Pei Qing had always been gentle and serene. Even when the concubines of the harem spoke coldly to her, she never took offense, nor did she ever mention their faults to Xiao Jing.
Thus, the rumor spread beyond the palace walls that the young Empress Pei was kind-hearted, magnanimous, and the very embodiment of a virtuous Empress.
But those within the palace knew better. Though Empress Pei resembled her elder sister, Empress Pei Wan, in appearance, she was not her sister. As an Empress, Pei Qing prioritized the Emperor and the Crown Prince above all else, but as a woman, her heart did not belong to the Emperor. She never involved herself in matters of who spent the night with the Emperor or who vied for his favor. Her indifference stemmed from a lack of jealousy, and thus, she remained composed and unruffled.
But the Pei Qing that everyone saw now was someone no one, not even Xiao Jing, had ever seen before.
She was sorrowful and resolute.
Xiao Jing coughed twice, then calmed himself and asked her quietly, "You’ve come to see me—what is it you want to do?"
"I want to open the palace gates," she said, without hesitation.
Xiao Jing looked at her intently. "Do you understand the consequences of opening the gates?"
Pei Qing understood all too well. Opening the gates would mean surrender. The armies outside coveted the throne and sought to kill Xiao Jing. Opening the gates would mean handing them exactly what they wanted.
In doing so, Xiao Jing would surely die, and the throne would fall into someone else’s hands.
But it would give the Nanchuan army outside a sliver of hope—a chance to retreat, to scatter and escape. Xiao Yuan, with his abilities, would surely survive, whether by retreating or fleeing.
Pei Qing lowered her head, remaining silent. Xiao Jing, instead of growing angry, smiled.
When the rebellious forces of Prince Yu and Prince Yun had attempted to seize the palace, he had believed it to be the end. But back then, Pei Qing had not shown the slightest inclination to surrender. What had kept her going wasn’t so much the letter she had sent for help, but her faith in that man outside. She believed that as long as Xiao Yuan arrived, everything would be safe and sound.
And now, Xiao Jing didn’t believe they were at the end yet. As long as the Nanchuan army fought to the death, defending the palace was not entirely impossible. But his Empress wanted to open the gates and surrender.
The matter of the man outside was a matter of life and death for her, and it made her abandon all the gentleness and quietness she had shown before.
Xiao Jing stared at Pei Qing.
So, his Empress was capable of such ruthless resolve. She had the same face as Pei Wan, but her temperament was completely different. All the compliance she had shown before was now clearly just indifference.
Even though he knew why she had entered the palace, an inexplicable anger surged within him.
Xiao Jing stood up, his tall, thin figure moving to stand in front of Pei Qing. He leaned down, his pale hand, veins bulging, gripping Pei Qing’s face to force her to look up—
"What if I refuse?" he asked.
Pei Qing looked into his deep, dark eyes, filled with a frightening intensity. It was the first time she had seen Xiao Jing like this. The current Emperor was known for his kindness and mercy—everyone under heaven knew that. He ruled wisely, never abusing his power or inflicting harsh punishments. He never raised his voice, let alone acted so aggressively.
Yet at this moment, despite the unchanged calm on his handsome face, the entire hall felt cold and chilling to Pei Qing.
Another thunderous boom from outside startled her, causing her to shudder.
But her resolve only hardened. She spoke firmly, "The Emperor is gravely ill. As the Empress, I have the authority to make this decision."
Xiao Jing’s gaze darkened instantly. Red marks appeared where his fingers pressed into her face. But he released her suddenly and said nothing, returning to his seat by the bed. Pei Qing noticed his bare feet on the cold floor and remembered all the times she had cared for him.
"Rest assured, Your Majesty," she said, her voice trembling. "The Crown Prince has been safely escorted out of the palace by the Nanchuan army. He will be fine." She paused, her voice breaking. "After opening the gates, no matter the outcome, I will stay by Your Majesty’s side."
Xiao Jing was taken aback.
"I know I am being selfish, but I... I really don’t want him to die," she said, tears finally streaming down her face. "I have betrayed him, hurt him, and recklessly dragged him into this brutal conflict. Xiao Yuan is a good man. If he lives, he can continue to protect the empire—he is valuable."
"Pei Qing, as the Empress, I know there can never be anything between us again. I... I have nothing left to offer, only my life, to repay Your Majesty’s kindness, to honor my sister’s memory. So, at this critical moment, I will not let Your Majesty face this alone. All I ask is that you allow him to live."
The large hall echoed with her tearful pleas.
Xiao Jing listened quietly until she finished, then chuckled softly, "I never realized the Empress I married was such a fierce woman."
Seeing Pei Qing’s tears falling to the floor, creating a large wet spot, Xiao Jing said, "Stand up."
Pei Qing didn’t understand his intention.
"Pour two cups of wine. Let’s consider this our final farewell. After we drink, I will order the gates opened."
"Thank you, Your Majesty! Thank you!" She quickly wiped her tears and stood up.
Pei Qing soon returned with the wine. Xiao Jing coughed twice more, and Pei Qing immediately moved the brazier closer to him. When she turned back, Xiao Jing was watching her, a faint smile on his lips.
She hesitated. "What is it?"
"Nothing," Xiao Jing said, picking up one of the cups and handing it to her.
Having ruled for over a decade, Xiao Jing found himself unable to see through this woman, this Empress of his. Even now, as she was about to sacrifice his life to save another man, she still worried that he might be cold.
Pei Qing took the cup, whispering another apology.
Xiao Jing smiled and drank it in one gulp. Pei Qing sipped hers and then followed suit.
"Pei Qing, how deeply do you care for him?" Xiao Jing asked, setting down his cup.
Pei Qing lowered her gaze.
"If you were truly selfish, you should have killed me. I never test my food for poison." He continued, "Once I’m dead, you could be with whoever you want, couldn’t you? But instead, just because you carry the title of Empress, you feel you must die with me. So, are you selfish, or just foolish?"
Xiao Jing’s voice was soft and pleasant to hear, but for some reason, even though she was so close, Pei Qing found it hard to hear him clearly.
She looked up at him, but her vision blurred. She shook her head, suddenly realizing what had just happened with the wine.
"Pei Qing, let me be selfish just this once."
That was the last thing Pei Qing heard before she lost consciousness.
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