The Sovereign – Chapter 66

Volume Four: Opulent Splendor Like a Dream, Waters Flow East

Beautiful Woman Brings Disaster

The plot hasn’t changed, but some content has been added

The Imperial Study was filled with an ambiguous atmosphere, and the originally cold and solemn Fengluan Palace seemed to be radiating a soft light. In front of the dressing mirror, Qin Junlan’s black hair flowed down like lustrous black jade. Liu Qianxun sat beside her, with three thousand strands of hair falling to her waist. Admiring their reflections in the mirror, Liu Qianxun’s face was like a peach blossom, flushed with a rosy glow. Qin Junlan gazed at her in a trance.

“Xun’er, why do you look so beautiful today?” Qin Junlan said with a smile at the corner of her lips, hand propping up her left cheek, eyes fixed on her.

“Yan’er is also very beautiful when not being the emperor,” Liu Qianxun was like a bride about to be married, with a hint of sweetness in her heart. The usual coldness and indifference had all dissipated at this moment.

Qin Junlan’s smile gradually faded, her expression becoming solemn. She grasped Liu Qianxun’s hands, enveloping them in her palms, “Xun’er, do you dislike my identity as the emperor?” When with Liu Qianxun, Qin Junlan never referred to herself as “We”. She didn’t want this lofty self-address to create distance between them, and also worried that Liu Qianxun might harbor resentment.

Liu Qianxun only felt that Qin Junlan’s palms were warm, almost sweating, with slightly trembling fingertips. Was she nervous? Her tone even revealed uneasiness, yet her deep eyes were now as clear as light. This night of deep affection and honest revelation made her feel uncertain.

“I…” Liu Qianxun’s words lingered on her lips. Before she could speak, she felt Qin Junlan grip her hands tighter, “You must tell me the truth. I know you don’t like to speak much, always hiding things and emotions in your heart, but now you are mine, I want to hear the truest words from your heart.”

Liu Qianxun’s eyes softened. Her fingertips lightly brushed Qin Junlan’s temples, caressing from her forehead to her jaw, feeling these delicate features becoming increasingly captivating. She slightly raised her head, parted her thin lips, and placed a light kiss on Qin Junlan’s eyes. Qin Junlan closed her eyes slightly, feeling as if someone had plucked a harp string, stirring her heart.

“How could I dislike your identity? You are the emperor, and you are Chaoyan. You are the emperor of all under heaven, and you are my one and only Chaoyan. That is enough.” Liu Qianxun’s breath was like orchids, her gentle words sounding by Qin Junlan’s ear.

Qin Junlan felt a warmth in her heart, but even more so, pity and cherishment. She feared she might have wronged Liu Qianxun, and worried she might not be accustomed to palace life, yet she was reluctant to let her leave. Never having hesitated like this before, Qin Junlan leaned forward slightly, resting her head on Liu Qianxun’s knees, her hair falling to the ground, exceptionally alluring.

She murmured, “I only fear the imperial palace is like a cage, constraining you. I still have unfulfilled wishes and cannot accompany you at all times. If you find the palace dull, go out for a walk, visit aunt and your mother, or return to Suyuan Tower. I have decreed to all main palace gates that no one dares to stop you. You can freely enter and exit the palace. As long as I am still the master of this palace for one day, I will not let anyone harm you.”

Liu Qianxun bent down, her fingertips threading through the black hair, her heart tangled in a thousand knots, impossible to cut, difficult to unravel. How should she respond to this deep affection? In this deceitful lie, after stealing her military secrets following their intimate encounter, constantly doing things to harm her, what right did she have to accept this profound love?

“Yan’er…”

“Hmm?”

“If one day, I hurt you…” Liu Qianxun hesitated, feeling the words superfluous as soon as they left her mouth. She lightly pressed her lips together, swallowing back the words that were about to come out. What was she asking? Was she asking what Qin Junlan would do? Or if she would still love her the same way? How ridiculous, she, a well-trained spy, infiltrating the emperor of another country, had her heart stirred by her gentleness.

Wasn’t it just her virginity? At most, it meant never marrying in this life, what was there to be concerned about? Why was she so confused, even harboring absurd thoughts, craving her tenderness? Liu Qianxun’s eyes lost their luster, but her hand never stopped stroking Qin Junlan’s black hair.

“If you hurt me…” Qin Junlan raised her head, looking directly at her. Under those deep eyelids, like stars twinkling in the night sky, the light never faded. Liu Qianxun knew, only when facing her did Qin Junlan show this side.

“What then?”

“Then I’ll punish you by making you marry me, never allowing you to leave me for all eternity, imprisoning your heart for life!”

Though it was a domineering tenderness, it made Liu Qianxun’s heart ache even more. She truly regretted asking that question. The more uncertain she felt, the more clearly she could sense Qin Junlan’s heart. In the past, when she was heavily guarded, she always felt Qin Junlan was vague and unclear. Now, she was becoming clearer and clearer. Liu Qianxun could perceive her emotions and deep affection.

“Your Majesty, this servant has prepared sobering tea. May… may this servant enter to assist you in changing clothes?” Yuan Xi waited anxiously outside the door. In the past, she only needed to serve at the appointed time, but now that Liu Qianxun was spending the night, she had to be extremely cautious. If she rashly disturbed her master’s pleasure, she would be guilty of an unforgivable offense.

“Come in.” Qin Junlan straightened up. Yuan Xi led the palace maids carrying dragon-patterned formal robes to enter, kneeling and bowing to the two.

“Today, We will not wear the dragon robe. Change to something else, and prepare a dawn-moon jade-green shirt for the Princess.” Qin Junlan held Liu Qianxun’s hand, saying gently, “Today, I won’t read memorials or attend to state affairs. I’ll just be your Yan’er, accompanying you for a nice walk in the palace.”

Liu Qianxun nodded slightly. Yuan Xi had never seen Qin Junlan so gentle, and didn’t know that women could become like this when in love, even a female emperor.

In the height of summer, the heat was unbearable, yet the Imperial Garden was so cool. Ancient towering trees were lush and verdant, their winding branches forming a barrier, shielding from the scorching sun. Qin Junlan and Liu Qianxun strolled through the Imperial Garden, blue butterflies dancing, purple-green formal attire, one with a beauty that could topple a nation, the other with looks that could shame the moon and make flowers blush, becoming the most beautiful scenery in the Imperial Garden.

“I’ve never seen Her Majesty so soft and beautiful before, we didn’t even dare to raise our heads to look at her.”

“Yes, the Princess and Her Majesty walking together is truly a match made in heaven.”

“Hush, hush, don’t speak such sensitive words. Do you want to be beaten to death by the Empress Dowager?” Chatter arose among the palace maids, while at the same time, news of Qin Junlan not attending court spread through the palace.

This news quickly reached Fengqing Palace. Yi Qinghuan immediately found it strange. Even if there was a rift between mother and daughter, it shouldn’t prevent her from attending court. The Emperor wasn’t one to be so indiscreet. She immediately sent a eunuch to Fengluan Palace to inquire about the situation.

“How is it? Is the Emperor not attending court because of that Liu Qianxun?”

“Reporting to the Empress Dowager, it’s said that Her Majesty was in a bad mood yesterday and got drunk. Last night… last night she was accompanied by Princess Qinghe, and it seems… she spent the night with her…” The eunuch reported, trembling with fear.

“What… spent the night??” Before Yi Qinghuan could become angry, the sound of a vase shattering was heard. Yun Jin hurriedly and distractedly tried to pick up the pieces. She didn’t know how she had bumped into the vase upon hearing this news, nor how she unconsciously tried to pick it up, disregarding her status.

She only knew that when she came to pay respects at Fengqing Palace today, she felt uneasy. “Spent the night”… two words that pierced the heart, as if a knife had slashed across it, unbearably painful.

“Princess Consort, let this servant handle it. Please be careful of your hands.” Qiushui stopped Yun Jin, who slowly regained her senses and forced a smile, “This subject was truly too careless.”

“It’s fine as long as you’re not hurt.” Yi Qinghuan’s originally solemn and dignified face turned ice-cold. She stood up, her anger difficult to subside. Her memory was pulled back to the day Qingyu told her she had fallen in love with Liu Zhu. Even though she tried every method and used every means to keep Qingyu by her side, her heart had forever left her.

She thought of that woman called Liu Zhu her entire life. Qingyu, who once had a heart as vast as the sky and was as carefree as an immortal, for the sake of her beloved, broke with her family, turned against her blood relatives, preferring to guard that deserted loquat forest alone and desolate rather than renew sisterly affection with her.

She couldn’t bear Qingyu’s loneliness, and even more couldn’t accept Qin Junlan following in her footsteps. Of all the people to love, why did it have to be a woman?

“A beautiful woman brings disaster!” Yi Qinghuan said these words with a gloomy face. But her emotions suddenly gradually calmed, and she turned to Yun Jin with a gentle expression, “Jin’er, you may withdraw first.”

“This subject takes her leave.” Yun Jin had suppressed her emotions to the limit and could finally leave hastily. She hurried away, bumping into palace maids without realizing it. The usually composed and graceful Wise Princess Consort was repeatedly distracted today. Her lost and dazed appearance made even the servants feel sorry for her.

Yun Jin felt as if a great mountain was pressing on her heart, suppressing her breath. Each breath pained her nerves, as if she would suffocate at any moment. In fact, she should accept it calmly. No matter how unwilling, she couldn’t change the fact that despite accompanying her for many years, Qin Junlan had never fallen for her.

Perhaps it was deep love but shallow fate. Compared to Liu Qianxun, she was indeed dim. Never mind, as long as she’s happy, isn’t that enough? She always silently recited her good qualities, not wanting her to be burdened by state affairs. But ultimately, there would be someone by her side, protecting her well-being. This person was Liu Qianxun, and she had no complaints. Even though she was so jealous of her, she couldn’t bring herself to dislike her.

After Yun Jin left, Yi Qinghuan summoned Huo Yunqi.

Huo Yunqi, like Grand Scholar Ji, was a veteran of three reigns. Now a minister in the Military Affairs Bureau, he oversaw the deployment of national forces and was responsible for allocating weapons and military provisions. He was a pillar of the court, talented in military affairs. Along with Ji Qiuchen, one civil and one military, they assisted the monarch. They were Qin Junlan’s right and left arms, trusted ministers. Originally, the Empress Dowager couldn’t summon ministers of the previous court, but Huo Yunqi’s daughter, Huo Xiao, had been named the Wise King’s secondary consort and would soon be married.

Yi Qinghuan didn’t want to openly break with Qin Junlan, so she wanted to use the senior minister’s hand to pressure her in court. After all, Liu Qianxun was once the top courtesan of Suyuan Tower; this identity alone was enough to expel her from the palace. She even dared to dream of spending the night with the Emperor and becoming the Empress. Yi Qinghuan absolutely would not allow women to fall in love within the palace, nor would she allow anyone to bring chaos to the Emperor and affect the royal family’s lineage.

With Qin Junlan not attending court for a day, memorials piled up like mountains. She stayed up all night reviewing them. Liu Qianxun also didn’t sleep, always accompanying her, helping to grind ink and pass memorials. Occasionally, she could glimpse the contents of the memorials, all about matters reported from various parts of the country. From major issues like military expansion and weapons replacement to minor ones like local taxes and people’s living conditions, living in the palace, she could only understand the details of civilian life and military stations through these memorials.

Liu Qianxun never imagined that a monarch would have so many memorials to review, without a moment’s relaxation. Ji country was so large, she had to understand all matters big and small in detail, and even keep constant watch on other countries’ movements. How could there be time to write the 《Military Strategy Treatise》? Unless Qin Junlan had three heads and six arms, there simply wasn’t a gap in such a busy schedule.

She had been in this position for twelve years. While ordinary people enjoyed the pleasures of life and freely roamed the world, she was worrying about the country and its people.

At the third watch, Qin Junlan showed signs of fatigue, but seeing Liu Qianxun still energetic, she couldn’t help but find it strange, “How can you be so energetic after a sleepless night?”

“I used to stay up all night when practicing martial arts. Besides, Your Majesty has been reviewing memorials, your mind filled with matters of the world. I only think of one person, naturally I’m not tired.”

“Only think of one person, hm.” Qin Junlan narrowed her eyes, tilting her head slightly, smirking: “With Xun’er’s words, We suddenly feels no sleepiness at all.”

“Narcissist, I didn’t say it was you.” Liu Qianxun glared at her lightly, a blush of embarrassment rising on her face. The red candle lit up the night, reflecting a rosy glow on her fair face.

Qin Junlan gazed at her as if intoxicated, wishing she could look at her for ten thousand years, forever keeping her in her heart, holding her in her palm at all times, using a lifetime of tenderness to love and cherish her.

“Xun’er, at the fifth watch We must attend court. You go back to sleep first.” Qin Junlan knew that rumors were already spreading in the palace today, and also knew what she would face at court. Although the Empress Dowager hadn’t summoned her to question about not attending court, this morning’s court session would likely not be peaceful.

She didn’t want these troubles to affect Liu Qianxun, and even more didn’t want rumors to tarnish her reputation.

“Yes, this subject’s sister takes her leave.”

The fifth watch bell rang, and all officials gathered. Qin Junlan, dressed in dragon robes, sat majestically on the dragon throne with an air of authority over the world. The officials paid homage, their red court robes like a ground full of blooming peonies, magnificent beyond compare. Qin Junlan sat high above, enjoying the courtesy due to the Son of Heaven.

Li Yue, in a crimson female official’s court robe, stood by her side, exuding heroic spirit. She stepped forward, facing the officials, her voice resonant, announcing: “Those with matters, speak up. Those without, withdraw from court!”

Qin Junlan, having reviewed memorials all night without sleep, felt deeply fatigued. She lightly rubbed between her eyebrows, noticing restlessness below the court, yet no one dared to speak up. No one wanted to be the first to stick their neck out. The Grand Chancellor had just been put to death, and everyone felt that serving the monarch was like accompanying a tiger. Even the Empress Dowager’s own brother could be slain by the Emperor’s hand, so who would dare speak lightly?

“What matter makes my beloved ministers so hesitant?” Qin Junlan already sensed something had happened, her intuition telling her it was related to Liu Qianxun.

The civil and military officials stood in two rows. The military officials, led by Huo Yunqi, were on the left, while the civil officials, headed by Grand Scholar Ji Qiuchen, stood on the right. As soon as Qin Junlan spoke, Huo Yunqi glanced at Ji Qiuchen, lightly shook his long official sleeves, stepped forward, and bowed directly to the dragon throne, “This old minister has a matter to report.”

He had a military background before entering politics, and deeply understood the ways of the court and the etiquette between ruler and subject. “Recently, rumors have been spreading in the palace, saying that Princess Qinghe once had the stage name Hong Yuan, and was the top courtesan of the number one brothel in Jidu, with a reputation that made all the noble young masters and wealthy men compete to pursue her.”

“This minister has also heard of this. Hong Yuan was famously renowned. Although she no longer appears at Suyuan Tower, who doesn’t know of her?” The Minister of Personnel Wu assisted from the side.

These two sang in harmony. Qin Junlan knew Huo Yunqi’s character: traditional and rigid, loyal and devoted, yet also ambitious. With his talent for military affairs making him capable of great tasks, he was the head of the military officials, and his words carried considerable authority. For him to openly mention Liu Qianxun’s identity in court now, he must have been bewitched by someone. And the one eager to make Liu Qianxun a target of criticism, who could manipulate Huo Yunqi, could be none other than the Empress Dowager.

Qin Junlan slowly stood up from the dragon throne, her dragon robe extending like a hidden dragon emerging from the sea, its tail trailing to the ground. Her tall figure, set against the dragon robe, exuded a natural aura of authority. She looked down at the officials, the corners of her lips slightly upturned, that ambiguous expression concealing unknown emotions. It seemed like suppressed anger, yet also like observing everything from afar, her pleasure or anger impossible to discern.

“She did once have the stage name Hong Yuan, so what of it?” Qin Junlan’s face was expressionless, her calm demeanor exuding an awe-inspiring authority that chilled yet commanded respect.

Instantly, the supporting Minister Wu quietly retreated back into the ranks, leaving only Huo Yunqi standing tall, though fearful inside, he still had to persist in his words. He had promised the Empress Dowager to pressure the Emperor in court, currying favor with the Empress Dowager to pave the way for his daughter Huo Xiao. He paused, then said: “Your Majesty is an enlightened ruler of this generation. Though a woman, you are a heroine among heroes. Your future domination of the world is just around the corner.”

Hearing this, Qin Junlan’s lips curled slightly, and she slowly descended from the dragon throne platform. Huo Yunqi’s heart jolted, and he unconsciously took two steps back.

“Minister Huo, please continue.” Qin Junlan’s deep smile was like the calm before a storm; it seemed the dragon’s face would show great anger at any moment.

Huo Yunqi swallowed. Though a veteran of three reigns, having served under three emperors, he had never seen anyone with such a powerful presence as Qin Junlan. This was true authority without anger. Even his heart trembled slightly, and he wanted to retreat. If not for his promise to the Empress Dowager, he wouldn’t have dared to lead in offending the imperial authority. He could only steel himself and say, “This old minister feels that Your Majesty’s lifelong reputation should not be ruined by a woman’s hand. Liu Qianxun is a femme fatale and should not be allowed to remain in the palace.” After speaking, he bowed and knelt, glancing sideways at the nearby officials with a meaningful look.

Qin Junlan slightly raised her head, looking at the others. The crowd exchanged glances, caught in a dilemma. They had no choice but to kneel as one, “We officials concur!”

Except for some civil officials led by Grand Scholar Ji, all the military officials followed Huo Yunqi in agreement. Qin Junlan gave a cold laugh, turned back to the dragon throne, looking down on everyone, “Grand Scholar Ji.”

“This old minister is here.” Ji Qiuchen’s heart jolted, has it finally come to his turn?

Qin Junlan’s smile faded. She hadn’t forgotten how Ji Qiuchen’s son had offended Liu Qianxun before. Since someone was bringing up old accounts, she wouldn’t spare the faces of those officials’ sons either. “Previously, when the young master fought at Suyuan Tower, was it for Hong Yuan?”

“This…” Ji Qiuchen felt instant shame. He knew why Qin Junlan had called him out. He immediately knelt and kowtowed, “This old minister, as a court official, has failed to teach his son properly, allowing the boy to frequent brothels. After being taught a lesson, my unworthy son confessed to me that he often went with other officials’ sons and even court officials to glimpse the lady’s beauty.”

“Court officials lingering in brothels, what a disgrace!” Qin Junlan suddenly erupted in anger, her lips curling into a slight smile, a chilling aura bursting forth. The officials knelt in obeisance. Huo Yunqi didn’t understand Qin Junlan’s intention, but still argued forcefully, “Officials can be punished for their crimes, but how can a mere courtesan be named a princess, enter the palace, and share the Emperor’s bed!”

“Huo Yunqi!” Qin Junlan angrily stepped forward, pointing directly at him. If she had a sharp sword in hand, she would surely have cut down this old fool! His persistence had thoroughly enraged her. Her breathing became erratic, her anger hard to subside, her face flushed with rage.

“we can tolerate you calling her a femme fatale once or twice, but will not allow you to continue being insolent! Dare to speak more, and We will behead you!” Qin Junlan had never been so angry in court before. Even Li Yue’s heart began to tremble. Indeed, even heroes find it hard to overcome the beauty barrier; Liu Qianxun had become the Emperor’s untouchable reverse scale.

“This old minister…” Huo Yunqi finally began to tremble, not expecting Qin Junlan to become so enraged.

Qin Junlan’s gaze was sharp as a blade. If looks could kill, the court would probably be a river of blood by now. To dare pressure her with the collective power of court officials, and repeatedly call Liu Qianxun a femme fatale, was truly intolerable.

“We tell you all! Liu Qianxun is a secret agent We dispatched to Suyuan Tower, personally tasked by Us to gather intelligence inside and outside Jidu, help Us understand the people’s conditions and observe court officials. The name Hong Yuan was a disguise. She is actually the adopted daughter of Cheng Wangfei, with a chivalrous heart and righteous spirit! You are not allowed to insult her here! The imperial edict was issued by Us. Do you also want to accuse Us along with her??” Qin Junlan’s imposing manner, the anger of a ruler with sword drawn, fully displayed her killing intent, as if she might strike down those who had remonstrated at any moment.

“We ministers dare not!” Huo Yunqi hadn’t expected Qin Junlan to resolve this storm in this way, turning all the spearheads towards herself. It was not unreasonable for the Emperor to dispatch secret agents to infiltrate among the people, and this matter was impossible to verify. Who would dare doubt the Emperor’s words, and who would dare investigate the truth of the Emperor’s claims?

Huo Yunqi had truly witnessed the wisdom of this Empress, effortlessly resolving rumors and settling disputes. Attempting to move against someone she wanted to protect, even the Empress Dowager would likely find it difficult to succeed. After this incident, he would never dare to rashly remonstrate on this matter again.

“If anyone else spreads rumors in the palace, implicating the Princess in impropriety, they will be beheaded immediately!”

“We ministers dare not, may Your Majesty forgive us!”

Qin Junlan’s face darkened, her round eyes glaring angrily at the officials, feeling her anger hard to subside. Mother Empress’s interference had gone too far. Did she truly think that she didn’t know Liu Qianxun’s courtesan name would become a topic of gossip? She had long prepared a strategy to deal with it. Now that the palace dared to stir up the wind of “femme fatale,” it seemed that if she didn’t show her power, the back palace still wouldn’t know that she was the supreme ruler!

“Report~~ Announcing to Your Majesty, the Nine Ministers Bureau has a memorial to present.”

“Summon!”

The Nine Ministers Bureau was established specifically for foreign diplomacy and was also responsible for internal household management of the people. After the Ji Kingdom became powerful, the Nine Ministers Bureau had less diplomatic work, as most of the time weaker countries relied on the strong. Now that the Nine Ministers Bureau suddenly had news, it must be related to other countries.

“Reporting to Your Majesty, the Nine Ministers Bureau received memorials from Yu Kingdom, Luo Kingdom, and Qing Kingdom simultaneously today. The three countries wish to visit our court on the eighth day of next month. Please review, Your Majesty.” The director presented the memorials. Li Yue received them with both hands and brought them to Qin Junlan’s side. “Oh? Who are the envoys from each kingdom?”

“In response to Your Majesty, the memorials all bear the jade seals of the three kingdoms. The envoys are the Grand Princess of Yu Kingdom, the Jade Orchid King of Luo Kingdom, and the Nalan clan of Qing Kingdom.”

Qin Junlan opened the memorials and read them up and down, her eyes revealing a smile. “Luo Kingdom and Qing Kingdom have been fighting for many years. How could they think to visit our court together? This foreign diplomacy must have been instigated by the Grand Princess of Yu Kingdom.”

“What does Yu Kingdom intend to do?” Huo Yunqi pondered thoughtfully. When it came to matters of state, he wouldn’t mix in any personal feelings. The previous dispute between ruler and ministers had already dissipated.

“As the saying goes, ‘Know yourself and know your enemy, and you will never be defeated in a hundred battles.’ Do any of you ministers have any understanding of this Grand Princess?”

The officials looked at each other, realizing they truly didn’t have much knowledge about this Grand Princess. Qin Junlan gestured to Li Yue, who faced the officials and said: “Ling Yu, titled Princess Changning, is the elder sister of the Yu Emperor. She has assisted the monarch for decades. Three years ago, she returned power to the throne, but still holds the military tally and controls military power. Her strength alone can shake the foundations of Yu Kingdom and the power dynamics of the court.”

“I never thought that Yu Kingdom’s court politics were actually controlled by a princess.”

“Could the growth of Yu Kingdom in recent years be the achievement of this Princess Changning?”

The court immediately burst into discussions.

Qin Junlan smiled lightly, stood up and looked down at the officials with pride, “Since they’re coming, we shall receive them. We want to see what tricks they can play. The Ceremonial Bureau, prepare three separate villas. The Music and Dance Bureau, prepare a grand feast. We want to properly receive these foreign guests.”

“We ministers obey the imperial edict.”

Qin Junlan returned to the imperial study in a rage, sweeping the items on the dragon desk onto the floor with one hand, her anger unbearable!

“How outrageous!” Qin Junlan roared, startling Yuan Xi, Li Yue, and others to hurriedly kneel down.

Mother Empress has gone too far this time. In the twelve years since her ascension, except for being troubled when she first took the throne without ruling personally, when has she ever been in such an awkward situation?

Is she really so intolerant of Liu Qianxun! However, the so-called secret agent was after all a coping strategy she came up with herself. She had indeed never verified Liu Qianxun’s identity. She said her martial arts were taught by a benefactor, but never mentioned who this benefactor was. Her mother, suffering from a serious illness, was actually able to get treatment from a divine doctor, showing that her background was not ordinary.

Moreover, she had never asked Liu Qianxun why she was in a brothel. Too many doubts still lingered in her mind. She had given her body to her, but had she truly bared her heart completely? Qin Junlan had no certainty in her heart. Whenever she thought of these things, she felt irritated. The more she cared about Liu Qianxun, the more she feared her identity might be suspicious.

The Grand Princess of Yu Kingdom… Could she be related to Yu Kingdom? Qin Junlan had never been so worried before. Ling Yu was an unseen opponent, but she never dared to ignore her. She could devise a strategy to cut off the water source of Yuzhou, causing an unprecedented disaster in Ji Kingdom, showing her methods. This crime of harming the people, she would settle accounts with Ling Yu sooner or later.

“Your Majesty, Minister Li requests an audience.” Yuan Xi’s voice, as thin as a mosquito’s, spoke tremblingly. Today, the master was in a great rage, seeming like she might explode at any moment. Every word had to be spoken with utmost caution.

“Summon her.” Qin Junlan turned to sit in the dragon-patterned redwood chair. Two palace maids hurriedly came forward to clean up the things on the ground, then swiftly retreated.

“This humble minister pays respects to Your Majesty. Long live the Emperor, long live, long live.”

“Rise. Have you found out anything?”

“Your Majesty, according to the spies’ reports, Yu Kingdom has an assassination organization called Shura Sect. This organization gathers assassins from the jianghu, cultivates agents and spies. In recent years, they have openly and secretly killed many court officials, seemingly all opposing forces against Ling Yu.”

“Could Shura Sect be employed by Ling Yu? Have you found out who the sect leader is?” Qin Junlan asked, squinting her eyes. In her heart, she already had suspicions.

“Shura Sect’s whereabouts are hidden, and its disciples are tight-lipped and extremely loyal. Even if we capture live ones, we can’t get any information out of them. The spies in the palace a few months ago were also disciples of Shura Sect, showing that this sect leader’s background is powerful and their methods are extraordinary. This minister suspects…”

“Your suspicion aligns with Us. Continue to investigate deeply, and be sure to confirm the identity of this sect leader. Without removing this person, how can we reclaim Yu Kingdom?” Qin Junlan’s bright eyes were deep, her broad mind encompassing all, filled with the ambitious aspiration of unifying the world.

She wants to reclaim the other three kingdoms, achieve world domination, and establish a hundred-year dynasty for Ji Kingdom. The world can only have one ruler, and that is the descendant of the Qin imperial family. The people will only recognize one master, and that is her, Qin Junlan. She will sweep away all who obstruct her path. Only when the world is unified can the fires of war and chaos be stopped, achieving permanent peace. This is Qin Junlan’s lifelong wish.

---

---