The Daily Life of a Concubine's Daughter After Transmigrating

Chapter 247 Taking refuge

As she spoke, the empress took out an exquisite box from her sleeve, inside which was an antique jade pendant.

"This jade pendant was left to me by my late father, the late General Zhenyuan. It can be used to mobilize some of the old forces of the Zhenyuan Army."

"The sincerity of my heart is evident in such an important item."

"I hope you can give it to Prince Xiao and let him keep it safe."

The Empress handed the box to Li Anqi, her eyes filled with solemnity.

Li Anqi stared blankly at the box the Empress handed him, his heart churning with turbulent emotions.

Is the Empress using this jade pendant to express her willingness to submit to Ling Luo?

It seems that my previous speculation was not unfounded.

Ling Luo, he may have already developed ulterior motives towards the Third Prince.

Li Anqi looked up at the Empress:

"Your Majesty, this jade pendant is of great importance. Are you truly determined to entrust it to Prince Xiao?"

Li Anqi's voice trembled slightly as he asked cautiously.

The Empress nodded slightly, her gaze firm, and said:

"I have given this matter much thought, and now... I have no other choice."

"I only hope that he will not disappoint me."

She and Ling Xi had been fighting with Consort Gui and Ling Yao for so long; if Ling Yao gained power, he would certainly not let her go.

Ling Xiao was merely a tool temporarily promoted by the emperor to counterbalance Ling Yao, and was not of great use.

The only one she could bet on was Ling Luo.

Li Anqi probably had a pretty good idea of the Empress's situation.

Taking a deep breath, she slowly said, "Your Majesty, rest assured, I will deliver the jade pendant safely to the Prince."

He bid farewell to the Empress.

Before Li Anqi had even left the Imperial Garden, he saw the plump and fair-skinned Ling Zhao standing in front of him, with two guards beside him.

Ling Xiao's face was beaming with a smile, making it impossible to tell that he was at the very center of a treacherous vortex.

His eyes, which were so fat they were almost squinting, lacked any sparkle and even appeared somewhat simple-minded.

It's hard not to wonder why a prince like him has recently gained the emperor's attention.

Li Anqi, unhurriedly, nodded and curtsied, saying, "Greetings, Sixth Prince."

Ling Zhao quickly stepped forward, offering his hands in a gesture of support, his face beaming with smiles. He leaned forward slightly, his round body swaying, and said:

"Your Majesty's gesture of respect is too much for me."

His voice had a touch of naivety, yet it also conveyed a warm enthusiasm.

"That stunning dance on Mid-Autumn Festival is unforgettable."

"How fortunate I am to see the Chess Goddess again today!"

Li Anqi slightly raised his eyes to look at Ling Xiao's hand supporting him, a barely perceptible hint of wariness flashing in his eyes.

Rumor has it that the sixth prince, Ling Xiao, is gluttonous and lecherous.

This was only her second time meeting Ling Zhao, and his overly enthusiastic manner made her feel somewhat uncomfortable.

Following Li Anqi's gaze, Ling Xiao looked at her own hand, and as if realizing something, quickly withdrew her hand.

"Oh, I was just in a moment of joy. I'm not usually very reserved. Please forgive me, Your Majesty."

Seeing his sincere tone, Li Anqi's expression softened.

Ling Zhao continued:

"Actually, today is not a coincidence. I heard that Her Majesty the Empress has invited all the ladies and women to attend the Winter Solstice Banquet, so I came here specifically to find Her Majesty."

Li Anqi looked at Ling Xiao with a puzzled expression.

"Oh, is that so? I heard that on the day the Empress Dowager passed away, Lady Qi was the last person to see her."

"I just want to ask, what did the Empress Dowager say to you in her last moments?"

Ling Zhao leaned forward with his round head: "Could you please reveal something, Chess Lady?"

Li Anqi was puzzled, but cautiously replied, "The Empress Dowager was merely inquiring about some trivial matters; why would the Sixth Prince make such a remark?"

"Is that so?" Ling Xiao pressed his index finger to his chin, tilting his head to look at the horizon. "Then why did the Prince's faction loosen its grip on many matters concerning my subordinates after the Empress Dowager's passing?"

Ling Xiao looked at Li Anqi again, her eyes filled with joy.

"Wasn't it the Empress Dowager who secretly spoke to you, telling your uncle to switch sides and support me?"

Seeing Ling Zhao speak so bluntly, Li Anqi was inevitably shocked and speechless.

She glanced nervously at the two guards behind him.

"Chess Queen, there is no one else here."

Ling Zhao chuckled sheepishly.

"The situation in the court is now clear, but the young prince is still unpredictable."

"Whether Ling Yao or I will ascend the throne depends entirely on Uncle Wang..."

"Sixth Prince, stop talking!"

Li Anqi quickly interrupted and took a step back.

"Your Majesty, I know nothing and heard nothing!"

Every word Ling Xiao uttered was a threat that could lead to his execution.