She's skilled in medicine, martial arts, and even understands animal language—the abandoned dau

Upon hearing this, Zilu's eyes flashed with barely suppressed joy. She hurriedly knelt down to express her gratitude, her voice trembling slightly with excitement: "Thank you for your kindness, Your Majesty. Zilu's life was given to her by Your Majesty. From now on, I will dedicate myself wholeheartedly to helping Your Majesty achieve your unparalleled great cause!"

Cui Jintang's lips curled into a cold smile, his eyes filled with disdain and arrogance. He looked up at the sky outside the window, which was divided by the palace walls, and said in a low voice, "This world should rightfully be ruled by my Cui family."

Since our great-grandfather assisted Emperor Taizu in founding the country, the Cui family has devoted countless efforts to this nation!

But the incompetent and cowardly emperor sitting on the dragon throne now only knows how to discuss metaphysics with Taoist priests every day, neglecting state affairs. How can he be worthy of this vast empire!

She paused slightly, a hint of frustration flashing in her eyes, "It's a pity that the pill Cao Yong refined didn't manage to kill him..."

"Your Majesty, do you really intend to get rid of the Emperor and take his place?" Zilu asked cautiously, her voice tinged with worry.

Cui Jintang suddenly turned his head, his eyes sharp as knives, staring straight at Zilu. "Ziluo, remember this: a man who doesn't have you in his heart is the least worthy of your sacrifice, not even the slightest bit!"

A resolute glint flashed in her eyes, as if she were looking back on those unbearable years: "For so many years, I have walked on thin ice in this harem, carefully trying to please him, but what have I gotten in return? Nothing but his endless indifference and disregard."

Cui Jintang tilted his head slightly, his expression full of arrogance: "Compared to men, we are only different in gender. We are not lacking anything. Why must we tie our fate to men?"

I, Cui Jintang, possess both strategy and skill. Why should I be confined to this deep palace, at the mercy of men? I want to rule the world, to control my own destiny, not to be a man's appendage!

Cui Jintang's voice gradually rose, her face radiating confidence and determination, "Once I become the Crimson Flame Emperor, I will be able to control everything. At that time, I will have no shortage of men, so why should I be infatuated with Chu Dongchen!"

This was the first time Zilu had heard such shocking remarks, which filled her with a sense of pride and gratitude that she had followed the right person.

However, after a moment, her rationality returned, and she asked worriedly, "But how do you plan to explain this to the Duke and the Second Prince?"

Cui Jintang narrowed his eyes slightly, pondered for a moment, and then said, "I will handle things with my father. He is eager to elevate the glory of the Cui family to a higher level. As long as I tell him that becoming emperor will give the Cui family immense power, he will definitely weigh the pros and cons and support me."

As for Sheng'er, he is still young. It won't be too late to pass the throne to him when I get tired of being the emperor...

However, Zilu, that's a matter for later. For now, we must find a way to eliminate the Emperor and the First Prince.

Zi Luo nodded slightly, a ruthless glint in her eyes: "Your Majesty is absolutely right. The Emperor is alright, but that eldest prince is quite capable, and getting rid of him will not be easy."

Cui Jintang gently stroked the jade bracelet on her wrist and said coldly, "Then let's start with the one in the Cold Palace. Doesn't he pride himself on being filial? If he finds out that his mother is in trouble, he will definitely do everything he can to save her. We'll then lay a trap, and I don't believe he can escape."

"Does Your Highness mean that Consort Li from the Cold Palace has been arrested? When I passed by there, I clearly felt that someone was protecting her in the dark..." A hint of hesitation flashed in Zi Luo's eyes.

A cold smile appeared on Cui Jintang's lips, and a cold glint flashed in his eyes: "Hmph, so what if someone is protecting me? As long as the methods are clever enough, there is nothing that cannot be accomplished."

However, there's no rush. They're probably still searching for clues about Cao Yong's death, and any movement on our side would only bring trouble upon ourselves. You may leave now!

Upon hearing this, Zilu bowed and took her leave.

Shen Man and Chu Zhiyi had no idea about the schemes being plotted by the master and servant in Fengyi Palace.

The two were still troubled by the lack of further clues regarding the death of the fake Taoist priest.

"This matter is definitely related to the Duke of Xingguo and the Empress!" Chu Zhiyi said bitterly.

"But with that fake Taoist priest dead, even if it really was them, there would be no way to prove it."

Shen Man secretly sighed, thinking that the Duke of Xingguo and his daughter Cui Jintang were not only meticulous but also ruthless, making them indeed difficult to deal with.

Chu Zhiyi frowned, pondered for a moment, and then said, "Father is safe this time, but they will definitely not let it go and will surely take action again. I will send people to secretly keep an eye on the Fengyi Palace and the Xingguo Duke's Mansion."

Shen Man nodded helplessly, "It seems that's the only way."

After gathering their thoughts, the two went straight to the Qianqing Palace to report back to the Emperor.

However, they were stopped by the guards as soon as they reached the door.

"His Majesty is discussing important matters with the Duke of Xingguo. Your Highness, please wait here for a moment," the guard said expressionlessly.

Chu Zhiyi's heart sank. He exchanged a glance with Shen Man, both seeing worry in each other's eyes. The Duke of Xingguo's presence to discuss matters with the Emperor was undoubtedly an attempt to mislead him. They could only pace anxiously outside the door, fearing that the Emperor would once again be deceived by his sweet words.

The reason why the Duke of Xingguo rushed over was because he had received news that Chu Zhiyi had returned to the palace. He was worried that they would say something detrimental to him in front of the emperor, so he immediately sent a message to Cui Jintang, asking her to find a way to kill Cao Yong.

Inside the Qianqing Palace, the Emperor saw the Duke of Xingguo and pointed at the Taoist priest Wuyang, questioning him, "Duke of Xingguo, do you recognize the person in the hall?"

The Duke of Xingguo looked up and saw that the Taoist priest Wuyang, dressed in a Taoist robe, was sitting below the emperor, looking at him calmly.

He was startled, but remained outwardly composed, cupping his hands and saying, "Your Majesty, this person looks unfamiliar; I do not recognize him. May I ask why Your Majesty suddenly inquires about him?"

The Emperor snorted coldly, "He is the real Master Wuyang. According to him, that fake Taoist priest was instructed by you to tamper with my elixirs in an attempt to harm me. How do you explain that?"

The Duke of Xingguo knelt down with a thud, his face full of grievance, and said, "Your Majesty, please be wise! This must be someone deliberately framing this old minister."

This Taoist priest Wuyang has an unknown background; he may have been bribed by someone with ulterior motives to spout nonsense here.

This old minister is utterly loyal to Your Majesty, as the sun and moon can attest; how could I possibly commit such a treasonous act!

The Emperor looked at the Duke of Xingguo with scrutinizing eyes: "You keep saying that you are loyal, but the First Prince also told me that Master Wuyang and Li Nuo, the commander of the guards of the Duke of Ningguo's mansion, were both rescued from the prison where you imprisoned them. How do you still want to deny it?"

The Duke of Xingguo kowtowed repeatedly until his forehead bled: "Your Majesty, how did His Highness the First Prince know that the person who imprisoned them was me? I am the maternal grandfather of His Highness the Second Prince, and I have always disagreed with the First Prince on political matters. He must be trying to get rid of me by taking this opportunity."

As for this Taoist priest Wuyang, he might have been brought in by him to solidify the minister's crimes. Your Majesty must not be deceived by them!