275 Empress Liu's Plans

, “Understood. This fool isn't so foolish that more stupidity would come as a surprise. Right Getting Prince Ye Liping and Prince Jin to fight each other That’s quite the idea.”Mo Xiuyao nodded in sat...275. Empress Liu's Plans, Feng San Returns

Inside the palace of Empress Liu, although she did not attend to hear the imperial edict, news still reached her ears at an incredibly fast pace. When the eunuch informed her of the news, Empress Liu was sitting in a small garden within her palace, gazing at a pear tree blooming vibrantly. A slightly chilly breeze blew, scattering petals like snowflakes across the ground. Even though she was wrapped in a white fox fur cloak, Empress Liu couldn't help but shiver.

"Get out!" Empress Liu coldly said.

The eunuch naturally didn’t dare to say anything more and hurriedly ran away, afraid that he might lose his head before Empress Liu had a chance to be buried alive as an accompaniment to the emperor.

After dismissing everyone around her, Empress Liu looked up at the pear tree in front of her. Pears were her favorite flowers; she believed they were much more beautiful and pure than peonies, peach blossoms, orchids, or plum blossoms. Originally, there had been no pear trees in the palace as "pear" (li) sounds like "to leave" (li), which was considered ominous. But after she entered the palace, Emperor Mo Jingqi planted several pear trees in her garden to win a smile from her. Now… to be buried alive...

She knew that Emperor Mo Jingqi was always ruthless and cruel, but she never imagined that this ruthlessness would one day be directed at her. So indeed, even after death he still wants me as an accompaniment

"Reporting to the Empress… Prince Qin and Chancellor Lord request an audience," a palace maid outside timidly reported.

Empress Liu rose from her seat, pulling her white fox fur cloak tighter around her: "Let them in."

In no time, Crown Prince Mo Xiaoyun, who had been demoted to Prince of Qin, and Chancellor Lord entered the main hall along with the Fifth Prince, who was two years younger than the crown prince, and Princess Zhen Ning, who was fourteen. Upon seeing Empress Liu, both the Fifth Prince and Princess Zhen Ning started crying: "Mother… waaahh… Mother…" Empress Liu never had much patience for children to begin with; at this moment she felt extremely vexed. Hearing their sobs, her anger flared up, and she sternly said: "What are you crying about! I haven't died yet!"

The Fifth Prince and Princess Zhen Ning were originally worried about their mother, and upon hearing that the emperor had ordered her to be buried alive with him in his death edict they came over following Prince Qin and Chancellor Lord. Even though Empress Liu was usually indifferent towards them, she was still their birth mother whom they adored, but they never expected a harsh scolding from her as soon as they saw her. The Fifth Prince choked back his sobs, turning red in the face due to lack of breath; Princess Zhen Ning bit her lip and stubbornly refused to make another sound.

Mo Xiaoyun was only twelve years old but had been specially cultivated by Chancellor Lord because he was Empress Liu's eldest son. Naturally, he was much more composed than his sister and brother. As the crown prince, originally a rightful heir to the throne, he now felt humiliated due to an imperial edict from the emperor on his deathbed; yet here he still managed to speak calmly, which showed how hard Chancellor Mo had worked on cultivating him. Mo Xiaoyun frowned: "Mother, my sister and brother are worried about you."

Empress Liu snorted coldly: "What good is worrying Crying won't solve anything."

Mocha Yun remained silent. He didn’t have much affection for this mother either; unlike his sister and brother who yearned for her, he clearly understood that in her eyes, they were all unnecessary beings and that he was merely a tool to be used.

"Empress!" Chancellor Mo frowned deeply and spoke firmly. Speaking of this daughter made him feel extremely frustrated. From the time she was young, her heart had been set on Mo Xiuyao, never wavering for years. She treated both the emperor and her children with cold indifference. If it weren’t for Mo Xiuyao, there would be no way she would even consider vying for the position of crown prince for Qin Prince, let alone consider the interests of their family. Truly a past life karmic debt. Chancellor Mo believed himself to be ruthless and heartless; throughout his career as an official he had sent many innocent people to their deaths. But even though he was heartless, he still cared about his family and children, whereas this daughter of his didn’t care at all about the rest of her family or any other relationships.

As for Chancellor Liu, Empress Dowager Liu still maintained a degree of respect. Hearing her father's disapproving tone, she frowned and said coolly, "Why have you come"

The Chancellor anxiously replied, "How could I not come Have you forgotten the late emperor’s will Do you really intend to die with him as his consort"

At the mention of Mo Jingqi, Empress Dowager Liu disdainfully pursed her lips. Initially, she had believed that Mo Jingqi cared for her, but now she did not believe a single word he said. That man wanted her dead along with him! Even if she were to die, she would never be buried in the same tomb as him, "Father needn’t worry; I have my own plans."

The Chancellor was stunned, “You’ve found a way The emperor ordered Dowager Empress to die alongside the late emperor. Prince Li didn't object either. When it happens, Prince Li will closely monitor everything. You might not be able to escape unharmed.” Upon hearing Mo Jingli's name, Empress Dowager Liu's face darkened as she gritted her teeth and said, "Mo Jingli! He’s ruining my plans again!" The Chancellor sighed heavily and helplessly remarked, “Since things have reached this point, there is nothing we can do. In a few days, the tenth prince will ascend to the throne.”

"No way!" Empress Dowager Liu coldly stated.

The Chancellor furrowed his brow and said, "Things are at this juncture; what more can we do"

Empress Dowager Liu lifted her chin and replied coolly, “If we could depose the sixth prince, we certainly won’t hesitate to remove the tenth one. Only the crown prince should ascend to the throne. If he does... the imperial will naturally would be annulled, and I wouldn't have to die alongside the late emperor.” The Chancellor was both shocked and furious as he glared at Empress Dowager Liu, "Delusions! At this time, not only Prince Li but also Grand Princess Long, Queen Hua, Duke of Huaguo, and even Prince Ding are keeping a close eye on the tenth prince. It's extremely difficult to make any moves. Once discovered... do you think Qin Wang still has a chance at ascending Then he would drag our Liu family along as accomplices!"

Empress Dowager Liu smiled and said, "Father, don't you think only we want the tenth prince dead Prince Li's intentions are no fewer than ours. I heard some interesting news: it seems that before the emperor’s death, Prince Li asked about his son's whereabouts.”

The Chancellor was taken aback; he had indeed heard what Prince Li said at the time, but back then they were more concerned with the will in Queen Hua’s hands. After the imperial will was issued and everyone was shocked by it, there wasn't any time to think about that question. Empress Dowager Liu smiled and asked, "Do you remember a couple of months ago when Mo Jingli... beat his own son to death"

The Chancellor naturally remembered. Although the Li王府對這件事掩蓋得很嚴，柳家和黎王府可是政敵。這麼大的事情他們怎麼可能不知道？捋著鬍鬚，柳丞相眯起眼睛道：“你的意思是……”柳貴妃笑道：“葉瑩懷孕的時候正被皇上囚禁著。我們都隻知道她生下了一個兒子，但是卻誰也冇有見過那個兒子。自然是皇上說是就是說不是就不是了。隻怕…黎王府那個孩子根本就不是黎王的兒子。皇上素來多疑，黎王又是騎兵叛亂的人皇上怎麼可能不防著他？”

“娘娘知道那孩子在哪裡嗎？”柳丞相大喜。如今黎王膝下除了葉瑩生下的一個兒子外，再無任何子嗣。甚至連側妃姬妾懷孕的訊息都冇有過，京城早就有些風言風語了。如果真的是這樣，那麼這個孩子的價值確實超乎他們所有人意料的大。

柳貴妃搖頭道：“不知道，皇上冇有告訴任何人那個孩子的下落。”

柳丞相有些失望，卻聽柳貴妃笑道：“知不知道有什麼關係？咱們冇見過那個孩子，黎王同樣冇見過那個孩子。隻要父親安排得當……”

“娘娘說的對，老夫明白了。”柳丞相心念一轉，立刻就明白柳貴妃的意思，笑眯眯地應道。

No matter how tumultuous the political landscape was inside and outside the palace, Ding王府裡依然是一片寧靜平和。直到這日傍晚，一個俊美的紅衣男子敲開了定王府緊閉的大門。

"I do not recall summoning you to the capital, Feng Zhirao" The Crown Prince Mo Xiuyao asked indolently as he looked at Feng Zhirao, who was dusty from his journey. Feng Zhirao leaned against the wall by the door and returned with a weary smile. Over thirty years old, Feng Zhirao's originally carefree handsome face had gained a hint of maturity and an air of indifference that should not be present on someone in his position as the right-hand man to the Prince Ding and the renowned third son Feng from Northwest. At this moment, the faintly furrowed brows due to fatigue and worry made it hard for anyone to blame him harshly. Ye Li quietly tugged at Mo Xiuyao’s robe, signaling that he should not be too harsh with Feng Zhirao.

Mo Xiuyao lightly harrumphed in dissatisfaction as he looked at Feng Zhirao and said, “Speak up then, what is it If you just came to the capital out of worry without anything important to report, I will have my men send you right back.”

Feng Zhirao had grown up with him from a young age and naturally knew when he was truly angry versus when he was bluffing. Smiling gratefully at Ye Li, Feng Zhirao walked over to the side chair and sat down, “Mr Qingchen wanted me to relay a message for Your Highness. We underestimated something; Western Xiling and Southern Nanzhao have yet to start a war.” In fact, this could be considered a favor from Mr Qingchen to Feng Zhirao. Normally such news would not require someone with Feng Zhirao’s status to personally deliver it, and Mr Qingchen was certainly capable of handling the matter himself. It was just that Feng Zhirao’s condition had greatly affected his efficiency. Mr Qingchen was an unparalleled genius who naturally understood there must be something in the capital he could not let go of. Thus, he casually assigned him a task to come back for.

Upon hearing this, Mo Xiuyao raised his eyebrows in surprise. Mr Qingchen’s plans rarely had any mishaps, but he quickly realized it made sense. Although Emperor Moxingqi's death was not entirely unexpected, the chaos that followed after his death certainly was. Especially so with the self-censure edict and arrangements for Prince Ding before his passing; they were truly unforeseen events. Upon receiving this news, Prince Zhennan may very well abandon his plans to attack Nanzhao as it was a small country far from the center of power.

"Has there been any change in Western Xiling recently" Mo Xiuyao asked.

Feng Zhirao replied, "Prince Zhennan has secretly mobilized troops and moved them closer to the border with the Great Chu. Mr Qingchen speculates... once news of Emperor Moxingqi's death spreads, the army of Western Xiling will launch another offensive against the Great Chu. Additionally, it seems that the Northern Rong also have similar intentions."

"What does Mr Qingchen say"

“Mr Qingchen says that if Your Highness completes the matters in the capital, please return as soon as possible.”

"If... the matters are completed..." Mo Xiuyao tilted his head and smiled at Ye Li. “It seems that my brother is not eager for us to return. Then let's stay here a bit longer.” If everything was handled, he would quickly return; otherwise, there was no need to go back yet. Xu Qingchen’s bold statement indicated that Lei Zhenting's actions did not concern him. Therefore, since Northwest had Mr Qingchen guarding it, why not see if they could benefit from the Great Chu instead

Feng Zhirao raised his eyebrows but didn’t mind Mo Xiuyao misinterpreting Xu Qingchen’s words. After all, he faithfully relayed everything as it was said; how Prince Ding chose to understand that was none of his business.

Ye Li smiled at Feng Zhirao and said, "Since this is the case, Third Master Feng will stay in our residence." Although Feng Zhirao had a home, he moved out years ago. When Mo Jiajun separated from Great Chu, they publicly declared him an outcast and cut off relations with him. His house in the capital had been unoccupied for many years; who didn’t know that Third Master Feng was Prince Ding’s trusted advisor

Feng Zhirao nodded, "Thank you, Princess."

"Your Highness... Princess..." After looking at Ye Li and Mo Xiuyao, Feng Zhirao could not hold back any longer. He rushed back to the capital for this matter and couldn’t wait a moment longer. Seeing the usually debonair Third Master Feng’s rare bashful and flushed appearance, Ye Li covered her mouth and smiled. As Feng Zhirao spoke seriously, she said, "You needn't worry. She is after all the Empress of a nation, with the Hua family as her backing. Regardless of who ascends to the throne, they will treat her with great respect."

Feng Zhirao’s expression froze for a moment; after hesitating briefly, he said, "I wish to see her once, please grant my request, Princess."

Ye Li turned her head to look at Mo Xiuyao. He raised his eyebrows and replied, “For such a small matter, let Yeli decide.”

Ye Lvy thought for a moment and then said to Feng Zhirao, "The palace is currently under strict security measures. Please be patient. I will arrange it for you, but... I need her consent first." Ye Lvy knew what Feng Zhirao wanted, but if the Empress didn't agree, his impulsive actions would only cause more trouble for both of them. Ye Lvy couldn’t determine whether the Empress had feelings for Feng Zhirao or if those feelings were strong enough to make her abandon her responsibilities and status. Feng Zhirao hesitated to argue back when he saw Ye Lvy’s serious expression, nodding instead. "Thank you, Lady Wang."

Seeing the reluctance in Feng Zhirao's eyes, Ye Lvy sighed softly, saying, "It is hard to say who is right or wrong when it comes to matters of love. We know that you care about her deeply, but… if she doesn’t need your concern now, then your current thoughts are not helping her, but only adding trouble for her. Do you understand"

Feng Zhirao remained silent. Perhaps deep in his heart, he didn't believe that the Empress might not need his help at all. However... she was the Empress who ruled over the nation. Even if she had no feelings towards Emperor Mo Jingqi, she would still be the empress of Great Chu and the future Dowager Empress. Even when Mo Jiling ascended to the throne, he could only show her respect as a royal aunt. Now, the tenth prince was only seven years old, precisely the age when he needed someone's assistance to ascend the throne. Would she go with him Feng Zhirao suddenly felt uneasy.

Seeing his rare expression of unease, Ye Lvy sighed inwardly. Matters of love were the most tormenting. Feng Zhirao was naturally carefree and accomplished in his life, but he had fallen victim to this one word—love. How many years had passed with him still being infatuated. While Han Mingyue's obsession with Su Zuodie made people angry, Feng Zhirao’s deep affection for the Empress could only evoke pity and helplessness.

"Don't think too much," Ye Lvy said softly with a smile.

Feng Zhirao forced a smile. "Thank you, Lady Wang."

Zhuo Jing reported from outside the door, “My lord, my lady, and Young Master Leng Er and Madam Leng are here.”

Mo Xiurao raised an eyebrow. "What do they want at this time"

Cold Haoyu's laughter sounded from outside. "The emperor has passed away, and many businesses have been forced to close down. Since I'm not busy..." Cold Haoyu owned numerous businesses that involved brothels, taverns, gambling dens, etc. With the death of the emperor, all these businesses had halted operations out of mourning for the nation. Thus, during his spare time, he brought his son and wife over to pay a visit at Duke Ding's Manor.

Dragging Mu Songting into the study, they saw Feng Zhirao sitting off to one side. Cold Haoyu smiled, saying, "Oh Isn’t this Third Young Master Feng It’s been a while since we last met. You don't look too well these days." Indeed, due to his urgent travel and lack of rest before entering the study for discussions, Feng Zhirao appeared rather pale even in his red attire. Although Cold Haoyu usually liked to challenge Feng Zhirao, he refrained from touching on sensitive topics. After seating himself, he said solemnly to Feng Zhirao, "Rest assured, she is fine. At this juncture, no one dares to slight her." With the new emperor not yet established and the previous emperor's passing, Dowager Empress Liu Gui妃被下令殉葬。宮中的事宜由皇後全權處理，此時有眼力的人都不會去給皇後找不自在。

Feng Zhirao nodded with a faint smile. "Thank you."

Cold Haoyu pursed his lips and remained silent. He had no issue with the Empress, but seeing Feng Zhirao's long-standing unrequited love sometimes made him want to speak up for his friend. However, recalling how much time and effort he spent pursuing his own wife, Cold Haoyu could only sigh that Feng Zhirao was even more unfortunate than himself.

Today we depart for Guilin; these few days' chapters are all pre-written drafts. Well... Feng is a staunch computer user, so I won’t be able to use my phone online. Replies and comments can only be answered upon return. Love you guys—oodles of love!fatigue, with faint shadows under his eyes as well. Looking around, Moxiuyao lightly stepped off the ground, carrying Ye Li and leaping over tree branches towards a mountain road on the opposite side....