The flash of sharp light in his eyes, however, did not escape Mu Qingyao’s notice.
This man was a complete fake. He was clearly the one who wanted to do this, yet he acted like an emperor who cared for his mother. He had taken all the good roles, turning her into the villain. Honestly, what did the Phoenix Seal have to do with her?
Still, she realized this man was quite the actor. If she hadn't known his true nature and understood the purpose of her entering the palace, she might have truly believed the scene before her was one of motherly love and filial piety.
Since the Emperor had spoken, the Empress Dowager could only grit her teeth in silence. This further solidified her suspicions; the entire affair was likely the Emperor’s plan.
“Fine, since the Emperor cares for this empress dowager, then I shall spare myself the trouble and seek tranquility,” the Empress Dowager calmed her emotions and spoke slowly.
Even without the Phoenix Seal, who could defy her in this palace? However, she had to get rid of this woman quickly. As for the Emperor? A bloodthirsty killing intent surfaced in the Empress Dowager’s mind…
“Xiao Li Zi.”
From a side of the palace, Eunuch Li stepped forward with trembling legs, his knees feeling weak.
Just moments ago, a bloodless war had unfolded in this very hall. Now, it seemed the Empress Dowager had been outmaneuvered.
She had intended to teach the Empress a lesson, but not only was she taught a lesson by the Empress, she also lost the Phoenix Seal. It was truly a case of losing both the battle and the army.
“Your humble servant is here.”
“Immediately retrieve the Phoenix Seal and hand it over to the Empress,” the Empress Dowager ordered, then slowly rose and looked down. “My Son, this Empress Dowager is tired and will return to her chambers to rest.”
“Mother, please take care of your health. If you feel unwell, summon the imperial physician at once,” Mu Rong Liu Zun said with concern as he escorted the Empress Dowager. Mu Qingyao, standing opposite him, curled her lips, thinking, ‘What a fake emperor.’
Two palace maids immediately stepped forward to support the Empress Dowager. She appeared unsteady on her feet and her breathing was rapid, clearly greatly angered. Princess Ru Yin also accompanied the Empress Dowager into her chambers.
In the hall, Eunuch Li flew to retrieve the Phoenix Seal.
He had been keeping it all along. The Empress Dowager had held it for over a decade. To lose it now would surely fill her heart with hatred.
It was likely that a storm of bloody conflict would soon erupt in this harem.
Would the events of over a decade ago be repeated? Eunuch Li felt a tremor of fear. Though he had not witnessed the events of that year, he knew the general outline of what had happened. However, some things were better left unsaid.
In the hall, the Emperor and Empress, a pair of majestic figures, gazed at each other across the distance. Undercurrents flowed in their eyes, their gazes strangely turbulent.
Mo Chou and Mei Xin cleverly retreated, taking with them all the eunuchs and palace maids in the hall, leaving only the Emperor and Empress alone.
Mu Rong Liu Zun, with his tall and slender frame, slowly paced to Mu Qingyao’s side. He was quite pleased with her performance today. A smile curved his lips, a captivating sight. “Empress, your performance today was excellent.”
“Thank you for your praise, Your Majesty,” Mu Qingyao met his gaze with cold eyes. All of this was his doing. She had no intention of engaging in the palace’s power struggles, yet here she was, deeply entangled.
“The Empress seems displeased.”
Mu Rong Liu Zun’s lips held a smile as he leaned closer to Mu Qingyao. A faint, elusive fragrance permeated the hall. Mu Qingyao met his gaze steadily, refusing to retreat. The clear black and white of her pupils flashed with a cold light, revealing teeth as white as jade.
“Your Majesty seems to be in a good mood.”
Haha, a deep chuckle echoed in the hall.
Mu Rong Liu Zun straightened. His handsome face, however, held no warmth. The smile did not extend to his surroundings; instead, a bloodthirsty ferocity arose. He gazed indifferently into the mid-distance for a long time before turning his head to look at Mu Qingyao.
His eyes actually held a faint, heart-wrenching pain.
“Do you think I am happy?”
Mu Qingyao was momentarily lost in thought. She hadn't expected an Emperor to have a vulnerable side, to feel pain.
What could it be? What had caused this arrogant and domineering man to carry such a scar within his heart?
Neither of them spoke. Sunlight streamed in from the palace doors. The exquisite man and woman were bathed in the light, a pair seemingly made for each other, making one hesitant to disturb them.
Eunuch Li entered, holding the Phoenix Seal, followed by Eunuch A Jiu, Mo Chou, Mei Xin, and several young palace maids. Everyone was stunned for a moment. The Emperor and Empress were truly beautiful. Standing together, they made one’s breath catch.
“Your Majesty?”
A Jiu called out softly. Mu Rong Liu Zun suddenly raised his head, his dark eyes gleaming, shimmering and radiant. A cold smile touched his lips as he commanded in a stern voice, “Return to the Imperial Study.”
“Yes, Your Majesty,” A Jiu quickly responded, wishing he could bite off his own tongue. Why had he called out so loudly? The Emperor and Empress had clearly been gazing at each other affectionately just moments ago.
No wonder His Majesty’s expression was displeased. He must be angry that his intimate moment had been interrupted. A Jiu’s mind raced with such assumptions, his face pale as he hurried to catch up with the tall figure ahead, leaving Guangyang Palace.
The Emperor departed. Eunuch Li, snapping out of his daze, quickly and respectfully presented the Phoenix Seal. The seal was placed in an ornate brocade box. The box alone was extravagantly crafted, made of pear-scented wood with rubies inlaid on its lid.
“Your Highness the Empress, the Phoenix Seal is here.”
Mu Qingyao reached out and accepted it. She admired the box for a moment before opening it. Inside, the Phoenix Seal lay perfectly positioned.
Carved from the finest natural white jade into the shape of a phoenix, Mu Qingyao held it in her hands, caressing it. It was as smooth as a baby’s skin, crystal clear. Held against the sunlight outside the palace doors, it seemed to flow like water.
Indeed, it was a precious item, no wonder so many had fought over it.
“Mo Chou, put it away. We are returning.”
“Yes, Your Highness.”
Mo Chou took the box, packed it neatly, and accompanied her mistress as they departed Guangyang Palace.
Inside and outside the palace gates, eunuchs and palace maids spoke in hushed tones, “We bid farewell to Her Highness the Empress.”
In that brief moment, everyone in Guangyang Palace knew that the Empress was no ordinary person. Perhaps, in a short time, the entire harem would know.
Previously, the palace had a formidable Empress Dowager. Now, a shrewd and wise Empress had arrived. The eunuchs and palace maids felt their future looked bleak.
Guangyang Palace, within the sleeping chambers.
Eunuch Li tiptoed in and reported cautiously, “Your Highness the Empress Dowager, Her Highness the Empress has left.”
The Empress Dowager, who had been reclining by the bed with her eyes closed, heard Eunuch Li’s words. Her face turned ashen green. She abruptly sat upright, her fury erupting as she reached out and smashed the tea set on a nearby table. With a crash, shards flew everywhere, leaving a mess on the floor.
Eunuch Li’s face turned deathly pale with fright. He immediately fell to his knees, repeatedly stammering.
“This servant deserves death, this servant deserves death.”
Princess Ru Yin, seeing Eunuch Li’s state and recalling how he had offended her earlier, became enraged. She rushed forward and kicked Eunuch Li, letting out a chilling哼.