Xue Zining learned of Shen Yunxuan's release from prison by the Regent as soon as she got up.
She was not surprised by this news.
The information she received indicated that Shen Congwen had met with the Regent twice in Zhaoping, but she had no knowledge of their plans.
She was also preparing intensely.
After all, the palace banquet was scheduled for the day after tomorrow, and this was her only chance. If she failed, her fate would likely be the most dire.
After breakfast, she went to Zhongxiu Palace. As she entered, several youths in magnificent robes stood with their backs straight, watching her arrival.
"Greetings, Your Majesty!" Hua Yunxuan led the salute.
Xue Zining raised her hand to stop them. "There are no outsiders here, so no need for excessive formality. How is your training progressing?"
"Your Majesty, we will give our all the day after tomorrow," Hua Yunxuan said, cupping his hands.
Xue Zining nodded. "However, prioritize your own safety. I do not wish for any sacrifices."
Hua Yunxuan looked up and saw the girl's gaze, clear and sincere. She truly hoped they would not have to make any sacrifices.
He lowered his gaze, acknowledging his readiness.
All the Hua family members were ready.
"Tomorrow, someone will lure the Regent here..."
"Little Prince, why are you here?" Xue Yan's voice suddenly came from outside.
Xue Zining trembled and looked towards the entrance, where a young boy stood frozen.
Xue Zixuan.
"Your Majesty..." Hua Yunxuan exclaimed in surprise.
Had they overheard their conversation?
Xue Zining's gaze darkened. After a moment, she beckoned. "Zixuan, come here!"
The young boy shook his head and turned to run, but Xue Yan was behind him, blocking his escape.
Xue Zining's eyes turned as cold as frost. Xue Zixuan had heard everything.
"Bring him over," she commanded coldly.
Xue Yan brought the struggling Xue Zixuan over.
"Let go of this little prince! You are being disrespectful to me..."
Xue Yan put down Xue Zixuan. The boy looked up and saw a pair of eyes, clear yet intensely cold, that inexplicably sent a tremor through him.
"Sis... Elder Sister..." His voice trembled.
"Zixuan, what did you hear?" Xue Zining looked at him with chilling clarity, devoid of any warmth, making one despair from the bottom of their heart.
"I... I heard nothing..." Xue Zixuan's small face was now deathly pale.
Despite his composure, he was still a child under ten years old, and his gaze betrayed his current panic.
"Your Majesty..." Hua Yunxuan called from behind.
"I know," Xue Zining replied, her eyes now icy and filled with killing intent.
Xue Zixuan took a step back, his small body trembling intensely. He could only utter the two words, "Elder Sister..."
"Zixuan, you should not have come here..." Xue Zining said slowly.
She reached out to stroke Xue Zixuan's head. She glanced at Xue Yan, who understood and flicked a needle from her palm towards Xue Zixuan.
Xue Zixuan's voice trembled. Although he couldn't see what was happening behind him, he sensed approaching danger.
He widened his eyes and said urgently, "Elder Sister, yesterday was your birthday, and I couldn't get out. Today, I came to give you your birthday gift."
As he spoke, he opened his palm, revealing a jade hairpin.
Xue Zining froze. This... this was a hairpin previously used by their mother.
"Happy birthday, Elder Sister!" Xue Zixuan smiled.
"Zixuan..." Hurried footsteps sounded from outside, and a woman in palace attire quickly entered.
"Mother Consort..." Seeing Noble Consort Chao, Xue Zixuan ran into her arms.
Noble Consort Chao held him and said angrily, "Why did you come here? Don't you know your Elder Sister is very busy and doesn't have time to accompany you?"
"I came to give Elder Sister my birthday gift," Xue Zixuan said.
"Your Majesty, forgive the intrusion," Noble Consort Chao bowed slightly and lowered her head. "You haven't had breakfast yet. Come back with me."
Noble Consort Chao left with Xue Zixuan.
"Your Majesty..." Hua Yunxuan called softly.
Xue Zining watched the disappearing figures before turning to Hua Yunxuan. "Cease all actions."
"Your Majesty..." Hua Yunxuan sounded unwilling.
"This is for your safety," Xue Zining said.
"Your Majesty, we are not people who fear death," Hua Yunxuan bowed.
"I know, but I have the right to protect your safety. That is the fundamental duty of an emperor."
Hua Yunxuan paused and looked up, seeing the girl's clear and unwavering gaze.
"But, the day after tomorrow..." Time was running out.
"Listen to my arrangements," Xue Zining said, looking at Hua Yunxuan.
Hua Yunxuan lowered his gaze. "Yes."
Xue Zining walked out of Zhongxiu Palace, asking as she went, "Xue Yan, how did he get in?"
Xue Yan's face was filled with guilt. "Your Majesty, punish this servant. My stomach ached just now, and I went out for a moment."
"Don't let it happen again."
Xue Yan nodded. "Yes, Your Majesty."
Chaoyang Palace
Noble Consort Chao looked at the young boy before her and said coldly, "What were you doing in Zhongxiu Palace?"
The young boy raised his face and said, "I went to give Elder Sister my birthday gift."
"You are lying to me," Noble Consort Chao said softly.
The young boy looked at Noble Consort Chao. She smiled, stood up, and walked to the window. "Do you think I am someone who ignores matters of the inner court? Zixuan, you are mistaken. I merely wish to live a quiet life, so I don't concern myself with these matters. However, if Zixuan wishes to contend, then I..."
She turned around, squatted down to look at the young boy, and said word by word, "I will contend for you."
The young boy smiled, his large eyes looking at Noble Consort Chao. "Mother Consort, I truly went to give Elder Sister my birthday gift."
"Zixuan..."
"Mother Consort, I don't understand what you are saying, but I know that Huangze belongs to Elder Sister," the young boy said, his gaze as dark as ink.
Noble Consort Chao was taken aback. "But it could also belong to you."
"Mother Consort, is being an emperor so good?" the young boy asked, tilting his head up.
Looking at the young boy's innocent appearance, Noble Consort Chao fell silent.
"Mother Consort, Zixuan takes his leave!" Xue Zixuan left Chaoyang Palace.
Regent's Mansion
Xue Wenjie frowned, looking at Jin Ming. "Are you sure?"
Jin Ming nodded. "Absolutely certain."
Xue Wenjie sneered. "I was contemplating whether to spare her life, but I didn't expect her to be more eager to take mine."
Xue Wenjie's gaze turned completely cold, his tone chilling. "The palace banquet is indeed a good day. Regicide would be quite fitting."
Jin Ming looked up, then lowered his gaze and bowed. "Congratulations to the Prince in advance!"
Xue Wenjie laughed heartily. "Are all arrangements made?"
Jin Ming nodded. "Yes, Your Highness can rest assured."
"Xue Zining, the day after tomorrow next year will be your death anniversary," Xue Wenjie said coldly.
It's a pity you were too greedy.