Traveling through another world to stir the emperor's heart

Feng Qingyue walked steadily back to her quarters, her mind replaying the image of the man in black and the palace maids plotting in the abandoned northwest palace. Her gaze was solemn, as she realized that this palace must be hiding a vast conspiracy. Besides her nervousness, she was also filled with a surge of excitement, a desire to uncover the truth surging within her. But she knew she had to inform Jun Lingyuan first.

After tidying up a bit, Feng Qingyue walked towards Jun Lingyuan's palace.

Arriving at Jun Lingyuan's palace, she was ushered into the inner hall after the guards announced their arrival. Jun Lingyuan was concentrating on reviewing memorials. Upon seeing her approach, he put down his things and asked with a puzzled look in his eyes, "My beloved concubine, why are you in such a hurry? What's the matter?"

Feng Qingyue recounted everything she had seen in the abandoned palace. Jun Lingyuan listened, raised an eyebrow, and asked, "Why would my beloved concubine go to that abandoned palace?"

Feng Qingyue was startled; she had almost forgotten about this. However, she immediately composed herself and replied calmly, "I heard that the abandoned palace had been neglected for so long that extremely rare flowers and plants had grown in the courtyard. I was curious and wanted to go and see it, but I happened to stumble upon that scene."

Feng Qingyue changed the subject: "Your Majesty, the point I just made was not why I was there, but rather the conspiracy. I'm afraid there's something behind it."

Jun Lingyuan seemed to react, his brows furrowing, his eyes filled with shock. His previously calm expression was like a calm lake, rippled by the tossing of a stone. His hands unconsciously clenched the armrests, his stern expression growing even more serious. "It seems that besides the Empress Dowager and the Prime Minister's faction, there are other forces operating in the palace."

Feng Qingyue nodded slightly and then asked, "Your Majesty, do you have any royal relatives like an uncle?"

Jun Lingyuan was startled and looked at her in confusion: "My beloved concubine, why are you asking this question all of a sudden?"

Feng Qingyue replied calmly, "Your Majesty, I am merely speculating that this conspiracy might be related to the royal family. After all, matters in the palace are complex and intricate. More speculation might lead to more precautions."

Jun Lingyuan looked at her thoughtfully, somewhat surprised by her calmness and sharpness. After a moment, he said, "I do have an imperial uncle, but he is away from home all year round and rarely returns to the palace."

Feng Qingyue frowned slightly, silently memorizing this information in her heart, and then said, "Your Majesty, I want to leave the palace for a while. I asked Su Jin to return to the general's residence earlier, and I have to go out to pick her up now."

Jun Lingyuan frowned slightly, thinking that this was just a small matter and he could find someone to do it for him, so he said, "My beloved concubine, there's no need for you to leave the palace in person for such a small matter. I will send someone to pick up Su Jin. I really feel uneasy if you leave the palace alone."

Feng Qingyue shook her head and said with a firm look in her eyes, "Your Majesty, I have other matters to deal with when I return to the General's Mansion. It would be more appropriate for me to go in person."

Jun Lingyuan looked at her resolute expression, knowing that once she made a decision, it would be difficult to change it. Feng Qingyue thought Jun Lingyuan was simply worried about her, so she said, "Your Majesty, don't worry. I have Qianyi and Qiansan by my side to protect me. Besides, the Prime Minister is in prison now, so they don't have the energy to care about me right now."

Jun Lingyuan was still hesitant, but seeing Feng Qingyue's resolute attitude, he could only agree: "My beloved, please be careful and return early." With that, he pulled a jade pendant from his waist. The jade pendant had a smooth, transparent, flawless texture, intricately carved with intricate patterns, resembling an ancient and mysterious totem. It was obvious at first glance that it was an extremely exquisite object. Jun Lingyuan handed the jade pendant to Feng Qingyue, his eyes filled with concern.

Feng Qingyue took the jade pendant and chatted with Jun Lingyuan about the Queen Mother's visit. She described her expression and words in detail, as well as some of her own speculations. After that, she bowed and took her leave.

Feng Qingyue returned to Yueli Palace, packed up briefly, and took A Cui out of the palace.

The world outside the palace was bustling with activity, the clamor of vendors and the din of the crowds interweaving in stark contrast to the oppressive, dreary atmosphere within. Sunlight streamed across the streets and alleys, casting a thin, warm veil over everything. They hurried along the familiar road toward the Qionghua Pavilion.

Qionghua Pavilion is located on the outskirts of the city, surrounded by lush greenery. From the outside, it looks like an ordinary pavilion, but within it lies a hidden secret. When Feng Qingyue arrived, Su Jin and Yun Yue were inside the pavilion sorting through the information they had gathered from their investigation.

Seeing Feng Qingyue approaching, Su Jin and Yun Yue hurriedly saluted. Feng Qingyue hurriedly helped them up and asked anxiously, "Have you found anything during this period?"

Su Jin said solemnly, "Miss, we've discovered that there seems to be a force behind your assassination. This force is inextricably linked to the Imperial Palace. We've also discovered that they seem to be searching for a mysterious item. We don't know what it is yet, but it seems to be of great importance."

Feng Qingyue felt a surge of unease, a lingering unease like a cold snake. She nodded slightly and said, "This matter must be investigated as soon as possible. This force has the audacity to stir up trouble right under the Emperor's nose. We must not underestimate them."

Feng Qingyue said, "I want to see Pavilion Master Jun Mo. Could you please lead the way?" Led by her attendant, she headed towards Jun Mo's residence. However, someone inside the pavilion informed her that the Pavilion Master was away today. Feng Qingyue was somewhat disappointed, but she didn't want to return empty-handed, so she decided to visit the research lab to check on the progress.

Feng Qingyue arrived at the laboratory, only to find it filled with all sorts of bizarre instruments. A young, apprentice-like figure approached and handed her the recently recorded data. Feng Qingyue took the thick stack and perused it carefully. Her eyes were focused and bright, as if she were immersed in a mysterious world. Everything around her seemed to vanish, completely absorbed in analyzing the data.

Time passed by unnoticed, until night, when the flickering candlelight in the laboratory cast her figure on the wall.

Feng Qingyue was startled to realize how late it was. She rubbed her sore eyes and sorted out the data. She decided to take Su Jin and A Cui back to the palace. Turning to Yunyue, she said, "Yunyue, you stay and continue investigating the source of this force. Notify us immediately if you have any news."

After Yunyue received the order, Feng Qingyue took Su Jin and A Cui and set out on the journey back to the palace.