Liu Liu smiled faintly, her smile lacking strength. No matter how capable she was, the Emperor was still the supreme ruler, whose word could end a life. Killing her would be as easy as flipping a hand.
She didn't fear death; she had already lived eight years beyond her allotted time. However, she absolutely could not implicate her loving parents. But to willingly serve him in his chambers, and even to pleasure that man, was something she absolutely could not do. Liu Liu felt a sense of powerlessness, a helplessness of being unable to control her own fate.
Five days, was it? She had to find a solution within those five days. Would she succeed? Liu Liu laughed and shook her head, terrifying Cui'er into near tears. The maid tightly clutched her arm, "Your Majesty, are you alright? Don't scare this servant, Your Majesty?"
"It's alright now. Your mistress isn't someone who is easily defeated," Liu Liu said, ostensibly to Cui'er, but also to herself.
Yes, she was not easily defeated, so why worry? Water would meet earth, and soldiers would meet their commanders.
Didn't she manage to evade attending the Emperor last night? A new day had dawned. What was the use of worrying? It was better to think of countermeasures.
Liu Liu walked to the bedside. It had been a while since Cui'er came to help her change. She turned to see the maid still standing there blankly and asked with a smile, "Cui'er, come help me get up. What are you spacing out for?"
Cui'er started, immediately snapped back to reality, and rushed to Liu Liu's side to help her dress.
A pure white, diamond-encrusted long gown swayed as it trailed on the floor. A silver-grey jade belt cinched her waist; this jade belt was her mistress's personal weapon, kept for emergencies.
Over the silver-grey jade belt, a butterfly knot made of smoke-colored silk was tied, concealing its true nature. Her hair was styled into a coiled bun, secured with a flowing ribbon tied into a butterfly knot, which fluttered in the wind. She wore no ornaments at all!
Cui'er had wanted to pick a hairpin to adorn her mistress, but Liu Liu wouldn't allow it, so she had to give up. Yet, looking at her mistress now, she didn't resemble her usual self at all, but rather a playful little palace maid. Cui'er sighed at the sight, lamenting that she couldn't change her mistress's mind.
Because of the five-day deadline, Liu Liu felt vexed. She waved her hand, signaling the young maid not to follow her. She wanted to stroll around. As she reached the palace gate, she saw Zhao Jiu leading several guards standing there. Her anger flared, and her face darkened.
The Emperor and his lackeys were all detestable. Just looking at them made her feel disgusted.
"Where is Your Majesty going? This subordinate will accompany you."
Zhao Jiu asked respectfully. Liu Liu stopped and looked coldly at Zhao Jiu, her lips curving into a sneer, "You can follow, but it's best you stand where I can't see you. Otherwise, don't blame me for turning ruthless."
"Yes," Zhao Jiu immediately lowered his head and obeyed. Liu Liu walked far ahead, but she knew he was hidden nearby. Since the Emperor had given the order, would this man dare not obey?
The weather was gradually turning cold; it was already autumn. Many flowers in the garden had withered, only the chrysanthemums were in full bloom, in various types and varieties.
There were the white pine needles, as thin as silver needles, and the vibrant, succulent Mandarin Ducks Brocade. Chrysanthemums had always been praised by people, hailed as one of the Four Gentlemen flowers. It was also the season for admiring and composing poems about chrysanthemums. Liu Liu watched for a while, then turned elsewhere.
Not far ahead was a lake, very quiet. The wild grass was pale yellow, the sky was blue, and white clouds unfurled, drifting into the distance. The vastness of heaven and earth dissipated much of her suppressed irritation.
She lay back on the grass, a blade of grass in her mouth, chewing it lightly. She squinted, feigning sleep. Lying on the grass, feeling the wind blow, was truly comfortable. She sighed. If only she could stay away from all the struggles of the imperial palace, like this, forever. She sighed with emotion.
Suddenly, a shadow blocked her from above. She didn't move, secretly wondering. This place was the Cold Palace. Who would come here? Did they also have something weighing on their minds, just like her?
As Liu Liu was lost in thought, her body suddenly floated into the air. She abruptly opened her eyes. The person who had lifted her was incredibly fast, their movements catching her completely off guard.
What met her gaze were a pair of eyes filled with an indescribable joy, their pupils constricting, slowly widening, and finally letting out a low growl: "God! You're here! I've been looking for you for so long. How did you end up in the imperial palace?"
Liu Liu rolled her eyes dramatically. She swiftly extended a leg and kicked the man, forcing him to move aside. She jumped away, putting distance between them. Was she too unlucky? She just wanted a moment of peace, and she attracted disaster.
This man was none other than the leader of the martial arts alliance, Zhan Yun. She couldn't understand why he would come to the imperial palace. Even if he was working for the Emperor, shouldn't he be more discreet?
Instead, he brazenly came to the imperial palace and even snuck into the Cold Palace. Compared to the suppressed excitement in the man's eyes, she frowned and pointed a cold finger at him.
"How dare you! You actually came to the Cold Palace? If the Emperor finds out, he will surely punish you!"
"Punish me?!"
Zhan Yun blinked in surprise, then burst into unrestrained laughter. His fine brows relaxed, his eyes held a warm smile, and he shook his head, "You don't need to worry about me. I'll be fine. But how did you end up in the imperial palace? Let me guess what you're doing here?"
Zhan Yun's devilishly handsome face was now inscrutable. He was truly playing a game with Liu Liu. Liu Liu's expression turned cold. She didn't want to deal with this man at all and turned to leave.
She hadn't forgotten that scoundrel Zhao Jiu was lurking not far away. If he reported to the Emperor, she would be in serious trouble.
"I don't have time for you," Liu Liu threw out the words, spun around, and quickly left the lakeside.
Zhan Yun had spent a great deal of effort searching for Liu Liu, but all his efforts had yielded nothing. He was extremely disappointed but hadn't expected to see the woman he desired here. He certainly wouldn't let Liu Liu leave and moved even faster to block her path.
His eyes, like deep pools, overflowed with allure. He sighed softly.
"Do you know how long I've been looking for you? I never imagined you would be a mere palace maid in the imperial palace. If I had known sooner, I would have found a way to bring you out."
"I am a palace maid," Liu Liu murmured, looking herself up and down. She was indeed dressed very plainly.
It was no wonder he mistook her for a simple palace maid. But what business was it of his? It would be best if he stayed far away from her, as far as possible.
"Zhan Yun, I don't care. It's best you stay away from me and don't bring trouble upon yourself."
Liu Liu warned him coldly, her tone neither hot nor cold, but carrying an inherent dignity.
Zhan Yun was stunned, surprised by the woman's ever-changing expressions. When weak, she was charming and moving; when strong, she was imposing and commanding.
He was willing to accept either aspect. His bold and unrestrained face flashed with a determination to win her over, a gentle smile gracing his lips, exuding an elegant and jade-like warmth. He was nothing like the savage killer at the martial arts convention. This man was truly fickle; which one was the real him?
A sly glint flashed in Liu Liu's intelligent eyes. What would happen if he learned that the woman he so desired was actually the Emperor's woman?
A cold smile touched her lips. If this man truly wished to be good to her alone, even if she didn't like him, she would still be moved to some extent. But now, he was chasing after her, wanting to take her as a concubine. This was laughable.
Liu Liu glanced towards a distant corner and said in a clear, cold voice, "Zhao Jiu, how long do you plan to hide? Your mistress is leaving."
As Liu Liu's words fell, Zhao Jiu's tall figure flashed through the air. He respectfully cupped his fist, "Yes, Your Majesty. Allow this subordinate to resolve this man for you."
Zhan Yun was clearly stunned by Zhao Jiu's words, remaining unresponsive for a long time.
Only when Zhao Jiu lunged at him did his face darken, flashing with thunderous rage. His eyes were like a tempestuous sea. While blocking Zhao Jiu's attack, he roared, "What did you just call her?"