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Tianming Palace
A man exuding an aura of indifference sat there, tall and imposing, with distinct and deep facial features. His dark, profound eyes appeared wild and unrestrained, radiating a kingly presence that commanded respect. An evil yet handsome smile lingered on his face.
This was Emperor Mo Xiao Li of Western Yan, who was currently seated beside a desk, reviewing memorials from various regions. Li Fusheng stood quietly behind him, occasionally grinding ink for him, while several individuals knelt before them.
Upon closer inspection, it became evident that the kneeling figures were trembling slightly, their faces pale with fear. They were the leaders of the Imperial Forest Army, who had never anticipated such unrest in the palace recently, with repeated assassination attempts occurring. This time, it had even resulted in the emperor being injured—a crime punishable by death. The thought of this made them even more terrified.
However, Mo Xiao Li seemed oblivious to their presence as he continued to peruse the memorials in his hand. The vast palace was silent, amplifying the unease among the kneeling men.
After an unknown amount of time had passed, the men felt their knees and legs losing sensation. Yet the man at the desk remained as steady as a mountain. Their hearts raced with anxiety as they struggled to fathom his thoughts.
"What is your crime?" Mo Xiao Li suddenly spoke, causing the men to nearly collapse to the ground in fright. They quickly replied, "We acknowledge our crimes and know that we cannot escape punishment even if we die a thousand deaths. We humbly beseech Your Majesty for mercy." After speaking, they knocked their heads heavily against the ground, producing a muffled sound in the quiet hall.
Mo Xiao Li's lips curled into a faint smile as he set down the memorials and stood up. He walked a few steps toward the Minister of War and coldly stated, "I have forgiven you time and again. But now, do you think I should let you go?"
His words were calm yet firm, sending a shiver through everyone present as they felt their own demise approaching. Unexpectedly, Mo Xiao Li continued, "This time I will spare you. However, you must find the mastermind behind this within three days; otherwise..." His words trailed off but left everyone feeling grateful for their reprieve. They hurriedly bowed their heads in response, saying, "Thank you for your mercy, Your Majesty. We will not fail your grace."
"You may all leave," he said softly while narrowing his eyes. As soon as he finished speaking, the men bent over and slowly retreated.
Once alone in the hall, Mo Xiao Li suddenly asked, "What do you think I should do?"
Li Fusheng observed his master’s pain. They were aware of the rumors circulating within the palace; however, no one knew how significant Mu Junqi was in the emperor's heart except for himself. Watching his master suffer at the hands of the Empress filled him with resentment towards her as well. Yet this was ultimately a matter between sovereigns; thus he could only respectfully reply, "I believe Your Majesty already has an answer in your heart." Having served Mo Xiao Li for eighteen years had given him enough insight to perceive this much.
Mo Xiao Li only chuckled lightly, but anyone could see the pain etched on his brow. After a long while, as if he had made up his mind, he lifted his foot and walked outside, with Li Fusheng quickly following behind.
After the Empress Dowager's questioning, Mu Junqi was placed under house arrest, and all the palace maids and eunuchs around her were reassigned. Thus, in the vast palace, only Ziyue and Huixin accompanied her.
When Mo Xiao Li angrily entered Fuzewang Palace, the first thing he saw was Mu Junqi standing by the window in plain clothes, lost in thought. His gaze deepened further, making it impossible for anyone to discern his true feelings.
At that moment, it seemed that Mu Junqi sensed something in her heart and looked towards the door. A flash of fear crossed her eyes, which did not escape Mo Xiao Li's notice. When their gazes met, it felt as if time had stopped; in each other's eyes, there was only the other. In that fleeting glance, it seemed they could see into each other's hearts.
Eventually, Mo Xiao Li snapped back to reality and strode inside. Mu Junqi was already waiting at the door with two maidservants. She slightly bowed but remained silent.
"You all leave. No one is allowed to enter without my command," he coldly ordered before fixing his gaze back on Mu Junqi.
Once everyone had left, Mo Xiao Li stepped forward and grasped Mu Junqi's chin, forcing her to look up at him. "Mu Junqi, I don't care whether you sent someone to assassinate me this time or not, but there is one thing we must address properly."
Mu Junqi merely tugged at the corner of her mouth. "Consort also thinks we should have a good talk. There is no love between us; Consort has always believed that as long as you stay obediently in the palace, everything will be fine."
"So you've always thought this way in your heart? I truly have been overly sentimental," Mo Xiao Li said with a mocking smile. After saying this, he took a step back, but the smile on his face did not reach his eyes.
For a moment, Mu Junqi couldn't bear to continue looking at him but still forced herself to say, "Let me out of the palace."
Upon hearing this, Mo Xiao Li was even more stunned, feeling a wave of betrayal wash over him. His mind was filled with memories of that night; his previously strong self-control completely shattered. With a cold laugh, he shouted angrily, "If that's the case, then I'll give you a little gift." Saying this, he went outside and instructed Li Fusheng a few things. Li Fusheng looked up at Mo Xiao Li in surprise but left obediently due to his position.
Before long, Li Fusheng returned with several strong men. Upon closer inspection, they turned out to be members of the Imperial Forest Army. Huixin and Ziyue looked puzzled at what was happening inside the hall and couldn't understand what was going on for a moment.
The few members of the Imperial Forest Army were puzzled, but they still respectfully knelt on the ground and said, "Long live the Emperor, long live the Empress," before quietly remaining in that position.
Since those people entered, Mu Junqi felt an ominous premonition rising within her, and she could no longer maintain her previous calmness. She slowly took a few steps back, but Mo Xiao Li did not give her the chance. Stepping forward, he coldly said, "Since the Empress lacks men, I will give you a great gift. Haven't you always been fickle? Isn't colluding with the Minister your favorite pastime? Now I will satisfy you."
In an instant, the others understood. Upon hearing this, each of them realized that their death was imminent. If the Emperor's woman truly got involved, it would mean certain death for her. However, if she disobeyed the command, it would be seen as deceiving the Emperor, leading to the same fate. The thought of this made them even more terrified.
Mu Junqi suppressed her initial unease and calmly said, "So will you let me go like this?"
"Of course! When have I ever gone back on my word?"
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