Ye Qingtian was frustrated. He knew she wouldn't hand over that person unless he forced her, but even then, she wouldn't. It was a miscalculation. He should have used a gentler strategy.
Just then, eunuchs and palace maids rushed in. Some helped the Empress Dowager towards her sleeping quarters, while others ran to fetch the imperial physician.
Ping'an followed the Empress Dowager to her chambers.
Ye Qingtian followed behind them, his eyes lighting up as he watched Ping'an's graceful figure.
Wasn't there still Ping'an? Ping'an had loved him in the past. He wondered if he could pry some information from her. With that thought, Ye Qingtian reached out and grabbed Ping'an, speaking softly, "Ping'an, can we meet tonight?"
Ping'an shot him a cold glare, knowing perfectly well what Ye Qingtian was up to.
Perhaps a long time ago, she had loved Ye Qingtian, but seeing them like this now was truly heartbreaking.
Moreover, she had no feelings for him anymore long ago. His vulgar thoughts were truly disgusting.
"Lord Ye, please go back. This servant is busy and knows nothing about the matters between the Empress and Lord Ye."
After speaking, Ping'an turned and followed the figures ahead, quickly disappearing from sight.
Ye Qingtian glared fiercely at Ping'an, calling her a stubborn ox.
News of the Empress Dowager's collapse and spitting blood reached Jingfu Palace. Shangguan Yao merely raised an eyebrow, as if he hadn't heard. He held a grudge against his mother for hiding that person.
He had initially thought Ye Qingtian was hiding the person, but upon questioning, Ye Qingtian denied it. Shangguan Yao believed him because Ye Qingtian was his biological father and had always doted on him since childhood.
But where was that damned Murong Chong? Leng Yue was still waiting for him in Qingfeng Pavilion, wanting to see Murong Chong. What was to be done?
Shangguan Yao's eyes lit up. Why not have Song Yuan impersonate Murong Chong and see if he could obtain the Jade Dragon Talisman? This was something only Song Yuan could know; he couldn't trust anyone else.
Besides, Song Yuan's martial arts were superb, and he believed he could accomplish this. Shangguan Yao hatched his plan and immediately sent for Song Yuan to enter the palace.
"Greetings, Your Majesty."
Song Yuan was handsome and upright in character, earning Shangguan Yao's favor.
"Rise."
The Emperor's tone was steady and restrained, making it impossible to gauge his mood. However, Song Yuan dared not be careless. Accompanying a monarch was like accompanying a tiger; moreover, the Emperor's temperament was truly unpredictable and could not be compared to ordinary people.
"Thank you, Your Majesty."
Song Yuan stood up and waited below for the Emperor's command, unsure why he had been summoned to the palace.
"Song Yuan, the reason I want to capture Murong Chong is because he sent people into the palace to steal the Jade Dragon Talisman. That is why I want to capture him."
As Shangguan Yao finished speaking, he fixed his gaze on Song Yuan. Song Yuan looked up, completely stunned. Did this mean the Emperor's fury and the capture of Murong Chong a few days ago were all because the Jade Dragon Talisman was stolen?
"Your Majesty, this matter?"
He wanted to ask why he was being told this, but he didn't dare to speak casually. It was better to wait patiently. Since the Emperor had summoned him to the palace, he would naturally say what needed to be said.
"This Jade Dragon Talisman was actually stolen by Leng Yue, who is a pawn of Murong Chong. Now he has entered the palace wanting to see Murong Chong, but Murong Chong is missing. To retrieve the Jade Dragon Talisman, you will disguise yourself as Murong Chong and have her hand over the Jade Dragon Talisman."
When the Emperor spoke, Song Yuan nearly fainted. He wished he could faint. What kind of person was Leng Yue? She had a strange personality, and truthfully, he felt a little fear in his heart.
If she knew he was deceiving her, he would be as good as dead. Moreover, could someone as astute as Leng Yue not discover it?
"Your Majesty, your subordinate believes this matter is inappropriate."
Song Yuan was indirectly refusing, but the man on the high seat's face darkened, and he glared at Song Yuan with a chilling, bloodthirsty gaze.
Now that he could do this, Murong Chong wore a mask. Who knew who he was? Could Leng Yue possibly recognize him?
"This matter is settled. You will go down and prepare immediately. I will send someone to bring you tonight."
"Your Majesty?"
Song Yuan's face was ashen, but the Emperor had already waved his hand and stood up, walking towards the study, completely ignoring the pale Song Yuan.
...
In Changxin Palace, within the secret underground chamber, Shangguan Yao was seated at the desk, reading a book.
Truthfully, apart from being weak, he had no major symptoms. His meals were delivered on time, and his physical strength had recovered somewhat.
But he knew his cultivation had been sealed by a Gong Dissolving Pill. This pill was somewhat sinister, causing his inner energy to swirl and not return, as if trapped within his body. He tried to channel his energy quietly, but felt powerless. Several times, he had even fainted.
Now he understood. It was just as Aunt Ping'an had said; he couldn't force his cultivation, or it would only lead to qi and blood rushing to his head and death.
Although he was holding a book, his mind was on Xiao'er. He wondered how she was doing.
Had they heard the news brought back by Zhuifeng, supporting Prince Ling as Emperor and overthrowing that traitor?
However, he knew in his heart that given the personalities of Xiao'er and Brother Ling, they would never do such a thing. They might come to rescue him, because they would surely realize that the man wouldn't send him to the Ministry of Justice.
Xiao'er, please don't enter the palace. This is a very dangerous matter. That man is cunning and treacherous. Please don't be in danger.
As Murong Chong thought of Xiao'er possibly entering the palace, his heart was consumed with anxiety. If there was anyone he cared about now, apart from Xiao'er, there was no one else.
Because everyone else would be fine, only Xiao'er might be heartbroken. Even if he died now, it would be without regret, because he had arranged everything: the military power, the Tiger Seal, the Jade Dragon Talisman, Prince Ling, and Regent Yun Mo, as well as Prime Minister Sima.
As long as they entered the capital, everything would fall into place, and that man's position would inevitably be usurped.
Xiao'er, please don't be foolish.
As Murong Chong was deep in thought, the door creaked slightly, and someone knocked twice before entering. It seemed to be Aunt Ping.
He had initially blamed Aunt Ping, but after spending a few days together, he realized Aunt Ping was still as kind as before. Could she, as a servant, make decisions for her master? Moreover, who was the Empress Dowager?
"Crown Prince, are you feeling better?"
She spoke gently, handing the meal box she was holding to Murong Chong, still addressing him as she did when he was a child.
In Ping'an's heart, the Crown Prince remained the Crown Prince and would never change.
"I'm fine, Aunt Ping."
"Yes, that's good," Aunt Ping nodded, opening the meal box and placing the dishes on the table one by one.
Murong Chong couldn't bring himself to eat. He raised his eyes to look at Aunt Ping. Her deep eyes, like a bottomless abyss, resembled the vastness of the Tianshan peaks, carrying a profound sharpness that fluttered gracefully.
Her exquisite beauty was as pure as a mirror flower suspended in the void, ethereal and illusory.
The Crown Prince's appearance resembled the Empress, but his eyes and demeanor were like the late Emperor's.