Shocking! Five men are in love with the same woman!

Lingyan's prediction was correct; everyone now knew about this matter.

The news spread like wildfire throughout the entire Northern Li Imperial City, and people reacted in various ways upon hearing it.

The officials who had close ties with the Yao family had grim faces and burning flames of anger in their eyes.

They felt that Lingyan's actions were a blatant provocation against the Yao family and a heavy blow to the power they relied on.

Some neutral officials, however, were secretly alarmed.

On the one hand, they were amazed by Ling Yan's boldness and decisiveness, but on the other hand, they were worried that the situation in Bei Li would become more turbulent as a result.

They carefully observed the reactions of all parties, pondering how they should position themselves in this turmoil.

Among the common people, there was much discussion.

Some people who had been oppressed by the Yao family secretly cheered, feeling that Lingyan had vented their anger.

Although they dared not openly express their joy, they privately praised Lingyan's actions.

Others, however, were filled with curiosity about Ling Yan's identity and background.

They couldn't understand why a woman would dare to so boldly challenge the Yao family's authority.

At the same time, people are speculating about how King Li of the North will handle this matter.

At the Yao family home, the atmosphere was extremely tense.

Grand Tutor Yao was trembling with rage, his eyes filled with anger and resentment.

Looking at Young Master Yao lying on the bed, now a cripple, his hatred for Ling Yan reached its peak.

Moreover, he already knew who this woman was from Young Master Yao's words.

It turns out to be that vixen who bewitched His Majesty.

He immediately summoned officials from the Yao family lineage to discuss countermeasures.

They decided to put pressure on the Northern King, forcing him to severely punish Lingyan, otherwise the Yao family would not let it go.

Just as they were discussing how to put pressure on King Li of the North at the morning court the next day.

Lingyan was also summoned to the palace by the King of Beili.

She had anticipated this, so she calmly boarded the carriage and entered the palace.

Of course, just like last time, her carriage went directly into the palace and arrived at the entrance of the main hall.

Lingyan then stepped into the palace with composed steps.

There was no fear or tension in her eyes, but rather a sense of confidence and composure.

She was as at ease as if she were in her own home. After entering the main hall, she didn't even perform the proper etiquette, but went straight to a seat to the side and sat down gracefully.

Her movements were fluid and natural, without the slightest hesitation or doubt.

At this moment, Empress Yao was sitting on a high seat, her face so gloomy it seemed as if water could drip from it.

When she saw Ling Yan's outrageous behavior, her anger flared up instantly.

Her eyes were fixed on Ling Yan, filled with anger and jealousy: "How dare you! How dare you not pay your respects to His Majesty and me!"

Empress Yao shouted angrily, her voice sharp and piercing.

Her body trembled slightly, clearly angered by Ling Yan's actions.

Lingyan merely glanced at Empress Yao indifferently, and then made no further move.

Empress Yao was so angry that she trembled all over. Her fingers gripped the armrests tightly, and her knuckles turned slightly white from the force.

She then turned to look at the King of Bei Li, hoping that he would stand on her side.

After all, her actions were a provocation against him, the emperor.

However, the Northern King simply watched Ling Yan silently.

His eyes showed no emotion, nor any reprimand, seemingly acquiescing to her behavior.

Seeing the reaction of the Northern King, Empress Yao was overwhelmed by a surge of anger and despair.

She stared wide-eyed at the Northern King in disbelief, her eyes filled with astonishment and grievance.

Her body trembled violently, like a withered leaf swaying in the wind.

I felt a dull pain in my chest, as if a huge rock was pressing on my heart.

"His Majesty!"

Empress Yao finally couldn't hold back any longer and cried out, her voice trembling with sorrow: "Your Majesty, are you just going to let this woman be so presumptuous? She is openly challenging Your Majesty's authority! Does Your Majesty not care about my feelings, or the reputation of the Yao family?"

Empress Yao's eyes glistened with tears, a pain born of betrayal.

She had always believed that she held an important place in the heart of the Northern King, and that he would stand by her side and protect her and the Yao family's dignity.

But now, the silence of the Northern King caused her beliefs to crumble instantly.

She bit her lip tightly, trying hard not to let the tears fall.

She was unwilling to be humiliated by Lingyan, and even more unwilling to be ignored by the King of Beili.

Empress Yao's gaze then fell on Ling Yan again, her eyes filled with hatred and anger.

She wanted nothing more than to rush up to Ling Yan and tear her to pieces.

But she knew that she couldn't lose her temper at this moment.

So she looked down at Lingyan, gritting her teeth, and said, "I summoned you to the palace today because you treated my brother so badly, making him...making him..."

At this point, Empress Yao was heartbroken, and her eyes were red with tears.

I don't know if it was anger or sadness.

Upon hearing this, Lingyan deliberately said, "To make him childless? But this matter is already settled, so Your Majesty should not be sad anymore, because being sad is useless. Your Majesty should think about how to apologize to me."

Upon hearing this, the Empress was taken aback.

Then a sharp laugh erupted, as if they had heard the biggest joke ever.

The laughter was filled with anger and mockery: "Apologize? You're dreaming! You injured my younger brother, and you dare to ask me to apologize? Do you think you can do whatever you want just because you have His Majesty's favor? Don't forget, I am the Empress of Bei Li, the mistress of the harem! You, a vixen who appeared out of nowhere, dare to be so arrogant and domineering, you are simply lawless!"

The empress's eyes widened in anger, as if they could spit fire.

She straightened her body, pointed at Lingyan, and exuded majesty and anger: "I will make you pay a heavy price for what you have done today! His Majesty may be infatuated with your beauty for a while, but he will eventually come to his senses. When that time comes, you will be ready to bear my wrath!"

The Empress's voice echoed in the hall, filled with determination and ruthlessness.

Her eyes were fixed on Ling Yan, as if she wanted to devour her alive.

Ling Yan remained calm and composed upon hearing this, and even picked up her teacup and slowly sipped her tea.

Her slender, long fingers gently supported the bottom of the cup, her movements elegant and composed.

Then, she parted her lips slightly and took a small sip of tea.

Then he gently put down the teacup, making a soft sound.

Her movements were gentle and slow, without the slightest impatience.

He then raised his head again, looking calmly at the Empress, his eyes showing no fear or hesitation.

She slowly began to speak: "Does Your Majesty not know what happened? Today on the street, Young Master Yao took a lustful look at me and tried to harass me. When I refused, he tried to force himself on me. Such a despicable act, how could I sit idly by and wait to die? Of course I had to fight back. Moreover, he was the one who attacked first. I was just fighting back to protect myself. Your Majesty, please don't distort the truth."

Lingyan paused for a moment, then continued, "Moreover, Your Majesty, don't forget that it was you and your brother who started this whole thing. Since I came to Beili, I have never provoked you. I just wanted to live a peaceful life, but you just wouldn't let me go. From the very beginning, you saw me as a thorn in your side, a thorn in your flesh, and you have been targeting me and trying to harm me at every turn. So everything I did was just for self-defense, to protect myself. I was truly innocent!"