Mu Qingyao suddenly raised her eyes, and in her dark pupils, there was a surging tide.
Although she did not finish her next words, Chu Yuyan already knew her meaning and could not help but tremble with fear, her hair standing on end.
She never expected that in the blink of an eye, the Chu family would be in decline. Although the Empress had a point, if her father handed over military power, the Emperor might treat her well.
But from then on, the Chu family would be subservient. Would her father and brother be willing?
But even if they didn't hand over military power, would the Emperor be willing to lose military power?
Chu Yuyan's face turned from red to white, then to blue, her expression changing unpredictably. In the vast palace, there was silence, only Chu Yuyan's heavy breathing could be heard.
Suddenly, a faint sound from outside the window caught Mu Qingyao's attention. Someone was eavesdropping, and a cold smile played on her lips.
"Who?"
A clear and cold shout. Mochou and Moyou, who had been waiting outside the door, rushed in, looking around. "Your Highness?"
"Someone is eavesdropping outside."
As soon as she spoke, Mochou and Moyou rushed out.
In the hall, Chu Yuyan finally calmed down. She looked up at Mu Qingyao seriously and said faintly, "Yuyan is just a woman. I'm afraid my father and brother won't listen to what I say, but Yuyan will try."
"Good, Noble Consort Chu is a wise person. I believe Prime Minister Right is also a wise person," Mu Qingyao stood up, a hint of sinister intent in her eyes.
Yes, she believed Chu Yuyan and Prime Minister Right were wise people. At this time, any normal person would withdraw. But at the same time, she had not forgotten about Young Master Chu. The motives behind that man were likely unusual and a shocking conspiracy.
"See off the Empress," Chu Yuyan stood up with Mu Qingyao and bowed respectfully, watching Mu Qingyao walk out of the grand hall.
This woman was no ordinary woman. Her composure, intelligence, and boldness were not something they could deal with. Chu Yuyan stood on the grand hall, a bitter smile on her face.
"Someone," her personal maid, Qiuyue, quickly walked in. Seeing her mistress's dejected expression, she couldn't help but ask with concern, "Mistress, what did the Empress say?"
"It has nothing to do with her. Send a letter to my father immediately and ask him to come to the palace to see me secretly."
"Yes, Mistress," Qiuyue saw her mistress's cold expression and dared not say more. She took the order and quickly went down.
In the dark night, Mu Qingyao's dark hair fluttered freely in the gentle breeze. Her cloak lifted gracefully with her steps, making her look like a sprite of the night.
A eunuch held a lantern in front, and three subordinates followed behind. The group returned to Fengluan Palace.
Mochou asked curiously, "Your Highness, who was eavesdropping outside just now?"
In the dark night, Mu Qingyao's delicate and beautiful face was covered with a layer of frost, and a smile played on her lips.
"In Weiyang Palace, who else knows martial arts?"
Meixin behind her immediately exclaimed, "Ximen Xinyue. It is rumored that Ximen Xinyue is proficient in both literary and martial arts. Her martial arts must be good. So, it must have been her eavesdropping. This woman is truly insidious to eavesdrop outside."
"Actually, I predicted that she would eavesdrop, which saves me trouble."
Mu Qingyao smiled inscrutably, her starry eyes exceptionally bright.
She believed that Ximen Xinyue would soon ask her father, General Ximen, to come forward and help the Emperor.
Although General Ximen did not hold military power, he was highly respected. Many in Xian Yue respected him due to his years of fighting on the battlefield. Even without military power, he was the most influential person.
"Ah," the three behind her exclaimed, not understanding what their mistress meant. But Mu Qingyao said nothing more and walked straight towards the palace.
The next day, the Emperor summoned all the main investigators of the Yuejue Temple case in the Imperial Study, along with the King of Nan'an, the King of Beijin, and the Minister of Justice.
"Your subjects pay their respects to Your Majesty."
The two princes and one important minister respectfully bowed to the Emperor.
The Emperor's handsome face was covered with fierce killing intent, and his dark eyes, like an icy pool, held immense fury. His gaze swept over the three ministers below, finally landing thoughtfully on the King of Beijin.
The King of Beijin, Mu Rong Liumo, lowered his head motionlessly. Even with his head bowed, he could feel the Emperor's murderous aura enveloping him.
The Emperor was already alert; he needed to be even more cautious.
"Rise," the Emperor's cold and ruthless words rang out. The three dared not be careless and slowly said, "Thank you, Your Majesty."
"Be seated."
The Imperial Study was filled with a suffocating atmosphere.
The Minister of Justice sat in his seat, wiping sweat from his forehead. The Emperor had always been a terrifying person, but never before had he exuded such a strong and intense aura of hostility, pressing down like Mount Tai, making it impossible to breathe.
Had they done something to displease the Emperor? the Minister of Justice guessed.
Finally, the King of Nan'an, Mu Rong Liuzhao, spoke slowly, "May I know the important matters Your Majesty wishes to discuss by summoning us?"
As soon as the King of Nan'an finished speaking, the Minister of Justice quickly echoed, "Yes, we do not know why Your Majesty has summoned us?"
The Emperor's intimidating aura lessened slightly. His tightly pursed lips curved, and he said unhurriedly, "I have summoned all of you, my esteemed ministers, to inquire about the progress of the Yuejue Temple case."
As soon as the Emperor finished speaking, the Minister of Justice immediately shifted his gaze to the King of Nan'an and the King of Beijin. With the presence of the two princes in this major case, the Minister of Justice had no say, and everything depended on the two princes.
"Reporting to Your Majesty, we have interrogated the abbot of Yuejue Temple, Kong. Unfortunately, that monk remains silent. Even with torture, he will not utter a single word."
The King of Nan'an reported. A dark glint flashed in the Emperor's eyes, and he coldly shot a look at the King of Beijin, "Second Imperial Brother, how do you think we should proceed?"
When the King of Beijin heard the Emperor mention him by name, he immediately stood up respectfully. A gentle smile flashed across his pale face, and his light voice rang out:
"Monks should have compassion. I did not expect them to commit such treasonous acts. Your subject believes that severe torture should be administered. Otherwise, that monk will not reveal the mastermind. Under severe punishment, the truth will be revealed, and he will not dare to refuse."
As the King of Beijin finished speaking, several gazes shot towards him.
The Emperor and the King of Nan'an looked unfathomable, while the Minister of Justice looked incredulous. This was the same gentle and elegant King of Beijin, whose methods were actually quite ruthless. It seemed that no one in the imperial family was not cruel.
"Good, Second Imperial Brother is absolutely right. It seems that without severe torture, he will not reveal the mastermind. If I find out who is so treasonous, I will have them torn apart by horses and displayed in Lin'an City for three days, so that the whole world knows of such a rebellious traitor."
Bloodthirsty words echoed in the Imperial Study. The King of Beijin broke out in a cold sweat. Even knowing this man was ruthless, hearing of such a death penalty was still frightening. He needed to be even more cautious.