Category: After I Abandoned the Protagonist [Quick Transmigration]

Chapter 112: The Abandoned Little Emperor (16)

It was an ordinary night for Xiao Miyun.

Her feelings were insignificant compared to the suffering of the people of the Great Zhou dynasty, plagued by natural disasters and human strife. Especially after the Prince of Zhenbei returned from her victory against the Turkic forces, the court spent half a month debating how to handle the remaining Turkic people. Meanwhile, news arrived of a plague outbreak in the northern Protectorate General, near the two cities that had been flooded earlier.

Disease often followed floods. If not contained properly, it could wipe out entire cities. And the most alarming thing was that this news came from the Prince of Zhenbei’s intelligence network. If she hadn’t reported it to the court, Xiao Miyun would have been kept in the dark.

Was it because the local officials were hiding the information, or were there traitors right under her nose…?

Troubles came one after another, making Xiao Miyun feel like this year was cursed. The document she was most familiar with now was the edict of self-reproach, constantly blaming herself, but abdicating was out of the question.

She sat wearily in the Qinzheng Palace, the palace servants outside silent, afraid of triggering another emotional outburst.

But Xiao Miyun remained calm.

She stared at the sunlight streaming into the hall, then suddenly stood up. “Wang Dan, Zhen wants to visit the Zhenbei Manor, make the arrangements.”

Wang Dan was the eunuch who had first offered to donate his meager savings during the grain shortage. He and the other palace staff who had followed his example had all been promoted, but he was especially favored by the emperor and was now a high-ranking eunuch who could attend her personally.

His fellow countryman, Chan Yu, was now the emperor’s chief maid, responsible for her daily needs.

And he was responsible for conveying the emperor’s messages, the two balancing and checking each other’s power.

“Yes,” a shrill voice answered from outside the hall.

Soon, the gatekeepers of the Zhenbei Manor saw the emperor’s carriage arrive.

Even though the little emperor had chosen ordinary clothes for her outing, with no dragon patterns on her sleeves or collar, the hint of bright yellow at her neckline still revealed her identity.

Su Mingxiu, studying the map of the Great Zhou in her study, heard the announcement and waved her hand dismissively, indicating that she knew. She didn’t want Xiao Miyun to come, but no one in the manor dared to stop the emperor. It was only a matter of time before the little emperor barged in.

“Cough, cough.”

Staring at a small red flag on the sand table, she suddenly felt an itch in her throat and coughed lightly. The cough intensified, and she instinctively turned to the side, covering her mouth with her hand. After a couple of coughs, she felt a warmth in her palm.

Without looking at the bloodstains, she clenched her hand and called out in her mind: “System.”

The thing that had been almost nonexistent in this world responded, its voice explaining: “The closer the Host is to completing the mission, the faster you’ll leave this world. With your current symptoms, I should congratulate you, you’re about to complete the mission.”

Su Mingxiu ignored its sarcastic tone and only asked: “Why aren’t you urging me to pursue a relationship with her this time?”

[Because I’m no longer the Culinary God Strategy System. Romance is too small-minded.]

Su Mingxiu scoffed.

Erasing her memories, appearing before her in disguise, yet still issuing commands to pursue a relationship with the protagonist, meant that having her fall in love with the protagonist was crucial.

But since arriving in this world, the system hadn’t urged her at all… This didn’t mean the system’s focus had shifted, but rather that it was certain that this would happen.

Su Mingxiu was sure she hadn’t transferred her affections to the little emperor. Or rather, she had been deliberately minimizing their interactions to avoid any undue influence on Xiao Miyun due to her feelings from the previous world.

But even so, the system was still confident.

Why?

Because the little emperor had already fallen for her?

And she was destined to die young, so their ending had already been written by the system?

So, the system’s true goal wasn’t for the task performer, Su Mingxiu, to fall in love with the protagonist, but for the protagonist to fall in love with her… To love her, then lose her, this was important to the system.

“Making her see me again and again, fall in love with me again and again, then lose me again and again, did she offend you? Why does she have to endure such cruelty?”

Su Mingxiu’s gaze was unfocused, fixed on the sand table, her eyes sweeping over the territories of the Great Zhou, calculating how much more she could expand Xiao Miyun’s empire.

At the very least, she had to restore it to its former glory.

The system instinctively wanted to say that heaven’s secrets couldn’t be revealed, but then it realized: “You’ve recovered your memories?”

Impossible, although Su Mingxiu had recovered many of her soul fragments, she was still far from regaining the power to defy the system.

“Tsk.”

The woman couldn’t help but click her tongue. She knew that some of her memories were still missing.

“What, do you think I need to recover my memories to figure out your intentions?” Su Mingxiu said slowly. “The reason you erased my memories was to prevent me from realizing that these protagonists are all the same person, right?”

This connected all the clues.

System: “…”

“Your silence means I’m right?” Su Mingxiu added, pressing her advantage.

She was about to continue when she noticed that the room had darkened. She instinctively called for someone to bring more lamps. Glancing at the elongated shadow beside her, realizing that its length wasn’t right, her right hand tensed. She turned around and, seeing the familiar figure, narrowed her eyes.

The figure under the lamp turned around, meeting her gaze. Flicking her sleeves, she cleared her throat and asked, “Is the lighting in here to your liking?”

Su Mingxiu’s expression softened. “Your Majesty’s presence brightens this humble abode, this light is even brighter than an eternal flame, how could it not be to my liking?”

The little emperor’s face lit up with pleasure, but the smile quickly faded. She walked up to Su Mingxiu and held out her hand. “Give me your hand.”

Su Mingxiu, rarely being ordered around, raised an eyebrow and looked at the little emperor for a moment with a playful smile, then slowly placed her right hand in Xiao Miyun’s. Xiao Miyun, however, grabbed her hand and pushed up her sleeve, her expression darkening upon seeing her empty wrist.

“The other hand,” she said.

Su Mingxiu didn’t move, guessing what Xiao Miyun wanted to see. She offered a gentle excuse: “I’ve been keeping the prayer beads close these days and forgot to have them repaired. If Your Majesty insists—”

“Forgot, or… unwilling?” Xiao Miyun interrupted her.

The little emperor, who had trembled in her arms a year ago, even forgetting how to address herself properly, was now challenging her. Su Mingxiu felt more amusement than annoyance. She looked into Xiao Miyun’s eyes, then said casually: “Is Your Majesty worried about the plague-stricken city?”

The little emperor was about to nod, then realized Su Mingxiu was changing the subject. She brought the conversation back on track. “If the Right Chancellor has any recommendations, please do tell… but before that, you must answer Zhen’s question.”

The Prince of Zhenbei ignored the second part of her sentence and only responded to the first: “This Wang would like to volunteer to go to the north—”

“No way!”

Xiao Miyun’s eyes sharpened, interrupting her.

She didn’t understand why Su Mingxiu, having just returned, wanted to leave again. The Great Zhou dynasty wasn’t lacking in people. This person, having fought so hard to reach this position of power, why would she give it up so easily?

This Prince of Zhenbei… seemed to be planning to abandon everything she had achieved and return to being an ordinary general, like generations of the Su family before her.

Loyal to the emperor, dying on the battlefield.

Startled by her own guess, she maintained a calm facade and said to Su Mingxiu: “Zhen is still discussing your new title with the Ministry of Rites. The plague-stricken city can be handled by others, why would the Right Chancellor need to go personally?”

“Because I’ve discovered that this plague isn’t natural, someone is deliberately spreading it.”

Su Mingxiu’s right hand rose slightly, gesturing towards the sand table, directing the little emperor’s attention to the location of the outbreak, marked with a black flag. She mentioned that the Marquis of Linyang in the northeast might be involved.

When the Marquis of Pingyang learned that the Prince of Zhenbei’s army was marching north, he had betrayed his Turkic allies and retreated, accelerating their defeat.

Later, Su Mingxiu, busy pursuing the main Turkic force, had sent her subordinates to chase after this old fox, but the Marquis of Linyang had escaped, disappearing without a trace.

Now, he had resurfaced, a troublesome rat.

“The Marquis of Linyang once fought alongside our dynasty’s founder. He’s skilled in military strategy. If I don’t go, I’m afraid no one in the Great Zhou can defeat him.”

She gave a reason the little emperor couldn’t refute.

Xiao Miyun hesitated, then said weakly: “If Zhen says you can’t go, then you can’t go.”

The plague was terrifying. History was filled with accounts of its devastation, wiping out entire nations, leaving cities deserted. The plague wasn’t human, it wouldn’t be deterred by the Prince of Zhenbei’s reputation. The thought of Su Mingxiu going to such a dangerous place filled Xiao Miyun with dread.

“What, does Your Majesty not want this minister to go?”

Su Mingxiu teased casually.

But the little emperor didn’t back down, her gaze meeting Su Mingxiu’s dark eyes. She replied calmly: “Indeed, is Zhen’s affection not obvious enough, or is the Right Chancellor simply blind?”

This time, it was Su Mingxiu who looked away. She was about to say something when Xiao Miyun, as if suddenly angered, flung her hand away, Su Mingxiu’s pale wrist hitting the corner of the sand table, leaving a red mark.

Xiao Miyun hadn’t expected her to not even flinch. Staring at the red mark, her own eyes even redder, she looked away and asked sharply: “Do you find Zhen annoying? Do you not want to see Zhen? Then why not just kill Zhen and replace Zhen with someone you like?”

The Prince of Zhenbei glanced at the back of her hand, then casually lowered it, her wide, black sleeve concealing the mark. She warned lightly: “Your Majesty should choose your words carefully.”

Xiao Miyun was furious, Su Mingxiu’s nonchalant response only fueling her anger. Her chest heaved, the redness in her eyes still lingering.

She took two steps back, nodding repeatedly, as if having made a decision, her words both to herself and to Su Mingxiu:

“Fine, go.”

“There are plenty of women in this world, many even by my side. If I like warriors, I’ll choose Sun Feiyan. If I prefer scholars, I’ll choose Cheng Qing.”

Su Mingxiu had always known Cheng Qing’s true allegiance, but she hadn’t expected the little girl to have figured it out as well.

Distracted for a moment, she heard the little emperor continue: “It’s not a big deal without you, you can go wherever you want, I can’t control you, the Regent, anyway.”

A pang of sadness struck Su Mingxiu.

But she remained motionless. She knew that compared to petty jealousy, what mattered more was making Xiao Miyun’s future happier, preventing her from falling into the path set by the system.

Not falling in love with her, not suffering a lifetime of longing.

So, she bowed slightly to the emperor, her left hand clenched into a fist, her right hand covering it. She said slowly and sincerely: “This minister wishes Your Majesty… all the best.”

Chapter 111: The Abandoned Little Emperor (15)

Su Mingxiu, her wrist held captive, wore a casual smile, the scent of battle still clinging to her. Even her smile held a different meaning from the one she usually wore in court.

Questioned by the little emperor, she slowly withdrew her arm from around Xiao Miyun’s back and unfastened her armor. As her fingers reached inside her robes, she saw a blush creep onto Xiao Miyun’s face, a rare look of girlish anticipation in her eyes:

“Were you afraid of losing it on the battlefield, so you kept it close?”

Su Mingxiu paused, then slowly took out the string of prayer beads. Seeing the little emperor’s expression change slightly, she said with a teasing smile: “It was snapped by an arrow when I was chasing the Turkic Khan. It took me a long time to find them, but—”

The string of beads, now straightened and tied at the end, looked rather battered compared to when the little emperor had given it to her. And one bead was clearly missing.

“Unfortunately, I couldn’t find one of them,” she said, looking down at the little emperor. “How does Your Majesty want me to compensate you?”

Xiao Miyun felt a pang of fear just hearing the story. Even Su Mingxiu, with her skills, had barely escaped unscathed from the battlefield. It seemed the prayer beads had indeed protected her.

Countless thoughts raced through the little emperor’s mind. When she finally spoke, her words flowed smoothly: “Any compensation will do?”

Su Mingxiu’s eyes, tempered by the battlefield, were still dark and deep. But compared to their usual calmness in court, they now held a sharp glint, like a long-dormant sword, gleaming in the night, stained with blood.

She looked at the little emperor, her gaze piercing through her fragile facade, seeing straight into her heart, instantly understanding her thoughts.

Since the drought in the south, as the little emperor demonstrated her political skills in court, few officials dared to challenge her authority. Now, with the Prince of Zhenbei’s return, she felt a long-forgotten sensation… a shiver down her spine.

Under Su Mingxiu’s gaze, her fingertips trembled slightly, she didn’t know if it was from fear of her thoughts being exposed, or from finally finding a worthy opponent.

“It has to be within this minister’s capabilities.”

Hearing Su Mingxiu’s words, the light in Xiao Miyun’s eyes dimmed, like a stormy sea calming down.

The surging waves of longing turned into a dormant volcano, the last wisps of smoke extinguished. She took two steps back, putting some distance between them, her imperial aura returning.

“Is there anything the Prince of Zhenbei cannot obtain in this world?”

She pursed her lips slightly and quickly added, as if it were an afterthought: “Has the Right Chancellor brought back news of victory?”

Su Mingxiu looked at her meaningfully. After a moment, she put away the prayer beads, bowed to her, then replied formally: “This minister will present the head of the Turkic Khan to Your Majesty.”

“The Turkic tribes migrated to the southern grasslands over a month ago. This minister was fortunate enough to pursue them. To bring the good news back to the capital as soon as possible, I only brought a small detachment. On the way back, I heard that the cities of Jie and Luoze were flooded, so I went to assist with the flood relief efforts, which delayed my return. I hope Your Majesty understands.”

News of the flood had just reached the capital, causing a headache for both the little emperor and the cabinet ministers. Xiao Miyun had even thrown a tantrum in the Qinzheng Palace because of this. Now, hearing Su Mingxiu’s words, she felt a sense of relief.

Her shoulders relaxed, and she instinctively expressed her gratitude.

She had said such words countless times in the past six months. Regardless of the officials’ true thoughts, she, as the emperor, had to offer her reassurance.

After speaking, Xiao Miyun realized that saying these words to Su Mingxiu… seemed insincere.

She felt slightly apprehensive, bracing herself for the Prince of Zhenbei’s sarcasm. But Su Mingxiu only replied calmly, like any other respectful official: “It is this minister’s duty to alleviate Your Majesty’s worries.”

Xiao Miyun: “…”

Hearing such a response, she felt a strange sense of unease.

But the person standing before her didn’t give her much time to think, requesting to return to her manor. The little emperor, like a puppet, reacted instinctively, offering her praise and rewards.

Thankfully, this time, she stopped herself just as she was about to speak, realizing that the all-powerful Prince of Zhenbei had already been bestowed with the highest honors. So she changed the subject.

“Does the Right Chancellor truly not know Zhen’s intentions, or are you simply unwilling to acknowledge them?”

Thump.

Her heart pounded harder than when she had first seen a dead body in the palace.

But having said those words, Xiao Miyun didn’t back down. She looked at Su Mingxiu intently, her chest rising and falling, a look of determination in her eyes.

Su Mingxiu knew that her impulsive confession was partly due to the prolonged war.

But the Prince of Zhenbei, unfazed even by a collapsing mountain, had seen countless situations in her life. Even hearing such shocking words from the emperor, she remained calm.

“Your Majesty is still young, there are many things you don’t understand yet.”

She turned to leave, not even bothering to maintain her faint smile. Seeing this, Xiao Miyun, who had already prepared herself for rejection, felt a surge of indignation.

The little emperor quickly stepped forward and grabbed the hem of Su Mingxiu’s armor. She froze, feeling the smooth, cold metal, then tightened her grip. “If you don’t like it, then you don’t like it.”

“What do you mean by ‘still young’?”

Su Mingxiu turned slightly, following her pull. Her long, black hair cascaded down her shoulder, revealing a faint scar on her jawline as she turned her head.

She looked at Xiao Miyun’s delicate, unblemished hand for a moment, then suddenly said: “Your Majesty used to hate me, why have you developed feelings for this minister? I haven’t changed since placing Your Majesty on the throne, the only one who has changed is Your Majesty.”

“Let me guess—”

“Your feelings started changing when you learned that I have a beloved, knowing that you resemble her, yet you couldn’t receive the same treatment. Your Majesty, accustomed to the best things in the world, realizing that you’re not as important as an ordinary person you’ve never met, your youthful competitiveness was ignited.”

“Do you truly have feelings for me, Your Majesty?”

Ignoring Xiao Miyun’s actions, she reached out and gently lifted her chin, her touch seemingly casual, but her gaze sharp, piercing into the little emperor’s eyes. “Or is it just… unwillingness disguised as affection?”

“Uh…” Xiao Miyun was speechless, only her throat moving nervously.

Su Mingxiu, after observing her for a while, let go of her hand and chuckled softly. Ignoring Xiao Miyun’s grip, she turned and left without hesitation.

The little emperor had used considerable force earlier. Now, as Su Mingxiu pulled away, she felt a sharp pain in her fingertips and nails.

Looking down, Xiao Miyun saw blood on her fingers.

She stood in the Qinzheng Palace, amidst the scattered debris, staring at the bloodstain for a long time.

“Grand Tutor, have you ever loved someone?”

“No.”

After the Qinzheng Palace was cleaned up, the little emperor returned to the dragon throne and instinctively picked up her brush, continuing to write the edict she had started earlier. After writing the words “Edict of Self-Reproach,” she paused, then continued.

Just as Cheng Qing arrived to report the cabinet’s flood relief plan, she was caught by the little emperor and questioned about her romantic history.

Cheng Qing, standing before the desk, paused for a moment, then gave this answer.

The little emperor glanced up and scoffed. “Grand Tutor, deceiving the emperor is a crime.” Although she couldn’t see Cheng Qing’s face clearly, she could sense the other person’s emotional fluctuations.

Cheng Qing bowed, about to apologize, when the little emperor said casually: “Forget it, tell me what the cabinet has discussed.”

Recently, Cheng Qing had been assigned to the cabinet. Although her official rank hadn’t been raised, she was gradually becoming the leading figure.

After discussing the flood relief plan with Dr. Cheng, Xiao Miyun summoned a few other ministers. Soon, the emperor’s edict of self-reproach was posted on Zhuque Street, spreading throughout the capital.

At the same time, the flood in the two northern cities was under control, thanks to the Prince of Zhenbei’s army’s timely assistance. The affected people were receiving aid and rebuilding their homes.

With the court’s disaster relief funds and grain distribution, the situation gradually stabilized.

That night.

It was the fifteenth day of the lunar month, the full moon shining brightly both inside and outside the palace.

The little emperor couldn’t sleep again. Perhaps it was because she hadn’t been sleeping enough recently, or perhaps because of the heavy burden of state affairs. She got up, wrapped in a robe, and went out to admire the moon.

Since Sun Feiyan was on duty, she summoned the silent general to accompany her. She started with a direct question: “Do you think… Zhen has feelings for the Prince of Zhenbei?”

Sun Feiyan: “??”

She stared at the emperor with wide eyes, not understanding when their relationship had developed to this point.

Xiao Miyun knew that Sun Feiyan wouldn’t understand. She sighed and asked a different question: “You’ve known the Prince of Zhenbei for a long time, have you ever seen her beloved?”

Sun Feiyan was even more shocked.

She wondered if she had joined the wrong army.

“Forgive me, Your Majesty… I don’t know.”

“Then who would know?”

“I don’t know.” This was strange.

With Su Mingxiu’s personality, if there was someone she loved so deeply, the mad king would surely shower them with affection, how could no one have seen them? Even Sun Feiyan, who had followed her all these years, didn’t know?

Could it be that this so-called beloved… was a lie?

No, the look in Su Mingxiu’s eyes couldn’t be faked.

Lost in thought under the moonlight, the little emperor recalled Su Mingxiu’s words earlier that day, asking herself, Is it just unwillingness?

—No.

Xiao Miyun, having never experienced parental love, having made no close friends, even betrayed by someone she had saved, now, having just entered her teenage years, didn’t know what love was.

The closest thing to love she had experienced was perhaps with the now-executed Xu family.

But that wasn’t love either.

Xu Yan’s intentions towards her were purely political.

“It’s envy, jealousy…” she whispered, her voice barely audible in the silver moonlight. “It’s… wanting.”

Chapter 110: The Abandoned Little Emperor (14)

The drought would undoubtedly affect this year’s harvest. And at this critical moment, the Prince of Zhenbei, who was the only one capable of leading the war, had ventured deep into enemy territory with a small detachment, losing contact, leaving the court and the army in the little emperor’s hands.

If the little emperor decided to send a new commander to take over the army, she could cut off all of Su Mingxiu’s support…

In an even more extreme scenario, she could use the drought as an excuse to stop supplying the army, effectively crippling Su Mingxiu’s forces.

The emperor, sitting on the throne, her expression unreadable, remained silent. After the court session, she went to the Qinzheng Palace and summoned Cheng Qing.

When the refined imperial tutor arrived, the emperor, sitting behind the dark wooden desk, her voice, now in puberty, carrying a new strength, asked:

“What do you think, how much longer can this war in the north last?”

Dr. Cheng, usually silent and neutral during court sessions, bowed to the emperor. “That depends on how long Your Majesty wants it to last.”

Xiao Miyun had changed out of her elaborate formal robes and was now wearing simpler attire, a fitted waist and narrow sleeves, making it easier for her to handle the memorials and state affairs. Hearing Cheng Qing’s words, she didn’t beat around the bush. “The army protects our country, Zhen doesn’t want to let down those two hundred thousand soldiers.”

Cheng Qing was surprised. She had thought that, given the apparent animosity between the little emperor and the Prince of Zhenbei, Xiao Miyun would seize this opportunity to weaken Su Mingxiu’s influence.

After all, many in the pro-emperor faction had witnessed the little emperor’s growing power, her intentions becoming increasingly clear.

Unexpectedly…

She pondered this inwardly, then replied, even if the court wanted to support the war effort, the national treasury was severely depleted. The aristocratic families were hoarding grain, causing prices to rise throughout the country.

“Your Majesty must make a decision soon.”

Xiao Miyun gritted her teeth, thinking about those families, like rats, hiding in the shadows and emerging only during times of crisis to profit from the chaos. She slammed the memorial on the table, no longer interested in reading these empty praises.

Now, with the Prince of Zhenbei away, she couldn’t control these factions, unable to even ensure basic logistical support. How could she be an emperor who commanded respect?

“The situation on the front lines is constantly changing, the reports don’t tell the whole story. Zhen has no intention of interfering with the Prince of Zhenbei’s decisions. Please teach this student how to make these families release the grain they are hoarding.”

“That depends on what Your Majesty can offer in exchange.”

What did these families want?

They wanted their names etched in history, their legacies to endure, their lineage to continue. Their ambition transcended dynasties. They wanted to remain standing even as empires rose and fell.

Xiao Miyun looked at the memorials, their edges adorned with gold and silk, now seeing them as representatives of the various factions in the Xiao Zhou dynasty: the old officials from the previous dynasty, still loyal to the Xiao Zhou; the new generals who had risen through the ranks with Su Mingxiu; and the few honest officials she had personally promoted.

The aristocratic families had used the Xu family as a test, attempting to interfere in court affairs, but they had been swiftly dealt with by Su Mingxiu as a warning. With this tiger watching, they didn’t dare to act rashly.

But now, with the tiger away hunting, only a young emperor on the throne, and a natural disaster as an opportunity, they were starting to stir again.

“Since the tiger is away, we should raise some other guard dogs, to let those guests know the master’s intentions,” Xiao Miyun murmured, her gaze unfocused, as if seeing a figure emerge from the golden threads of a memorial, a hunched figure in a eunuch’s hat, bowing before her, pledging allegiance.

The next day in court, the emperor, against all objections, insisted on continuing to supply the northern army.

The officials knelt, lamenting the dwindling grain reserves in the national treasury. The emperor waved her hand and donated her private treasury.

Then, a eunuch knelt outside the hall, claiming to be the adopted son of the former Chief Eunuch. Hearing of the court’s difficulties, he offered to donate all of his adoptive father’s wealth, along with his own salary, to contribute to the country.

The Xiao Zhou officials had never seen such dedication from a eunuch.

As many palace maids followed his example, donating their belongings, a scene of crowdfunding for the army’s supplies, the emperor, tears streaming down her face, quickly descended from the dragon throne and personally helped the eunuch up, promising: “Your contribution to the country will be remembered by all, so that all the people of the Great Zhou, and our soldiers on the front lines, will know of your good deeds.”

Wow.

The little emperor was actually going to publicly praise a eunuch and have his biography written?

The officials present all stared wide-eyed, watching as this eunuch received such an honor. Immediately, many senior officials from the cabinet started donating money and grain—

As dignified men, how could they be outdone by a eunuch when the country was in crisis?

Within half a day, the aristocratic families also started sending grain to the palace. The emperor personally welcomed them and issued an imperial decree to have their names inscribed on merit steles throughout the country, so that their good deeds would be remembered by the people.

With the announcement of the merit steles, merchants and smaller families from all over the country came to the capital with carts of grain, but that’s another story—

Xiao Miyun wiped away her tears, then seized this opportunity to remove a few officials who opposed Su Mingxiu, replacing them with those who would ensure the army’s supplies. At the same time, she summoned the cabinet to the Qinzheng Palace to discuss how to deal with the drought in the south.

In May, as the drought in the south eased, a locust plague emerged.

In June, the locust plague spread to the north. The lights in the capital burned day and night as the emperor, along with officials and agricultural experts, consulted agricultural texts, searching for solutions.

They encouraged the people to eat locusts and promoted raising ducks and birds to control the infestation. These measures spread from the capital to the rest of the country.

As soon as the locust plague was under control, floods struck the north.

Rumors spread among the common people. Someone had leaked the news that the current emperor was a woman, causing unrest. They said that a woman on the throne had angered the heavens, bringing these disasters as a warning.

“Crash!”

Inside the Qinzheng Palace…

Precious porcelain vases and teacups were smashed on the floor. The little emperor, her face pale from exhaustion, stood among the debris, her cheeks flushed with anger.

“Nonsense!”

She yelled at the empty hall, “Can they do any better than me?!”

All her pent-up emotions, suppressed for so long due to the constant disasters, exploded upon hearing these rumors. Thinking about how she had stayed up all night, reading and researching solutions with the officials, only to be met with such accusations, Xiao Miyun’s heart turned to ice.

As emperor, countless people flattered her to her face while plotting against her behind her back. The common people were like puppets, swayed by various factions, their loyalty not to her, Xiao Miyun,

But rather to whoever could feed them. As long as they were fed, they would remain obedient. But even a slight grievance could threaten the stability of the dynasty.

She couldn’t eat or sleep well, burdened by countless worries…

What was the point of being emperor?

Frustrated, Xiao Miyun searched for the imperial edict and the jade seal, then started writing an abdication decree, not even bothering to wait for the ink to dry.

But she had only written one character when she heard a timid knock on the door. She yelled impatiently: “Get out!”

The palace staff knew that she needed time alone when she was upset. So they had been keeping their distance. They had never seen the emperor so furious and didn’t dare to provoke her, fearing bloodshed.

But after a while, the hesitant knocking came again. Xiao Miyun, looking at the ruined edict, said irritably: “Whatever it is, wait until Zhen finishes writing this edict of self-reproach!”

The closed doors were suddenly pushed open.

Xiao Miyun, who didn’t want to write an edict of self-reproach, feeling that she had done nothing wrong, but also unwilling to write an abdication decree, crumpled the golden silk in her hand and threw it towards the door: “Didn’t I tell you—”

The crumpled silk was easily dodged.

A faint smile, tinged with the exhaustion of a long journey, echoed in the hall: “Oh? What grave mistake has Your Majesty committed, warranting an edict of self-reproach?”

The person sitting on the dragon throne froze.

Her eyes widened in disbelief as she looked at the person who had just entered, as if she was dreaming, unable to react.

Tears welled up in her eyes. She blinked, feeling the warm trails on her cheeks, and realized that this wasn’t a dream.

She’s back?

How? There haven’t been any reports from the border.

Lost in her thoughts, she unconsciously rose from the throne, her knee hitting the corner of the table unnoticed. She simply stared at the figure bathed in golden sunlight, her throat tightening as she rushed forward.

Without hesitation, she hugged Su Mingxiu tightly, feeling that her earlier outburst of frustration hadn’t been fully released, or perhaps, because of this person’s appearance, more subtle emotions bubbled up within her.

Xiao Miyun wanted to say, Why are you only back now? I missed you so much.

But all that came out was a calm statement: “General Su, I’m truly not fit to be emperor, why don’t you… take the throne instead?”

Su Mingxiu’s body still carried the scent of blood. She had thought that with this smell, the pampered little emperor, who even bathed in rose petals, wouldn’t want to get close.

Caught off guard by the hug, she blinked slowly, then reached out and gently patted Xiao Miyun’s head, her touch and her voice gentle, creating an illusion of affection: “Childish nonsense.”

Xiao Miyun, smelling the scent on her, like a bloodstained blade, a scent she used to fear, now found it strangely comforting.

She thought she was going crazy.

As her thoughts raced, her gaze landed on Su Mingxiu’s wrist. She only saw a flash of white, not the familiar object from before. She grabbed Su Mingxiu’s hand and asked: “Where are the prayer beads?”

Chapter 109: The Abandoned Little Emperor (13)

Before the Lantern Festival had even passed, urgent reports arrived from the border.

The Turkic forces had broken through the Protectorate General, taking advantage of the frozen rivers in the north. Three hundred thousand cavalrymen were sweeping south, capturing city after city. According to the reports, they would soon reach the Si River.

If they crossed the river, they would be able to advance directly into the heart of the Central Plains, striking at the capital. On the day the reports arrived, the lights in the Qinzheng Palace burned all night. When the Prince of Zhenbei, covered in snow, finally arrived, she was met with the little emperor’s anxious gaze.

“Prince of Zhenbei…”

The little emperor’s change in address was instantly understood by Su Mingxiu.

Most of the Xiao Zhou’s military power was in her hands, so her intelligence network was more extensive than the court’s. Half a day ago, she had already received news of the general guarding the northern border suddenly falling ill and dying. In fact, knowing the general’s deteriorating health this winter, Su Mingxiu had already instructed the little emperor to send a replacement.

Unfortunately, the replacement hadn’t arrived before the old general passed away.

The Turkic forces must have been prepared. They first sent envoys under the guise of celebrating the little emperor’s birthday to assess the Prince of Zhenbei’s strength, while also keeping a close eye on the situation at the northern border.

Now, knowing that Su Mingxiu’s subordinate was ill, and that she herself was absent from the entire banquet, they had gathered all the information and decided to invade.

Within half a day, Su Mingxiu had already mobilized the troops outside the city and even assessed the grain reserves in the national treasury. Entering the palace now was simply to obtain the little emperor’s approval for the early deployment of supplies.

The Turkic forces were pillaging and burning as they advanced, but it was the dead of winter, and implementing the scorched earth strategy was easier than in other seasons. As long as the defending officials could hold on until reinforcements arrived, the Turkic forces, without sufficient supplies, wouldn’t be able to sustain a prolonged war.

After greeting the little emperor, Su Mingxiu calmly explained the current situation, then summarized: “As long as this war ends before April next year, the national treasury can sustain it—the reason why the Turkic forces could bypass the Protectorate General is probably due to their collusion with the Marquis of Linyang, who controls the northeast. After I lead the troops out, Your Majesty still needs to be wary of any news from Linyang.”

Every word she spoke since entering the Qinzheng Palace was related to the war plan, omitting any unnecessary formalities of requesting or declining command. Everyone in the hall knew that only the Prince of Zhenbei’s army could stand against the ferocious Turkic forces.

After she finished speaking, the little emperor, sitting on the golden dragon throne, looked at her intently, then ordered the cabinet and the six ministries to fully cooperate with the Prince of Zhenbei.

The lights in the Qinzheng Palace burned from one night to the next.

As the candle wax overflowed the trays, the stream of officials coming and going finally ceased, leaving only Su Mingxiu and Xiao Miyun. The emperor and her minister looked at each other. After a long silence, Su Mingxiu spoke first: “Why does Your Majesty look so troubled?”

She raised an eyebrow slightly. “This minister is still here, even the Turkic forces can’t pull you down from the throne.”

These words… were a bit arrogant.

The emperor, dressed in layers of formal robes, embroidered with golden dragons, chuckled softly, her furrowed brows relaxing slightly.

Perhaps because she had gradually learned how to navigate the ship of power, her aura was different now, no longer that of a teenage girl.

But the person speaking was Su Mingxiu, the Prince of Zhenbei, so… Xiao Miyun felt her racing heart, which had been erratic since receiving the war report, finally calm down.

Her gaze lowered slightly, noticing the dark object peeking out from Su Mingxiu’s left sleeve, the birthday gift she had given her—Su Mingxiu was still wearing it.

The corners of Xiao Miyun’s eyes crinkled slightly. Just as she was about to speak, she heard the watchmen’s drums outside, announcing the time. She instinctively glanced at the sky outside and realized that dawn was approaching.

At daybreak, the army would depart, and the Prince of Zhenbei, the leader of this war, would leave the capital.

Seeing the little emperor’s hesitant expression, as if she had a thousand words to say but didn’t know where to begin, Su Mingxiu smiled faintly. “Once this minister leaves the city, the army’s supplies will depend entirely on the capital.”

Xiao Miyun rose from the dragon throne. “Zhen will see you off.”

A flicker of surprise crossed Su Mingxiu’s deep black eyes. Then, she thought that it would be good for the little emperor to appear, her presence would boost the soldiers’ morale.

Outside the city, the wind howled, a testament to the harshness of this winter.

Xiao Miyun thought she was dressed warmly enough, but standing on the city walls, she still felt the wind biting through her bones.

But seeing the soldiers below, a sea of black armor, she steeled herself… These people were going to a place even colder than the capital, to fight the Turkic forces. The cold she was feeling was nothing.

She had read countless speeches meant to inspire troops, her mind filled with eloquent words. But looking at the red lanterns adorning the city walls, a festive decoration, then at the soldiers below, thinking that many of them wouldn’t be able to celebrate the Lantern Festival this year,

…that many of them might never return to their families, she couldn’t utter a single word.

Finally, her gaze landed on the figure at the front.

The Prince of Zhenbei, dressed in black, sat on a black warhorse, a striking figure against the white snow. After a long moment of staring, she bowed deeply towards the army below.

Straightening up, her voice, clear and strong, rang out: “Every inch of the Great Zhou’s territory depends on you, our brave soldiers. Zhen wishes you all a safe return!”

“The fifteenth day of the first month is the Lantern Festival, a day for reunion. But only by repelling the Turkic forces at our northern border can we ensure countless future Lantern Festivals. Zhen promises that upon your triumphant return, the celebration will be even grander than the one we missed today!”

Su Mingxiu, sitting on her horse, hearing her words, a faint smile appeared in her eyes, her lips curving slightly upwards.

This little emperor was finally starting to look the part.

Actually, the voice from the city walls couldn’t travel very far, especially without internal energy amplification.

But the generals in the front rows heard it clearly. The orders were relayed, and the crowd erupted!

Someone shouted a slogan, and the others followed, their voices like a tidal wave, echoing through the heavens and earth: “Kill the Turkic invaders! Protect the Great Zhou!”

“Kill the Turkic invaders! Protect the Great Zhou!”

The black banner of the Zhenbei army fluttered in the wind as they marched away. Xiao Miyun watched the army, like a black dragon, her gaze fixed on Su Mingxiu. She had so much to say.

She wanted to tell this person, Actually, on New Year’s Eve, I really wanted to watch the fireworks with you. After so many days, do you still remember that night? Are you angry with me?

She also wanted to say, Wearing the safety charm I gave you, you must return safely from the battlefield. I’m still waiting, under your watchful eye, to become a good emperor who won’t disappoint you.

But in the end, until Su Mingxiu’s figure became a small black dot in the distance, and even Cheng Qing came up to the city walls to persuade her to return to the palace, lest she catch a cold, Xiao Miyun didn’t say another word.

During the war, battle reports arrived daily like snowflakes.

At the same time, the Prince of Zhenbei’s departure from the capital stirred unrest among various factions in the court. The pro-emperor faction saw this as a positive sign.

But many were dissatisfied with the court being controlled by two women. With the external war unresolved, internal strife arose.

One night, Xiao Miyun was awakened by a commotion outside her window.

She saw Sun Feiyan sheathing her sword, the armor gleaming under the moonlight. A line of crimson blood trickled down the edge of the scabbard, staining the palace path before the servants could clean it.

Seeing the little emperor emerge, wrapped in a robe, Sun Feiyan knelt on one knee and apologized. “This minister has disturbed Your Majesty, I deserve to die—”

“Zhen wasn’t disturbed by General Sun, rise.”

Xiao Miyun knew that the palace hadn’t been peaceful recently, with assassins more active than before. It was Sun Feiyan and her subordinates who dealt with these threats. Xiao Miyun didn’t leave the Qian Yuan Palace, not wanting to cause trouble for the imperial guards. She sat down on the doorstep, watching the moonlight streaming onto the stone steps, lost in thought.

Sun Feiyan heard her ask, “Are there any new battle reports?”

“No.”

“Oh, Zhen just had a nightmare, I thought it was real.”

“Uh…” Xiao Miyun was used to her silence and smiled faintly, her gaze fixed on the stone slabs, the faint scent of blood lingering in the air. After a while, she murmured to herself: “You saved Zhen because of guilt; she saved Zhen because she mistook Zhen for someone else…”

Neither of them did it for her.

But why, why did she keep thinking about that person?

What was so special about Su Mingxiu?

She wasn’t even as easygoing as General Sun, at least this person before her would tolerate her whims.

As if hearing her thoughts, General Sun, who had been standing silently beside her, suddenly spoke: “Your Majesty, the night is cold, please return to your chambers and rest.”

“Yes,” Xiao Miyun stood up and walked back inside. “Zhen should indeed sleep, there’s court tomorrow.”

Since pushing the Turkic forces back to the Protectorate General, the battle reports from the north had become less frequent, filling the little emperor with unease as she waited for news every day.

Winter passed, and spring arrived, bringing new life.

But even as April arrived, with its blooming flowers, there was still no news of the army’s return. Because of her special relationship with Su Mingxiu, she couldn’t issue an imperial decree to recall her, only enduring the torment of waiting.

Until one day, news arrived that the army had reached the heart of the Turkic territory, and the Prince of Zhenbei was personally pursuing the fleeing Khan.

On the same day, reports of a drought in the south arrived.

The emperor, sitting on the throne, her expression hidden behind the beaded curtain, her fingers gripping the armrests so tightly that her knuckles turned white, remained silent.

Chapter 108: The Abandoned Little Emperor (12)

Xiao Miyun didn’t hesitate. “Naturally, Zhen hopes for the Prince of Zhenbei’s well-being—the country can be without me, but not without you.”

She looked at Su Mingxiu intently. “Will Zhen’s wish come true?”

The person sitting in the sandalwood armchair, draped with a thick blanket, lowered her gaze. Knowing Xiao Miyun’s answer, she replied indifferently: “Sincere wishes will be granted.”

“Uh…” The little emperor pulled at her collar, feeling parched from the heat of the room’s underfloor heating.

The palace maids had dressed her in layers to protect her from the cold, and now, sitting in the warm armchair, she felt like she was overheating.

The furniture in the Zhenbei Manor was perhaps even more exquisite than the palace’s. The armrests of her chair were inlaid with jewels from the Western Regions, now hidden beneath thick fur.

She looked at Su Mingxiu, but there wasn’t a trace of warmth on her face. One hand held a book, the other a hand warmer in an embroidered pouch. Xiao Miyun suddenly realized that Su Mingxiu’s perpetually cold hands and feet might not be due to indifference, but rather a sign of poor health.

“If Your Majesty has nothing else to say, please return to the palace.”

“Or did you wait until the palace gates were closed to come here and share my bed again?”

Xiao Miyun, who had been analyzing Su Mingxiu’s health, retorted upon hearing this teasing remark: “In your dreams.”

She stood up, putting some distance between them, then said slowly, her words laced with sarcasm: “The Right Chancellor’s longing for your beloved should have its limits. Zhen is the emperor, I can’t be anyone’s substitute.”

She was implying that Su Mingxiu’s previous affections were merely a way to remember someone else.

Under the candlelight, the Prince of Zhenbei’s sharp features were bathed in a golden glow, her smile even more alluring, like a night-blooming cereus, its beauty both captivating and dangerous.

She didn’t respond to the little emperor’s words about being a substitute, only saying meaningfully: “Next time Your Majesty tries to avoid me, you should go further—this distance is not nearly enough.”

Then, Su Mingxiu watched with satisfaction as the threatened little emperor fled.

Outside the Zhenbei Manor…

Xiao Miyun, her cloak brought to her by a maid, her face as cold as the winter night, thought about Su Mingxiu’s neither confirming nor denying her words. She felt unhappy about this trip, despite delivering the gift.

She returned to the Qian Yuan Palace, her mind heavy. Unable to sleep, she read in the middle of the night, replaying the events of the banquet in her mind. At dawn, she summoned the palace maids and instructed the officials from the Honglu Temple to closely monitor the Turkic envoys, ensuring they didn’t cause any trouble before leaving the capital.

Until the new year, the Prince of Zhenbei didn’t appear in court.

The officials speculated whether it was due to a sudden illness or a sign of transferring power to the emperor.

Countless invitations were sent to the Zhenbei Manor, many trying to decipher the meaning behind her absence.

But the Zhenbei Manor refused all visitors.

On New Year’s Eve, heavy snow fell, blanketing the capital from morning till evening. The little emperor urgently summoned the cabinet ministers and the six ministry heads to discuss disaster relief efforts.

With so much snow in the north this year, there might be a drought next year, and they had to prepare in advance.

By the time the ministers left, fireworks were already lighting up the sky.

The little emperor had no consorts, so there was no family banquet in the palace. Many palace staff had been given leave, and the palace felt empty. She climbed the city walls alone and watched the fireworks, their colorful explosions reflected in her eyes.

After a while, remembering someone she could visit in the palace, she headed towards the West Palace to check on Sun Feiyan’s injuries.

Although imperial physicians visited Sun Feiyan daily and reported her condition to the little emperor, and she had even sent many precious medicinal herbs from her private treasury, she was still worried.

But upon arriving at the West Palace, she was informed by the guards that General Sun had recovered a while ago and was currently on duty at the city gates.

“Nonsense, in this weather, with her injuries not fully healed, why is she on duty?”

Xiao Miyun immediately headed towards the city gates. She met Sun Feiyan on the way and, after exchanging a few pleasantries, noticed Sun Feiyan’s unease. General Sun wasn’t a talkative person, her demeanor cold and aloof. Apart from explaining her past to the little emperor on the night of her injury, she was always reserved.

Xiao Miyun felt the conversation dwindling, her gaze drifting towards the palace gates. “I wonder how the Zhenbei Manor is celebrating the New Year… General Sun, would you accompany Zhen on a trip outside the palace?”

Sun Feiyan paused for a moment, then bowed. “As you command.”

It was New Year’s Eve, and it was late. Xiao Miyun wanted to give the palace staff a break, so she didn’t bring anyone with them, not even a palanquin, only Sun Feiyan as her escort.

They walked in silence, Sun Feiyan half a step behind her, matching Xiao Miyun’s pace. Whenever Xiao Miyun’s steps quickened, she followed suit. When Xiao Miyun slowed down, she also slowed down, always maintaining a respectful distance.

Xiao Miyun, her head covered in snow, accompanied by this silent figure, felt even colder.

Stepping into the Zhenbei Manor, she shivered from the warmth of the heated floors, stomping her feet to shake off the snow, and took the warm towel offered by a maid.

“Has the Right Chancellor retired for the night?”

She wiped her snow-covered hands and asked. Hearing that the master was in the Fei Mei Garden in the west courtyard, she raised an eyebrow.

So, while she was working with the ministers in the Qinzheng Palace, this Prince of Zhenbei was leisurely enjoying the plum blossoms in her garden. How elegant.

Led by the housekeeper, Xiao Miyun walked towards the Fei Mei Garden. Before even seeing the scenery, she smelled the faint fragrance of plum blossoms. Seeing a dark figure standing by the wall, before she could speak, she suddenly heard a loud bang!

Red and green fireworks lit up the sky, illuminating the figure.

On this day of family reunions, Su Mingxiu suddenly missed the fish she had once kept. Suhui had always been the most affectionate during these times, putting up New Year couplets, preparing the New Year’s Eve dinner, always enthusiastic, while Su Mingxiu herself would sneak snacks and slack off, only offering empty praises.

But now, Su Mingxiu no longer had to cook the New Year’s Eve dinner herself, and there was no one she wanted to cook for.

She turned around and saw the figure standing beneath the red plum blossoms. The fireworks illuminated not only Su Mingxiu but also the newcomer. The moment she saw the face clearly, Su Mingxiu’s eyes flickered with recognition.

But she quickly recovered.

However, the little emperor, who had been watching her intently, noticed this subtle change. For some reason, she turned to leave but bumped into Sun Feiyan, who had been following her.

General Sun quickly stepped back, not daring to help her up, her head lowered. “This minister has overstepped.”

During this brief interruption, Su Mingxiu had already approached them. “Does Your Majesty think this is some common place, where you can come and go as you please?”

The little emperor, dressed in a pale yellow robe, the embroidered dragon patterns on her sleeves faintly visible, sensing Su Mingxiu’s displeasure, replied in a rare show of defiance: “Under heaven, all land belongs to the emperor. Is there any place in this Great Zhou where Zhen cannot go as I please?”

Sun Feiyan, who had followed them: “?”

She was confused, not understanding why the little emperor, who had seemed to be in a good mood earlier, was now arguing with the Prince of Zhenbei.

Su Mingxiu also noticed Xiao Miyun’s sudden change in mood. She walked closer and, remembering that it was a festive day, changed her tone. “It is said that wishes made under the New Year fireworks will come true. Would Your Majesty like to try?”

In the past, faced with Su Mingxiu’s unpredictable nature, Xiao Miyun would have been trembling with fear.

But now, whether it was because the journey from the palace to the Zhenbei Manor had been too long, or because she had seen a different look in Su Mingxiu’s eyes earlier, a wave of defiance rose within her. She scoffed. “Anything the Prince of Zhenbei desires will be delivered to your hands, why would you believe in such things?”

Actually, that wasn’t true.

She thought inwardly, When I left the palace today, I did find the fireworks beautiful.

“Your Majesty left the palace late at night just to spoil this minister’s New Year’s Eve?” Su Mingxiu asked, her gloved hand gently touching Xiao Miyun’s cheek.

Her body temperature was too low, and the deerskin gloves too smooth. In this freezing weather, the touch against the little emperor’s face felt like a blade.

Xiao Miyun suppressed her shiver, her beautiful eyes, whether lit up by the fireworks or her own emotions, glared at Su Mingxiu. “Zhen will leave, I won’t disturb the Prince of Zhenbei’s celebration.”

She turned and left.

Su Mingxiu didn’t stop her.

Sun Feiyan, looking at both of them, could only follow the little emperor back to the palace. The fireworks were still exploding outside, casting long, dancing shadows on the snow-covered path, illuminating the way.

The little emperor, her back to the colorful display, walked away from the festivities.

Until the Lantern Festival, she didn’t watch the fireworks outside the palace again, let alone make a wish.

For a long time afterwards, whenever Xiao Miyun thought about this New Year’s Eve, she would feel regret. If she could turn back time, she would use every possible gesture, facing each fleeting firework, and repeat her most heartfelt wish, over and over again.

Chapter 107: The Abandoned Little Emperor (11)

Due to the Ayue incident, the little emperor’s birthday celebration almost lost its protagonist. Thankfully, the Prince of Zhenbei arrived in time and safely escorted the emperor back to the capital. The next morning, the palace paths were decorated with festive colors.

Tribute and gifts from foreign envoys and regional governors flowed into the court.

Xiao Miyun sat on the dragon throne during the court session. Unlike the elation she had imagined, she found that receiving these gifts only filled her with unease… If it weren’t for Su Mingxiu’s support, would she, on her own merit, be worthy of receiving such lavish gifts?

Could she be an emperor worthy of her officials and her people?

Lost in thought, the time spent on the dragon throne felt exceptionally long, even torturous. After the court session ended, as she went to the side palace to change her clothes, she breathed a sigh of relief, holding a cup of warm tea, reluctant to move.

She didn’t have to worry about how to store these birthday gifts, the officials from the Ministry of Rites would register and store them for her.

Her only task was to maintain the demeanor of the Xiao Zhou emperor, appearing calm and composed before the officials and foreign envoys, unaffected by yesterday’s kidnapping.

“Your Majesty,” a palace maid whispered, reminding her that it was almost time for the palace banquet.

Xiao Miyun raised her hand, the light golden sleeve, made of fine Shu brocade, sliding down her arm. She suddenly asked, “Why didn’t the Right Chancellor attend court today?”

She was used to having someone sitting beside her. Not seeing Su Mingxiu at the court session today made her feel a bit uneasy. Thankfully, it was almost the New Year, and everyone was busy preparing for the festivities, so there wasn’t much trouble.

“The Zhenbei Manor sent a message earlier, saying that Wangye is unwell and requested a leave of absence today.”

This was strange.

Xiao Miyun had slept in the same bed as Su Mingxiu last night. She knew whether this person was truly sick or not. Su Mingxiu always looked frail and sickly, but she had never trembled even when killing someone.

She scoffed inwardly, then thought that perhaps the situation was different this time. After all, Su Mingxiu had transferred the Turkic poison to herself yesterday. Perhaps she was forcing herself to appear strong this morning.

In any case, without the Prince of Zhenbei, the tiger, those foreign envoys might not behave themselves at tonight’s banquet.

Xiao Miyun unconsciously pinched her palm, wondering if she should visit the Zhenbei Manor. But she couldn’t miss the banquet, so after much hesitation, she decided to proceed to the banquet hall as planned.

After a few rounds of drinks, music started playing, and beautiful dancers in flowing robes entered the hall.

Xiao Miyun sat at the head table, her gaze repeatedly drifting towards the empty seat on her right. Just as the dance ended, a Turkic envoy stood up, holding a wine cup, and toasted her:

“May the Emperor of the Great Zhou dynasty enjoy many more years of prosperity.”

The little emperor’s face was expressionless. Her delicate features, like a meticulous painting, gave her a natural air of authority when she wasn’t smiling.

She also raised her cup. Because of her young age, the palace maids serving her had been instructed to prepare special wine pots with a hidden compartment, one side filled with wine, the other with warm water. They always poured her warm water, making it seem like she had a high tolerance for alcohol.

After finishing her drink, she saw the bearded Turkic man shift his gaze towards the empty seat beside her. “I heard that your Great Zhou’s Prince of Zhenbei is a valiant warrior, having lost four horses on the battlefield. Why is she absent today? Could it be that her old injuries are acting up, and she’s… nearing her end?”

Xiao Miyun, who had been worried about Su Mingxiu’s condition, immediately changed her expression upon hearing this provocative question. “How dare you!”

She threw her cup at the envoy’s table, the white jade shattering on the floor.

“The Prince of Zhenbei is the God of War of the Great Zhou dynasty, protected by our ancestors,” Xiao Miyun’s expression softened after throwing the cup. Having defended Su Mingxiu, she didn’t want to appear weak, so she reached for the fruit platter on the table. “As for why she’s absent from tonight’s banquet, Zhen also finds it strange. After all, she’s never missed a court session—”

“Perhaps a dirty rat has jumped onto the table, spoiling her appetite, so she decided not to show up today to avoid being disgusted.

If she were to draw her sword, it would be tainted. If she didn’t, it would make the rat complacent, thinking it could usurp the master’s position.”

After she finished speaking, the initially tense officials in the hall couldn’t help but smile.

It was clear who the “rat” referred to.

The Turkic envoy, who spoke fluent Chinese, naturally understood her meaning. His expression changed rapidly. He thought inwardly, The reports said that the little emperor and the Prince of Zhenbei were locked in a power struggle, but now it seems… it’s not that bad?

But he quickly remembered his purpose, to assess the little emperor’s condition after being struck by Jisi Le… and to see how much longer the Prince of Zhenbei had to live.

Thinking of this, he quickly composed himself, apologized for his earlier remarks, and offered a traditional Turkic dance as a tribute to the emperor.

The dance itself wasn’t particularly special. The dancers were veiled, their wrists and ankles adorned with small golden bells. After the performance, Xiao Miyun felt like her ears were ringing.

But she suppressed her emotions and simply put on a calm expression, as if thinking: That’s it?

The Turkic envoy: “?”

No reaction?

He stared at Xiao Miyun for a long time, then, thinking quickly, moved on to the next part of his plan. “The soldiers of the Great Zhou are known for their strength, but our grassland warriors are no less capable. To celebrate Your Majesty’s birthday, we have brought our strongest warrior, willing to challenge your generals to see the difference between our two nations.”

This was a challenge disguised as a friendly competition.

Xiao Miyun understood. She had originally planned to randomly choose an imperial guard, but seeing the two-meter-tall warrior standing up, looking like a wild man from the mountains, her eyes widened slightly.

But she knew that no one could help her now, so she pinched her thigh under the table to calm herself down. Looking at the imposing figure, his presence radiating pressure, she said in a strained voice: “Our Great Zhou is filled with talented individuals, each capable of both literary and martial arts, that’s how they earned their positions in the court. Testing only their literary or martial skills would be too one-sided.”

The specialized civil and military officials below: “?”

Their hands, holding their cups, trembled slightly.

But since the emperor had made this claim, they, as her subjects, had to play along for the sake of the country’s reputation.

A middle-aged official immediately stood up and boasted: “Indeed, this minister, in his youth, was also a city governor, defending our borders.”

Then, an imperial guard also stood up, straightening his back. “This minister could recite the Hundred Family Surnames and the Thousand Character Classic at the age of three, and my essays during the military exams were also top-ranked.”

The Turkic envoy and the warrior who had stood up, ready to fight, were both confused.

They didn’t understand Xiao Miyun’s meaning. The little emperor smiled at the two officials with satisfaction and said: “If you want to know the difference between the Turkic forces and the Great Zhou, it’s simple. When in Rome, do as the Romans do. I shall set the rules—first, please have your warrior compose a ci (a type of Chinese poetry).”

She didn’t even mention poetry, afraid that the warrior would come up with some doggerel, which would force them to move on to the next round.

This warrior had grown up wrestling on the grasslands. Killing with a blade was easy for him, but composing a ci… what was that?

“Pfft.”

In a secluded area outside the banquet hall, a figure in a luxurious purple robe covered their mouth, initially to suppress a cough, but upon hearing these words, they chuckled softly.

This little emperor was quite the bluffer. If the envoy wasn’t clever enough, he might be fooled.

The warrior, stumped by the request, instinctively looked at the envoy’s leader. As expected, the leader frowned deeply. He tried to volunteer himself, but Su Mingxiu insisted that the same person had to participate in both the literary and martial competitions.

This was tricky.

After a moment of hesitation, the leader stood up. “Then allow me to experience the talent of your Great Zhou’s scholars and warriors.”

He quickly composed a ci, quite standard and unremarkable. Now, it was the Great Zhou’s turn.

Before Xiao Miyun could speak, Cheng Qing stood up from his seat and bowed to her. “This minister requests to represent Your Majesty.”

The little emperor’s eyes lit up. With him participating, regardless of the martial arts competition later, they definitely wouldn’t lose the literary one. At worst, it would be a tie.

“Wangye?”

The person who had accompanied her from the Zhenbei Manor asked with concern. These were people who had fought against the Turkic forces alongside Su Mingxiu. They knew the Turkic people’s nature. Xiao Miyun’s trick might work for a while, but not forever.

If they couldn’t demonstrate their absolute strength, the Turkic envoys would definitely think that the Great Zhou was weak. At this time, if the Turkic army invaded, the Great Zhou wouldn’t be able to withstand the pressure.

Su Mingxiu, however, glanced at Cheng Qing meaningfully. “It’s fine.”

She said, “Since Grand Tutor Cheng has volunteered, he must have a plan.”

But the others in the hall didn’t know the details. Seeing Cheng Qing step forward, they looked at him with concern. They weren’t worried about the ci composition, and indeed, Dr. Cheng’s performance didn’t disappoint them. What they were worried about was the martial arts competition afterwards…

There was no one on the grasslands who didn’t know martial arts. After all, they probably learned how to ride a horse before they could even walk. This Cheng Qing looked frail and weak, could he really fight?

Some officials comforted themselves, thinking, At least we can win one round.

But those officials from the Honglu Temple (Ministry of Rites, responsible for foreign affairs), who understood the Turkic people, were worried, especially when Cheng Qing walked towards the Turkic warrior. Everyone held their breath.

In terms of height, build, and aura, the Turkic envoy seemed to have the upper hand.

After the eunuch announced the start of the competition, Xiao Miyun instinctively looked away, not wanting to watch. One second, two seconds…

After an unknown amount of time, she heard: “Grand Tutor Cheng wins!”

The little emperor let out a feigned sigh of relief, then, before she could even finish, she blurted out: “What?”

Who won?

She looked closely and saw the Turkic envoy kneeling on the ground, his face filled with shock. He had somehow fallen, so his posture as he looked up at his opponent looked rather comical.

Cheng Qing, however, only bowed and said, “You have my respect.”

He glanced at the emperor and said calmly: “This minister is fortunate to have lived up to your expectations.”

Xiao Miyun was overjoyed. Even before the banquet ended, rewards were sent from the palace to the Cheng residence. She even started thinking about how to promote Cheng Qing.

Only towards the end of the banquet did she calm down from her excitement, thinking that Cheng Qing’s victory couldn’t be a coincidence… So he also knew martial arts?

But she had never seen him display any such skills, why would he hide them?

“Is this why Your Majesty came to this minister’s manor late at night?”

A quarter past the Hai hour (9-11 PM).

Su Mingxiu, who had returned to her manor earlier, looked at the little emperor, who had snuck out of the palace in disguise, and raised an eyebrow. She placed the book she was holding on the table. Xiao Miyun nervously glanced at the title, relieved to see that it was a serious book.

“I mainly came to check on the Right Chancellor’s health,” she said, sitting down and trying to maintain a dignified posture, like she did during the banquet.

Su Mingxiu noticed her gaze, a smile appearing in her eyes, giving weight to her otherwise light tone. “Does Your Majesty hope that this minister is truly sick, or just pretending?”

“Uh…” Xiao Miyun found that this Regent was truly difficult to communicate with, always asking such unanswerable questions.

“With the Prince of Zhenbei around, our Great Zhou can protect its people. What does the Right Chancellor think Zhen hopes for?” She threw the question back at Su Mingxiu.

But the mad king only smiled and didn’t answer, her gaze returning to the book before her. It was the little emperor who broke the silence, asking someone to bring in the gift.

“The Right Chancellor never celebrates birthdays, Zhen doesn’t know the reason, but since Zhen promised a gift, Zhen shall present it in advance—”

She raised her chin, gesturing for the palace maid to place the gift on the table and retreat.

Su Mingxiu extended her pale hand, the blue veins on the back of her hand clearly visible, making her wrist seem even more frail beneath the wide sleeve. She opened the wooden box and, seeing the contents within, raised a single eyebrow in surprise.

She picked up the dark object inside…

It was a string of Buddhist prayer beads.

Made of sixteen-segment Bodhi seeds, each seed exceptionally small. The smaller the seeds, the more precious they were, not to mention the intricate patterns of the sixteen segments, a treasured gift for those seeking good fortune.

And these Bodhi seeds were said to ward off disasters, dispel evil, and cleanse sins.

But Su Mingxiu looked down at them for a long time, then chuckled softly. “Your Majesty is giving me this, what are your intentions?”

Did she want her to live a peaceful life despite her sins, or did she hope that these prayer beads could absolve her of her karmic burden?

“Ordinary people seek such profound Buddhist objects for protection and peace, could there be any other meaning? Or perhaps… the Right Chancellor doesn’t like this gift?”

Su Mingxiu casually placed the prayer beads on her left palm, her thumb moving rhythmically, the gentle clinking of the beads echoing in the room.

“Bodhi seeds dispel evil and protect one’s peace. Does Your Majesty wish to cleanse my sins, or for me to live a long and peaceful life?”

Just as the little emperor was about to answer, Su Mingxiu interrupted her, her dark eyes looking at her intently: “Your Majesty should choose your words carefully. You can’t have both. If you make the wrong wish, it won’t come true.”

Chapter 106: The Abandoned Little Emperor (10)

The little emperor’s guess wasn’t entirely baseless. Based on past events, this wasn’t the first time she had noticed Su Mingxiu treating her differently.

This mad king didn’t care about social norms. Being able to say those words in front of the Turkic woman meant that she truly didn’t care about the consequences. So why not simply let her be killed?

Su Mingxiu had always been affectionate towards her, and now, she was even willing to risk her life to save her. If there wasn’t some special affection involved, Xiao Miyun wouldn’t believe it.

Either Su Mingxiu had strange feelings for her, or… she was transferring her affections to her.

Su Mingxiu naturally heard the little emperor’s words clearly. She didn’t have to answer, but somehow, she suddenly replied: “Indeed, very similar.”

Not just similar, but identical.

Xiao Miyun was stunned for a moment, trying to recall if any of her siblings had looked like her.

But she quickly realized that her brothers were all dead… As for sisters, the female offspring of the Xiao Zhou dynasty could be counted on one hand.

Unfortunately, having grown up in a secluded part of the palace, she hadn’t met most of her relatives. So, unable to find an answer, she asked directly: “Who?”

But Su Mingxiu didn’t answer. She helped Xiao Miyun sit up, examined the terrifying handprint on her back, then put down her clothes and asked someone to bring something over.

A golden tray was placed before the bed by a maid. On it were a porcelain bottle of strong alcohol, a sharp, gleaming curved knife, and many steaming hot towels.

Xiao Miyun: “?”

Since becoming emperor, she had never suffered such a serious injury. Seeing the knife, she felt a pain all over her body.

“What are you going to do?” she asked, her voice trembling as she clutched the quilt.

“Cut open the wound and draw out the poison,” Su Mingxiu replied casually, but her words almost made the little emperor faint.

Her throat tightened, her voice hoarse. “What if… we don’t?”

“Nothing much,” Su Mingxiu replied casually. “Just… excruciating pain in your bones every new and full moon, and whenever it rains or snows…”

Xiao Miyun didn’t want either option.

Seeing her hesitation, Su Mingxiu didn’t give her any more time to think, in case the little emperor changed her mind. She pressed on Xiao Miyun’s pressure points, catching her as she fainted.

Xiao Miyun was awakened by the pain. The wound on her back made her tremble. Opening her eyes, she saw the familiar purple sleeves.

She was filled with curses, but then she heard a cough, followed by a lazy voice: “Awake? Are you feeling unwell, Your Majesty?”

Xiao Miyun thought, Don’t you know where I’m feeling unwell?

But hearing her cough, she remained silent for a moment, then mumbled, her face pressed against the bed: “Just a little pain in my back.”

“It should hurt,” the person sitting beside her said, turning a page of the storybook that the little emperor had refused to continue reading. Actually, Su Mingxiu had read countless stories, and this one was quite boring. But her cold poison was acting up, so she used this to distract herself and pass the time.

She said: “This will teach Your Majesty a lesson, to be more discerning in the future.”

If this were before, Xiao Miyun would have resented Su Mingxiu for her seemingly heartless words. But now, having experienced this incident, she had matured overnight and knew that things weren’t always what they seemed.

She pretended not to hear and only asked: “Why isn’t the Right Chancellor sleeping yet?”

“Enjoying the story Your Majesty likes.”

“Zhen doesn’t like it! Ouch!”

“Hmm… don’t move, if you reopen the wound, don’t bother the physicians, just endure it.”

The atmosphere between them was unusually harmonious. Perhaps because the little emperor had dropped her clumsy act, Su Mingxiu also responded sincerely.

The room fell silent for a while. Xiao Miyun noticed that the scent in the room had changed. It was no longer the heady sandalwood incense, but a faint medicinal fragrance.

It wasn’t bitter, but rather slightly sweet, calming and soothing, even easing the pain in her back.

But the little emperor still couldn’t sleep. Her eyes were tired, so she leaned against the pillow, her head tilted, and casually started a conversation: “The Right Chancellor’s birthday seems to be approaching…”

Su Mingxiu, who was reading, paused, a smile curving her lips: “Which gossipmonger told Your Majesty that?”

The original owner’s entire family had been executed on her birthday. That day had been a turning point in her life. So, even after gaining power and influence, she never celebrated her birthday.

The officials knew this taboo and never mentioned it. Even the palace pretended to be oblivious. Su Mingxiu was surprised that Xiao Miyun knew.

But Xiao Miyun clearly didn’t understand the implications. She simply projected her own habits onto Su Mingxiu. “It seems the Right Chancellor doesn’t like celebrating birthdays, why?”

“There are so many holidays, some people like to celebrate them, some don’t. Does Your Majesty intend to ask about each one?”

“Uh…” Xiao Miyun pouted. “Zhen thinks birthdays are special occasions, Zhen wants to give a gift to my dear minister, does the Right Chancellor want it or not?”

“Since it’s a gift from Your Majesty, it’s naturally precious, this minister will be deeply grateful.”

Ignoring her insincere tone, Xiao Miyun, treating this birthday gift as a way to repay her life-saving debt, asked: “Will the Right Chancellor like Zhen’s gift?”

“Yes.”

“Is it because Zhen is giving it to you, or because it’s from the emperor and you have to like it, or… because you consider Zhen as your beloved, so you cherish everything related to Zhen?”

Su Mingxiu closed the book and turned to look at the fifteen-year-old girl.

A mere child, in modern times, a middle school student, was actually discussing romance and the “substitute lover” trope with her?

“Your Majesty doesn’t seem to be afraid of this minister anymore.”

She changed the subject, her dark eyes meeting the little emperor’s. She noticed that Xiao Miyun quickly averted her gaze, but after a while, she looked back at Su Mingxiu.

“You made Zhen the emperor before, and Zhen was afraid that Zhen had no value to you, that Zhen could die at any moment, so Zhen was always afraid of you.”

“But you saved Zhen twice. If Zhen considers every day from now on as a bonus, even if you kill Zhen in the future, Zhen will have lived a full life.”

What else could she do?

Even if she was saved countless times, would she still have to kill Su Mingxiu? Regardless of whether she could succeed, she couldn’t live in constant fear.

She could only let go and find a balance between them.

These words weren’t something an emperor should say. Su Mingxiu wanted to reprimand her. But thinking about her injuries and her effort to maintain this conversation, she only said: “Your Majesty is delirious from the pain, go to sleep.”

She gently waved her hand, and the candles in the room were extinguished, the lingering smoke curling in the darkness.

“But the Right Chancellor hasn’t answered Zhen’s question yet.”

“What question?”

“Zhen hasn’t given you the gift yet, how can you know if you’ll like it?”

Su Mingxiu was silent for two seconds, then replied with a smile: “Because it’s just polite talk. Whether I like it or not depends on what it is.”

She gave a non-answer.

Xiao Miyun replied dryly: “Oh.”

After a pause, she said seriously: “Zhen will definitely give the Right Chancellor a gift you’ll like.”

Is that so?

Su Mingxiu unconsciously touched her bare neck and chuckled softly, not commenting.

She didn’t think… the little emperor would have the guts to give her that kind of birthday gift.

Chapter 105: The Abandoned Little Emperor (9)

The bedside candle was lit, casting a warm orange glow on the headboard. But the light wasn’t very bright, leaving most of the room shrouded in shadows.

The dim light made the shadows dancing on the window lattice even more ambiguous.

Especially when Xiao Miyun, still wrapped in her quilt, sat on the edge of the bed, she realized that she had been tricked onto the bed by the Prince of Zhenbei again.

Glancing at Su Mingxiu, the little emperor found that she was actually interested in reading this storybook late at night. She quickly abandoned the quilt and pounced on Su Mingxiu, trying to snatch the book back.

“It’s just a random storybook I bought from a stall. Such a vulgar thing shouldn’t taint the Right Chancellor’s eyes.”

“Since it has already graced Your Majesty’s eyes, it can’t be considered vulgar. It’s this minister’s honor to read it now.” Having heard enough of Xiao Miyun’s evasive official speak, Su Mingxiu could now effortlessly mimic those empty pleasantries.

But judging from her tone and her languid posture as she leaned against the bed, flipping through the book, it was hard to tell how much “honor” she felt.

The little emperor decided to wrap herself tightly in the quilt to avoid seeing Su Mingxiu’s reaction after reading this third-rate storybook about her. But as soon as she burrowed under the covers, the book was thrown back at her.

“This minister’s eyesight isn’t very good, would Your Majesty be so kind as to read it aloud for me?”

Xiao Miyun: “?”

Was this something a minister should be saying?

She hesitated, holding the book. Seeing Su Mingxiu close her eyes, her lips moving slightly in the shadows by the headboard, she heard Su Mingxiu say, “If Your Majesty is tired, I can have a maid come in—”

“No!”

Xiao Miyun couldn’t bear the thought of this story being read aloud by a stranger, with her and Su Mingxiu listening together. She wanted to dig a hole and bury herself.

She gave Su Mingxiu a fake smile. “The Right Chancellor was injured while rescuing Zhen today, Zhen is deeply grateful. Reading aloud is a small matter, if it can help the Right Chancellor sleep well, it’s worth it.”

The person leaning against the bed knew how reluctant she was without even opening her eyes.

But she didn’t respond.

Xiao Miyun flipped through the book, deciding to start from the end to finish this torture as quickly as possible. She had only read the beginning at the stall earlier. Now, flipping through it, she found that it was filled with explicit content, the ending particularly suggestive—

She flipped back.

But apart from the beginning, the protagonist in this storybook seemed to be either engaging in sexual activities or trying to do so in inappropriate places.

Filthy! Disgusting! Lewd!

She cursed inwardly, thinking that she would have the author of this obscene book found and executed when she returned to the palace!

“Uh…” Unable to find a suitable passage to read, Xiao Miyun remained silent for a while, then started humming incoherently, her voice like a mosquito’s buzz, as if fast-forwarding through the text.

Su Mingxiu: ?

She lazily opened one eye. “Your Majesty, are you reading, or eating the book?”

Xiao Miyun didn’t want to do either. She started tearing the book, but it was snatched away by Su Mingxiu before she could even rip it. Her eyes darted around, then she suddenly fell back onto the bed, groaning. “Oh, my stomach suddenly hurts, ouch…”

The person holding the book looked at her theatrics, then said unhurriedly: “Your Majesty dined at this manor, and everyone here is my servant. Your food was tasted beforehand, so it’s strange that you’re experiencing stomach pain now…”

“Perhaps I should call a physician for Your Majesty?”

“No need!” Xiao Miyun, her attempt to feign illness foiled, immediately gave up.

But the Prince of Zhenbei persisted, cutting her off. “Your Majesty’s health is of utmost importance, how can you refuse treatment? If I find something amiss with the food, I can also find the culprit who infiltrated the kitchen—”

If Su Mingxiu continued, Xiao Miyun wouldn’t have a peaceful night. She quickly snatched the book back from Su Mingxiu and, without even looking at which page it was open to, started reading aloud dramatically: “It is said that on this day, the emperor encountered a difficult matter and summoned the Prince of Zhenbei to the Qinzheng Palace for discussion. Three quarters of an hour later, after dismissing the palace servants, the emperor sat on the dragon throne and, hearing the approaching footsteps, eagerly went to greet the newcomer, calling out softly, ‘Sister Su’…”

“Ugh.”

Xiao Miyun couldn’t help but express her disgust.

She tried to ignore Su Mingxiu’s expression and continued reading with exaggerated emotion: “With this intimate address, the Prince of Zhenbei’s eyes filled with affection. Soon, the sound of a belt buckle hitting the floor echoed through the Qinzheng Palace… the sound…”

The little emperor couldn’t continue.

Even a fool would know what was going to happen next. So she decisively threw the book off the bed, burrowed under the covers, and said: “Zhen is sleepy, let’s continue tomorrow. Sweet dreams, Right Chancellor.”

Su Mingxiu had only read the beginning, knowing that it was a story about the two of them. But she hadn’t expected it to be so explicit.

But because the other protagonist was even more embarrassed than her, Su Mingxiu felt like teasing her. “Dream of what? The story in this book?”

Ahhhh, don’t mention it again!

Xiao Miyun wished she could go back in time and chop off her own hand for putting the book in her sleeve, so she wouldn’t have to face this awkwardness.

She rolled around under the covers, then mumbled: “Zhen’s back hurts.”

Su Mingxiu initially thought she was just making excuses to avoid the awkwardness. But then, remembering the palm strike from that Turkic woman, she pulled back the covers and lifted Xiao Miyun up. “Take off your shirt.”

The little emperor: “?”

She stared at Su Mingxiu with suspicion, clearly still affected by the storybook.

“I’ve heard that those foreigners have secret techniques that can kill people without a trace. If Your Majesty continues to dawdle, you might turn into a puddle of water in my room before we even realize it.”

Frightened by this description, Xiao Miyun, trembling, started unbuttoning her shirt. Su Mingxiu waited patiently. When Xiao Miyun turned around, revealing her back where she had been struck earlier, a dark purple handprint, edged with blue, was clearly visible on her fair skin.

It looked poisonous.

Su Mingxiu’s expression changed immediately. She instructed the servants waiting outside to call a physician, and also summon an imperial physician from the palace.

The manor was brightly lit once again.

The imperial physicians, dragged out of the palace in the middle of the night by the Prince of Zhenbei’s men, were all panicking. Upon learning that they were treating the emperor, they breathed a sigh of relief. But after diagnosing the emperor’s condition, their panic intensified.

Seeing that the physicians hadn’t reached a conclusion after their consultation, the little emperor, lying on Su Mingxiu’s bed, felt her chest tighten and her heart race. She stared blankly at the ceiling and whispered to the figure in purple in her peripheral vision: “Is Zhen… dying?”

Su Mingxiu was asking the system about Xiao Miyun’s symptoms and didn’t answer immediately. Then, she heard the little girl mumble: “It’s fine if Zhen dies, Zhen wasn’t a good emperor anyway, only listening to those treacherous ministers, being played like a fool. If the Right Chancellor were to take the throne, the world would be at peace long ago.”

Hearing her starting to give her last words, Su Mingxiu, having just received the diagnosis, interrupted her with a faint smile. “Whether Your Majesty was a good emperor or not, history will judge. There’s no need to rush—”

She leaned closer, her gaze meeting Xiao Miyun’s. Her usually intimidating black eyes were still deep and unreadable, yet they somehow calmed Xiao Miyun’s restless heart.

“Besides, the current chaos is the former emperor’s doing. As the saying goes, a son should repay his father’s debts. Your Majesty, now that you’re on the throne, you should strive to govern wisely and bring peace and prosperity to the people. How can you let down their expectations?”

After saying this, she went to find the imperial physicians and discuss how to treat the little emperor.

It was a Turkic poison. That Ayue must have specialized in this kind of technique. Thankfully, it was also a type of cold poison. Su Mingxiu herself was already afflicted by this poison, so one more wouldn’t make much of a difference. As long as she could transfer the poison from Xiao Miyun to herself, the little emperor should be fine.

The problem was how to transfer it.

Hearing her words, the imperial physicians all knelt down, pleading with her to reconsider.

Su Mingxiu didn’t care. She didn’t want to reveal her own condition to anyone.

So, after the imperial physicians came up with a plan, she specifically called for her own army physician and asked him to assess her condition.

“Wangye… this is absolutely unacceptable…”

The physician said worriedly, “Your old illness hasn’t been cured, and now, with your injury, adding this poison, I’m afraid—”

“It’s fine, just tell me if the Imperial Hospital’s method will work.”

“Uh…” The army physician didn’t answer. But the little emperor, who had been resting in the inner chamber, had gotten out of bed at some point and overheard their conversation. Her expression was complex.

She had initially thought that the Prince of Zhenbei had ulterior motives for saving her, perhaps to avoid the soldiers’ gossip, or perhaps on a whim.

But…

Why now?

Why was Su Mingxiu willing to transfer the poison to herself? Was she worthy of it?

Hadn’t this person said to Ayue that the puppet emperor was stupid and difficult to teach, that it would be easier to take the throne herself?

If Xiao Miyun died, who in the world could stop Su Mingxiu from becoming the emperor?

She returned to bed with a heavy heart, her mind in turmoil, the scent of sandalwood incense filling the room.

When Su Mingxiu returned, she heard the person on the bed ask: “Why did you save Zhen?”

Because I’m dying, Su Mingxiu thought. A country can be without a general for a day, but not without a ruler. With proper guidance, Xiao Miyun could still become a wise emperor.

She didn’t answer, only walking to the bedside and reaching out to help the little emperor sit up.

But Xiao Miyun’s eyes stared at her intently. She had never been so bold before. Su Mingxiu met her gaze and, for some reason, suddenly heard the little emperor ask: “Could it be that the Right Chancellor…”

“Has feelings for Zhen?”

Even the calm and collected Su Mingxiu was stunned by this bold guess.

Before she could decide whether to simply agree with this absurd assumption, to prevent the little emperor from wasting her time and energy on such pointless speculation, she heard Xiao Miyun murmur to herself: “No, that’s not it.”

“Then it must be that the Right Chancellor once loved someone who looked a lot like Zhen, right?”

“Uh…!”

Chapter 104: The Abandoned Little Emperor (8)

In a secluded manor belonging to the Prince of Zhenbei, located in the outskirts of the capital…

Winter days were short. Before the hour of the Rooster (5-7 PM), the sky outside had already darkened, merging with the silhouette of the distant forest. Inside the brightly lit room, Xiao Miyun was still dressed in her pink palace maid attire, the ordinary fox fur cloak she wore over it now dirty from the journey, making her truly look like a palace maid who had snuck out with her mistress.

In the inner chambers behind her, the Prince of Zhenbei was having her wounds tended to. A physician cleaned and dressed the cut on her arm. The pungent medicinal powder made Su Mingxiu’s forehead break out in sweat. Through the beaded curtain, she saw the little emperor standing by the door, frozen like a statue.

“What are you all doing here?” She didn’t look at the physician treating her wound, her cold gaze fixed on Xiao Miyun. “Do I need to teach you which master you should be serving?”

The servants in the manor lowered their heads, especially with the scent of blood filling the room. They were afraid that the Prince of Zhenbei would go on a killing spree tonight, not even daring to breathe loudly as they scurried towards the little emperor.

“Y-Your Majesty, please allow this servant to help you change your clothes.”

Xiao Miyun, who had been feeling cold by the riverside earlier, now focused all her attention on the room across from her, watching as people came and went, carrying basins of bloody water and bloodstained blades. Her heart pounded with fear.

No one had ever cared about her since she was born.

Ayue, the person she had carefully chosen and spent so much effort cultivating, was indeed capable, but she turned out to be a spy sent by the Turkic forces.

And the person she hated the most had saved her life at such a critical moment.

Xiao Miyun’s heart was in turmoil. Ignoring the maids, she waved them away, then asked: “How is General Sun?”

The reply came from behind her, a calm voice amidst the pervasive scent of blood. “Does Your Majesty wish for General Sun to live, or to die?”

Xiao Miyun turned around, her beautiful face bathed in the warm orange glow of the room. She understood the meaning behind the Prince of Zhenbei’s question. After a moment of silence, she replied calmly: “To live, of course.”

“I thought Your Majesty hated General Sun so much that you wished for her death. If General Sun doesn’t survive tonight, Your Majesty should be celebrating.”

“Uh…” Hearing Su Mingxiu’s usual sarcastic tone, Xiao Miyun could only remain silent.

Seeing that the little emperor seemed genuinely frightened by this incident, Su Mingxiu didn’t let the maids press her further. She let Xiao Miyun be, thinking it would be good if she learned a lesson.

In the room across the hall…

The physician treating Sun Feiyan’s wound didn’t emerge until the beginning of the Hai hour (9-11 PM). Xiao Miyun, who had been anxiously waiting, immediately rushed over to inquire about Sun Feiyan’s condition.

Su Mingxiu, watching her leave, remained leaning against the armchair. Even though her injured right arm was bandaged, she didn’t move.

The Zi hour (11 PM – 1 AM).

The latter half of the winter night was so cold that even the birds were silent. Only the silver moonlight, piercing through the clouds at some point, illuminated the earth.

Su Mingxiu was awakened by the cold, her hands and feet icy, the pain in her right arm intensifying. But perhaps because of the strong medicine, the wound felt like it was burning.

She turned over in bed, feeling that the hand warmer she had placed under the covers had gone cold. It should have stayed warm until later in the night.

But because her entire body was like a block of ice, the quilt wasn’t warm at all, but rather chillingly cold.

Unable to sleep from the cold, Su Mingxiu got up and started meditating, circulating her internal energy.

The physician who had treated her earlier was from the Zhenbei Manor’s army. He had specifically advised her to use her internal energy as little as possible, as her cultivation technique was too aggressive and would only worsen the cold poison in her body.

But Su Mingxiu had pretended not to hear.

As she meditated, the system, silent for a long time, suddenly spoke up, seeking attention. “The protagonist is paying too much attention to Sun Feiyan, aren’t you afraid she’ll fall for this General Sun?”

She closed her eyes, her cultivation momentarily paused. “There’s no law that says someone who looks like this has to fall in love with me. If she likes General Sun, I’ll naturally support them.”

“You’re so generous,” the system replied sarcastically.

Su Mingxiu ignored it. Before she figured out the system’s true intentions, she decided not to engage—

Mainly because Xiao Miyun was like a rebellious child who needed constant supervision.

Otherwise, who knew what kind of trouble she would cause next? She occupied too much of Su Mingxiu’s attention, leaving her no time for anything else.

“Who’s there?”

As a shadow approached the window, Su Mingxiu suddenly opened her eyes and asked.

If this wasn’t her manor, confident that her guards wouldn’t let anyone approach, it wouldn’t have been her voice that rang out, but her weapon.

“Creak.”

The door to the inner chambers opened, revealing a figure wrapped in a quilt, only their slender ankles visible. Their height instantly revealed their identity to Su Mingxiu.

She looked at the long shadow on the floor and asked with a faint smile: “Your Majesty isn’t sleeping at this late hour, why are you wandering outside this minister’s chambers?”

“Sun Feiyan said that she entered the palace because she hated the Xiao family. My father’s heavy taxes starved her mother to death.

And one of my elder brothers… violated her younger sister and left her body in the mountains. She was then forced to leave her hometown because she refused to comply with the magistrate… She originally thought everyone in the Xiao Zhou dynasty was corrupt, especially the Xiao family, and that killing them wouldn’t be a crime.”

“But she said that when she raised her sword against Zhen, realizing Zhen was just a frail girl, she couldn’t bring herself to kill me.”

According to Xiao Miyun’s memory, she remembered that Sun Feiyan had been forced to stop because Su Mingxiu and her army had entered the city.

But after hearing Sun Feiyan’s story, she belatedly realized that because she had been so terrified back then, the detail she remembered most vividly was the intent to kill. The hesitation, the lowering of the sword, had all been forgotten.

Perhaps Sun Feiyan had also seen the helplessness of women in this dynasty reflected in Xiao Miyun. In any case, Sun Feiyan felt a pang of guilt, and this guilt had made her endure Xiao Miyun’s whims and even risk her life for her today.

“Your Majesty came here late at night just to tell this minister about your past with General Sun?”

Su Mingxiu, after listening to this long story, asked coldly.

She clearly wasn’t the type to listen to late-night confessions.

Xiao Miyun, wrapped in her quilt, took a few steps further into the room. She didn’t have a warrior’s keen eyesight, so she had to get closer to see Su Mingxiu clearly.

“No.”

She said, “Zhen just wanted to confirm… if Zhen also misremembered something about the Prince of Zhenbei.”

The person meditating behind the bed curtains chuckled softly but didn’t speak. The little emperor asked: “What is the Right Chancellor laughing at?”

“Laughing at Your Majesty’s naiveté—”

“Because you were bullied by eunuchs when you were young, you now hate all eunuchs; today, betrayed by someone you trusted, you’ll probably never trust another palace maid again;

This afternoon, saved by General Sun, you feel that you misjudged her. So, late at night, you came to my room, wanting to see if you also misjudged me.”

Su Mingxiu moved like a ghost, disappearing from behind the bed curtains and reappearing before Xiao Miyun. She lifted Xiao Miyun’s chin and looked into her eyes, asking: “Misjudged what?”

“Does Your Majesty think that this Wang’s character is as indecisive as General Sun’s?”

At such close proximity, even the sandalwood incense in the room couldn’t mask the faint scent of blood from her wound. The medicine was strong, it healed quickly, but it also consumed a lot of energy.

Enveloped by this scent, Xiao Miyun suddenly felt foolish for coming to this mad king’s room in the middle of the night.

The fingers pinching her chin were icy cold.

This Prince of Zhenbei was like a walking corpse risen from a coffin.

“If there’s no misunderstanding, then forget it.”

She turned to leave, but Su Mingxiu grabbed her sleeve. Somehow, a book with a blue cover and no title fell out from under her quilt.

Xiao Miyun didn’t notice. Su Mingxiu bent down and picked up the book. Seeing its crude and cheap quality, unlike the books in the palace, she easily guessed that it was one of the things the little emperor had acquired during her outing today.

As she stood up, she flipped through the book with a smile. “Why are you in such a hurry?”

“If Your Majesty can’t sleep, why not stay and chat with this minister by candlelight?”

“I would be delighted to hear about Your Majesty’s experience outside the palace today.”

She held up the book and waved it at Xiao Miyun.

The room was dark, only the moonlight Xiao Miyun had brought in with her illuminated the space. It was difficult for the little emperor to see clearly.

Then, finally recognizing the object in Su Mingxiu’s hand, her expression changed. Share what? What’s there to share about this book?

Thinking about the romantic and erotic content within, especially the part about the male emperor and the mature Prince of Zhenbei, she felt a wave of nausea.

This book can’t stay!

Chapter 103: The Abandoned Little Emperor (7)

As the new year approached, it was a time for celebration among the common people. With the distribution of disaster relief supplies and the army officers assigned to help rebuild homes, even the little emperor’s birthday took on a festive atmosphere.

Xiao Miyun, having grown up in the palace, had never seen so many novelties before. Even though the snacks sold on the street stalls weren’t as refined as the imperial kitchen’s, she found them uniquely appealing.

She wasn’t foolish. Knowing that things could get chaotic outside the palace during this time, she had wanted to bring some of her own people with her before leaving. But after counting them, the only person truly loyal to her was Ayue, who had accompanied her out of the palace.

“Miss, there will be a shadow puppet show by the city gates later, it’s said to be very beautiful. Since we’re already out, why don’t we go and see it?”

Seeing that Xiao Miyun was only interested in the bustling Zhuque Street near the palace, Ayue leaned closer and whispered her suggestion.

Xiao Miyun was flipping through a folk storybook. The book had no title, and the handwriting was blurry and messy. She had initially wondered how such a poorly made book could be sold, but as she read on, she realized that the author had boldly written about the Xiao Zhou dynasty.

From the tyrannical former emperor to her, the current emperor—

“It is said that the current emperor is a spirit stone from the heavens, born by the Queen Mother of the West’s pond, facing the immortal herbs day and night. Over time, she gained sentience. When the immortal herb descended to the mortal realm for its tribulation, a sliver of her soul followed, hoping to accompany it. Unfortunately, time flows differently in the heavens and on earth. When she arrived, she couldn’t find the herb’s scent and happened to inhabit the body of a frail boy in the secluded corner of the imperial harem.”

“And the immortal herb, it was originally a broken-hearted grass, poisonous by nature. Even after being reborn as a human, its fate was intertwined with bloodshed. First, it poisoned its family, then it was nourished by the bloodshed on the battlefield, becoming an invincible warrior, the renowned Prince of Zhenbei.”

“It is said that after entering the palace, the broken-hearted grass recognized the spirit stone’s familiar aura. Among the enemy clan, it spared only the boy’s life, then helped him ascend to the throne…”

Xiao Miyun: “?”

Reading about herself?

What kind of nonsensical story was this? First of all, why would there be a broken-hearted grass growing by the Queen Mother of the West’s pond? Secondly, they even got her gender wrong… Although the truth wasn’t known to the public, how could these writers lack such basic imagination?

“Boring.”

She closed the book and saw the words “Six Lifetimes of Love” scribbled on the side. Turning to Ayue’s questioning gaze, she realized she had been distracted. “What did you just say?”

After Ayue repeated her suggestion, Xiao Miyun shook her head. “That’s almost outside the city, too far and too crowded. Not going. Zhen… thinks this place is fine, let’s walk around here some more.”

The smile on Ayue’s face faltered.

Then, she suddenly pointed in a certain direction with a surprised expression. “I think I just saw General Sun.”

Xiao Miyun immediately looked over cautiously but didn’t see Sun Feiyan. Just then, Ayue said with a worried tone: “Since General Sun is here, the Prince of Zhenbei must have learned about Your Majesty leaving the palace. If they catch you, you won’t be able to come out again for a long time. I think, Miss, you should take this opportunity to have some fun.”

Hearing her words, Xiao Miyun’s expression turned strange. “I remember your hometown isn’t in the capital, and you haven’t left the palace since entering. How do you know so much about the city?”

Moreover…

Ayue had been talking too much since they left the palace.

Was it because she had been cooped up in the palace for too long?

“This servant… I don’t go out, but other palace maids do, and they like to share these interesting things. Over time, I’ve memorized them.”

She explained patiently. Xiao Miyun nodded understandingly, not asking further. As they were talking, she unconsciously crumpled the book and put it in her sleeve. Ayue, following her, didn’t seem curious and simply paid for the book with a few copper coins.

Heeding Ayue’s warning, Xiao Miyun paid close attention to her surroundings as they continued walking. Despite this, she still didn’t see Sun Feiyan. But although she appeared unconcerned, she was still worried about Ayue’s warning.

What if she attracted the Prince of Zhenbei?

Should she take this opportunity to experience everything outside the palace?

“The place you mentioned, with the shadow puppet show, are there many guards there? Is it safe?”

Ayue naturally assured her, mentioning that the city’s security had been tightened recently, with more frequent patrols and guard changes. Moreover, with so many people gathering there, it was clearly a rare and lively event.

Xiao Miyun hesitantly agreed to go.

But because it wasn’t evening yet, the shadow puppet show hadn’t started. They had to sit down at a nearby stall selling tangyuan (glutinous rice balls). Ayue went to get them some.

The little emperor, wrapped in her luxurious fox fur cloak, sat alone at the stall, rubbing her cold, red hands, looking at the darkening sky, feeling that the wait would be long.

So when Ayue returned with the bowls of tangyuan, she said: “This place is boring, let’s go back. I want to visit those cosmetic shops.”

“You don’t want to wait anymore?”

“No.”

“Then have these warm tangyuan first, then we can go back.”

Hearing Ayue’s suggestion, Xiao Miyun looked at the bowl of fermented rice tangyuan, the pungent smell of alcohol filling her nose. She stirred it with a spoon and saw small, uncooked lumps floating in the broth.

Having eaten many snacks earlier, she already had no appetite. Seeing such poorly made food, she lost interest completely, put down the spoon, and said, “Don’t want to eat it, let’s go.”

But the person sitting across from her didn’t move.

Xiao Miyun frowned. “What?”

“Miss, I don’t know if I’ve told you this before…” Ayue’s lips curved into a strange smile, very different from her usual expression. “You’re really hard to please.”

“How dare you!” Xiao Miyun blurted out instinctively, but she was already filled with suspicion. She instinctively stood up and tried to back away, but she was no match for the person beside her.

At the same time…

Sun Feiyan, who had been watching from afar, sensed something amiss and ordered the nearby guards to converge on their location.

But they were too slow. Almost as soon as the little emperor stepped back, fireworks suddenly erupted from the city walls, their bright light illuminating the area.

The surrounding crowd panicked.

Xiao Miyun’s throat was grabbed. She was taken hostage, and, taking advantage of the chaos, quickly disappeared from Sun Feiyan’s sight.

“Damn it!”

The guards at the city gates were busy maintaining order. The now empty gate was easily breached—

Outside the capital…

Xiao Miyun, a knife held to her neck, looked at the familiar face of the palace maid before her. She had calmed down from the initial panic. After all, panicking wouldn’t help, she might as well die knowing the truth.

She hadn’t expected to die before even reaching her coming-of-age ceremony. How ironic.

“Your Majesty just said you wanted to fight us in the Qinzheng Palace a few days ago, have you forgotten already?” Ayue’s eyes, no longer dull and lifeless, held a hint of amusement as she looked at Xiao Miyun like prey waiting to be slaughtered.

Xiao Miyun’s expression changed. “You’re… Turkic?”

As the other party removed her disguise, revealing her sharp features, high nose bridge, and thin lips, then taking off the wig, her long, wavy brown hair cascading down, the truth was more convincing than any further questions.

Remembering Su Mingxiu’s proposal in the Qinzheng Palace a few days ago, she quickly said: “It’s useless even if you kidnap me. Don’t you know? In this country, I, the puppet emperor, have no real power.”

Ayue smiled and helped her onto a horse. After settling her, she sat behind her. “Whether you have power or not, we can test it.”

Several groups split up and headed in different directions, creating a diversion for the imperial guards chasing them from the city.

Xiao Miyun, not accustomed to riding, was bounced around on the horse’s back, her grip on the reins tight, the wind whipping past her ears, making her speechless. The person behind her, however, was relaxed, even gently fixing her hair.

“In our tribe, there are no girls with skin as delicate as yours. Those men, seeing you, will be captivated.”

Sensing Xiao Miyun’s stiffness, she chuckled. “Don’t worry, I won’t give you to them. After I become the Khan, I’ll take you into my harem as my consort. A Khan marrying an emperor, wouldn’t that be a beautiful story in your Han history?”

Bullshit.

Xiao Miyun, her face numb from the wind, thought, Keep dreaming.

The cavalry carried her towards a remote path outside the city. Away from the main road, the dense forest and bare, thorny branches, like black iron blades, made the journey difficult, especially in the depths of winter.

Ayue finally stopped by a frozen river.

Xiao Miyun looked at the distance from the horse’s back, wondering if she could survive jumping from this height. Just as she had this thought, she heard Ayue, who had dismounted, say slowly: “In our land, many inexperienced people fall from their horses every year. Even if they survive, they’re often crippled for life. Your Majesty is a smart person, you wouldn’t take such a risk, would you?”

She still spoke fluent Mandarin.

But to Xiao Miyun’s ears, it sounded incredibly jarring. She wondered how she had ever found it pleasant.

She sat on the horse’s back with her head lowered, the sound of the cold northern wind echoing in her ears. She could already imagine herself freezing into an ice sculpture in the foreign lands. After all, she knew that no one would come to rescue her.

The wind howled.

Ayue, having tested the thickness of the ice and confirming that it was too thin to cross, was returning to her horse when she suddenly saw torches lighting up the surrounding forest, on both sides of the river, like a spreading wildfire.

Xiao Miyun also saw the torches. Her heart tightened, thinking that it was the Turkic army coming to meet Ayue. But seeing the tension on Ayue’s face, her heart leaped.

Could it be…?

“Hiya!”

Ayue quickly mounted her horse, pulling on the reins, wanting to turn around and escape. But the torches behind them were closing in, revealing countless soldiers in armor.

And from the path they had just taken came the sound of carriage wheels rolling over the uneven ground. Seeing the banner of the Zhenbei Manor, Xiao Miyun breathed a sigh of relief.

She didn’t even realize the relief on her face.

The carriage curtain was lifted, revealing the woman inside, dressed in a dark purple robe, her complexion still slightly pale. But this didn’t diminish her imposing aura. Clutching a gilded hand warmer, she said in her slow, gentle voice: “This minister is late in rescuing Your Majesty, please forgive me.”

Xiao Miyun, her nose running from the cold, vaguely felt the warmth emanating from the carriage. Her numb limbs finally regained some feeling, and a warmth spread through her nose. Her voice hoarse, she said: “My dear minister has rendered meritorious service in protecting Zhen, how could there be any fault?”

Hearing that overly affectionate address, Su Mingxiu realized that the little emperor was truly frozen stiff.

Ayue, however, who had placed the knife against Xiao Miyun’s neck again, wasn’t interested in their exchange. She said to Su Mingxiu with a strained smile: “How did you know I would take this route? You’ve been lying in ambush for so long, instead of capturing us in the city. What, has the mad king finally developed some compassion for the common people?”

Xiao Miyun, who had been freezing all this time, a stark contrast to Su Mingxiu’s warmth inside the carriage, stiffened upon hearing these words.

Su Mingxiu, ignoring the little emperor’s expression, replied unhurriedly: “Of course it’s to ensure success. After all, the guest I want to keep is… Jisi Le Aiyi—”

“Red Moon, is that an auspicious name on the grasslands? Do you really think that by bringing back the emperor of the Xiao Zhou dynasty, you can become the Khan?”

Ayue’s gaze was chilling as she stared at Su Mingxiu. She let out a short laugh and pressed the knife closer to Xiao Miyun’s neck, the cold steel making the little emperor shiver.

“Whether it works or not, we’ll have to try. If you don’t want the last of the Xiao Zhou bloodline to die here, I advise you to withdraw your troops. Otherwise, this infamous act will be another stain on your record.”

A faint smile appeared on Su Mingxiu’s lips. She slowly put down the hand warmer, her pale fingers moving as she lifted the curtain and stepped out of the carriage, standing by the wheels. She took the black bow offered by a soldier.

Even before an arrow was nocked, both Xiao Miyun and Ayue, who was holding her hostage, trembled at the sight of the bow.

This bow, named “Setting Sun,” inspired by the legend of Houyi shooting down the suns, was a famous bow from the previous dynasty. Countless renowned generals had died under Su Mingxiu’s Setting Sun bow.

“It doesn’t matter.”

As she slowly pulled the bowstring, testing its tension, she narrowed her eyes, looking in their direction, her smile still calm and casual, her voice leisurely as if chatting with friends: “I’ve killed enough of the Xiao Zhou bloodline, one more won’t make a difference.”

Hearing this, Xiao Miyun’s heart froze like an ice sculpture. Although she hadn’t been injured yet, her soul felt like it had already descended into the underworld.

“Don’t worry, Your Majesty. I will remember your heroic sacrifice for the country and the people, your refusal to surrender to the Turkic forces. I will build you a magnificent mausoleum and ensure your name is enshrined in the ancestral temple, remembered by future generations for centuries.”

“I will lead the Xiao Zhou army and crush the Turkic forces to avenge you.”

As she spoke, Su Mingxiu had already adjusted the bowstring. She extended her hand, and a soldier placed an arrow on it. She slowly drew the bow, aiming at them.

The creaking sound of the bowstring being pulled taut, inch by inch, tormented Xiao Miyun and Ayue.

Like the grim reaper slowly swinging his scythe towards them.

Xiao Miyun’s body went limp, she could only stand with Ayue’s support. Facing Su Mingxiu’s arrow directly, Ayue finally understood why those regional lords had fled in terror at the mere sight of the Prince of Zhenbei’s banner.

She had never felt death so close. Even when Sun Feiyan had held a sword to her throat, her mind had been blank. But now, it was like slow torture, her impending death prolonged under the constant threat.

She wanted to beg for mercy.

She also wanted to plead with Su Mingxiu to save her.

But when she opened her mouth, no words came out, as if she had been silenced, her throat constricted, her lips only moving soundlessly.

“Are you crazy? She’s of the Xiao Zhou bloodline! Even though she’s a woman, she’s the rightful heir to the throne! If you kill her, you won’t have a puppet anymore!”

Ayue, also sensing the tangible killing intent, seeing that Su Mingxiu had already drawn the bow halfway, her expression changing drastically, shouted.

“Puppets are disobedient, and stupid, and difficult to teach,” Su Mingxiu said, her voice strengthened by her internal energy. “It’s better for me to sit on that throne myself.”

“Wangye!”

Sun Feiyan, who had just arrived, suddenly knelt and shouted.

As if pleading with Su Mingxiu to reconsider.

But Su Mingxiu didn’t speak. The bowstring was drawn further and further back, about to reach its limit, ready to pierce both Xiao Miyun and Ayue.

At that very moment, Ayue made up her mind. There was no turning back once the arrow was released. If she didn’t run now, she would die with this little emperor!

So she struck Xiao Miyun from behind without hesitation, using the momentum to push the little emperor forward as she leaped back, falling towards the frozen river.

“Feiyan!”

Su Mingxiu snapped the bowstring, the broken string snapping against her arm, leaving a long cut. Unfazed, she called out to the general.

Sun Feiyan, who had been watching, immediately leaped forward, catching the little emperor and rolling on the ground with her.

Ayue, in mid-air, seeing Su Mingxiu snap the Setting Sun bow, threw the knife in her hand towards Xiao Miyun’s back with her remaining strength.

Sun Feiyan, still rolling on the ground with the little emperor in her arms, used her own back to block the knife.

Xiao Miyun’s eyes widened as she saw the silver blade protruding from Sun Feiyan’s shoulder.

She was stunned. “General… Sun…”

“Loose!”

Su Mingxiu, standing on the carriage, confirming that they were both safe, gave the order. Instantly, arrows rained down on the frozen river from both sides.

A large hole appeared in the ice. Some arrows landed on the surface, others pierced through the ice, disappearing into the depths.

“Seal off the river upstream and downstream, search for Jisi Le Aiyi. Apprehend any suspicious Turkic individuals.”

“I want her alive, or her body.”

As she spoke, Su Mingxiu got off the carriage and walked over to Sun Feiyan. She pressed on the pressure points around Sun Feiyan’s wound to stop the bleeding, then had her carried onto the carriage and taken to the nearest residence as quickly as possible, instructing someone to fetch the army’s best doctor.

Only the little emperor, who had been helped up, remained, her face still stained with blood, a stark contrast against her pale skin.

Su Mingxiu walked up to her, her right hand, now stained red, hidden behind her back. She extended her left hand and asked with a faint smile: “Are you satisfied with the results of your little excursion, Your Majesty?”