"From today onwards, you pirates are at the disposal of the Seven Star Pavilion. Today, this Pavilion Master spares your lives. If any of you harbor ill intentions, do not blame this Pavilion Master for being ruthless."
On the calm lake, the voice was not loud, but it was more effective than an imperial decree. The pirates knelt down and kowtowed, a chorus of shouts erupting.
"We swear our loyalty to the Pavilion Master unto death!"
Liu Liu smiled with satisfaction and turned to gaze at the lake. Her eyes, like glazed porcelain, reflected the shimmering waves, creating a dazzling and captivating spectacle.
Seeing the situation unfold, Duanmu and Daimei were overjoyed. Cheers and shouts echoed from both the shore and the lake. Liu Liu turned back to the crowd, a faint smile gracing her lips, and her clear voice rang out.
"Chu Feng, these pirates will be under your command from now on. You must train them well. They will be responsible for escorting all merchant ships on the Chu River. They will collect ten percent of the cargo's value as fees. I believe they will be willing. Remember, never harm a life."
Liu Liu's sharp words hung in the air, bringing a hush to the lake. Everyone looked at their master as if he were a god, their admiration for his business acumen and decisive actions evident.
The pirates, accustomed to life on the river, found the arrangement agreeable and all respectfully kowtowed.
"Your subordinate obeys the master's command. From now on, we will never harm a single life."
"Good. Let's return to Free and Easy Island," Liu Liu commanded. The crowd surrounded her as they headed back to Free and Easy Island.
In contrast to the joyous celebrations and feasting on Free and Easy Island.
The capital was shrouded in gloom. Emperor Feng Pi had been staying in the Weiyang Palace for several consecutive nights. Gazing at the desolate Weiyang Palace, he suddenly felt a sense of self-mockery. He had not cherished her when she was present, and now that she was gone, he lingered here in reflection. What was the use of it?
In the dark of night, his black eyes flashed with sharp brilliance. He swore he would find her. With a low sigh, Xiao Jizi, who guarded the imperial chambers, and the eunuchs and palace maids of Weiyang Palace dared not speak a word, secretly harboring resentment.
How could the Emperor be like this? When she was present, he was so harsh to the Empress. Now that she was gone, he acted as if he were heartbroken.
The autumn moonlight was bleak, casting a cold glow on the glazed tiles, piercing the thin curtains and illuminating the sleeping chambers.
Feng Xie sat there, motionless, as if petrified. In reality, this was when his mind was clearest. He had been too anxious these past few days, forgetting to carefully consider everything.
In the profound silence of the night, his thoughts became increasingly lucid. It seemed that everything was a chessboard in the Empress's hands. She had left the palace of her own accord; no one had abducted her. After all, the Empress was skilled in martial arts. If she had indeed been abducted, she would have been able to resist for some time.
There were no signs of a struggle in the prison cell at the time. Therefore, this entire incident was a setup. Since the Empress could devise such a scheme, how could he be outdone by her? Feng Xie suddenly let out a sinister laugh. It seemed that a woman's martial prowess was indeed troublesome.
Growing weary of his thoughts, he couldn't help but scoff, "My Empress, what punishment do you think I should give you if I catch you?"
In a corner of the Imperial Palace's cold palace, the scene was desolate and dim. Withered branches swayed, and fallen leaves carpeted the ground. An autumn wind swept through the window, extinguishing the oil lamp.
In the silence, the sound of labored breathing could be heard. In a dilapidated chamber, moonlight slanted onto the bed. A disheveled woman clutched her clothes tightly, occasionally emitting soft hums, like a mating cat with nowhere to vent its desires.
She tossed and turned on the bed, tugging at the threadbare quilt, clearly in torment. Beads of sweat trickled down her forehead, her body burning hot, her consciousness growing hazy. She reached out, grasping at the air.
Just then, the chamber door creaked open. A slender figure slipped in, swiftly shedding his clothes to reveal his bare body. He lunged towards the bed, his breath coming in rough gasps.
This was an imperial concubine, the most beautiful woman in the capital. If she wasn't going to be slept with, why waste the opportunity? Moreover, seeing the beauty in such distress, as if desperately craving something, how could he, a man, not satisfy her? His lower body had long since become fiery.
However, as soon as the woman on the bed sensed a male presence in the room, she rolled over and grabbed at him, deftly pulling at her own clothes to reveal her full breasts and curvaceous arms. The man's eyes gleamed with lust, saliva dripping from his lips. Truly, to die beneath a peony was a romantic end, even as a ghost. This was truly divine.
He felt as if he had lived a full life this time. He hadn't expected this woman to be so passionate. Was it due to the loneliness in the cold palace?
The man's hands kneaded her body forcefully, whispering sweet nothings into her ear. After all, this was the cold palace, and no one would know. Why not indulge themselves thoroughly?
A gentle breeze blew outside, lifting the gauze curtains. The bed swayed violently, indicating the intensity of their struggle. The woman's moans and the man's roars overlapped, creating a scene of debauchery.
In a secluded corner of the cold palace, a dark shadow stood, a mocking glint in its eyes as it watched the live performance. Suddenly, a figure appeared beside him, and with a cupped fist salute, spoke respectfully, "Master, that man is coming out."
"Dispose of him and clean up," a sinister voice commanded coldly.
"Yes," the subordinate cupped his fist and disappeared to handle the aftermath. The shadowy figure followed closely behind and departed. Everything returned to its former tranquility, as if the events of moments ago were merely an illusion.
The next day, Emperor Feng Xie appeared much more cheerful. He went to Cining Palace early to pay his respects, knowing that his mother, the Empress Dowager, must have been worried these past few days. Seeing her son no longer in a fit of rage, the Empress Dowager understood that the Emperor had come to terms with things, and her spirits lifted considerably.
"It is good that my son can be at peace. I believe Liu'er will be fine soon. Do not worry, there will be news," the Empress Dowager comforted the Emperor, though a flicker of worry crossed her eyes.
She truly did not know if anything had happened to Liu'er. Back then, she had not agreed with her brother taking Liu'er in, as she was Wen Yao's child. If she were to discover the truth of the matter, what would she do?
However, the late Emperor felt a great deal of guilt towards the Su family and had promised Wen Jie to take Liu'er in. He had even bestowed upon her the title of Empress as recompense for his past mistakes.
"Yes, Mother, do not worry. I have a plan."
Feng Xie spoke with confidence, a sinister smile playing on his lips. The Empress Dowager sighed. She could not control her son; he had always been willful, so she would let him have his way.
But what about Wu Yang? Previously, with Liu'er to keep her company and chat with, she had fewer worries. These past few days, she had been thinking more and more, and her spirits had been declining.
"That's good. What about your imperial sister's situation?"
A fleeting dark gleam flashed in Feng Xie's eyes, his expression unchanged. He had not sent anyone to find Feng Wu Yang. If she had been willing to return, she would have done so long ago; there would have been no need for anyone to search for her.
That girl probably made a big fuss about being the current princess. How could she suffer? However, he still needed to appease his mother.
"Mother, please rest assured. I have already sent people to search for her. I believe there will be news soon."
"Very well. You may go about your business. I shall rest for a while," the Empress Dowager leaned back on the couch, no longer wishing to speak.
There had been so many matters in the palace recently. Nothing had been peaceful. After finally looking forward to a grandson, he had been harmed by someone. It was truly a sin, a sin. The Empress Dowager tapped her forehead lightly and closed her eyes wearily.