that, they smiled together...
Sunlight streamed in from the palace doors, bathing the hall in golden light. In front of the doors, fragrant flowers had shed their last bloom, leaving behind an endless fragrance in the world. As the wind blew, fragrance permeated the air.
Amidst the ten thousand rays of golden light, a pair of perfectly matched figures stood far apart, like golden boy and jade girl, handsome and dazzling, captivating all eyes.
Mu Qingyao smiled serenely, like a holy lotus. Her faint brows were naturally arched, her eyes sparkling and radiant, as if holding shimmering water waves. Her small lips were moist and full, and she exuded confidence and wisdom, making her a woman who drew everyone's gaze.