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The weather gradually warmed up. Ever since Prime Minister Kang was imprisoned, the entire court was in an uproar. No one expected the usually law-abiding Prime Minister Kang to commit such treasonous acts. Even so, no one stepped forward to plead for him.
Murdering the Emperor was a capital offense, so when the Empress Dowager heard about this matter, she immediately rushed to Tianming Palace. Mu Junqi happened to be there as well. When they met, Mu Junqi respectfully bowed to the Empress Dowager, but the Empress Dowager remained unmoved, casting a cold glance at her before turning her attention to Mo Xiao Li.
A flicker of displeasure crossed Mo Xiao Li's eyes, but she still stepped forward and supported the Empress Dowager, saying, "Empress Dowager, why aren't you napping at this hour? Why have you come to see me?"
After sitting down, the Empress Dowager finally spoke, "I just heard that Prime Minister Kang was the mastermind behind your assassination attempt, so I wanted to ask how you plan to deal with him."
Mo Xiao Li's gaze darkened. Instead of answering directly, she looked at Mu Junqi and said, "Mu Junqi, you may stand up now; the Empress Dowager won't blame you."
Seeing Mu Junqi slowly rise, Mo Xiao Li turned to face the Empress Dowager without regard for her current displeased expression and continued, "Kang Cheng has committed such a crime that he deserves a slow and painful death. However, considering his years of diligent service for Western Yan, even if he has no merits, he has endured hardships. Therefore, I am contemplating how to handle him."
Upon hearing this, the Empress Dowager pondered for a moment before looking at Mu Junqi with some displeasure and saying, "Consort, what are you doing standing there? Come sit down so that the Emperor doesn't think I'm a heartless person—"
"Thank you, Empress Dowager," Mu Junqi said as she took a seat not far from the Empress Dowager.
Mo Xiao Li then continued, "How have you been feeling lately, Empress Dowager?"
"Not much different; I've just been feeling a bit lazy since the weather has warmed up. Now that Kang Cheng has committed such a serious crime, if he dared to attempt murder before, he must have thoughts of usurping the throne. If you don't act decisively now, who knows what else might happen next."
Listening to the Empress Dowager's words, Mo Xiao Li fell into deep thought. She understood this reasoning well; however, she currently lacked sufficient evidence. Moreover, Kang Cheng still held a high reputation among the common people. Even though such news had spread, many believed it was a misjudgment. This was one of the points causing her considerable headache.
Seeing this, Mu Junqi stood up again and slightly bowed to both women before speaking: "Consort, there's something I don't know whether I should say—"
"Just say what you have to say," Mo Xiao Li said softly, her eyes filled with affection.
The Empress Dowager glanced away, somewhat displeased, and then she heard Mu Junqi say gently, "The reason this matter is difficult to handle is that Kang Cheng still holds a certain prestige in the hearts of the people. Everyone does not believe he is that kind of person. If the Emperor refuses to heed public opinion, he may lose the people's support. Therefore, the best solution is to let the Consort get hurt. In this way, you can announce to the world that Kang Cheng's subordinates attempted a coup but ended up injuring the Empress instead. No matter how much dissatisfaction the people have, they will believe it." After saying this, she looked directly at Mo Xiao Li.
Mo Xiao Li stared intently at her, her brows tightly knitted together, and then said in a deep voice, "If we use your method, it doesn't necessarily mean someone has to get hurt, does it?"
"Your Majesty, you are mistaken. There are so many eyes within this palace; you should know better than anyone else. If it is feigned, it will surely be perceived as you deliberately framing Kang Cheng for unjust imprisonment."
Upon hearing this, Mo Xiao Li immediately replied, "In that case, I absolutely will not accept your proposal. Regardless of the consequences, I have decided to execute Kang Cheng in three days. None of you should say anything!"
Seeing Mo Xiao Li like this warmed Mu Junqi's heart; she knew he was unwilling to do something that would harm himself. Looking at his somewhat angry eyes, she smiled and stepped forward, saying, "Your Majesty, for the sake of the country and its people, it's fine if the Consort gets a little hurt..."
"Exactly, my son. I feel that the Empress's suggestion is better. Although the world is peaceful now, winning the people's hearts is still of utmost importance. If you do not know how to appease them, you will eventually bring disaster upon yourself," the Empress Dowager quickly responded. After a pause, she continued, "I know you care for the Empress's well-being, but this is just an act. As long as you are gentle with your hands, nothing will happen. At that time, you just need to find some reliable people."
Listening to the Empress Dowager's advice, Mo Xiao Li clenched his hands tightly and stared at Mu Junqi without saying a word. He truly felt reluctant to see her get hurt; however, there was no other way now but to nod in agreement. This time would be considered as him owing her...
Seeing him finally nod in agreement, Mu Junqi bowed again and said, "Your Majesty, please do not feel guilty about this; this is what the Consort should do. You look terrible with that frown—"
Hearing Mu Junqi's reckless words, Mo Xiao Li stepped forward without hesitation and embraced her. The Empress Dowager watched the two embrace deeply from behind and suddenly felt that Mu Junqi was not so annoying after all; instead, she exuded an air of grace befitting a mother of the nation. Satisfied with this thought, she nodded and then cleared her throat before saying, "This matter is settled then. I feel tired and will take my leave." With that, she stood up and allowed Jingxi to assist her.
Only then did Mo Xiao Li release his hold on her and turn to the Empress Dowager to say, "I bid farewell to the Empress Dowager—"
Before Mu Junqi could speak up, the Empress Dowager interjected: "If this matter is handled well, I will recognize you as Empress." With that statement left behind and without caring for the surprised expressions on their faces, she turned and left.
Until the figure of the Empress Dowager disappeared from their sight, Mo Xiao Li finally spoke, "Mu Junqi, did you hear what the Empress Dowager just said?"
Mu Junqi did not respond but nodded slightly while leaning against him. Mo Xiao Li reached out to gently stroke her cheek and said with some reluctance, "This time I had to let you get hurt again. I believe there won't be a next time—"
"It’s precisely because I trust you that I would do this. I know what this empire means to you, so I will definitely help you. But please don’t feel sorry for me, because I am your wife. We should face these issues together, unless... unless you don’t feel that way."
Mo Xiao Li looked at Mu Junqi in his arms, tightening his grip around her and leaning close to her ear to whisper, "In this life, my only wife is you; it will never be anyone else!"
Mu Junqi remained silent, quietly snuggling in his embrace. It was this moment of beauty that made them oblivious to the figure not far away...
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