The Emperor Xian Murong Liu Zun pursed his lips, released his hand, and said naturally, "I am going to the side palace to appease the King of Danfeng, Ji Wangye. Qingyao, you can come with me. It's a good opportunity to re-examine the scene."
"Yes, Your Majesty."
Mu Qingyao slowly responded. Since she had received his promise, she should naturally do her part.
One should know that at this moment, they were not Emperor and Empress, but friends fighting side by side. Their relationship had gone from strangers to familiar, and would slowly become friends.
The Emperor had not used his authority to suppress her, but had given her equal respect. By helping him once, she gained a promise, which would surely be useful.
As soon as the two finished speaking, Princess Murong Xingzhu, who had been stunned, quickly spoke up, "Imperial Brother, may I investigate this matter with Imperial Sister-in-law?"
"No, your presence will affect your Imperial Sister-in-law's actions. Don't you want to save our Third Imperial Brother?"
As soon as Emperor Xian spoke, Murong Xingzhu naturally pursed her lips. Now, all she wanted was for her Imperial Sister-in-law to quickly save their Third Imperial Brother. It seemed she should obediently stay in the palace. Otherwise, if Imperial Sister-in-law became angry and refused to help Imperial Brother, it would be troublesome.
The usually restless little princess, uncharacteristically calm, nodded, "Yes, this Imperial Sister understands. Imperial Brother and Imperial Sister-in-law, please go quickly."
Murong Liu Zun and Mu Qingyao said no more. The two handsome and elegant figures walked out of the Liuli Palace together, followed by a line of eunuchs and palace maids.
In front of the Liuli Palace gate, a magnificent eight-treasure canopy covered a imperial carriage inlaid with rubies.
Murong Liu Zun and Mu Qingyao boarded the imperial carriage one after another, heading towards the side palace.
The side palace was located to the northwest of the Xian Yue Kingdom's imperial palace, closely connected but not entirely accessible. They were only connected by a long tiger head alley. On both sides of the alley were two tall tiger head palace gates guarded by imperial guards. It was impossible to enter the imperial palace or the side palace at will. Only with the Emperor's imperial decree would the imperial guards open the gates.
Inside the luxurious imperial carriage.
Mu Qingyao casually gazed out at the red alley, which seemed to stretch endlessly. Even the sunlight overhead could not penetrate, as there was no sunlight throughout the year. The wind swept down from mid-air, casting a gloomy and eerie atmosphere.
Murong Liu Zun sat in the imperial carriage, leaning against a soft fur carpet. His star-like eyes were slightly narrowed, those phoenix eyes filled with a captivating charm. As his gaze flowed, it exuded an alluring allure. The corners of his lips curved into a smile that could enchant the heart. A faint, elusive scent of dragon saliva filled the small space, and his magnetic voice sounded at the opportune moment.
"Qingyao, what are you looking at?"
Mu Qingyao was surprised by his sudden voice. She turned to see the man with a face-shattering smile, his eyes filled with boundless elegance.
No wonder the two elder sisters wanted to serve him; he truly had the capital to bewitch people. As for her, her gaze dimmed slightly. If it weren't for the knot in her heart, she might have been moved, but now her heart was as still as water. She was not considering matters of romance at the moment.
"Your Majesty, I am looking at the city walls. This alley seems to have no end."
"Because the other end of the imperial palace is the side palace, used to entertain envoys from other countries. Considering that they may not be well-intentioned, it was built further away."
Murong Liu Zun seemed to be in a good mood. A warm airflow circulated in the imperial carriage, and the two chatted naturally...
"If I remember correctly, Qingyao seems to have had some conflict with the King of Nan'an. Besides last night, there were also occasions before..."
The Emperor's words were to the point. Smart people didn't need to be so explicit. As soon as he spoke, Mu Qingyao understood his intention. Was he suggesting she use the incident where the King of Nan'an had slapped her before as a pretext?
Everyone knew that the King of Nan'an had once slapped the third daughter of the Mu Mansion, who was now the Empress, into unconsciousness. Now that the King of Nan'an was in trouble, it was normal for the Empress to watch the show. But was this really the way?
Mu Qingyao pursed her lips and looked at the man beside her with a half-smile.
This man was truly insidious, sparing no effort and not letting go of even the smallest detail. With such a mind, he was indeed qualified to unify the seven kingdoms and pursue grand ambitions.
Recalling Changsun Zhu's words, she couldn't help but wonder if he had truly made her Empress because she was the legendary Phoenix Girl. She remembered their first meeting in the study, and he had not cared about the test with the crystal ball. If he had truly cared whether she was the legendary Phoenix Girl, she feared he would have been furious and issued an imperial decree to punish her when she broke the crystal ball. But he had not done so. Therefore, he believed more in ability. It was because his eyes had not missed her small actions at that time that she had entered the palace.
"What's wrong?"
Murong Liu Zun's magnetic, slightly deep voice sounded in her ear.
Mu Qingyao was startled and looked up, only to see his enlarged face so close to her that his breath was on her face.
Murong Liu Zun looked at the woman before him. Her face was slightly flushed pink, and her eyes flickered.
"Qingyao, we have arrived at the side palace."
"Yes, Your Majesty." Mu Qingyao regained her composure and looked out of the imperial carriage. She saw the magnificent carriage passing through the two tall tiger head palace gates and heading straight for the side palace.
Upon entering the side palace, she saw a dazzling array of flowers, swaying gracefully. Butterflies lingered, and rock gardens with flowing water, pavilions, and towers were everywhere, creating a scene of thriving prosperity.
There were twelve halls in the side palace, and the envoys from the six countries resided in these halls. These halls were staggered and not connected in the middle, each forming its own space. Unless one intentionally sought it, it was difficult to encounter anyone.
The Crown Princess of Danfeng Kingdom and King Ji were housed in the Jinhua Hall. The Jinhua Hall faced north and south, with ample sunlight. In front of the hall, a rock garden formed into strange peaks, and a fountain spurted water. The flowers and plants in the flower beds were somewhat withered. At this moment, the entire hall was silent.
The body of the Crown Princess was placed in a coffin filled with ice. King Ji had issued a warning to Xian Yue, giving them a three-day deadline. After three days, they would hand over the King of Nan'an for them to take back to Danfeng Kingdom for disposal...
In front of the hall, the palace maids from Danfeng Kingdom were filled with sorrow, their heads bowed and tears flowing.
"Your Majesty, the Empress!"
As the eunuch's voice announced their arrival, everyone knelt down. Ah Jiu respectfully extended his hand to help the Emperor alight from the imperial carriage. Mei Xin and Mo Chou, one on each side, helped their master and followed closely behind the Emperor. They both stood outside the entrance of Jinhua Hall.
Inside Jinhua Hall, the King of Beijin and two ministers from Danfeng Kingdom stood quietly to one side.
King Ji Xue, dressed in mourning attire and wearing a white silk headband, was weeping sorrowfully. Upon hearing the eunuch's announcement from outside the palace gate, he suppressed his grief, slowly stood up, and led the ministers and palace maids of Danfeng Kingdom, following behind the King of Beijin, to respectfully greet the Emperor and Empress.
"Ji Xue (this subject) pays his respects to Your Majesty, the Empress."
"Rise. Regarding the matter of the Crown Princess, I deeply regret it. I will surely find the true culprit within three days and have the King take him back to Danfeng Kingdom for disposal," Murong Liu Zun's sharp, knife-like gaze passed over Ji Xue's line of sight and landed on the King of Beijin. He then slowly said, "Imperial Brother, you have worked hard. Rise."