Ping Zhao Lu

"really?"

After hearing the news, Concubine Xian's face instantly blossomed with ecstasy, her beautiful eyes sparkled with excitement, and she said in a trembling voice, "Did you hear it wrong? That bitch...that bitch really went!" Her tone seemed a little sharp because she was too excited.

Cui Huan nodded and bowed with a smile on her face, and hurriedly responded: "Your Majesty, it is absolutely true! I have sent people to keep an eye on him. Not long after the Emperor and the Empress arrived, he died!"

"Heh..." Upon hearing this, the virtuous concubine couldn't help but lift her red lips and let out a soft smile. The laughter was a little suppressed at first, but soon it grew louder and louder like a dam bursting. The smile also grew deeper and deeper, as if to release all the resentment and pleasure that had been pent up in her heart for a long time. "It's really God's mercy... There's no need for me to go to great lengths to get rid of her..."

As she spoke, she raised her head slightly and looked into the distance, as if she had already seen the scene of herself calling the shots in the palace in the future.

Cui Huan, who was standing by, saw this and hurried forward, saying flatteringly, "Congratulations, Your Majesty! Congratulations, Your Majesty! Now that this man has died, besides the Empress, you are the most respected person in the harem! If things continue like this, the Empress position will surely be yours sooner or later!"

Upon hearing this, Concubine Xian was naturally delighted, but outwardly she still nodded slightly in a reserved manner, saying slowly, "Well, having said that, it is still somewhat unlucky for someone to die at this critical juncture, and it will more or less have some impact on the Empress Dowager's birthday banquet."

Cui Huan quickly smiled and said, "Your Majesty, don't worry. It's just that we can't have a grand ceremony. After all, it's just the death of a concubine, not a major national event. What impact can it have!"

Upon hearing this, Concubine Xian's expression eased slightly, and she stroked her temples gently. "You're right. As for the Empress... she's just relying on her prominent family background. Once the Xu family loses power, deposing her will be a piece of cake."

Cui Huan echoed, "Your Majesty is wise. With the Empress Dowager's intervention, it is estimated that Xu Cheng, who is on the expedition, will not be able to return. If he dies, Duke Dingguo will be heartbroken and may die with him. Then..."

Having said this, the master and servant both smiled triumphantly.

*

When Xu Zhouye came out of Weiyang Palace, it was already late.

He walked alone with steady steps, getting farther and farther away from Chu Yunxiao.

Originally, the two walked side by side and stepped out of the gate of Weiyang Palace together, but just in front of the palace gate, Xu Zhouye didn't even turn his head, and went straight towards the direction of Fengluan Palace, and his figure soon disappeared into the night.

Chu Yunxiao, who was treated so coldly, felt as if a bottle of five flavors had been overturned in his heart, with all kinds of feelings intertwined.

He stood quietly in front of the palace gate, lowering his eyes, and his eyes gradually dimmed.

Chu Heyuan, who was walking slowly behind, was stunned when he saw this scene, and then showed a hint of doubt and deep sympathy.

His gaze lingered on the emperor for a moment, then he cautiously moved away and glanced at the palace servants behind him who were silent as a mouse.

Chu Heyuan pursed his lips, hesitated for a long time, and finally mustered up the courage to step forward and said softly: "Father, I think my father must have something urgent to do, so he left in such a hurry."

However, Chu Yunxiao simply glanced at him calmly, his tone flat but revealing a hint of helplessness as he said, "You don't have to speak for him. It's because I've been too indulgent and doting on him that he's become so willful and reckless."

Although he said so, there was no trace of blame in his words.

Chu Heyuan lightly lifted his feet and slowly walked forward. When he was close enough, he lowered his voice and asked carefully in a voice that only the two of them could hear, "Will the emperor continue to spoil the father?"

Chu Yunxiao was startled at first when he heard this, then he lowered his head, his gaze fixed on the small figure before him. The corners of his mouth lifted unconsciously, and with a faint smile he said, "I think I've been too indulgent with the Crown Prince. You dared to be so curious about the affairs between me and your father. Well, considering you're still young, I'll forgive you this time, but you must reflect on your mistakes behind closed doors when you return."

Upon hearing these words, Chu Heyuan's face, which had been full of anticipation, instantly fell, and he looked as listless as a frost-bitten eggplant. He mumbled very reluctantly in response, "Yes... I understand."

*

Late at night, everything was silent. A cold moon hung high in the sky, casting its cool light and illuminating the long ancient road.

At this moment, the sound of crisp horse hooves and rolling wheels came from the path, breaking the tranquility of the night.

I saw a modestly decorated carriage slowly driving out of the city gate and moving further and further away along the winding road.

Inside the carriage, Xie Yushu was leaning back on the soft seat in a bold and uninhibited posture, with a bright smile on her face.

At this moment, she has taken off all the gorgeous hairpins and the towering bun is gone. Instead, her hair falls naturally like a waterfall, gently brushing against her fair skin.

She simply used a simple hairpin to casually wrap her hair, which added a touch of casualness and unrestrainedness.

Xie Yu's beautiful eyes were filled with smiles as she stared at the scenery along the way that was constantly receding outside the car window.

The moonlight shone on her through the car window, as if covering her with a layer of silver gauze, making her look as pure and elegant as a fairy descending to earth.

Zhilan, who was sitting aside, looked at her master quietly and felt a surge of joy in her heart.

She was well aware of the hardships and sufferings her master had experienced in the palace over the years. It was a blessing to be able to break free from the shackles and regain her freedom.

Xie Yu excitedly exclaimed, "This feels wonderful! I'm finally free! No longer bound by the palace rules, no longer a pawn for others! From now on, I'm just Xie Yushu, a woman with a sense of self and a vibrant life!"

As he said this, he turned to look at Zhilan and laughed heartily.

*

Golden Palace

The emperor was wearing thin pajamas, leaning lazily on the couch with his eyes closed to rest.

At this time, Shang Jiu came quickly.

He bowed and said, "Your Majesty, the assassin has confessed. The mastermind is the King of Yue."

Hearing this, Chu Yunxiao opened his eyes slightly, a smile flickered in the corner of his eyes, and he sneered: "My brother, even though he is far away in South Vietnam and is ill, he is well-informed and always keeps an eye on the throne."

After saying this, he raised his hand and gently massaged his brow, trying to ease some of the fatigue. "What a pity. With his incredibly foolish and blindly filial nature, even if I were to show mercy and voluntarily hand over the throne to him, I'm afraid he wouldn't have the ability to act arbitrarily. In the end, he would just become a pawn in the hands of the Queen Mother, at her mercy."

Shang Jiu nodded in agreement, then continued, "As for the Queen Mother, she did send people, but they failed to capture a single person alive. If they fail this time, they will surely seek other means to embarrass Your Majesty. For example... the imprisoned Crown Prince."

Chu Yunxiao understood his intention very well. "This boy is still an excellent bargaining chip. I will never let him get hurt easily."