Warmth finished speaking, clapped her hands, and walked towards Fenghe County Princess.
"What... what do you want to do?" Fenghe County Princess pointed at Warmth and asked fearfully.
The maid beside Fenghe County Princess stepped forward to block Warmth. "What do you want to do? You are not allowed to lay a hand on our County Princess."
Warmth's gaze turned cold. With one hand each, she slapped both maids, the force drawing blood instantly.
The two maids stumbled back in fear. Fenghe County Princess, terrified, wanted to scramble away. But how could Warmth let her off so easily?
She stepped forward, grabbed Fenghe County Princess, and said coldly, "County Princess Fenghe, you were quite arrogant just now, wanting to drive me and Miss Ning away. Tell me, where did you get such courage?"
"This County Princess... I..." Fenghe County Princess was so frightened that she was speechless, afraid that Warmth might punch her if she was displeased.
"Since you don't have the courage, be obedient in the future. I kill people based on my mood," Warmth said coldly.
Fenghe County Princess nodded in terror.
Warmth released Fenghe County Princess, clapped her hands, and said, "How boring."
Xue Zining smiled, "What, you actually wanted to hit someone?"
Warmth nodded, "Indeed, my hands have been itching lately."
Since entering the Qianjin Tower, this was probably the longest period she hadn't killed anyone, and her blood lacked excitement.
Xue Zining naturally couldn't understand the thrill of killing for them.
Fenghe County Princess dejectedly led her retinue away from the Eastern Palace.
Compared to Xue Zining and Warmth's cheerful conversation, Ming Gu looked worried.
Xue Zining noticed and asked, "What's wrong? Is something amiss?"
Ming Gu hesitated to speak. Seeing this, Warmth said, "If you have something to say, just say it."
Xue Zining asked, "Does that Fenghe County Princess have a significant background?"
Ming Gu nodded, "Miss Ning, you may not know, but this Fenghe County Princess is the Emperor's most beloved junior relative and the future Crown Princess he favors most. I fear you might incur the Emperor's wrath if you offend her."
Upon hearing this, Warmth said, "Ming Gu, you worry too much. My young lady is not afraid."
She then looked at Xue Zining, who nodded, "No need to worry, I am indeed not afraid."
Although Xue Zining said this with confidence, Ming Gu remained worried. She decided that as soon as the Crown Prince returned, she would report the details and see what measures the Crown Prince could take.
However, before the Crown Prince returned, someone from the palace arrived at the Eastern Palace, bringing the Emperor's decree, stating that the Emperor wished to see Xue Zining.
Ming Gu, frightened, quickly sent someone to fetch the Crown Prince, but she also dared not slight the Emperor's entourage.
The attendant by the Emperor's side was rather arrogant, stating directly that the Emperor wanted to see Xue Zining immediately.
Ming Gu tried to stall for time, but the Emperor's attendant did not give her the opportunity.
"Ming Gu, are you trying to defy the imperial decree?"
"Ming Gu would not dare. However, before the Crown Prince left, he instructed this servant that no one is allowed to take Miss Ning away."
"And does 'no one' include the Emperor? I hope Ming Gu thinks carefully before speaking."
Ming Gu shivered. Just as she was about to speak, Xue Zining stepped forward and said, "Ming Gu, since it is the Emperor's summons, I cannot refuse. You need not worry."
"Miss Ning..."
Xue Zining shook her head, "Don't worry, I'm fine."
With that, she looked at the eunuch from the palace and said, "Kindly lead the way, Eunuch."
Warmth also stepped forward, saying, "I'll go with you."
The eunuch did not refuse, as his task was simply to escort them.
After Xue Zining left, Ming Gu quickly sent another person to search for the Crown Prince.
Upon reaching Hua Huang's chambers, the eunuch stopped and said, "I will go in and inform her. Miss, please wait a moment."
Xue Zining nodded.
Soon, the eunuch came out and said, "His Majesty requests Miss's presence."
Xue Zining walked in. Inside the palace, besides Hua Huang on the throne, was Fenghe County Princess, with tears streaming down her face.
Seeing her, Fenghe County Princess pointed at her and said aggrievedly, "Your Majesty, she is the one who hit Fenghe and Fenghe's people."
Hua Huang glanced at Xue Zining and said to Fenghe County Princess, "Fenghe, you may leave first."
Fenghe County Princess was taken aback. How could she leave? She still wanted to see how His Majesty would punish Xue Zining.
Seeing that Fenghe County Princess had no intention of leaving, Hua Huang's expression turned stern, "Fenghe..."
Fenghe saw Hua Huang's displeased expression and reluctantly withdrew.
"Xue Zining, long time no see!" Hua Huang said.
Xue Zining smiled faintly, "Indeed, it has been a long time. I never imagined that someone who had disappeared from the Hua family would orchestrate such a grand scheme. Now you have achieved your wish and established the Hua Kingdom."
Hua Huang chuckled upon hearing this, "It's a pity, it's not the past life."
"What does the past matter? Cherishing the present is what truly counts."
Hua Huang frowned, "Yun Jin unilaterally tore up the cooperation with the Arid Marsh Empress. Xue Zining, this is all because of you."
Xue Zining smiled at this, "Do you think I alone could change Hua Yun Jin's decision? Do you believe your son is so deeply in love?"
"Isn't he?" Hua Huang asked.
Xue Zining shook her head, "No, this is just the general trend, an inevitable outcome."
Hua Huang was confused, "Why do you say that?"
Xue Zining raised her eyes, her gaze like the bright moon, exceptionally radiant. She slowly said, "Hua Huang, you must know Xue Chang'an. Such a person is utterly unfit to be a monarch of a nation. Compared to her, I am a better choice for a ruler. Moreover, I have better relationships with these monarchs. In comparison, supporting me is the general trend."
"Hahaha..." Hua Huang laughed heartily. After laughing, he said, "Xue Zining, you are indeed as capable as any man. Xue Chang'an is indeed unfit to be an emperor, but now that she has gathered talents from all over the world to serve her, I fear the realm will fall into chaos."
"Precisely because of this, we need Your Majesty's help. Let us work together to restore peace to the realm and provide a haven for the common people."
Hua Huang nodded, "Specific matters will require you to discuss with Yun Jin."
Xue Zining said, "Thank you, Hua Huang."
Hua Huang said, "County Princess Fenghe is a bit spoiled, please forgive her."
"I have never taken this matter to heart," Xue Zining said calmly.
Hua Huang gave an awkward laugh, "Indeed, she is not worthy of you taking her to heart."
"It's nothing, I shall take my leave now." With that, Xue Zining curtsied slightly and left with Warmth.
Outside the chambers, Fenghe County Princess was still wondering if she would see the young lady, who was reprimanded by His Majesty, now fearful of her.
Unfortunately, when she saw Xue Zining emerge unharmed, she was astonished.
"You... how can you be unharmed?" Fenghe County Princess couldn't believe her eyes. She rubbed them and found that she hadn't misread.
"County Princess Fenghe, do not disturb me again. I will not hold this against you this time, but you may not be so lucky next time." With that, Xue Zining left.