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

Upon hearing that the Japanese were committing massacres at the palace gates, Cui Jintang nearly fainted.

She swayed, grabbing the table beside her to steady herself. Her face was deathly pale, devoid of any color.

"This Zilu is truly insane!"

She said through gritted teeth, her anger surging like a tidal wave.

Although she had some collusion with the Japanese, she only wanted to use their power to consolidate her position, but she never thought that the situation would get out of control like this.

Mo Ji knelt on the ground, his face full of guilt: "Your Majesty, it is my dereliction of duty that I failed to prevent this tragedy in time."

Cui Jintang took a deep breath, trying to calm herself down, and slowly said, "This is not your fault. It was because I trusted Zilu too much. Now the people are suffering heavy casualties, and public anger has reached its peak. What should I do?"

She paced back and forth, her eyes filled with anxiety and confusion.

Just then, a eunuch rushed in, reporting in a panic, "Your Majesty, news has come from outside the palace that the people have learned that the Japanese killed them at your behest, and they are all threatening to storm the palace to avenge their dead relatives!"

Upon hearing this, Cui Jintang's expression changed drastically, and he slumped into a chair.

"What should I do? If the people really storm the palace, my great cause will be ruined!" she muttered to herself, her forehead covered with fine beads of sweat.

Mo Ji pondered for a moment and said, "Your Majesty, the only solution now is to first make our stance clear to the people and severely punish the murderer in order to quell public anger."

Cui Jintang shook her head with a wry smile: "Zi Luo and the others have all disappeared. How can they be severely punished? And how can the people easily trust me?"

Mo Ji remained silent, knowing full well that the matter was thorny and he couldn't think of a better solution for the time being.

"Mo Ji, go to the Duke of Xingguo's mansion immediately and tell them about the predicament I am facing, so that my brother can lead troops to stop the people."

At the critical moment, Cui Jintang still thought of his elder brother, who was a general who protected the country, and gave instructions to Mo Ji.

Meanwhile, the people outside the palace grew increasingly agitated, brandishing various rudimentary weapons and steadily approaching the palace gates.

The soldiers guarding the palace were on high alert, and the atmosphere was extremely tense.

If even a tiny spark were to ignite, it would trigger an uncontrollable chaos.

Mo Ji dared not delay and, after receiving the order, rode swiftly to the Duke of Xingguo's residence.

He rushed to the main hall, where he saw Duke Xingguo, Cui Cheng, and Cui Jincheng discussing matters.

Mo Ji was extremely anxious and disregarded etiquette. He knelt down with a thud and recounted in detail how the palace was besieged by the people and the situation was extremely critical.

Upon hearing this, the Duke of Xingguo's expression instantly turned solemn. He subconsciously clenched his fists, stood up, and paced back and forth in the hall, clearly flustered by the matter.

However, Cui Jincheng remained indifferent, a faint, mocking smile playing on his lips, as he leaned back lazily in his chair, seemingly oblivious to the matter.

“Commander Mo, this matter is of utmost importance.” Duke Xingguo stopped and looked at Mo Ji, his tone full of worry. “Mobilizing troops could easily lead to greater chaos if not handled carefully. Not to mention the impact on the reputation of my Cui family, if not handled properly, the entire situation could be completely out of control.”

Mo Ji hurriedly said, "Lord Duke, the situation is extremely urgent. Only the General of the State can send troops to relieve the crisis in the palace. Her Majesty the Empress is extremely anxious and hopes that the Duke's Mansion can lend a helping hand."

At this moment, Cui Jincheng, who had been silent all along, suddenly spoke up, his voice tinged with impatience: "Commander Mo, you are too naive. What can those rabble do to the palace? I think this is just them bluffing. Why make such a fuss?"

Furthermore, sending troops to suppress the people is an act that will offend many people. Why should I, as a general, get involved in this mess?

Upon hearing this, Mo Ji felt both anxious and angry.

He raised his head, looked directly into Cui Jincheng's eyes, and said earnestly, "General Cui, you are wrong. Her Majesty the Empress is in deep danger. As her brother, how can you sit idly by?"

The people are currently very agitated, and if this is not stopped in time, the consequences could be disastrous if a conflict breaks out.

At that time, not only will the Empress's grand ambitions be jeopardized, but the Duke's mansion will likely also be implicated.

Cui Jincheng scoffed dismissively, "A grand undertaking? I think her so-called grand undertaking is nothing but a farce."

She colluded with the Japanese and caused this mess; she brought it upon herself and should clean it up herself.

I don't want her foolishness to plunge my Cui family into utter ruin.

Upon hearing this, the Duke of Xingguo's face darkened, and he shouted sternly, "Jincheng, stop talking nonsense! Your sister is in trouble now, how can we, as her closest relatives, stand idly by?"

Cui Jincheng remained unmoved, stood up, and said coldly, "Father, don't be fooled by her. She only wants to be emperor and has never considered the safety of our Cui family. This is the consequence of her own actions. My mind is made up, and I will not send troops."

After saying that, he turned and strode away, leaving Mo Ji and the Duke of Xingguo in the hall, where the atmosphere was awkward and heavy.

Mo Ji watched Cui Jincheng's departing figure, filled with despair. He then turned his hopeful gaze to the Duke of Xingguo, only to see him looking exhausted and helpless. He slowly sat back down in his chair, put his hands on his head, and let out a long sigh.

“Commander Mo, my son’s mind is made up. Although I am the head of the family, I cannot influence his thoughts.”

Cui Chengdao raised his head, his eyes filled with guilt and helplessness. "I know this matter is of great importance, but Jincheng is unwilling to send troops, and I... I have no choice."

Mo Ji was extremely anxious, but he couldn't force the Duke of Xingguo. After thinking for a moment, he stood up, cupped his hands, and said, "Your Excellency, since that's the case, I won't insist. However, the situation is critical, and I hope Your Excellency can reconsider. I will take my leave now and return to the palace to report."

After saying that, he turned and left in a hurry.

Back at the palace, Mo Ji looked at the imposing palace gates, his heart heavy. He entered the Phoenix Palace and saw Cui Jintang slumped in a chair, her eyes vacant, as if she had lost all her strength.

"Mo Ji, how did things go?" Cui Jintang asked listlessly.

Mo Ji knelt down with a thud and truthfully reported the situation of the Duke of Xingguo's mansion.

Upon hearing this, a flicker of despair crossed Cui Jintang's eyes, which then turned to anger: "You, Cui Jincheng, betrayed me at this crucial moment! I've painstakingly built up the Cui family's honor, yet he's so short-sighted!"

Just then, a palace maid rushed in, panicking: "Your Majesty, something terrible has happened! The people have broken through the outer defenses and are about to attack the inner palace!"

Cui Jintang suddenly stood up, her eyes filled with determination: "Since that's the case, I'll fight them to the death!"

"Your Majesty, no! Let me try to dissuade them first. If they don't listen, then we can make further plans!" Mo Ji said hastily upon hearing this.

"Alright, I'll leave this matter to you!"