With the Empress now able to cultivate, Chu Chen was finally at ease and stayed by her side.
Meanwhile, outside of Shuangyue City, Li Mengdie met again with several high-ranking officials from the imperial court. Upon hearing that Chu Chen had been stripped of his military power, she was overjoyed.
"Your Highness Liu Wang, why are you so happy? Is that brat Chu Chen really that skilled in warfare? Most of his previous achievements were likely for personal gain," Guo Yong said with some confusion.
If he were truly so capable, why would he have suffered two defeats this time?
Li Mengdie shook her head, a smug expression on her face. "That brat Chu Chen is indeed a formidable commander. Never underestimate him; that's always been my concern. We've truly clashed before."
Hearing this, everyone nodded. Yan Fa spoke, "Your Highness, this is a heaven-sent opportunity. If we occupy Shuangyue City now and you ascend the throne swiftly, everything will be accomplished."
Li Mengdie felt excited, yet a sense of apprehension lingered.
"You all speak so eloquently, but why do I always feel like there might be a trap?"
"Your Highness, rest assured, there will be no trap. We've been laying the groundwork for so long and have made thorough preparations."
"Yes, Your Highness. We've privately spoken with several of the most senior officials in the ministries. They are willing to pledge their loyalty to you if you return."
Li Mengdie couldn't help but express her surprise. "Are you telling the truth?"
"Of course, Your Highness. You've been too cautious from the start, which caused you to miss this opportune moment. But it's not too late."
"It's even better now that Chu Chen has lost his military power."
"In that case, let us dispatch troops now and capture Shuangyue City within half a day."
"Your Highness, we can simply enter the city quietly. The guards at the gate have been replaced by our insiders. As soon as we give the signal, they will immediately open the gates to welcome us."
"If that's the case, then we shall enter the city at the third watch tonight and capture Chu Chen and Li Xinyue before dawn."
As she spoke, a triumphant smile spread across Li Mengdie's face.
"Chu Chen, you brat, you never expected to fall into my hands in the end."
Guo Yong's face lit up with joy. "Your Highness Liu Wang, after you ascend the throne, will you appoint me as your Prime Minister?"
Li Mengdie looked at Guo Yong, then at Yan Fa and Zhou Guangxing.
Seeing the same expectant look on their faces, she knew that if she didn't offer them some reassuring words, they wouldn't agree.
"Rest assured, all of you who participate in this coup will be rewarded accordingly."
"As for the three of you, your contributions are immense. I am currently not fully aware of each of your abilities."
"If I were to arbitrarily appoint one of you as Prime Minister, the other two might feel disgruntled."
"Therefore, I plan to conduct an assessment after the coup is successful."
"Those who pass the assessment will be awarded the position of Prime Minister."
Upon hearing this, Guo Yong and the other two's eyes gleamed.
Although Li Mengdie hadn't immediately promised them the position of Prime Minister, it was already more than satisfactory.
Previously, they hadn't even had the qualifications for the position, but now, all they needed was to pass an assessment to obtain it.
Zhou Guangxing couldn't help but ask, "Your Highness, may I know the content of this assessment?"
Li Mengdie smiled mysteriously and shook her head.
"The content of the assessment cannot be revealed beforehand, otherwise, how can we select the most suitable candidate for the position of Prime Minister?"
"Alright, everyone, it's still too early to discuss these matters. What you need to do is to hurry back and prepare. I will enter the city through the South Gate at the third watch tonight."
The three, knowing they couldn't get any more information for now, bowed and withdrew.
After they left, a subtle smile flickered across Li Mengdie's face.
In reality, regardless of how these three performed, the position of Prime Minister would ultimately go to Chu Chen.
And in her heart, only Chu Chen was suitable for that role.
She had heard some of their capabilities, but they were far inferior to Chu Chen's.
They wished to rise to power through their contributions to her ascension, but Li Mengdie wouldn't neglect talent by appointing them.
The compromise and reassuring words were merely to appease them.
Thinking this, Li Mengdie closed her eyes, a hint of regret in her heart.
If only Chu Chen were on her side, she could have unleashed her full potential and governed with determination, rather than resorting to rebellion and chaos like this.
At the third watch that night, Li Mengdie appeared outside the South Gate, now clad in her battle armor.
Guo Yong and the other two stood beside her, and at that moment, the city gates before them swung open.
A triumphant look flashed across Li Mengdie's face as she gestured towards the gates and said to them, "Let's go, follow me, storm the palace, and capture Li Xinyue alive."
Instantly, a roar erupted from within and outside the city gates, and Li Mengdie led her army into the city.
Li Mengdie knew Li Xinyue was in the palace. She didn't want to make a fuss; as long as she could capture Li Xinyue alive, everything else would fall into place.
The ministers, lacking military power, couldn't command a single soldier and could only obey her.
After posting guards at the city gates, Li Mengdie led her army directly towards the palace.
The palace guards had also been bribed, and Li Mengdie's army moved as if through empty territory, arriving directly at the Empress's sleeping quarters.
When Li Mengdie and her men stormed the chambers, they found them brightly lit but deserted.
Not even a single maid was present.
A sense of foreboding washed over Li Mengdie. She instructed Guo Yong to shout loudly, "Li Xinyue, come out! What kind of hero hides their head and shows their tail?"
"Li Xinyue, if you don't come out, I'm going to start cursing!"
At these words, a sudden commotion erupted outside, accompanied by earth-shattering sounds.
Li Mengdie's outer guards rushed in to report, "Your Highness, a large army outside has surrounded our men."
Hearing this, Li Mengdie's face paled slightly. Although she knew she had fallen into a trap, she maintained her composure.
"Don't worry, their strength is not great, they are nothing. Search for her! Turn this place upside down if you have to, but find Li Xinyue."
Li Mengdie's expression turned extremely grim.
She hadn't expected to be outmaneuvered by Li Xinyue; this was truly a case of a skilled hand making a mistake.
"What are you searching for? Second Sister, you've finally arrived."
Li Xinyue suddenly appeared on the roof of the main hall, a look of helplessness on her face.
Beside her stood several Imperial Guards, each possessing considerable strength.