The news of the Empress disguising herself as a beautiful Dancer and heading to the Regent's Palace spread quickly, becoming a topic of conversation over tea and meals.
At that moment, as the Empress finished her dance with a graceful spin, she slid into the arms of the Regent, settling on his lap. She offered him a cup of wine, her eyes teasingly enticing him as she said, "Your Highness, let us enjoy this wonderful night together!"
How could the Regent not recognize her? He immediately waved his hand to dismiss those around them.
Though the Empress was already over twenty, her beauty shone through, and in such attire, she possessed an alluring charm.
Moreover, in her guise as a Dancer, just as the Regent took the wine and lifted her chin with one hand, someone suddenly burst through the door, bringing with them a gust of wind.
The Empress felt a twinge of annoyance and turned to see Song Yang, who wore an apologetic smile as he pulled her away from the Regent's embrace. "Ah, finally found you," he said.
He then addressed the Regent, "My apologies, but this morning His Majesty saw this young lady and has been thinking about her ever since. I must trouble you to part with her."
What a clumsy excuse.
Even though their plans had been interrupted, the Empress still felt joy in her heart because he had come forward.
Though Song Yang smiled apologetically, he did not appear servile; instead, he exuded an aura that rivaled that of the Regent. He positioned himself protectively behind her, his stature appearing particularly imposing.
The Regent coldly regarded Song Yang for a moment before saying, "Then you should hurry along; don’t delay."
As Song Yang pulled the Empress out of the palace, she couldn't help but retort sharply, "Why did you drag me out? Aren't you supposed to be the one most eager for my seduction plan to succeed? We were just one step away... what are you doing?"
Before she could finish her words, Song Yang's hand slipped into her wide sleeve. With a flick, a shiny dagger slid out and fell to the ground with a clatter.
Gone was his usual playful demeanor; he sneered coldly and said, "The Empress Dowager disguises herself as a Dancer to attempt an assassination on the Regent. What boldness!"
Caught off guard, the Empress Dowager felt guilty but quickly regained her composure. "This is merely a romantic gesture; you wouldn't understand."
Ignoring her unreasonable retort, Song Yang took the time to explain patiently, "The Regent has managed to hold this position for three years; he is certainly not someone to be underestimated. What can a weak woman like you do? This is a death wish!"
Though she found his argument reasonable, she couldn't help but retort, "A person is most vulnerable when they are emotionally confused."
"You are powerless; even if you manage to strike at his vital points, your strength is insufficient to kill him. Instead, you would only alert him. The court's situation is precariously stable; what are you trying to stir up?" Song Yang was truly... furious.
"Are you worried about me?" she asked tentatively.
He fell silent, remaining unresponsive.
Seeing his silence, the Empress Dowager felt a wave of disappointment. "I know my chances of survival are slim, which is why I have already resolved to go down together with him. The dagger I brought is merely a diversion; my real weapon will be poison and incense."
"Wan Zhao, why must you do this?" After many years, he rarely called her by her given name again.
"So you do care," the Empress Dowager smiled slightly and said, "There has always been a vendetta between us; this time it’s just taking advantage of the situation to achieve two goals with one action."
"A vendetta?"
"Yes, his father exterminated my entire clan, leaving only me alive. He is also a treacherous minister; such a person I cannot tolerate. I am still the Empress Dowager. Since I owe my position to your father, as the Empress Dowager, I should at least have some sense of responsibility towards my family and country!" The Empress Dowager said, her voice tinged with a hint of sorrow.
Song Yang fell silent, releasing her hand. After a moment of hesitation, he continued, "If it is because of the grudge against your clan's extermination, then I must say you are hating the wrong person. His father is not your enemy in that regard, so please do not put yourself in danger anymore. This world is not yours to bear."
"You know the way back to the palace; there are certainly people outside waiting to assist you. So I will take my leave now. Farewell."
"Song Yang, how dare you leave!"
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