In Han Ning Palace, Pei Qing had finally lulled Xiao Ji'an to sleep and sat quietly beside him, watching over him.
She had worried he would be frightened, but instead, Xiao Ji'an had held her hand to comfort her. The child was brave, but Pei Qing was still terrified.
If the Nanchuan army had arrived just a little later, the three of them would have fallen to Prince Yu's faction.
"My lady."
Pei Qing was lost in thought when Zhi Lan softly called her, "Allow me to assist you in washing up."
Pei Qing still looked disheveled, her hair in disarray, and her clothes stained with blood. She rarely appeared this unkempt. Since entering the palace, she had adhered strictly to its protocols and etiquette, imitating her sister in every action and word because her sister never made mistakes.
Zhi Lan helped her into the inner room, assisted her in removing her clothes, and let down her long hair.
"Zhi Lan, are you hurt?"
Zhi Lan's eyes reddened as she recalled Pei Qing shielding her. She shook her head, "No, I'm fine, not a scratch."
Pei Qing nodded. After a moment of silence, she asked, "How is His Majesty?"
"Rest assured, my lady, His Majesty is well. The rebels have been executed on the spot, though the imperial guards suffered heavy losses. The Nanchuan army has taken over the palace's defenses."
"But..." Zhi Lan hesitated.
"What is it?"
"My lady, the King of Nanchuan is also of royal blood and holds significant military power. Now that he controls the capital, could His Majesty and the prince be in danger?"
Pei Qing sighed softly. Zhi Lan had been with her long enough to think alike.
She asked, "Is the King of Nanchuan staying in the palace?"
Zhi Lan nodded, "He's staying in the main hall of the Eastern Palace, which is meant for the heir apparent, a place bestowed by the late emperor when he made our emperor the crown prince."
But that was always his way. He took what he wanted without asking anyone.
Pei Qing changed her clothes, redid her hair, and applied makeup, enhancing her natural beauty with skill.
Zhi Lan was puzzled. The lady never liked to dress up, and she thought naturally beautiful women didn't need to. But now, with makeup, Pei Qing was breathtakingly beautiful.
"Zhi Lan, stay here with Ji'an."
Zhi Lan was shocked, "It's so late, my lady. Are you going out alone?"
"Yes," she replied briefly, saying no more.
She had written to him asking for help. If she didn't see him tonight, tomorrow could bring unforeseen consequences. If he grew angry, it would endanger the emperor and the child.
In the cold night, Pei Qing walked, deep in thought. Was this a case of lifting a rock only to drop it on her own foot? In the face of life and death, she thought of him. Now that the danger had passed, she found herself wary of him.
The Eastern Palace, not far away, seemed to arrive quickly. Before she got close, she heard the loud voices of soldiers drinking and chatting at the gate. They were talking about Nanchuan beauties and singing Nanchuan songs.
Chu Li was the first to notice her. With a shout of "Your Majesty the Empress," the surroundings fell silent.
What was the Empress doing here alone in the dead of night without her maid?
Everyone exchanged puzzled glances, watching the stunningly beautiful Empress walk into the prince's chamber.
As Chu Li closed the door behind her, Pei Qing heard the gasps and mocking laughter outside. Late at night, she had entered a man's bedchamber in front of everyone.
Dignity and decorum vanished the moment she stepped inside.
She closed her eyes briefly and walked further in.
By the bed, an extremely handsome and sinister-looking man was casually leaning against the bedpost. It was clear he had just bathed, as he was only wearing a black silk robe, untied, with his chest exposed, revealing a strong physique and a vicious scar.
He was wiping a blade, though blood had seeped into it and couldn't be cleaned off. Smelling the fragrance, Xiao Yuan turned his head.
Pei Qing quickly averted her gaze. One look was enough to recognize him.
But Xiao Yuan wasn't like that. He stared at her unabashedly, and Pei Qing could feel the heat and disdain in his gaze.
After a long moment, Xiao Yuan suddenly smiled. "The Empress arrives without a word, leaving me quite apprehensive."
His voice hadn't changed; she recognized it in Han Ning Palace. But his tone had changed. It used to be cheerful and straightforward, but now it was full of disdain and provocation.
Pei Qing lowered her eyes. "I… came to thank the King of Nanchuan for leading the army to protect us."
Xiao Yuan continued wiping his blade, as if he hadn't heard her.
But Pei Qing knew he could hear her. She continued, "Your Highness, considering the bonds of kinship, I, Pei Qing, thank you on behalf of His Majesty and Ji'an. With your protection, no one will dare to rebel again."
Her tone was gentle yet carried an underlying message. She thanked him for his help but suspected his intentions.
Xiao Yuan sneered, "What, the pleas and promises in your letter no longer matter now?"
Seeing him rise, Pei Qing took a step back.
Xiao Yuan's face turned cold. Pei Qing knew he was about to get angry. She lifted her skirt and knelt down, her voice trembling, "As long as Your Highness promises not to harm His Majesty and Ji'an, everything in the letter stands."
The mother of the nation, now trembling and helpless, was begging at his feet.
This feeling wasn't bad at all.
Xiao Yuan licked his lips and dragged his blade to her, lifting her face with the blade's edge. As expected, her face was tear-streaked, delicate, and pitiable.
The blade tip followed his gaze downward, sliding into her collar, sharp and cold, making her shudder.
Xiao Yuan counted patiently, then scoffed.
"Wearing so much, is this your sincerity?"
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