"Chener, you're injured. Take this Healing Pill first," Mo Niang said, her voice carrying concern and urgency. She quickly retrieved a pill from her spatial ring and handed it to Jun Shaochen.
Jun Shaochen looked at Mo Niang with a mix of nervousness and worry, a feeling he had never experienced before from the Empress.
"You..."
"Chener, let's go. We'll return to the Mingyue Villa. Ji Yaotian won't dare to enter there, and Momo and Yunxuan will help us," Mo Niang said as she heard the approaching footsteps of Ji Yaotian's men.
Mo Niang furrowed her eyebrows as she sensed a distant flickering firelight, accompanied by a strong sense of pressure.
"Hehe...!"
A seductive voice sounded from above, incredibly alluring, like a woman's touch gently caressing the skin, causing a shiver and a natural allure.
Even Mo Niang, as a woman, felt a tingling sensation creeping up her spine. And for Jun Shaochen, the effect was even more pronounced.
Mo Niang's dark eyes flashed with a cold light as she looked up. Indeed, a woman dressed in red, stunningly beautiful and provocatively dressed, flew over them. She smiled with an enchanting demeanor, and Mo Niang curved her lips into a cold smile as she asked, "Who are you?"
Mo Niang observed the woman silently appearing behind them, recognizing her as a formidable expert. However, she didn't have time to probe her cultivation at the moment.
"You don't need to concern yourself with who I am. What I want is only him," the woman said softly and lightly, pointing her jade-like finger at Jun Shaochen.
"You can't. Li Manqi, I won't allow you to harm a single hair on my son's head," Mo Niang retorted, unintentionally admitting that she was indeed Li Manqi, Jun Shaochen's birth mother.
Jun Shaochen looked at Mo Niang with overwhelming excitement and astonishment.
"Are you really my mother?" Jun Shaochen couldn't help but ask.
"Chener..."
"Li Manqi, it seems you didn't really die," Mo Zhai's voice suddenly sounded as he arrived and stood beside Mo Niang.
"Mo Zhai, I didn't expect you to join forces with Ji Yaotian to become his lackey," Mo Niang said, her expression turning grim, supporting Jun Shaochen as he stood up.
"Li Guifei is mistaken. I've always been the Marquis of Zhenguó's man. The Marquis has great ambitions, and following him, my life has improved day by day! Of course, it will continue to get even better in the future!" Mo Zhai smiled with a sinister expression, squinting his eyes at Li Manqi.
Years had passed, yet Li Manqi remained as beautiful as ever. She was supposed to have been buried four days after her death, which had shocked him. How did she manage to come back to life?
But she was Li Manqi, and he couldn't be mistaken. The biggest sign was the red mole by her ear, which he could clearly see even in the darkest of nights.
"Indeed, human greed knows no bounds. It keeps people from ever being content, and it's a sickening obsession driven by power, status, and money. And you, Mo Zhai, have lived your whole life in this sickening state. It's this sickness that will be your downfall," Mo Niang mocked as she looked at Mo Zhai. Once, she had seen some semblance of integrity in him, but now she realized she had misjudged him.
"Li Manqi, it's not your place to teach me a lesson. Hand over the Crown Prince, or else you know the consequences," Mo Zhai approached, his dangerous eyes narrowing slightly.
After toiling for many years, he had sought the Emperor's favor as the Marquis of Zhenguó. However, due to his affiliation with the Marquis, the Emperor always regarded him with suspicion, causing him to miss out on many opportunities for promotion. And now, his two sons were locked up in the dungeon. He couldn't bear this humiliation.
"Mo Zhai, you won't succeed. Today, I, Li Manqi, will fight to the death to protect my son," Mo Niang said, pulling Jun Shaochen behind her, ready to strike.
"Meling, kill Li Manqi for me and capture the Crown Prince," Mo Zhai ordered, his eyes filled with danger, knowing that capturing either of them would deal a fatal blow to the Emperor.
"Yes, sir."
Meling instantly straightened her body and moved to attack Mo Niang.
Jun Shaochen, witnessing this, was filled with shock. How could he stand by and watch his mother get hurt?
Just as he was about to act, a beam of white light struck Meling from the night sky. Meling took a few steps back in astonishment, looking at the newcomer.
When she saw two small figures landing on the ground, Meling's mesmerizing face was filled with disbelief.
How could that child have effortlessly neutralized her cultivation?
"Li'er, Qi'er, why are you here?" Mo Niang hadn't expected Li'er and Qi'er to appear.
"Hehe! Granny Mo, it was Mother who sent us," Su Qi whispered to Granny Mo.
"Hmph!" Mo Zhai looked at Su Qi and Su Li with intense hatred.
"It's true that enemies always cross paths! Su Qi, you caused my two sons to be locked up in the dungeon. Today, I will avenge this grudge," Mo Zhai's eyes glared at Su Qi, like a cheetah eyeing its prey.
"Ah, I'm so scared!" Su Qi pretended to be afraid, shrinking his body. He looked at Mo Zhai mockingly and said, "Your two shameless sons are one thing, but even as their father, you are shameless too. Look at that angry mouth of yours. When you put half a pound against eight ounces, why do you raise it so high? No wonder your two sons are so despicable. Like father, like sons, it seems!"
Su Qi shook his small head. Not to mention that his two sons were still in the dungeon, even today, Su Qi could send him there too. These toads were just temporary troubles, unable to become a real threat.
"You little bastard, I must kill you today," Mo Zhai, consumed by anger, attacked with a powerful palm strike.
"Hmph! You old bastard, you have great strength but no courage. Today, let me show you what I'm capable of," Su Qi said, swiftly performing a backflip to evade Mo Zhai's second-stage Profound Realm cultivation.
Su Qi couldn't help but feel fortunate in his heart. This was the advantage of having a small body.
Su Li turned around and glanced at Granny Mo and Jun Shaochen.
"Granny Mo, you take His Highness back to Mingyue Villa. Li'er and I will hold them off," Su Li calmly looked at them, his beautiful phoenix eyes filled with a faint smile.
"Li'er, be careful," Granny Mo blinked her eyes, thought for a moment, and activated the signal given to her by Su Zimo.
This signal was not a firework or anything of the sort, but a red light flashing by.
Meling, looking at it in surprise, said to Granny Mo, "My lord, we need to finish this quickly. She has already sent a distress signal."
Before Meling finished speaking, Su Li launched an attack on her, engaging in a fierce aerial battle.
"Is that so? Then let them have no way to return," Mo Zhai sneered angrily, his hand emitting a surge of profound energy, aiming at Su Qi.
The profound energy flew past Su Qi, carrying his hair along with it. Several strands were instantly cut by the wind blades, as the powerful profound energy approached Su Qi.
Su Qi's pupils suddenly contracted, quickly raising his hands and releasing a second-stage Profound Realm profound energy to defend himself.
Mo Zhai swiftly dodged and felt surprised. Indeed, Su Qi was a high-level cultivator at the second-stage Profound Realm!
"Granny Mo, go quickly."
Taking advantage of the opportunity, Su Qi took out the Daye Divine Bow and shot at Mo Zhai.
"Go, Chen'er, staying here will only hinder Li'er and Qi'er," Granny Mo knew the abilities of the two brothers. She helped Jun Shaochen up and prepared to leave.
But how could Mo Zhai allow them to go according to their plan? "Stop them!"
As soon as Mo Zhai shouted, a group of masked figures dressed in black blocked Granny Mo and Jun Shaochen's path. Before anyone could react, the Twelve Deadly Shadows of Mingyue Villa surrounded them. Some were even killed before they could react.
At this moment, Su Zimo, who had come to find Granny Mo, stood on a rooftop upon seeing the signal. A cold smirk appeared on her lips as she observed the situation below. The cool night breeze brushed against her cheeks, lifting strands of her hair and accentuating her ethereal beauty. Her eyes held a deep, meaningful smile.
Behind her, Mu Yunxuan also looked coldly at the scene below, exuding a chilling aura.
Granny Mo's eyes flickered with a hint of joy. It was Mo Mo and the others who had arrived.
"Mother, Chen'er is feeling much better! Let's go help them," Jun Shaochen said.
"No, Chen'er, you can't go. They are after you. With Lu Yue and the others here, Mo Zhai and his group won't get away with it," Granny Mo would never allow him to take such risks again.
"Mother, so you're Granny Mo. You already recognized Chen'er when Su Li and I called you that, didn't you?" Jun Shaochen had guessed it when he heard Su Li and Su Qi calling her Granny Mo. However, he wondered why Mother didn't reveal it earlier.
"Chen'er, Mother is sorry for what happened. Mother was too weak and afraid of something like this happening, so she didn't dare to come back and acknowledge you earlier."
Mo Mo looked at Jun Shaochen guiltily as a dark figure suddenly lunged towards them. Before getting close, a short sword pierced through the chest of the assailant dressed in black. The lifeless body fell heavily in front of Mo Mo and Jun Shaochen. Su Qi hovered in mid-air, casting a triumphant glance at Mo Mo. Then, she turned around and aimed her bow at Mo Zhai.
Mo Zhai looked somewhat panicked as he stared at Su Qi. The bow was no bigger than a palm, yet it possessed such power. His arm was already cut in multiple places, but none of Su Qi's shots seemed to be fatal. It felt like Su Qi was toying with him, hitting him with every shot but unable to deliver a lethal blow.
Such mockery filled Mo Zhai with anger. Who exactly were Su Qi and her family? Why did they have to interfere and ruin their plans? Even in the darkness, Mo Zhai and his companions looked radiant.
The enchanting figure in a red and blue gown, with a slightly slender figure, possessed astonishing cultivation. She was on par with Su Li's Divine Profound Realm of the Fifth Order.
"Mochi, Li'er, and Qi'er have made significant progress in their cultivation. They have never disappointed us," Mu Yunxuan's gentle voice reached Su Zimo's ears.
Su Zimo smiled faintly and said, "Time is like a pair of discerning eyes. Each day's life is a test for them. Their constant efforts every day have overcome time."
"You, you understand everything," Mu Yunxuan said affectionately as his hands instinctively encircled her slender waist.
In the palace, Emperor Haoyue listened to Qin Feng's report with indescribable excitement.
Suddenly rising from his soft couch, he exclaimed, "Qin Feng, have you truly seen Concubine Li? Can Duke Zhen guarantee that she is indeed Concubine Li?"
"Your Majesty! Qin Feng has never uttered a lie, and she even risked her life to save the Crown Prince when he was attacked by Ji Yu once again."
"Hmph! The Ji family has truly grown audacious. They are insane for attempting rebellion. Did they think I wouldn't be prepared against the Ji family? Dare to harm my son and women? I will make them suffer a fate worse than death."
Emperor Haoyue's face darkened, filled with a murderous intent. The veins on his forehead bulged, and Ji Yaotian, relying on his status as the Grand Duke, always behaved as if he were superior. If he weren't too old to cause trouble, who knows what he would have done? With Chen'er now aware of his identity and no longer under their control, and the Empress imprisoned, they were like cornered dogs.
"Qingfeng, immediately mobilize the Forbidden Army. The Ji family intends to rebel. Throw all members of the Ji family into the dungeon."
"Yes, Your Majesty!" Qin Feng quickly backed out, not daring to utter a word of dissent. Emperor Haoyue looked out of the window, where a bright moon hung silently in the night sky. Tonight's night was somewhat gloomy, with the moon intermittently appearing and disappearing. Emperor Haoyue muttered to himself, "Manqi, are you truly not dead? Manqi, are you really not dead?"
In Emperor Haoyue's eyes flashed the image of that unparalleled beauty, accompanied by affectionate calls filled with sorrow and longing. She was the woman he loved most in his entire life.
Unable to wait any longer, Emperor Haoyue called out eagerly to the outside of the hall, "Qin Gonggong!"
Qin Gonggong quickly hunched over and entered, silently awaiting orders.
"Qin Gonggong, gather the high-ranking experts at the Divine Profound Realm of the Sixth Order. We will leave the palace to save the Crown Prince," Emperor Haoyue commanded.
A hint of surprise flashed in Qin Gonggong's eyes. He tried to please as he said, "Your Majesty, shouldn't General Wang handle the task of saving the Crown Prince? What if there's harm to the Dragon's Body?"
Qin Gonggong appeared concerned and gazed quietly at the dim light emitted by the lanterns behind Emperor Haoyue. Swiftly, a ruthless expression crossed his eyes, accompanied by a bone-chilling aura.
"You wretched servant, why do you babble? When I tell you to go, you go! Hurry up! If you're late, I won't spare you," Emperor Haoyue, anxious about the matter of Li Manqi, failed to notice the expression on Qin Gonggong's face.
"Yes, Your Majesty!" Qin Gonggong straightened his body, a hint of vicious coldness curling up at the corners of his mouth. He slightly turned his body and looked towards the two eunuchs waiting outside the door, signaling them with his eyes.
The two eunuchs understood, nodding in response...
In Yao Shu Palace, Jun Lintian entered the palace overnight upon hearing the news. He woke up the half-asleep Yao Guifei, who staggered out supported by her personal palace maids and Qingyun.
"Tian'er, why are you entering the palace so late?" Yao Guifei asked, rubbing her bleary eyes and relying on her attendants for support.
"Mother, something major has happened. The Ji family is planning a rebellion," Jun Lintian said.
"What?" Yao Guifei instantly woke up, her drowsiness completely gone as she involuntarily stamped her feet. She suddenly opened her eyes wide and looked at Jun Lintian. "The Ji family is rebelling? Tian'er, are you certain the information is accurate?" Yao Guifei found it hard to believe Jun Lintian's words. How could the Ji family decide to rebel in just a single day?
"Mother, the Ji family's influence in the court is widespread. Their power can rival Father's, which is not a good sign. Furthermore, when I entered the palace just now, I saw Ji Yu mobilizing his forces. The Ji family will reach the palace before Father's men arrive at Duke Zhen's residence," Jun Lintian explained.
Frowning slightly, Jun Lintian felt relieved at the thought of the Crown Prince's potential demise. If anything happened to Father, his own efforts would be in vain. By then, the throne would belong exclusively to Jun Shaochen, and no one could change that through a testament.
"Dear, what should we do now?"
"Mother, you know the Emperor's character well. He is a person who repays kindness. Now that the Empress has been imprisoned, it is a rare opportunity for you, Mother. You must seize this chance and make the Emperor love you again."
A blush quickly flashed across Concubine Yao's face.
There were not many women left in the harem, especially after the death of Concubine Li. She was the most beloved woman of the Emperor. Dealing with men? She had her ways.
"Don't worry, dear. Mother will go and find your father. You just take care of yourself."
Concubine Yao motioned for Qingyun to help her up. She needed to freshen up before meeting Emperor Haoyue.
Emperor Haoyue, who was supposed to leave the palace, suddenly changed direction and headed towards the dungeon. Before meeting Li Manqi, he wanted to kill Ji Wuer first. He wouldn't allow any harm to come to Manqi.
At that moment, Ji Wuer was slowly regaining consciousness.
When she saw Emperor Haoyue visiting her in the dungeon late at night, a hint of surprise flashed in her eyes.
"Your Majesty...!" The Empress cautiously called out.
"Ji Wuer, do you know your crimes?"
Emperor Haoyue stood outside the iron bars, cold and noble, looking at Ji Wuer, who was miserable inside the cell, with a scornful smile playing on his lips.
Facing that scornful gaze, Ji Wuer realized that she didn't even have the strength to lift her head.
Know her crimes? Even if she did, what could she do? Did she have a way out?
"Ji Wuer, do you have even the slightest hint of remorse? You killed Manqi and took Chener for yourself. You truly succeeded, but unfortunately, fate favored Manqi and allowed her to escape unharmed."
Anger and killing intent were evident in his tone.
"What does 'escaping unharmed' mean?" The Empress's eyes were filled with shock and terror. Thinking of Li Manqi, whom she had seen tonight, she realized that she was not a ghost of Li Manqi, but the living Li Manqi.
"You don't need to know that. Your father and brother intend to rebel. They have already gathered their forces and are marching towards the palace, aiming to seize the throne of the Jun family. Your Ji family will never have a chance in this lifetime or the next."
After speaking, Emperor Haoyue signaled to the eunuch behind him.
The prison guard cautiously opened the cell.
And Ji Wuer hadn't fully recovered from Emperor Haoyue's words. Her father and Yuer intended to rebel. Did that mean they were abandoning her?
A eunuch held a tray with a cup of poisoned wine and a white silk cloth. The eunuch placed the tray at Ji Wuer's feet, and she suddenly snapped out of her daze.
Poisoned wine and a white silk cloth. The Empress understood instantly. She understood why Emperor Haoyue, with his noble and revered presence, would step into this filthy dungeon late at night. His heart would forever belong to Li Manqi. How did that despicable person manage to escape? For five whole days, she seemed as if she were dead. How did she deceive everyone?
Ten years of marriage couldn't compare to a person who had been dead for over twenty years!
A cup of poisoned wine, a white silk cloth! This was given to her by the man she loved the most in her life.
"Make your choice! I will personally send you on your way here. It's the least I can do for you, considering what you've done! I owe Manqi too much. From now on, I won't let anyone harm her."
Emperor Haoyue's voice carried a heavy burden. If it weren't for her unforgivable actions, he wouldn't have reached this point. He won't repeat the same mistake with Jun Yujing, but unfortunately...
The Empress looked at the man she had loved for a lifetime with despairing eyes, and with her delicate and dusty hand, she slowly lifted the cup of fatal poison and drank it all. In her sorrowful and desperate gaze, she could still see Emperor Haoyue's heartless expression.
"If time could be reversed, Wuer would rather die than marry into the royal family. I never want to meet you again, never want to fall in love with you again!"
"Yes, if time could be reversed, I wouldn't marry you, a heartless and treacherous woman."
Emperor Haoyue retorted with a chilling tone. In this lifetime, she had used many means to marry him. If he could start over, he wouldn't willingly subject himself to such pain. Emperor Yujing wouldn't make the same mistake, but unfortunately...
The Empress closed her despairing eyes, and her body leaned to the side.
Emperor Haoyue, upon seeing this, seemed relieved. The Empress and the Ji family, none could be left.
The cautious eunuch reached out and checked for any signs of breath near the Empress's nose.
Then he carefully replied, "Your Majesty! She has passed away."
Emperor Haoyue narrowed his eyes and nodded, saying, "Do not spread this news for now. Whoever dares to speak out will face severe punishment."
Several guards and eunuchs trembled as they answered.
"Your Majesty, we have seen nothing."
Satisfied with their response, Emperor Haoyue left the cell in large strides.