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

The palace gates slowly opened.

A group of guards escorted two figures slowly into the room; it was Murong Xuewei and Gu Ye.

Murong Xuewei's expression was solemn, and her eyes flashed with vigilance. She knew that this trip into the palace would be fraught with danger.

Gu Ye beside her remained as composed as ever, but Murong Xuewei could feel his tense muscles, clearly preparing for the upcoming confrontation.

"Xuewei," Gu Ye said softly, "no matter what happens, I will protect you."

Murong Xuewei felt a warmth in her heart, but quickly regained her composure. She gently shook her head: "Gu Ye, we're in the same boat now. You need to stay calm and not be angered by the Emperor's words."

A complex emotion flashed in Gu Ye's eyes, but he quickly regained his composure.

Gu Ye nodded gently: "I understand."

The two passed through numerous palace gates and finally arrived outside the Imperial Study. Chief Eunuch Li was already waiting there. Upon seeing them, he quickly stepped forward and bowed, saying, "Miss Murong, General Gu, His Majesty is waiting for you inside."

Murong Xuewei took a deep breath, straightened her clothes, and strode into the imperial study. Gu Ye followed closely behind, his eyes scanning the surroundings warily.

Inside the Imperial Study, the Emperor was leaning back on the dragon throne, toying with a jade pendant in his hand.

Upon seeing the two enter, he narrowed his eyes, his gaze lingering on Murong Xuewei for a moment before he slowly spoke, "My beloved subjects have arrived."

Murong Xuewei and Gu Ye knelt down at the same time and bowed: "Greetings, Your Majesty."

The Emperor waved his hand: "Rise." His gaze swept over the two men, then he suddenly sneered, "I've heard you two are quite audacious. Not only have you disobeyed my decrees, but you've also colluded with court officials to incite the people. Now you've falsely accused me of treason—are you planning a rebellion?"

Just as Gu Ye was about to speak, Murong Xuewei gently tugged at his sleeve and stepped forward, saying, "Your Majesty, General Gu and I have absolutely no ulterior motives. Everything we have done is for the sake of the people of Daqian. As for the matter of the rebellion, I have indeed heard of it, but I have not witnessed it myself. I only hope that Your Majesty will investigate thoroughly to prevent any unforeseen events."

The Emperor scoffed, "For the sake of the people? Then my decrees can be disregarded? As for the treasonous plot, I sent people to investigate thoroughly, and nothing was found. Do you know that you are trying to sow discord between me and my sister!"

Murong Xuewei remained composed and respectful: "Your Majesty, I dare to speak frankly. Your Majesty is wise and naturally knows that the people are the foundation of the nation. The disaster is severe, and many people are displaced. Our opening of the granaries to provide relief is merely to stabilize public sentiment and prevent a major catastrophe. As for the matter of ***, I acted out of loyalty to Your Majesty and had absolutely no intention of sowing discord."

The Emperor narrowed his eyes, his gaze lingering on Murong Xuewei's face: "What a sharp tongue. Then tell me, why did you secretly bring Gu Ye back to the capital?"

Murong Xuewei's heart tightened, but she didn't show it on her face: "Your Majesty, this is my fault. The disaster was urgent at the time, and I was anxious, which is why..."

"Enough!" The Emperor slammed his fist on the table and stood up abruptly. "Do you think I'm a three-year-old? Who do you think you can fool with these words?"

Upon seeing this, Gu Ye immediately stepped forward: "Your Majesty, the responsibility for this matter lies with me. It was I who returned to the capital without authorization; my wife was unaware of it."

The Emperor sneered, "Oh? Then tell me, why did you return to the capital without permission?"

Gu Ye said in a deep voice, "Your Majesty, I heard that the capital has suffered a disaster. As a general of the Taichu Kingdom, I could not bear to stand idly by while the people suffer, which is why I risked returning to the capital to help."

A flash of anger crossed the Emperor's eyes: "Insolence! Did I send you to Yumen Pass for a vacation? Who gave you the audacity to leave and return to the capital?"

Gu Ye remained composed and respectful: "Your Majesty, I know my fault. But I believe that protecting the country is not only about the frontiers, but must begin in the capital. Currently, public resentment is rising in the capital; if it is not quelled in time, I fear..."

"Shut up!" the Emperor roared. "Are you trying to teach me how to do things?"

Seeing this, Murong Xuewei quickly stepped forward: "Your Majesty, please calm your anger. General Gu is only acting out of loyalty; please, Your Majesty, investigate thoroughly."

The Emperor snorted coldly, his gaze sweeping over the two of them: "Very well, you two seem quite affectionate. In that case, I'll give you a choice today." He pointed at Murong Xuewei, "You, stay in the palace as a concubine, as compensation to me. As for Gu Ye..." He sneered, "I can forgive and forget, and let him continue to serve me."

Upon hearing this, Gu Ye's face instantly turned ashen. He took a step forward abruptly, glaring at the Emperor: "Your Majesty, this is impossible!"

The Emperor narrowed his eyes: "Oh? Are you disobeying my orders?"

Gu Ye took a deep breath, suppressing his anger: "Your Majesty, Xue Wei and I are already husband and wife. Even if I die a thousand deaths, I would never do such a disgraceful thing!"

The Emperor sneered, "Disgraceful to the family? You're just a lowly general; it's already a great blessing that your wife has caught my eye. What, do you think I'm unworthy of the Murong family's daughter?"

Seeing this, Murong Xuewei quickly stepped forward: "Your Majesty, please forgive me. Although I come from a merchant family, I still know propriety and shame. I am already married, and it is truly inconvenient for me to..."

"Shut up!" the Emperor roared. "Are you trying to bargain with me?"

Gu Ye said coldly, "Your Majesty, I would rather die to atone for my sins than agree to such an unreasonable demand!"

A murderous glint flashed in the Emperor's eyes: "Very well, I'd like to see how you die!"

Murong Xuewei was startled upon seeing this. She knew that things had reached their most critical moment.

If we don't find a solution soon, I'm afraid I might really die in the palace today.

Just at this critical moment, a series of hurried footsteps suddenly came from outside the hall.

"Your Majesty!" A eunuch rushed in, "Something terrible has happened! A riot has broken out again in the East Market, and the people are looting and smashing the granaries!"

Upon hearing this, the Emperor's expression changed drastically: "What? How could this be?"

The eunuch replied tremblingly, "Your Majesty, it is said that someone is spreading rumors that the court is going to raise grain prices. Upon hearing this, the people are flocking to the granaries..."

The Emperor abruptly stood up, his gaze sweeping over Murong Xuewei and Gu Ye: "Well, well, you two certainly know how to pick your timing!"

Murong Xuewei quickly stepped forward: "Your Majesty, this was absolutely not our doing. However, if Your Majesty permits, we are willing to go and quell the riot."

The Emperor scoffed, "You? Why should I believe you?"

Gu Ye said in a deep voice, "Your Majesty, now is not the time to assign blame. If the riots continue to escalate, the consequences will be unimaginable."

The Emperor remained silent for a moment, then finally gritted his teeth and said, "Fine! I'll trust you one more time. But remember, if you fail to quell the rebellion, you'll all be executed!"

Murong Xuewei and Gu Ye exchanged a glance, then bowed simultaneously: "Your Majesty, we obey!"

The two quickly left the imperial study and hurried to the East Market.

The Emperor watched the two figures depart, a shadow crossing his eyes. He turned to the eunuch beside him: "Go, summon the Imperial Concubine."

Before long, Xiao Wanning arrived in a hurry. After bowing, she looked at the Emperor with a puzzled expression: "Why has Your Majesty summoned me?"

The Emperor looked at her coldly: "Wan Ning, are you aware of the riot that occurred in the East Market?"

Xiao Wan Ning's expression changed, but she quickly regained her composure: "Your Majesty, I just heard about this. What are your orders?"

The Emperor gave her a meaningful look: "I've heard you've been active outside the city lately?"

Xiao Wan Ning was startled, but her expression remained unchanged: "Your Majesty, I have indeed been frequently going out to play outside the city recently. I wonder why Your Majesty suddenly asks about this?"