The whole family was brutally murdered? The ruthless heiress's eldest daughter went berserk aft

Murong Xuewei performed a standard curtsy, and then, at the Emperor's signal, sat down on a chair to the side.

"I wonder why Your Majesty summoned me to the palace?" Murong Xuewei asked bluntly.

The Emperor revealed a meaningful smile. "Why feign ignorance, Murong Xuewei? Don't you understand my feelings for you?"

Murong Xuewei's heart tightened, but her face remained calm. "Your Majesty, I am already married to another man and dare not harbor any improper thoughts."

The Emperor waved his hand dismissively, "What's so difficult about that? As long as you nod, I can immediately grant you a divorce from Gu Ye. Then, you can enter the palace as a concubine with dignity."

Murong Xuewei sneered inwardly, but on her face she feigned difficulty. "Your Majesty, I am grateful for your kindness. However, the Murong family has a rule: a Murong woman cannot remarry."

A flash of anger crossed the Emperor's eyes. "A daughter of the Murong family? Are you using your Murong family's status to refuse me?"

Murong Xuewei quickly shook her head, "This concubine dares not. I have something that would interest His Majesty even more than allowing me to enter the palace. I wonder if His Majesty would be willing to hear it?"

The Emperor became interested. "Tell me about it."

Murong Xuewei took a deep breath and slowly said, "Your Majesty, please release General Gu and restore him to his post."

The Emperor frowned. "In the end, you're still pleading for Gu Ye."

Murong Xuewei was prepared. "Your Majesty is wise; General Gu is utterly loyal to the court. His unauthorized return to the capital was out of concern for my safety. Releasing him would not only win over the hearts of the people but also demonstrate Your Majesty's magnanimity."

The emperor pondered for a moment, his brow furrowed, preparing to erupt in anger.

Murong Xuewei suddenly changed the subject, "However, I have something else to tell you."

The Emperor raised an eyebrow. "Oh? What is it?"

Murong Xuewei lowered her voice and said mysteriously, "I have definite information that Xiao Wanning is secretly amassing troops with treacherous intentions."

The Emperor's expression changed drastically. "What did you say?"

Murong Xuewei remained calm and composed. "Your Majesty can send people to investigate secretly. If it is true, I wonder how Your Majesty will handle it?"

The Emperor's expression shifted between light and shadow, and after a long silence, he slowly said, "If what you say is true... I will certainly not let you off easily!"

Murong Xuewei was secretly delighted, knowing that she had made the right bet.

Murong Xuewei pretended to be troubled and said, "But... I'm worried that if the news leaks out, it might alert the enemy."

The Emperor narrowed his eyes. "What do you mean?"

Murong Xuewei whispered, "How about... Your Majesty, I'll make a deal with you?"

The Emperor became interested. "Tell me about it."

Murong Xuewei slowly said, "If Your Majesty is willing to release General Gu and restore him to his position, I am willing to investigate this matter for Your Majesty and provide solid evidence. At the same time, the Murong family is willing to donate half of its wealth to the national treasury."

The Emperor's eyes gleamed. "You're quite the schemer. But... why should I trust you?"

Murong Xuewei smiled slightly, "Your Majesty can send someone to investigate secretly first. If no evidence is found, I am willing to accept punishment."

The Emperor pondered for a moment, then suddenly burst into laughter. "Fine! I'll believe you this once! However..." He looked at Murong Xuewei meaningfully, "If you deceive me, you know the consequences."

Murong Xuewei bowed respectfully, "This humble servant dares not,"

The Emperor waved his hand. "Go. I will have Gu Ye released. You two can have a proper 'reunion.' Remember, I'm giving you three days. After three days, I want to see evidence!"

Murong Xuewei bowed again and then slowly withdrew from the imperial study. Only after she walked out of the palace gates did she let out a long sigh of relief, her tense nerves finally relaxing.

As night fell, the lights flickered inside the palace halls.

The emperor leaned lazily against the dragon throne, toying with a crystal-clear luminous pearl in his hand.

His gaze was unfocused, clearly preoccupied.

"Guards, summon General Gu Ye to the palace," the Emperor suddenly said, his voice carrying a hint of barely perceptible weariness.

Before long, Gu Ye, dressed in a middle-aged robe, strode into the main hall with his head held high.

The Emperor sat on his throne, squinting at Gu Ye with sleepy eyes. He seemed to vaguely see a holy light on Gu Ye.

There was even a feeling that Gu Ye was more like an emperor than him.

Gu Ye walked to the emperor's side, knelt on one knee, and respectfully said, "Your subject Gu Ye greets Your Majesty."

The Emperor waved his hand, signaling Gu Ye to rise. "Minister Gu, I have decided to let you return to the General's Mansion. However, you must remember that this time it is only because of the Murong family. If there is a next time, I will not let you off lightly."

Gu Ye's heart skipped a beat, but his face remained impassive. "Your Majesty, I will obey your decree and serve the court with utmost loyalty."

"Go." The emperor waved his hand, seemingly having lost interest in the conversation.

Gu Ye left the main hall, his mind filled with a multitude of thoughts. He knew that their escape this time was entirely due to Murong Xuewei's machinations behind the scenes. He just wondered what price she had paid.

Thinking of this, Gu Ye lightly tapped his feet and used his lightness skill to speed up his journey to the General's Mansion.

Inside the general's mansion, Murong Xuewei was anxiously awaiting news. When she heard footsteps outside the gate, she hurriedly went out to greet them.

"General!" Murong Xuewei saw Gu Ye's figure, a hint of joy flashed in her eyes, but she quickly regained her usual composure.

Gu Ye strode up to Murong Xuewei, his eyes filled with anxiety and concern. "Xuewei, did you agree to some condition from the Emperor?"

Murong Xuewei smiled slightly, a sly glint in her eyes. "Why do you say that, General?"

Gu Ye frowned. "The Emperor's sudden release of me must be something you did behind the scenes. Xue Wei, are you aware of the danger involved?"

Murong Xuewei sighed softly, "General, rest assured, I only made a deal with the Emperor. I used half of the Murong family's wealth in exchange for your safety."

Upon hearing this, Gu Ye's eyes flashed with shock. He hadn't expected Murong Xuewei to pay such a high price for him. For a moment, his heart was filled with mixed emotions.

"Xuewei, you shouldn't have done this. The Murong family's wealth is your foundation. Not to mention your parents and brothers..." Gu Ye said in a low voice, his tone carrying a hint of reproach, but more so concern.

Murong Xuewei smiled calmly, interrupting Gu Ye, "The general's safety is far more important than mere property. Besides, we have other opportunities."

Looking into Murong Xuewei's determined eyes, Gu Ye felt a surge of warmth in his heart.

He reached out and gently took Murong Xuewei's hand. "Xuewei, thank you."

Just then, Uncle Lin rushed over, interrupting their tender moment. "General, Madam, there's news."

Gu Ye immediately regained his general's composure. "What is it?"

Uncle Lin lowered his voice and said, "Our spies have reported that *** has been frequently leaving the city recently, and doing so very discreetly."