The Grand Tutor hurriedly spoke, "Your Majesty, even if you wish to go to the Dragon Realm to capture those two, you could simply send someone. Why must you go yourself?"
"The Dragon Realm is filled with people and puppets, rife with danger. Who would dare venture there?" Feng Ninghe's expression remained unchanged.
Her words instantly silenced the ministers.
Even though they harbored deep hatred for Lin Yuran and Ji Binyu, none dared to risk their lives by going to the Dragon Realm.
The Grand Tutor hesitated, looking at her. "Your Majesty, are you not afraid of the danger? Lin Country cannot be without a ruler. If something were to happen to you, what would become of Lin Country?"
Looking at the assembled ministers, Feng Ninghe withdrew her gaze and explained in a low voice, "Rest assured, I have my own means of protection. A hundred years ago, Lin Yuran tried to kill me to seize the throne. For both public and private reasons, I must capture her myself."
Her desire for revenge was not only for the people of Lin Country but also for herself.
"But..."
The Grand Tutor's worried expression did not change.
Before he could finish speaking, Feng Ninghe interrupted him. "I understand what you wish to say. Since I dare to go to the Dragon Realm, I naturally have a way to protect myself. You need not try to dissuade me any further."
Seeing the resolve on her face, the Grand Tutor finally nodded. "Very well. Since Your Majesty's mind is made up, then go with peace of mind. I pray you return safely! Lin Country still needs you!"
"We pray the Empress returns safely!"
"Lin Country still needs you!"
The ministers knelt in unison.
At this moment, Feng Ninghe revealed a brilliant smile. "Do not worry, no one can harm me. When I have the time, I will send word to let you know I am safe. Lin Country is in your hands."
The ministers continued to offer their well wishes and admonishments until they were hoarse and weary, only then did they depart.
Zhen Zhu looked at Feng Ninghe with a hint of reluctance. "Your Majesty, do you truly intend to leave Lin Country and go to the Dragon Realm?"
Mentioning the Dragon Realm, Feng Ninghe's eyes darkened imperceptibly. A resolute expression settled on her delicate features. "Those who have committed great evils are still at large. As the Empress of Lin Country, I must capture them and give the people of Lin Country an explanation."
As long as those two were not dealt with, she could not rest easy.
If Ji Binyu and Lin Yuran could cause trouble for the people of Lin Country by tearing down the Dragon Realm's barrier, they could also create further problems through other means.
She would not allow these two potential threats to constantly endanger Lin Country.
Zhen Zhu bit her lip, her beautiful face filled with unwavering determination. "Your Majesty, please go to the Dragon Realm with peace of mind. Zhen Zhu will take good care of the palace for you!"
Zhen Zhu was kind-hearted and meticulous in her dealings. With her managing all the affairs of the palace, Feng Ninghe felt at ease.
"I saw the palace doors were open, so I came in to take a look. I hope you don't mind?"
At this moment, a clear male voice sounded from outside the palace.
Su Hongxiu's handsome face held a gentle smile, his eyes like water, giving one a feeling of being bathed in spring breeze.
Feng Ninghe responded generously, "Sixth Master, I happen to have some freshly brewed tea here. This tea is unique to Lin Country. Please try it and see how it tastes."
Zhen Zhu nimbly poured a cup of tea and stood respectfully to the side.
Su Hongxiu strode into the palace at this moment.
The palace was luxuriously yet unostentatiously decorated, exquisitely crafted. A faint floral fragrance permeated the air, refreshing the mind and spirit.
He casually picked up the poured tea and drank.
The tea was exceptionally fragrant.
The aroma lingered on his tongue, refusing to dissipate.
Su Hongxiu put down the teacup with a hint of satisfaction. "Indeed, it is good tea. The taste is excellent."
Feng Ninghe winked at Zhen Zhu. "Order someone to prepare some tea leaves for Sixth Master."
Su Hongxiu did not refuse, accepting readily. "Since it is your kind gesture, I shall accept it. I came today for another matter. I wish to know when you plan to depart for the Dragon Realm?"
He had a great interest in the Dragon Realm and was eager to go there.
He wanted to see what kind of place it truly was.
Mentioning the Dragon Realm, a trace of thought flitted across Feng Ninghe's fair, jade-like face. "Lin Country still has matters to attend to. Only after all these affairs are properly settled can I leave with peace of mind. I should be departing in about ten days."
"I also have a great interest in the Dragon Realm. Don't forget to bring me along then."
Su Hongxiu's eyes lit up involuntarily. "My cultivation has not broken through in a long time. Perhaps in the Dragon Realm, I will have the opportunity to advance."
Si Jianye's words had given Su Hongxiu a hint.
Since breaking through in cultivation was difficult on the Xuan Continent, he might as well try a different place.
Understanding his intention, Feng Ninghe nodded in agreement. "Our understanding of the Dragon Realm is very limited. If one more person goes to the Dragon Realm, we can look out for each other."
At this moment, she also thought of Si Jianye.
She wondered how this man was faring in the Dragon Realm.
He could stay in a black hole for seven days and seven nights, fighting people and puppets alone. He must have a way to protect himself...
A little over half a month passed quickly.
The news of Feng Ninghe's departure from Lin Country for the Dragon Realm spread immediately.
The common people were moved by this.
The Empress, for their sake, was venturing to the Dragon Realm without regard for her own safety. This was a blessing for the people.
On the day of her departure, the Grand Tutor and the court ministers rose early and waited outside the imperial chambers.
Creak—
The doors of the imperial chambers were pushed open.
Si Xinxin rubbed her sleepy eyes and stretched lazily.
Upon seeing so many people standing outside the palace, she was startled, and her sleepiness vanished instantly. "Why are there so many people here!"
"Xin Xin, what's wrong?"
Sensing something unusual, Feng Ninghe's lazy voice came from outside the hall.
The Grand Tutor and the ministers stood outside the imperial chambers with concerned expressions, clearly waiting for Feng Ninghe.
Seeing so many people, Feng Ninghe's gaze softened, and she chuckled softly. "So many people have come so early. Are you here to see me off?"
The Grand Tutor strode forward, his expression tinged with slight solemnity. "Your Majesty, we are indeed here to see you off. The journey will be arduous, and the Dragon Realm is fraught with danger. We implore you to be careful."
Looking at the people before her, Feng Ninghe smiled. A warmth flowed through her chest. "Rest assured, everyone. If there is danger, I will return."
The Grand Tutor's expression was complex. He cupped his hands towards Feng Ninghe. "Your Majesty, please take care!"
Feng Ninghe smiled and waved her hand gently. "You may all disperse. I will depart after I have eaten."
The Grand Tutor nodded solemnly and then dismissed the ministers.
"Master, I haven't eaten yet. Shall we eat together?"
Bai Niannian suddenly appeared from somewhere, her bright eyes blinking as she looked at Feng Ninghe.
Feng Xing followed behind her.
Feng Ninghe's gaze held a hint of hesitation. Even though the two of them had not said much, she already understood their purpose for coming.