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

After Lian Zhixin finished speaking, she slightly raised her chin.

The delicate floral decoration on her forehead shone brightly in the sunlight, making her eyes appear even more radiant.

She quietly clenched her sleeves with both hands, seemingly calm, but her slightly trembling fingertips betrayed a hint of nervousness.

However, that tension was merely a thin veil on the surface; beneath it lay a profound sense of certainty.

She knew perfectly well that her plan was a perfect fit.

Empress Yu relieved her worries about having no children and the lack of support from her family.

They earned glory for themselves.

For oneself, one can also find a peaceful corner in this deep palace.

Therefore, her gaze remained fixed on Ling Yan's face, her eyes and brows filled with hidden anticipation.

The almost imperceptible curve at the corner of his mouth seemed to indicate that he had already foreseen a satisfactory answer.

But she was going to be disappointed.

Ling Yan felt no emotion whatsoever, let alone agree to her request.

It must be said that this woman is very clever and adept at manipulating people's hearts.

Find out what a person cares about most, and then analyze its significance.

Then reason with them and appeal to their emotions.

As expected, this is a noble lady carefully cultivated by a prestigious family!

She was certain that if it weren't for her, any woman would have immediately agreed upon hearing those words.

This shows how formidable this woman is.

But she has a good idea!

She wouldn't compete with her for favor, but her son, raised under her care, was considered her legitimate son.

Given her cunning and scheming nature, her son will inevitably inherit the throne.

Once things have settled down, she will certainly not spare her as the Emperor's legal mother; she will definitely get rid of her.

At that time, she will be the only Empress Dowager in this palace, the most honored woman in the entire Great Zhao.

So all the forbearance I endured in the first half of my life was nothing.

Because she knows very well what she wants.

But even though she had planned it so well, she wouldn't grant her the chance to fulfill her long-cherished wish!

She didn't say that she believed in Xiao Muyao's feelings for her.

After all, he was willing to give up even something as simple as having an heir for her.

And yet, he was willing to risk his life so resolutely for her sake.

So how could he abandon her just because she's getting old?

Even if he really would do that, doesn't she have four other men?

If you are heartless, then I will give up.

She will then leave him and go be with her other men.

Even if we take a step back and assume that none of the four of them want her anymore.

She could also abandon them and live her own carefree life.

Anyway, she doesn't love any of them.

It was indeed painful to leave them.

But it's not like she can't live without them.

You'll forget about them after a while.

Besides, she's incredibly wealthy anyway. We can find her a large courtyard, hire maids and servants to serve her, and she can enjoy herself however she wants.

She could also find some handsome men to serve her.

As long as the money is right, why worry about not finding those young, innocent, and handsome men?

So she didn't care at all about what she was told about the future, and didn't take it to heart.

Therefore, her expression remained completely calm, as if Lian Zhixin's words were merely a gentle breeze that brushed past her ear, unable to stir her emotions in the slightest.

She remained dignified, her back straight as a pine tree.

The splendor of the phoenix robe flowed quietly in the sunlight, reflecting on that exquisitely beautiful yet cold face.

His eyes were as deep and still as an ancient well in the cold night, without a ripple or wave, and his eyelashes did not even tremble.

He simply gazed at Lian Zhixin quietly.

A moment later, her red lips parted slightly, her voice steady yet revealing an undeniable resolve: "I do not wish for what you have envisioned."

That tone, as if carrying frost and snow, froze the wisps of fervor in the air.

This also instantly froze Lian Zhixin's meticulously crafted plan.

Lian Zhixin's eyes widened instantly, filled with astonishment and surprise.

As if they had heard a fairy tale, they stood there dumbfounded.

Her pink lips parted slightly, her breathing became erratic, and it took her a long time to find her voice again.

"Why?"

She unconsciously raised her voice, her words filled with urgency and confusion.

She then took a small step forward, her skirt trembling slightly: "Is Your Majesty afraid that I might harm you in the future? But putting aside Your Majesty's extraordinary methods and prestige, what makes me think I could possibly cause any trouble? Even if such a far-fetched idea were to occur, given the prestige Your Majesty has built in the army, the court, and even in the hearts of the people, everyone's criticism would be directed at me. I would only end up being condemned by everyone and disgraced. What good would that do me?"

Her brows furrowed, her eyes filled with confusion, hoping that Lingyan could give her a positive response.

Upon hearing this, Lingyan's lips curved slightly, and she let out a soft laugh.

The laughter was like icicles striking each other on a cold night, crisp yet chilling: "That is indeed what you think now, I believe you, but people's hearts are the most fickle."

Her eyes seemed to see through everything as she stared intently at Lian Zhixin. Her voice was calm and unhurried, yet every word was like a hammer blow: "But power is like a blade coated in honey. At first, it tastes sweet, but once you're deeply immersed in it, your mind is slowly corroded. You speak with such certainty now, but when I become the legitimate Empress Dowager, overshadowing you and controlling you, will you truly still be able to keep your word?"

Ling Yan leaned forward slightly, the gold embroidery on her phoenix robe shimmering dazzlingly in the sunlight: "I'm afraid even you yourself are hesitant and dare not make any promises."

These words were like a spell that froze Lian Zhixin's body, her feet seemingly nailed to the spot.

His lips parted slightly as if to argue, but he was momentarily speechless, filled with hesitation, and left only with a blank silence.

He just stood there, speechless, his previous eloquence and confidence gone.

Seeing this, Lingyan sat back down.

In fact, she never intended to agree to her request, so naturally she wouldn't consider these things.

However, we still need to give her a convincing reason to refuse.

Otherwise, with her persistence, who knows how difficult she would become in the future.

They will probably investigate the reason privately.

Since that's the case, she'll give her this reason for rejection so she can give up.

Lian Zhixin stood frozen in place, as if she were a wooden or clay sculpture.

The sunlight shifted, casting shadows of varying lengths around her.

After a long while, she seemed to wake up from a dream.

A forced, bitter smile tugged at the corners of his lips, but the smile didn't reach his eyes; it only revealed a hint of self-mockery and melancholy.

Then she took a deep breath, trying to calm her chaotic emotions.

He slowly placed his hands together in front of his abdomen, bent his knees and bowed, performing a standard farewell salute.

Her posture remained respectful, but her slightly trembling fingertips betrayed the turmoil in her heart: "This humble woman has troubled Your Majesty for a long time, and now I take my leave."

His voice was soft and steady, with a forced composure.

After the ceremony, she straightened up, took light steps, and slowly but orderly retraced her steps back.

As she stepped out of the palace gates, the wind brushed against her hair, seemingly stirring her chaotic thoughts.

But his straight back and unhurried steps still firmly adhered to the last rules, etiquette, and dignity.

Only after his figure disappeared into the carriage did he finally let down his guard and relax.

She really shouldn't have come today; she only brought shame upon herself.

But the Empress was so magnanimous that she did not pursue her ridiculous behavior and words.

She felt even more uneasy.

Her cheeks were burning, and she couldn't help but laugh at herself.

Then she remembered the Empress's advice when she left.

She looked at her with admiration and sighed, "Miss Lian is one of the most intelligent and insightful women I have ever met. A woman like you should not force yourself to sacrifice yourself for the honor or disgrace of your family. Your father probably wouldn't want that either. Things are different now than before. There are so many things that women can do. So Miss Lian might as well think about what you like to do and work hard for your own career, instead of working hard for others. I hope that Miss Lian can think more about herself in the future."

The carriage rumbled forward, and Lian Zhixin leaned against the inner wall of the carriage.

These words kept echoing in her ears, each one striking her heart.

Like a ray of light, it cleaved through the long-standing chaos.

At this moment, her throat tightened, and she finally choked out, "Thank you, Your Majesty. Zhixin understands. From now on, I will definitely think more about myself and live for myself."