"Very well, since His Majesty insists on leaving the palace, this humble brother shall accompany His Majesty."
Prince Nan'an knew that once His Imperial Brother made a decision, it could not be changed.
The only way forward was for His Majesty to first block all news, and second, to find the Empress's whereabouts as quickly as possible. If anything were to happen to the Empress, His Majesty might fly into a killing rage, leading to countless casualties.
"Your Majesty, this servant has something to report."
Mochou remembered what the Consort had instructed and quickly reported it.
"Speak?"
The Emperor waved his hand, issuing a grim command. His handsome face now showed veins bulging, like a Asura in the dark night, making one’s blood run cold.
"The Consort, on her way to Yuejue Temple, had instructed this servant that if she were indeed taken away, she would allow Mao Xueqiu to lead us to her location."
As Mochou finished speaking, Murong Liuzun swiftly commanded, "Then what are you waiting for? Immediately bring that little fox here, and we shall head to the foot of Yuejue Temple's mountain."
"Yes, Your Majesty."
Mochou dared not delay and hurried back to Fengluan Palace to bring the little fox. The group then departed the palace under the cover of night, heading towards Yuejue Temple...
The dark night, with its strangely flickering lights.
Looking up at the sky, not a single star could be seen in the distance or nearby. The gloomy sky was shrouded in a layer of hazy mist, with thin fog swirling.
In the study of Prince Beijin's mansion, Steward Ning flashed in with excitement.
"My Prince, this is wonderful! There's news from the palace," he said, waving a letter in his hand and quickly placing it on the Prince's desk.
Prince Beijin Murong Liumo's pupils suddenly dimmed. With a stern face, he waved his hand, signaling Steward Ning to retreat. He steadily opened the envelope, a smile inadvertently tugging at the corner of his lips.
Wonderful, truly heaven is helping him. He never expected that fellow to leave the palace. He thought he was iron-blooded and merciless, but it turns out everyone has a weakness. He actually fell for that woman.
This is truly excellent. He had initially only thought of preventing that woman from becoming his helper, but now it seems she is his fatal flaw.
In the study, Prince Beijin's pale face flickered with ferocity, like a silent ghost. He handed the letter to the candlelight and burned it, then called out, "Ning Fu, bring out the men immediately. Kill without mercy. Remember, do not act at Yuejue Temple. Do not spare that woman either. Wipe them all out, leave no one behind."
Cruel, bloodthirsty, and heartless words spilled out. Ning Fu nodded respectfully, "Yes, my Prince."
The outside had already fallen into silence. Prince Beijin Murong Liumo laughed smugly, "Is tonight my time to turn things around? However, to ensure foolproof success, it's better if I remain unseen."
...
The little fox Mao Xueqiu, being naturally intelligent, had a telepathic connection with Mochou. Following her instructions, it quickly led a group of people from the foot of Yuejue Temple's mountain up the mountain, following the route where Mu Qingyao had been abducted.
They traversed forests and mountains, encountering dense thorny thickets that made the journey arduous. Coupled with the absence of moonlight, they dared not light torches, so they proceeded one step after another through the uneven terrain.
Others were fine; servants or subordinates had endured all sorts of hardships. However, the Emperor and Prince Nan'an, with their noble bodies, had to travel through this dense forest. This made the accompanying guards feel stifled, barely daring to breathe.
Other than the sounds of footsteps rustling through the mountains and forests, there was no other noise.
Fortunately, the hundred or so people in the group were all martial artists with solid foundations, so they didn't cause much commotion.
The surrounding tree shadows swayed, and the silence was profound. Occasionally, a gust of cold wind would blow, causing the treetops to wail like ghosts. The dappled tree shadows on the ground became increasingly eerie. Even skilled martial artists couldn't help but break out in a cold sweat, their hairs standing on end.
The group finally crossed the continuous mountains. On the other side of the mountains, there was a row of farmhouses. Beyond the farmhouses were also mountains, forming steep peaks on all sides.
This was the only landscape of its kind. If they hadn't followed Mao Xueqiu, they would never have imagined that people lived in these mountains.
The Emperor personally led the team, and everyone dared not be careless, fearing any unforeseen circumstances. Therefore, they were constantly vigilant of their surroundings.
The people in the mountains had long since retired. Their consistent way of life was to work with the sun and rest with the moon.
At this moment, the entire village was plunged into silence.
In the dark night, Mao Xueqiu nimbly led the way. It soon stopped at the central house and refused to move any further. Mochou, seeing its actions, was overjoyed. She reached out, picked it up, and brought it closer to the Emperor, whispering,
"The Consort must be here."
In the dark night, although the Emperor's expression couldn't be seen clearly, his entire being was instantly enveloped in a bloodthirsty killing intent. His cold, majestic voice rang out, "Enter."
With a wave of his hand, Hua Ligge, standing beside him, kicked the door without hesitation. With a booming sound, the door fell open. The room lights turned on, and chickens and dogs barked in the courtyard. Someone from the simple room rushed out. The Emperor gave an order, "Seize them."
"Yes, Master," Hua Ligge and Bing Xiao acknowledged the command. Their figures flashed as they rushed forward, subduing two or three black-clothed men in an instant and bringing them before the Emperor. "Master, they have been apprehended."
"Take them back. We must make them reveal who is behind this."
Xian Di spoke coldly. His tall figure moved as he walked into the house. The candlelight flickered twice, and a slender, delicate figure walked out of the room, standing in the soft light. It was Mu Qingyao.
She looked calmly at the scene outside the courtyard, neither anxious nor hurried. However, when she met the Emperor's gaze,
She was stunned. She had never imagined the Emperor would come in person. The risks involved were immense. Her voice could no longer remain calm.
"Why are you here?"
"Yao'er, are you alright?" Xian Di strode forward, extending a hand to pull Mu Qingyao into his embrace. In the candlelight, he examined her. After confirming she was unharmed, he pulled her closer, his deep, warm voice resonating, "I just wanted to find you as quickly as possible."
Mu Qingyao quietly nestled in his arms, listening to his strong heartbeat. The night was so tranquil that not a sound could be heard. The two embraced in front of hundreds of people.
Everyone felt their blood surge. The Emperor and Empress were truly in love.
Suddenly, the sky lit up. Everyone turned their heads in astonishment and saw countless torches appearing outside the small courtyard. A subordinate immediately rushed in to report, "Bad news, Master. Someone has surrounded this courtyard."
"Your Majesty?"
Mu Qingyao's face darkened. It seemed the person behind this was using her to lure the Emperor. But how did they know the Emperor would definitely come to save her? The people who kidnapped her and the people here now were likely not the same group, but two different factions with their own objectives. Although she couldn't be certain of their intentions, it was definite that there were two groups.