Everyone in the grand tent was stunned when these words were spoken. There were hundreds of thousands of people in Yueyang.
Were their hearts made of devilish stuff? They couldn't possibly use so many people as sacrifices, no matter what. What deep enmity did they hold against Tianfeng?
Upon hearing Liu Liu's words, Liu Ting fell into thought. This possibility was quite real; otherwise, their actions were incomprehensible. What meaning did they hold? His expression turned incredibly grim.
"It seems the Empress speaks wisely."
Feng Xie's face was as grim as it could possibly be. A ruthless glint flashed across his handsome face as he swept his gaze towards Liu Ting. He spoke with a sinister tone, "No matter what, we must dispatch people to infiltrate Yueyang City to understand the situation within. If we don't understand the situation, how can we deal with those people?"
"Yes, your subject obeys." Liu Ting rose and accepted the command.
Liu Liu, who had been sitting beside the Emperor, raised her hand to signal her brother to sit down. With a solemn expression, she spoke, "As for the situation in Yueyang City, we will have news by tonight." After speaking, Liu Liu called out, "Dai Mei."
Dai Mei entered from outside. The sound of silver bells on her feet drew the attention of many in the tent. This woman was truly captivating, but at such a moment, no one had the mood to appreciate beauty; their hearts were heavy. Dai Mei stepped into the tent and cupped her fist, speaking,
"My lady?"
"Immediately send up a signal flare to have the people in Yueyang City send out the news," Liu Liu commanded Dai Mei in a deep voice. Dai Mei accepted the order, cupped her fist, and said, "Yes, this subordinate will attend to it immediately." With that, she swiftly departed the tent.
Feng Xie, upon hearing Liu Liu's command, turned his head and asked, "Does Seven Star Pavilion have a branch in Yueyang?"
Liu Liu nodded. Seven Star Pavilion had branches in every city; otherwise, it would not have formed a chain organization, nor could it control information across the land.
Within the tent, aside from the few who had accompanied them, everyone else's faces changed in surprise upon hearing the Emperor and Empress. They hadn't expected that the number one building in the land was actually the Empress's.
Could it be that the Empress was the elusive Seven Nights楼主 (Louzhu - Pavilion Master)? It was truly unbelievable. As everyone sighed in amazement, a glimmer of hope finally appeared, and their hearts relaxed somewhat.
Feng Xie turned and instructed the various generals to return to their tents and await orders, forbidding them from acting rashly. Everyone accepted and withdrew.
Only Feng Xie, Liu Liu, Liu Ting, and Bai Han remained in the grand tent. Ri Ying and Yue Ying retreated to guard the tent entrance.
Inside the tent, Feng Xie looked up at his two ministers. He saw that their expressions were somewhat solemn as they both gazed at him:
"Your Majesty, I fear Yueyang will be a great calamity this time. Many people will suffer. What can be done? If the opponent were a straightforward gentleman, engaging in a fair and just battle, we would not be afraid. We are most afraid of this kind of situation, where human lives are completely disregarded."
"Indeed, but let's wait for the Empress to receive news from Yueyang City," Bai Han stood up, his expression much calmer. This situation was not one for haste.
"You may all retire," Feng Xie stood up and waved his hand. Liu Ting personally escorted the Emperor and Empress to a tent for rest. This tent had been specially prepared for them, and everything inside was complete. Liu Ting had anticipated their arrival.
"Your Majesty and Empress, please rest." Liu Ting withdrew. Ri Ying and Yue Ying guarded the tent outside, while many patrolling soldiers and guards were stationed around the camp. The others then retreated to rest.
The candlelight illuminated the tent. Feng Xie glanced at Liu Liu and softly urged her to rest, "Sleep. We can discuss any matters tomorrow."
"You should rest too. Don't worry." How could Liu Liu not know Feng Xie's thoughts? He was likely worried again. Worrying at such a time wouldn't solve anything; they should wait for news.
"Alright." Both of them were somewhat tired from the continuous travel and retired early.
The night was deep and dark. Stars filled the sky, but there was no moon. The camp was brightly lit, and figures occasionally moved about. Everyone dared not be careless. The Emperor and Empress were personally present in the camp. If assassins succeeded, all of them would die.
Liu Liu was sleeping soundly when she suddenly heard Ri Ying's shout from outside the tent: "Who?"
She was vaguely disturbed and raised half her body from the warm, strong embrace. She rubbed her eyes and called out softly towards the outside, "What's happening?"
"Reporting to the Empress, it's Young Master Nangong,"
Ri Ying was exceptionally polite to Nangong Yue at this moment, as he was very likely the Empress's brother, the future maternal uncle of the nation. If he treated him poorly and he later became the maternal uncle, he would look quite foolish.
"What?"
Liu Liu exclaimed softly, her heart filled with urgency as she sat up to put on her clothes. Feng Xie, who had been sleeping beside her, saw her rise and leaned up halfway, preparing to get up with her. But Liu Liu pressed his arm and said softly,
"You rest. He must have come to find me because of my words. If you go out, he might not be willing to speak. It's better if I go alone."
"But I'm worried," Feng Xie's voice was somewhat full, shining with deep emotion. He spoke with concern, but he knew that if he went out, Nangong Yue would likely become enraged, and perhaps nothing would be resolved. However, he worried about Liu'er's safety.
Liu Liu shook her head, already dressed and walking towards the exit, "I'll be fine. There are many people guarding outside, and Ri Ying will protect me. You sleep."
Her slender figure flashed as she exited the tent. Feng Xie could no longer sleep; he simply put on his clothes and sat on the soft couch, waiting for her, his heart filled with worry.
Outside the tent, Ri Ying and Yue Ying, upon seeing Liu Liu emerge, immediately called out respectfully, "Empress?"
Liu Liu waved her hand and looked towards a spot not far away. She saw Nangong Yue, clad in a black robe, standing in the light. His handsome face was uncovered by a veil, his eyes filled with pain and depth, and his lips were somewhat pale.
It was evident that Liu Liu's words during the day had greatly impacted him. He had thought about it for a long time after returning and, restless, had come in the middle of the night. Upon seeing Ri Ying and Yue Ying guarding the tent entrance, he guessed that Liu'er must be resting inside.
"Are you looking for me?" Liu Liu's voice was somewhat agitated because Nangong Yue was very likely her brother, Su Liufeng. If he truly had a plum blossom mark on his arm, then he was her brother.
"Mm," he grunted lightly. Without speaking, he turned and walked towards the woods on one side of the tent. There was a grove there. Liu Liu lifted her foot, preparing to follow. Ri Ying nervously reached out to block her path, saying with concern, "Empress, please do not be careless."
"It will be fine," she said calmly. Ri Ying could only retract his hand. He beckoned, leading two people to follow Liu Liu at a moderate distance towards the woods ahead. Liu Liu allowed him to do so.