Qingyao affirmed that no matter what happened between her and the Emperor, her sense of righteousness meant she could not allow Prince Nan to be harmed under her watch. If the Emperor insisted on his course of action, she would rescue Prince Nan.
"But look?"
Liu Zhao watched the proud and self-assured Qingyao defending that man, his heart filled with unspeakable pain. If he had insisted on protecting her from the beginning, would things have been different?
He had always been constrained by his status, suppressing his feelings with all his might to fulfill his duty, only to be treated this way in the end. How could he not feel pain and sadness?
But the most painful realization was that Qingyao seemed to have truly accepted him. Over these three years, they had spent countless hours together, and their affection had naturally deepened.
What he feared most now was not his own death, but that Qingyao would ultimately be harmed. What an intelligent and kind-hearted woman she was; if she discovered that it was all a mere illusion in the end, she would likely be heartbroken.
This was not something he wished to see.
"Don't worry, I'll find a way. Perhaps I'll go see him. I'll definitely help you leave here as soon as possible."
After speaking, Qingyao reached out, held the hand on the railing, and said calmly.
At this moment, a jailer walked in from outside the cell door and said in a low voice, "Hurry up and go. It'll be trouble if someone finds out."
"Alright, just a moment," Qingyao replied. Mo Chou next to her immediately handed over a silver note. The jailer's eyes widened when he saw it was a hundred taels of silver. He immediately fell silent and walked out, not forgetting to instruct, "Make it quick, or everyone will be in trouble."
"Mm."
Qingyao responded, then looked at Prince Nan again, "I'm leaving. I'll find a way to get you out."
"It doesn't matter if I get out or not, Qingyao. I just want to tell you one thing. Before I die, I only have one sentence for you."
Prince Nan's handsome face was filled with seriousness and determination. His disheveled clothing did not detract from his bearing; he remained as imposing and extraordinary as ever.
"You say it?"
Qingyao thought he had something to say. A fleeting look of emotion crossed her pretty face as she waited quietly. Then, she heard Liu Zhao's usually cold voice, now filled with emotion, slowly resonate in the prison:
"Qingyao, I like you. You are the only person I have ever liked."
"Ah."
Several people exclaimed. Not only Qingyao, but Bing Xiao and Mo Chou were also greatly startled.
They never expected Prince Nan to like the Empress, and to confess his feelings in such a state. This was truly life-threatening. Qingyao was stunned and didn't know how to react.
The indifferent Liu Zhao actually said he liked her. This was something she had never even dreamed of. Now, she didn't know what to say without hurting Liu Zhao's feelings.
He was already so distressed; if she spoke too harshly, wouldn't it be a blow to him?
As she struggled with what to do, Murong Liu Zhao turned and walked back into the cell, his deep, cold voice ringing out.
"Qingyao, go back. I don't want to add any burden to you. If it weren't for this ordeal, I would never have said it, even until death. But I am dying, and this is my only hope before I die."
Mo Chou and Bing Xiao no longer paid any attention to Prince Nan. They knew they couldn't stay in the prison any longer, as it might lead to trouble. Thus, the two girls, one on each side, supported her and led her out.
By the time they emerged from the Ministry of Justice's prison, the sunlight was dazzling. Qingyao still felt a bit dazed, as if what had just happened was too unreal. She turned to look at Mo Chou and spoke word by word, "What did Prince Nan just say?"
"Reporting to my lady, Prince Nan said he likes you."
Mo Chou reported diligently. She had never dreamed of this matter either.
This time, Qingyao was finally certain she hadn't misheard. However, her face turned pale. She didn't want to hurt anyone, so why did she have to encounter another Prince Nan? It was truly a headache.
"Return to the Mu residence." She turned and got into the carriage in front of the Ministry of Justice. Mo Chou and Bing Xiao followed her into the carriage, and the group turned towards the Prime Minister's mansion. A pair of pensive eyes watched them until the carriage disappeared from sight.
The moon hung high outside the ornate Imperial Study.
Ah Jiu led several eunuchs and palace maids to stand quietly outside. The surroundings were utterly silent.
At this moment, a soft sedan chair stopped. Several palace maids, dressed in palace attire, emerged from behind the chair. They respectfully and carefully lifted the brocade curtains. Sunlight, like water, spilled down, bathing her in its glow. She was dressed in a deep crimson long gown.
Her dark hair was styled into a cloud-like bun, adorned with a golden phoenix at the crown. The phoenix's beak held golden thread tassels that cascaded down, swaying on either side of her face, adding a touch of soft charm and allure. Her body was as supple as a pool of water. She moved with graceful elegance, exuding an aura of nobility, and approached the stone steps with a graceful sway.
Ah Jiu and the eunuchs and palace maids under his command bowed respectfully.
"This humble one (this servant) greets Consort Shu."
Consort Shu, Xi Men Xin Yue, glanced at Ah Jiu with a cold, half-smiling gaze. Ah Jiu trembled slightly, lowering his head even more respectfully.
Xi Men Xin Yue, however, did not let him off. A sinister smile played on her lips. "Ah Jiu, where is His Majesty?"
"His Majesty is in the study, perusing memorials. He said he is not seeing anyone."
"Is that so? Does that include this Consort?"
Xi Men Xin Yue spoke maliciously. Ah Jiu dared not say another word, but Xi Men Xin Yue did not let him off. Instead, she raised her foot and kicked him, sending him tumbling over.
"You dog servant! You probably never thought I'd gain favor one day, nor that you'd end up like this. Just you wait. I will torment you slowly."
With that, Xi Men Xin Yue, radiating an imposing aura, strode up the stone steps and towards the Imperial Study. Her maid, Lian Yan, quickly followed her and stood at the entrance to the Imperial Study, preventing anyone from approaching.
Inside the Imperial Study, a man in dragon robes sat upright. His face, devoid of any flaws, was etched with seriousness as he bent over to review the memorials.
He heard the movement by the door and looked up. Upon seeing Consort Shu, he couldn't help but frown slightly, his voice tinged with displeasure, "Why have you come here?"
"Your Majesty,"
Xi Men Xin Yue immediately nestled into the handsome man's embrace like a little bird, speaking charmingly, "I missed you, Your Majesty. You haven't come to see me."
The handsome man's features were carved with exquisite precision. His deep black eyes were unfathomable, glittering with dazzling nobility.
This man was none other than the Emperor of Xian Yue, Murong Liu Zun. A piercing coldness flickered in his eyes, but as he met the gaze of the woman in his arms, it softened. A smile, as gentle as flowing water, curved his lips.
"Xin Yue is truly good at acting coy. I have been a bit busy these past few days. Once this period is over, I will definitely spend ample time with you."
"Thank you, Your Majesty." Xi Men Xin Yue hooked her arms around the Emperor and proactively offered her fragrant lips. Holding the soft, fragrant woman in his arms, how could he not be stirred? His large hand reached out, and he carried the woman in his embrace towards a soft couch nearby.