Qín Mómó was indeed an old hand by the Empress Dowager’s side, truly astute. With just a casual word or two from her, Qín Mómó immediately understood the implied meaning.
"Indeed, misfortune often stems from careless talk. Some things are best kept within the heart… it’s best…" After comprehending, Qín Mómó sighed, shaking her head in resignation, silently praying that they would overcome this crisis safely.
...
"What did you say? Chu Yanxi has rebelled with his troops!"
Murong Jin Yun exclaimed in shock, accidentally dropping the teacup in her hand. The tea splashed onto her robes, staining her pink silk skirt a large patch.
"It's true. The news just came from the palace. Chu Yanxi has rebelled. Using the Empress’s token, he mobilized all the Imperial Guards. Currently, the Emperor of Dong Chu, the Empress Dowager, Prince Jing, and the young madam of the Ling family are all trapped within the imperial palace by Chu Yanxi!"
He had only just received the news himself and had rushed to inform Murong Jin Yun. Baili Xi had not expected that the serious illness of the Emperor of Dong Chu would drive Chu Yanxi to such desperation, leading him to take the reckless step of directly leading troops into the palace. However, with Ling Mo Han still outside, it was uncertain whether Chu Yanxi could succeed this time.
What he needed to do now was to remain still, waiting for the situation to reach its decisive outcome before making his move.
"What are you going to do?" Murong Jin Yun looked towards Baili Xi, who remained silent, her primary concern being Baili Xi's current stance.
Baili Xi had been plotting day and night, strategizing how to throw Dong Chu into complete chaos. Now, Chu Yanxi's rebellion presented him with an excellent opportunity.
She did not believe that Baili Xi could simply stand by and do nothing; he would certainly not let such a prime opportunity slip away.
"The situation is not yet clear. We will remain inactive, waiting for them to fight amongst themselves. After they have both suffered heavy losses, we will reap the benefits."
Baili Xi had already devised a plan in his heart, waiting to see how much of a stir Chu Yanxi could create. Regardless of which side emerged victorious, it would bring him nothing but advantages.
As long as Dong Chu descended into chaos, ideally with these two fighting to the death, weakening them significantly, it would be far more beneficial for their own Western Liang.
Upon hearing this news, he had been extremely excited, and it had taken him considerable time to calm his emotions.
"It seems you already have a plan. If that's the case, why are you telling me all this? Just make your own decision!"
Murong Jin Yun knew that Baili Xi no longer trusted her as he once did. He had even planted spies among her personal maids.
Every move she made was reported to Baili Xi without fail. She truly felt sorry for Baili Xi, having to pretend to be unaware. She felt tired just watching him.
At this juncture, Baili Xi still maintained a semblance of deference, always asking for her opinion on matters.
Such behavior only made her feel even more annoyed. After just a few words with Baili Xi, she felt utterly exhausted and merely wanted to find an excuse to dismiss him, so she wouldn’t have to see him anymore.
"This princess is feeling weary and wishes to rest. General Baili, please excuse me, this princess will not see you out."
As soon as she spoke, Murong Jin Yun stood up, supported by her maids, a look of exhaustion etched on her face.
"Princess, are you so annoyed by just a few words that you must drive me away as soon as I arrive?"
Baili Xi gazed intently at Murong Jin Yun's retreating back, his tone clearly betraying a hint of forlornness.
Murong Jin Yun, however, acted as if nothing had happened, continuing to maintain a distance from Baili Xi, her tone filled with detachment. "General Baili, you think too much. This princess is merely tired and wishes to rest. Must I obtain General Baili's consent even for this? General Baili, do not forget your place. Matters concerning this princess are not for you to interfere with for now. Also, keep a close eye on your subordinates; do not look at what you shouldn't, say what you shouldn't, or you won't even know how you met your end."
Her words were meant to assert her authority and, at the same time, to subtly warn Baili Xi, urging him to control himself and refrain from any inappropriate actions.
"This subject… understands!"
Baili Xi hesitated for a moment before cupping his hands in acknowledgment. Once Murong Jin Yun had disappeared from his sight, Baili Xi slowly withdrew his gaze and walked to the table where Murong Jin Yun had just rested her hand. He placed his own hand on it, as if still able to feel her warmth.
He knew from the start that he would not receive a warm reception on this visit, yet he couldn't control his feet and walked over involuntarily, finding any excuse possible just to catch a few more glimpses of Murong Jin Yun and exchange a few words with her.
However… all he received in return was Murong Jin Yun's lack of understanding and deep mockery.
But this path was one he had chosen himself, and he had to walk it alone, even if it was fraught with thorns. He only wished that Murong Jin Yun could show him a little understanding; that would have been enough.
But now, it seemed his hope was merely a foolish wish. He presumed Murong Jin Yun must despise him deeply at this moment, wishing he would disappear from her sight as quickly as possible.
...
"Princess, this servant observes that General Baili still harbors some affection for you. It's not fitting for the princess to speak to General Baili so harshly…"
Yun Yan felt that the princess was perhaps a bit too severe with General Baili. The princess had always been amiable towards others, and she hadn't treated General Baili this way before. Now, it was as if she had become a different person. She wondered what General Baili had done to offend the princess.
"Do not presume to discuss your mistress's affairs without permission. Furthermore, speak less of Baili Xi in front of me from now on, or do not blame this princess for punishing you severely."
"This servant understands!" Yun Yan quickly nodded in agreement. Princess Xian Zao's temper was truly unpredictable. She was also afraid of offending the princess and incurring punishment, so it was better to say less.
"Go and select a few palace maids with clean backgrounds to serve here."
"Then… what about those who were previously serving?"
Yun Yan pondered before asking, wondering why the princess suddenly wanted to replace them. It seemed like she wanted to replace them all. She wondered who had offended the princess.
"Send them all away, not a single one left!"
What she detested most was having spies planted around her. Since she couldn't ascertain who among them was a spy planted by Baili Xi, she decided to replace them all.