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

Afterwards, Lingyan also told Shen Qingchen about this.

After hearing this, Shen Qingchen naturally decided to leave with her.

He is wherever she is.

This is why Lingyan told Shen Qingchen about this.

Because he had no identity to bind him, and he was all alone.

So even if he left with her, it wouldn't be a problem for him.

And so the matter was settled.

Now, it's time to put it into practice.

So on the third day, when she was "seriously ill" and unable to attend court or leave the house, she left with Chu Xiyao and Shen Qingchen while Xiao Muyao and the other two were dealing with matters.

Of course, Xiao Muyao knew when she left the palace.

Her reason was that she missed the Crown Prince's residence and wanted to go back and stay there for a while.

They also told them not to disturb her while she was recuperating.

Upon hearing this, Xiao Muyao, naturally trusting her, had no doubts whatsoever.

He Jingchuan and Lu Yanqing were naturally the same.

After all, they trusted Lingyan too much and blindly followed her orders, without questioning her at all; otherwise, they would have realized something was wrong long ago.

So that evening, after the three of them finished dealing with their business and returned to the Crown Prince's residence because they missed her,

Seeing that the room was empty and that she hadn't left any notes, he realized something was wrong.

And usually at this time, Chu Xiyao and Shen Qingchen would also arrive.

However, neither of them appeared at this time.

Only then did the three of them simultaneously begin to have a bad feeling.

They suspected she might have lied to them!

There's another point: there were no signs of a struggle in the house, indicating that she wasn't kidnapped.

Besides, given her current status and the awe people have for her, no one would dare to kidnap her.

Taking all of the above into account, and considering her unusual behavior today.

They could naturally guess that she had left with the two men on her own initiative.

Upon realizing this, the three of them were struck dumb, as if by lightning.

His face was full of shock and bewilderment.

I simply can't believe that she would leave so quietly, without any warning.

They seemed frozen in place, their minds blank.

Only the thought that "Lingyan has left" resounded in his heart like a thunderclap.

But their first reaction was still to refuse to believe it.

However, they cannot deceive themselves about this cruel truth.

Then the three of them suddenly came to their senses, their faces filled with anxiety and worry, enveloped by a great sense of loss and unease.

As if he had gone mad, Lu Yanqing suddenly pulled open the chests and cabinets in the room.

Clothes and accessories were scattered all over the floor, but he didn't care at all.

Her hands frantically searched through the contents, muttering to herself, "There must be a note left; Yanyan won't just leave like this..."

He Jingchuan realized what was happening and turned to rush out the door.

His steps were unsteady yet incredibly fast.

Only Xiao Muyao remained, frozen in place, filled with pain and despair.

He looked at the huge room. Although all the furnishings and layout were the same as before, she was truly no longer there.

And she didn't take anything with her.

Her soft whispers still seemed to echo in my ears, and her radiant smile still lingered before my eyes.

You can reach out and touch it, but there is only cold air.

All the sweetness and happiness he had once felt now turned into sharp thorns, piercing deep into his soul.

He stood there motionless, as if time had stood still.

Only the tears streaming down his cheeks spoke of the deep sorrow and grief in his heart.

Xiao Muyao seemed to have been forgotten by time, his feet seemed to be rooted to the ground, and he stood there for an unknown amount of time.

The surrounding air seemed to freeze, and only his heavy breathing could be clearly heard in the silence.

Finally, as if waking from a long and cruel nightmare, he slowly moved his feet.

Each step was extremely difficult, as if weighed down by a thousand pounds, and my legs trembled slightly from standing for so long.

Only then did he realize that Lu Yanqing had already quietly left sometime earlier.

Then he slowly raised his hand and wiped away the remaining tears on his face.

Those eyes, which were originally filled with pain and confusion, are now gradually being replaced by determination.

He took a deep breath, straightened his spine, resolutely turned around, and strode towards the door.

Although the departing figure appeared somewhat lonely, it exuded an undeniable determination.

...............

As dawn broke, the atmosphere inside the Golden Palace was solemn.

Xiao Muyao sat high on the dragon throne, his posture still upright, but his eyes revealed an undisguised weariness and heaviness.

His Highness and his ministers stood in rows, all holding their breath, keenly aware of the unusual atmosphere that permeated the court today.

After finishing the matters to be discussed that day, Xiao Muyao announced: "My beloved ministers, the Empress is unwell and her condition is critical. I am deeply worried. The coronation ceremony is a matter of great importance, but I cannot bear to hold this grand ceremony when the Empress is seriously ill. Therefore, I have decided to postpone the coronation ceremony. As for when it will be held, I will decide on that when the Empress's condition improves."

Upon hearing this, the courtiers exchanged bewildered glances.

Although they each had their own thoughts, none of them dared to say more.

His Majesty's expression was stern, and his eyes revealed an unwavering resolve.

This indicates that there is absolutely no turning back on this matter.

It's just a postponement, not a cancellation, so it won't have any impact.

After the morning court session, Xiao Muyao staged a fake attack on himself, claiming that he had been injured.

Then, citing his own poor health and inability to attend court, he entrusted the affairs of state to the Prince of Xiang.

He will resume his duties after he has fully recovered.

The news spread like wildfire throughout the palace and beyond.

When the courtiers heard that Xiao Muyao had been assassinated and wounded and had been entrusted with the administration of the Xiang Kingdom, they were all astonished.

Many ministers were extremely anxious and, disregarding palace etiquette, rushed to Xiao Muyao's bedroom.

Their faces were filled with worry as they pleaded with the servants outside the palace gates to inform the emperor, their only wish being to see his injuries in person to ease their anxieties about the country.

Upon hearing the ministers' pleas, Xiao Muyao gestured for his attendants to lead everyone inside.

As the ministers filed in, he lay half-reclined on the couch. Although he looked somewhat pale and weak, he could not hide his innate majesty.

As soon as the ministers saw Xiao Muyao, they eagerly searched his body for injuries.

His arm was wrapped in bandages, and although his face was somewhat pale, it was full of life, and his breathing was quite steady.

Many ministers immediately breathed a sigh of relief.

Their eyes were red-rimmed, and they were so excited they could barely speak.

"Your Majesty, Your Majesty is unharmed; it is truly a blessing from Heaven upon our dynasty."

"Upon hearing of the assassination attempt, we, your humble servants, are utterly devastated and can only hope that Your Majesty will be well."

Upon hearing this, Xiao Muyao raised his hand slightly and said weakly but firmly, "I am fine. I am grateful for your concern. I just need some time to recuperate. I will temporarily entrust the affairs of state to Prince Xiang. You should all do your best to assist me and not slack off."

The ministers knelt down and shouted in unison, "We will obey Your Majesty's decree."

At this moment, a great weight was lifted from everyone's hearts.

Having listened to the emperor's instructions, they rose one after another, feeling relieved and at ease, and slowly left the palace.

We await Your Majesty's speedy recovery so that we may resume governing the country.

When the Empress Dowager heard that Xiao Muyao had been assassinated and injured, it was as if she had been struck by lightning, and her face instantly turned pale.

She completely disregarded her usual dignified demeanor.

Supported by her personal maid, she hurried toward Xiao Muyao's palace.

Throughout the journey, her hands trembled slightly.

In her anxiety, she almost tripped over the hem of her skirt.

She kept murmuring, "My son, you must not be harmed, otherwise what will your mother do?"

The voice was already trembling with sobs, and the eyes quickly reddened.