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

"You should go back and rest first," Gu Ye said gently to Murong Xuewei. "We'll discuss the arrangements for the coronation ceremony tomorrow."

Murong Xuewei shook her head: "Since we've already come this far, let's finalize the details now."

Seeing her resolute expression, Gu Ye had Liuli fetch the map for the coronation ceremony. The two sat around the table, carefully examining every detail.

“According to tradition, the enthronement ceremony will be held in the Taiji Hall,” Murong Xuewei said, pointing to the map. “However, the Taiji Hall is spacious, which is not conducive to our control of the situation.”

Gu Ye seemed thoughtful: "You mean...?"

"Why not move it to the Qianqing Palace?" Murong Xuewei suggested. "Firstly, the space is relatively enclosed, and secondly, the entry and exit routes are singular, making it easier to deploy defenses."

Gu Ye nodded: "However, this might raise objections from some ministers. After all, the coronation has always taken place in the Taiji Hall."

“Then let Zhang Jing set up some traps around the Taiji Hall,” Murong Xuewei said confidently. “If anyone tries anything malicious, we can use the traps to trap them.”

As they were talking, Liuli brought over some tea. Murong Xuewei took a sip and continued, "As for the arrangements for the guards..."

“I’ve already had my shadow guards secretly investigate the residences of all the ministers attending the ceremony,” Gu Ye continued. “Any suspicious activity will be reported back immediately.”

Murong Xuewei nodded slightly: "That's good. However, I always feel that Xiao Wanning wouldn't only send spies from Nanzhao. She must have spies in the capital as well."

"You don't need to worry about that," Gu Ye said confidently. "I've already had Zhang Jing prepare a special incense that can make people unconscious without them even realizing it. We'll light it around the main hall; if anyone harbors ill intentions..."

“That’s a good idea,” Murong Xuewei agreed, “but we need to inform the ministers beforehand.”

The two discussed the specific details for a while longer. It wasn't until Liuli came to report that Yan'er had woken up that Murong Xuewei got up to prepare to go back.

"Oh, right." Before leaving, Murong Xuewei suddenly remembered something, "I need to remind my elder brother and the others not to go out easily these next few days."

Gu Ye nodded: "I've already instructed the Shadow Guards to increase patrols around the Murong residence. Don't worry."

Watching Murong Xuewei's departing figure, a trace of worry flashed in Gu Ye's eyes. He knew that this enthronement ceremony was of great importance and could not afford the slightest mistake.

Gu Ye watched Murong Xuewei's departing figure and was about to handle government affairs when Zhang Jing suddenly came to report.

"Your Majesty, I have uncovered some clues," Zhang Jing said gravely. "Those Nanzhao spies seem to have split into several groups, some of whom have directly entered the capital."

Gu Ye's eyes darkened: "Do you know where they're hiding?"

“The exact location hasn’t been found yet,” Zhang Jing replied. “However, I’ve noticed that unfamiliar faces have been frequently seen entering and leaving a teahouse in the south of the city recently.”

"Continue to keep an eye on things," Gu Ye said in a deep voice. "Also, is that special incense ready?"

Zhang Jing nodded: "Preparations are complete. However, this incense is too potent; it might harm innocent bystanders."

"It's alright." Gu Ye stood up. "Have the Imperial Hospital prepare some antidote, and distribute it to reliable ministers later."

Zhang Jing hesitated for a moment: "But... once this incense is used, it might alert those observing from the shadows."

“This is exactly the effect I wanted.” Gu Ye’s lips curled into a cold smile. “Letting them think we’ve already noticed will only alert them.”

Meanwhile, after returning to Fengyi Palace, Murong Xuewei first went to check on Yan'er. Seeing that the little one was sleeping soundly, she then asked Liuli to find a few trusted palace maids.

"Pay special attention to the food and drink served in the palace these next few days," Murong Xuewei instructed. "Nothing brought by strangers is allowed into the palace."

"Yes, Your Majesty," the palace maids replied.

After seeing the palace maid off, Liuli lowered her voice and asked, "Your Highness, should we tell Lan'er?"

Murong Xuewei shook her head: "Not for now. Let her continue keeping watch outside."

“Your Majesty is right,” Liuli nodded, “but I still feel uneasy.”

Murong Xuewei looked out the window: "Xiao Wanning dared to make a move at the enthronement ceremony; she must have been very confident. We must be wary of what other tricks she might have up her sleeve."

"Then should we...?"

Before he could finish speaking, hurried footsteps came from outside.

The chief eunuch Wei Zhong, sent by Gu Ye, had already arrived outside the palace: "Your Majesty, His Majesty requests your presence in the Qianqing Palace for a meeting."

Along the road from Fengyi Palace to Qianqing Palace, the entire palace was filled with a tense and busy atmosphere. Palace servants were coming and going, some carrying sacrificial vessels, some arranging palaces, and others cleaning and tidying up.

"The palace has been incredibly busy these past few days," Liuli said softly as they walked. "Just preparing the ceremonial robes for the coronation and the empress's investiture has kept them extremely busy."

Looking at the scene before her, Murong Xuewei said softly, "After all, this is a grand ceremony that only happens once in a century."

As soon as they arrived at the entrance of Qianqing Palace, they saw the Minister of Rites rushing out. Upon seeing Murong Xuewei, he immediately bowed and said, "Greetings, Your Majesty the Empress."

"What's the matter that you're in such a hurry?" Murong Xuewei asked.

"Your Majesty, it concerns the arrangements for the grand ceremony." The Minister of Rites wiped the sweat from his brow. "According to ancestral rules, the enthronement ceremony and the empress's investiture ceremony should be held separately, but His Majesty insists on holding them together..."

Murong Xuewei smiled faintly: "What's so difficult about that? Etiquette can be changed, but people's hearts are the most important."

Before the Minister of Rites could say anything more, Gu Ye's voice came from inside the Qianqing Palace: "The Empress is right. Have the Ministry of Rites draft a new set of regulations."

Murong Xuewei entered the hall and saw it filled with important court officials. The Minister of Works was reporting on the layout of the Taiji Hall, while the Minister of War was explaining the security arrangements.

"Your Majesty, I believe that in addition to the troops from the Five City Garrison, should some Imperial Guards have been transferred into the city?" the Minister of War asked.

Gu Ye glanced at Murong Xuewei and replied, "We'll discuss this later. Let's first talk about the specific procedures for the ceremony."

The chief eunuch, Sun De, immediately unfolded the memorial in his hand: "Your Majesty, according to the regulations drafted by the Ministry of Rites, the sacrificial ceremony will first be held at the Imperial Ancestral Temple at dawn (5-7 AM). At 7-9 AM, all civil and military officials will assemble outside the Meridian Gate, and the ceremony will begin at 9-11 AM..."

As Murong Xuewei listened, she secretly observed the expressions of the officials in the hall. Suddenly, she noticed that the Vice Minister of Works' expression was somewhat unusual.

"Your Majesty," Murong Xuewei began, "I believe that the grand ceremony is quite elaborate. Perhaps the Ministry of Rites could first provide a detailed outline of the procedures so that everyone can familiarize themselves with them beforehand."

Gu Ye immediately understood her intention: "The Empress is right. Sun De, go and prepare some copies to distribute to the ministers present."

Just then, another announcement came from outside: "Your Majesty, the Imperial Wardrobe has delivered dragon robes and phoenix robes for Your Majesty and the Empress to inspect."