Black Myth: The Legend of Tianpeng Seeking Demons

Zhu Xiaoxiao returned to her residence, her mind still filled with the smiling faces of the female officials in the Imperial Garden.

That deliberate gentleness and intimacy was like a false mask. At this moment, he deeply felt that his situation was more complicated than he had anticipated.

On the surface, he is the Empress's favorite minister, enjoying endless wealth and glory, but undercurrents are surging beneath the surface, and a crisis may engulf him at any moment.

He stood by the window, watching the setting sun cast its last rays upon the distant palace walls, the vermilion surface appearing as if stained with an eerie crimson. The sunset painted the sky orange-red, a serene and beautiful scene, yet a sense of unease stirred within Zhu Xiaoxiao's heart.

"Hmph, I knew it. This Women's Kingdom couldn't be that simple." Little White, the Ringwraith, suddenly interrupted his thoughts.

Zhu Xiaoxiao's heart skipped a beat. Coming back to her senses, she smiled bitterly and said, "Yes, it seems peaceful on the surface, but everyone has their own schemes behind the scenes. Today's female officials may be other people in the palace tomorrow. It seems I have to be more careful and not be deceived by appearances."

"Good to know. You're too fond of pleasure these days, you almost got bewitched by these women!" Xiao Bai sneered. "And don't forget, there's Grand Tutor Shangguan Yanran, that woman is the most difficult to deal with."

Upon hearing the name "Shangguan Yanran," Zhu Xiaoxiao frowned slightly. Shangguan Yanran, the Grand Tutor of the Women's Kingdom, held a prestigious position and wielded immense power in the court. Since he entered the palace, her attitude towards him had always been cold, even subtly hostile. At every court assembly, Zhu Xiaoxiao could feel her cold gaze, a scrutinizing and threatening look that made him feel uneasy.

“I know Shangguan Yanran is not easy to deal with,” Zhu Xiaoxiao said in a low voice, her hands clenching involuntarily, “but why is she so hostile towards me? I have never offended her.”

"That woman's thoughts are unfathomable. Do you really think she just dislikes you?" Xiaobai said sarcastically. "She probably already sees you as a thorn in the Empress's side. You are an advisor specially left behind by the Empress, and she won't let you off easily."

Zhu Xiaoxiao's heart sank upon hearing this. Xiao Bai was right. Since entering the palace, the Empress's favor and preferential treatment had made him famous, but it had also attracted much jealousy and suspicion. Especially Grand Tutor Shangguan Yanran, who held immense power in the court; how could she tolerate an outsider easily gaining the Empress's favor?

“It seems I need to be more wary of her,” Zhu Xiaoxiao sighed softly. “However, she won’t be the only threat. I have a feeling that there are other forces in the palace vying for power in secret.”

Zhu Xiaoxiao's doubts deepened. He realized he had been drawn into the vortex of court power struggles. The apparent enjoyment and tranquility were merely a dangerous illusion. He had to remain vigilant at all times, or he might be swallowed up by the tidal wave of power.

Just as he was lost in thought, there was a soft knock on the door. Zhu Xiaoxiao immediately became alert, looked up, and wondered who it could be.

"Advisor Xiao, it's me. The Empress wants to see you." The voice from outside the door was soft and pleasant. Zhu Xiaoxiao recognized the person as a palace lady-in-waiting. Since entering the palace, the Empress's summons had become more and more frequent. Although each time it was just some trivial conversation, Zhu Xiaoxiao always felt that the Empress seemed to have ulterior motives.

He straightened his clothes, calmed himself, and walked to the door to open it. Sure enough, it was the lady-in-waiting who often served the Empress, dressed in an elegant purple palace gown, her smile impeccable, but Zhu Xiaoxiao keenly noticed a complex emotion in her eyes.

"Advisor Xiao, the Empress is waiting for you in the Imperial Study. Please follow me," the female official said in a low voice, bowing slightly to indicate that he should follow.

Zhu Xiaoxiao nodded, pondering the Empress's intention in summoning him. He followed the female official along the long palace path. Night gradually fell, the last rays of sunset disappeared from the sky, and the palace lanterns slowly lit up, enveloping the entire palace in a soft golden light.

Upon reaching the door of the Imperial Study, the female official gently knocked three times, and a languid voice came from inside: "Come in."

Zhu Xiaoxiao followed the lady-in-waiting into the imperial study, where she was greeted by a warm and luxurious scene. The Empress sat at her desk, casually flipping through an ancient book, with several exquisite tea sets beside her. Today, she wore a white palace dress, simple yet elegant, adorned with a gold hairpin, her expression languid, like a figure from a painting.

"Advisor Xiao has arrived," the Empress looked up and saw Zhu Xiaoxiao enter, a slight smile appearing on her face. "Please sit down."

After bowing, Zhu Xiaoxiao sat down in the chair opposite the Empress, still feeling uneasy, wondering about the purpose of the summons.

The Empress gracefully picked up her teacup, took a small sip, and then turned her gaze to Zhu Xiaoxiao: "Have you been settling in well in the palace these past few days?"

"Your Majesty, I am well and thank you for your concern," Zhu Xiaoxiao replied respectfully, though her heart was pounding with anxiety.

The Empress looked at him with a half-smile, a glint of unfathomable light flashing in her eyes: "Advisor Xiao seems to be quite popular with everyone in the palace lately. I heard that even several female officials are taking extra care of you. It seems you're having a very good time in the Kingdom of Women."

Upon hearing this, Zhu Xiaoxiao's heart tightened. He instinctively wanted to explain, but the Empress's tone didn't reproach him; instead, it carried a hint of amusement. Zhu Xiaoxiao immediately relaxed and quickly said modestly, "Your Majesty flatters me. I was merely fulfilling my duty; how could I dare to have any other thoughts?"

The Empress put down her teacup, gazed at Zhu Xiaoxiao, and said slowly, "Advisor Xiao, I have always had great confidence in you. But do you know that not everyone in this palace is kind? Although you are talented, you must be careful in your actions to avoid getting burned."

Although the Empress's tone was gentle, it carried a subtle warning. Zhu Xiaoxiao's heart skipped a beat, realizing that the Empress had already noticed the undercurrents in the palace and might even be secretly controlling the situation. He bowed slightly and solemnly replied, "Thank you for your reminder, Your Majesty. I will certainly remember it."

The Empress nodded, her expression slightly satisfied, and then smiled: "However, life in the palace doesn't have to be too restrictive. It's good to relax a bit. There happens to be a song and dance banquet in the palace today. Why don't you come with me to take a look? It'll help you relax."

Zhu Xiaoxiao was taken aback. The Empress's suggestion seemed unexpected, but she could not refuse. She could only respectfully reply, "Your subject obeys."

The Empress rose, her graceful figure appearing exceptionally beautiful in the candlelight. She gently waved her hand, signaling Zhu Xiaoxiao to follow. Zhu Xiaoxiao felt a slight unease, unsure of what would happen next, but he had a vague feeling that this banquet was probably not simple.