Not long after, Ge Xin Wei gracefully entered the hall. She was dressed in a long green gown with a fur cloak, her hair styled high with only two simple jade hairpins, yet she still appeared regal and elegant, instantly brightening the somber hall.
“Queen Consort?” Wu Jihai, seeing her appearance, accidentally knocked over the tea beside him in shock. But upon closer inspection, something was off. Her eye color was different—the Queen Consort Guan Ying’s eyes were a light grey, while this woman’s were a striking sapphire blue. Yet, the resemblance was uncanny, sending a chill down his spine. “Who are you?”
Ge Xin Wei ignored Wu Jihai and bowed slightly to Nake, while Mang Hu behind her looked on with disdain, snorting every so often. This stark difference in attitude left Nake momentarily stunned before he nodded in acknowledgment.
Ge Xin Wei calmly sat beside Wu Jihai and smiled. “City Lord Nake, do you not remember Wei'er? At the last city council meeting, I left with quite a strong impression of you!”
Nake was suddenly struck by recognition. “Princess Ge Xin Wei of the Rain Clan? My, how you’ve changed! I hardly recognized you!”
Years ago, Nake had been deeply impressed by the young princess’s talent and wisdom. She had been only fifteen at the time, but now she had grown into a stunning woman with an extraordinary presence. When he had first heard of the Rain Clan’s massacre and their downfall at Masui, he had felt great sorrow for the innocent young girl. Little did he expect to meet her here today.
“I’m glad you still remember me, so let’s not waste any more time,” Ge Xin Wei said with a slight smile. “I want to meet Queen Consort Guan Ying.”
Nake was taken aback, though he had already suspected as much. Such directness rarely led to good outcomes.
Seeing Nake hesitate, Wu Jihai exploded in anger. “If you have something to say, say it to me! The Queen Consort will not see you!”
Ge Xin Wei finally turned her gaze to Wu Jihai. “General Wu, is it? I’ve heard of your great reputation, but seeing you now… it seems the stories were exaggerated. Go tell your queen. If she refuses to meet me, we will turn back. I’ll give you fifteen minutes—think carefully!” Her voice was firm and unwavering, completely unshaken by Wu Jihai’s fury.
Wu Jihai sat there for a long time, unwilling to rise and report, but what he didn’t know was that Lian Huan, who had been stationed by the hall’s side, had already informed Queen Consort Huang Bei Shuang of everything that had happened.
Meanwhile, Ge Xin Wei leisurely sipped her tea, her gaze darkening. “General Wu, your fifteen minutes are almost up. What’s your decision?” After much hesitation, Wu Jihai finally stood up abruptly, seemingly ready to report.
However, before he reached the door, Lian Huan and seven other guards entered the hall in quick succession, opening a path. From afar, coughing could be heard, and when Wu Jihai and the others looked, they saw Ye Pei and the other two maids supporting Queen Consort Huang Bei Shuang as they approached.
Ge Xin Wei’s heartbeat quickened as she watched the figure draw closer. Her jade-like hand gripped her teacup tightly. Soon, Huang Bei Shuang entered the hall, her face pale, but a faint smile like a pear blossom lingered on her lips. Seeing so many people bowing in her presence, she did not immediately respond. Instead, she walked step by step to sit opposite Ge Xin Wei before softly saying, “No need for such formalities.” Her gentle coldness dissipated the oppressive atmosphere in the hall.
Everyone’s gaze shifted between the two women, so strikingly similar in appearance.
“You seem to still be running a fever,” Ge Xin Wei finally spoke, her words simple.
Huang Bei Shuang smiled faintly. “I’m indeed not feeling well.”
At this moment, feeling the agitation of Mang Hu standing behind her, Ge Xin Wei's eyes grew cold, and she smiled, “Are you so afraid of him? So afraid that you can’t suppress the urge to stab yourself twice?”
Huang Bei Shuang coughed and replied, “I am very afraid, but I must protect my people.”
“Hmph!” Ge Xin Wei sneered, “Saying that on purpose—does that mean there’s room to negotiate?”
Huang Bei Shuang looked at her and gently laughed, “You’re smart.”
Ge Xin Wei leaned back, “We’re both the same. Let’s not beat around the bush—he only wants you. Come with me, and there will be peace without bloodshed. I promise!”
“What makes you think you can guarantee that?”
“Because I’m Ruo Wen’s woman,” Ge Xin Wei retorted with a hint of provocation.
Huang Bei Shuang also leaned back, her voice calm, “But your eyes tell me that you’re afraid of him too!” With that, she couldn’t help but cough up blood, then looked up at Ge Xin Wei, “You can’t control him at all!”
Ge Xin Wei’s expression shifted slightly, and she sniffed before saying, “If you have another option, you can suggest it.”
Huang Bei Shuang lowered her eyes, contemplating for a long while before speaking bitterly, “If I had a choice, why would I be doing this? The condition is you can only take me, alone.”
“Your Majesty!” As soon as she said this, Lian Huan, Ye Pei, and the others were alarmed. In an instant, their swords were drawn, blocking Huang Bei Shuang, “No one take a step closer!” Lian Huan shouted angrily. They had all been captured by Ruo Wen before and knew the fate that awaited them if they surrendered.
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