"How dare you interrupt when the Empress is speaking with the Emperor! Had it not been for the elixirs you gifted, you would have been struck!"
Mu Qingyao was somewhat surprised by the princess's words.
This girl was usually pure and gentle; it was rare to see her so fierce. It seemed the princess still possessed the noble bloodline of the royal family, her current assertiveness no less than anyone else's.
Ximen Xinyue's face flushed crimson as she was reprimanded by the little princess. Gritting her teeth, she fell silent and stopped speaking.
It appeared the little princess was fond of the Empress, which was why she defended her so fiercely. She would have to be cautious when dealing with her in the future.
"Yes, Princess, Xinyue remembers."
Emperor Mu Rong Liuzun cast a sidelong glance at her but said nothing. Instead, he turned his warm gaze to Mu Qingyao.
"Let her test the medicine. If there are no adverse effects, then it can be consumed."
"This?" Mu Qingyao's pupils darkened, her expression cool as she looked at Ximen Xinyue. She wasn't sure if the Nine Palaces Elixir could truly restore her internal energy, and honestly, she wanted it back too. "Let's try."
As Mu Qingyao's voice fell, the Emperor turned and swept a frigid gaze over everyone in the hall, coldly commanding, "Fetch water immediately. Have Ximen Xinyue test the medicine first, and then the Empress will take it."
"Yes, Your Majesty."
Mei Xin immediately took the order and quickly brought water, placing it within Ximen Xinyue's reach while also taking out the elixir.
With only one pill in total, everyone was curious about how it would be tested and looked towards Ximen Xinyue. She gracefully opened the brocade box, revealing a golden pill.
Beside it was a silver needle. The needle pierced the golden pill, causing it to shatter and reveal dozens of tiny pellets. Ximen Xinyue used the needle to pick up one pellet and slowly swallowed it with water.
From beginning to end, she remained composed and elegant, her movements fluid and unhurried. After taking the pellet, she bowed slowly and said with a smile,
"Your Majesty the Empress, this elixir is not poisonous. Please take it, Your Majesty."
Everyone in the hall breathed a sigh of relief. Mei Xin walked over, received the elixir, and presented it, hoping it would restore the Empress's internal energy.
"Your Majesty, please."
"Mmm," Mu Qingyao nodded. She used the silver needle to pick up the elixir. The needle had indeed not changed color, indicating it was not poisonous. She then consumed it.
She took several pellets in succession. The elixir was incredibly fragrant, dissolving upon entering her throat, leaving a lingering fragrance in her mouth. A warmth spread through her body, and within moments, internal energy flowed through her meridians. Instead of feeling tired, her spirits were greatly restored.
She subtly circulated her energy, feeling it settle in her dantian. The internal energy had inexplicably returned, and it seemed to surge even faster than before. This elixir had truly restored her internal energy, attesting to its preciousness.
"Your Majesty."
Mu Qingyao looked at the Emperor and nodded, an involuntary smile gracing her lips. Seeing her expression, the Emperor strode happily to her side, extending his hand and taking her jade-like hand. With a gentle clasp, he knew her internal energy had fully returned. His expression brightened considerably, his handsome and charming face radiating a captivating light.
Everyone in the hall stared in astonishment, especially Ximen Xinyue.
The Emperor was so handsome, yet his current happiness was for someone else. The thought pained her heart, but she couldn't show it.
Ximen Xinyue had no idea what illness the Empress had suffered from, but seeing their current joy, it seemed she had truly recovered. Her voice, like flowing water, chimed in, "Congratulations, Your Majesty."
"Excellent. Ximen Xinyue has rendered meritorious service by providing the medicine. Speak, what reward do you desire, and I shall grant it immediately."
The Emperor's mood was exceptionally good as he spoke in a deep voice.
Ximen Xinyue's dark eyes flashed with joy. What she desired most was to enter the palace, but she would never voice such a request at this moment. There was no rush for that.
"Your Majesty, Xinyue desires no reward, only that Her Majesty the Empress is safe and sound. Xinyue takes her leave."
"Very well, you may withdraw," Mu Rong Liuzun waved his hand. Ximen Xinyue, leading her maid, retreated. The two did not use a sedan chair but walked along the bluestone path back to Weiyang Palace.
The maid, Lianyan, whispered softly, "Miss, that medicine was incredibly precious. Why did you give it to that woman?"
"Foolish girl, there is always a price for gain. If I desire that man, I must sacrifice something to obtain him. Nothing in this world is achieved without effort."
Lianyan recalled the scene in the hall. The Emperor seemed very devoted, not at all like someone who easily grew tired of new affections. Why would Miss say that? She didn't understand.
In the hall of Fengluan Palace.
Mu Rong Xingzhu had already taken his leave and returned. The eunuchs and palace maids in the hall also withdrew to guard the palace gates.
In the resplendent hall, Mu Rong Liuzun held Mu Qingyao's hand and spoke slowly, "Yao'er has finally recovered her internal energy."
"Thank you for your concern, Your Majesty."
Mu Qingyao rarely smiled, her demeanor like a spring breeze, sweeping away her long-held indifference. She became as soft as water grass, making the Emperor's heart flutter. His gaze lingered on her face, and the scorching intensity of his stare made Mu Qingyao feel uneasy. She quickly sought a topic.
"Your Majesty, have the remaining rebels been apprehended during the search of Yuejue Temple?"
Upon hearing this serious topic, the Emperor's warm expression retracted, and he became somber and frigid, his pupils deep like seawater.
"No, it's clear someone else got there first and transferred them. That person is too formidable." Mu Rong Liuzun couldn't help but admire the mastermind behind it, a shadow of dark clouds covering his handsome face.
Mu Qingyao spoke slowly, "Your Majesty, who could that person behind the scenes be? And who are the other group of people?"
Mu Rong Liuzun's face turned grim and unpleasant. After a long pause, he spoke slowly, "I fear those assassins were orchestrated by the Prince of Beijin. I can't imagine anyone else daring to do such a thing, yet to say no one dares is also incorrect. Now, another group has emerged from the shadows. What do they intend to do?"
Mu Qingyao reached for a nearby chessboard, deliberately placing a few chess pieces in the center. She spoke slowly.
"If this is Your Majesty, and this is the Prince of Beijin, and Your Majesty and the Prince of Beijin were to fight, it would undoubtedly result in mutual destruction. Then, is it possible that the mantis stalks the cicada, unaware of the oriole behind?" Mu Qingyao placed another chess piece.
Mu Rong Liuzun's pupils flashed with terrifying light.
"Could it be the Chu family? How dare they?"
Mu Qingyao remained silent, lifting a tea pot. Her gaze fixed on the chessboard.
If it weren't for this situation, she couldn't fathom what the other group was trying to accomplish.
Moreover, the Chu family was the most suspicious. They controlled half of Xianyue's military power. While openly supporting the Empress Dowager, who was the Prince of Beijin, in obtaining the throne, they were secretly making other moves.
Only this could explain why someone came forward to help them that night – because the other group did not want the Prince of Beijin to easily ascend the throne.