Chapter 146: The Game Begins
nd stayed awake all night, then using the password Ma Tao told her, opened the door across from hers. She found the child and woman had already frozen to death, only Ma Tao still had a breath left. Sh...Along with this message arrived at the Dragon Palace a state letter, whose wording was severe and biting. It not only tore away the fig leaf of the Dragon Kingdom but also directly accused them of being shameless and irresponsible for sending assassins to kill their own brother. Such behavior was worse than that of beasts, enraging the new Emperor of the Dragon Kingdom so much that he ripped the letter to shreds.
Spies from Xuanwu Kingdom and Baihu Kingdom also received news from Panlong Kingdom that someone had been sent to Fengqi Country to kill their fifth brother. They even received detailed accounts of the events leading up to it, including how the fifth prince, in a bid to save his own skin, had even lowered himself to entering the harem of the Phoenix Perch Kingdom's princess.
Along with this, there's a rumor circulating that the Fifth Prince was controlled by the new emperor of Panlong Nation using drugs. He was forced to assassinate the Empress as a result, and only then could he save his life. Otherwise, he would have been dead long ago after the struggle failed.
And the number of princes who failed to ascend the throne was not just limited to the fifth prince. The new emperor ranked third. Besides the eldest and second princes who had already died, the fourth, fifth, and sixth princes have disappeared. Now that the fifth prince has appeared in Fengqi Country, where are the fourth and sixth princes
This made both the Xuanwu Kingdom and the Baihu Kingdom immediately wary. To be able to achieve a greater purpose with just a few expendable pawns, if they were in that position, they would also be willing to give it a try.
So this time they chose to wait and see. If the Dragon Nation and Phoenix Nest could both be crippled, then that would be even better.
After capturing three cities, General Fengming halted his troops and began to rest and reorganize.
The Great Princess received the good news from the front, a smile appeared on her face, and she immediately delivered the good news to Lianyi.
After seeing the good news, Lian Yi turned to the messenger beside her and said:
"Let the eldest princess go and do as she pleases, reminding her to be wary of the other two countries."
"Yes!"
The Great Princess now walks with the wind, immediately ordering someone to send another national letter to Panlong Country.
Panlong Nation was extremely enraged by the loss of three cities and was mobilizing its troops to retake them. At this time, a spy hidden in Fengqi Nation sent back a message.
"Your Majesty, the Princess has captured all of our envoys sent for negotiations, and even reported the matter to the Empress."
"A bunch of trash!"
"Those who went to contact the Second Imperial Princess, however, returned with good news. It's just that this Second Imperial Princess is very cunning and won't make a move unless she sees a benefit."
The messenger delivered a piece of paper and then obediently stood aside, saying nothing.
After Pan Longxindi had seen it, his brows furrowed tightly, and then he said to the guard beside him:
"Zhang Zhang was summoned to the palace to attend to court matters."
"Yes, Your Majesty!"
Fengqi Country Zhuoxiu Garden
Lipples is taking a medicinal bath, and Fenghou silently appears beside the tub, whispering:
"Your Majesty, the confidante of the second princess has been in contact with a spy from the Panlong Kingdom, but there are no concrete actions yet."
"Humph! They were negotiating, they just haven't reached an agreement yet."
The ripples said softly.
"Shall we arrest him"
Let's see what Panlong Kingdom can offer. Let's also see how far the Second Princess will go for power.
Liàn Yī's eyes narrowed slightly as she spoke.
"Yes, my subordinate will keep a close eye on them."
"Take this opportunity to investigate and clear up all the Panlong Kingdom's informants."
"Yes!"
Phoenix's arrival was quiet and unassuming, as was its departure.
After her medicated bath, Lian Yi spoke directly to Lan Xin:
"Go to the Empress Dowager and tell her that I wish to play chess with him."
"Yes."
Lan Xin responded and went to inform Emperor Consort Zhao.
Ripple brought all the favored servants he liked to Zhuoxiu Garden, ostensibly for their own enjoyment. In reality, this was a way of controlling them, preventing them from sending messages outside. This way, if anything happened, he would be the first to know.
Men who become the Emperor's consort are not fools, they are all well-behaved and obedient. Unless the Empress summons them or during scheduled visits, they generally stay quietly in their own courtyards. The Imperial Consort is no exception, especially now that the Great Princess is acting as Regent. He dares not act rashly even more so.
That is to say, in the first ten days, due to the upbringing issues of his three granddaughters, he only helped the Second Princess with some household affairs after receiving the Empress's approval. He also reminded the Second Princess to be careful afterwards. After that, he accompanied the Empress in recuperating her health, and did not involve himself in any other matters.
The Queen invited him to play chess, and he was naturally delighted. After tidying himself up, he went to the gazebo where the Queen was.
Seeing the empress with rosy cheeks and a complexion as if rejuvenated, the emperor was taken aback. He hadn't expected that in just a few days, the empress's complexion would have improved so much. Suppressing his uneasiness, he put on a smile of delight, bowed, and then said:
"Your Majesty, long live the Queen! Your health seems to be restored! This old man's heart finally feels at ease."
"Without the disturbance of tedious political affairs, Your Majesty eats well, sleeps well, and naturally looks better."
Ripple gestured for the other person to sit down at the board, also smiling in return.
Zhao shi lifted her robe embroidered with purple and gold, sat down, and took a closer look at the Empress's face before speaking.
"The last time the Queen fainted in court, it scared us all half to death. We've long wanted you to not be so hard on yourself. The children are all grown up now and could share some of the burden, but you want them to have a few more carefree years."
We were afraid of upsetting you if we said too much, so we didn't dare bring it up. This time, I see that the Great Princess is doing very well, and your health has also improved. Isn't this a happy occasion for everyone!
"Haha, only you would dare say that. But you're right, power is a good thing, but nothing is more important than life. When you're dead, you have nothing."
Ripple, in a casual tone, spoke and then dropped a white jade chess piece.
Zhao's heart skipped a beat, but he remained outwardly calm, even sounding slightly displeased as he said:
"Your Majesty, please refrain from saying such things in the future. You will be by my side for a long time, and you shouldn't speak words that bring bad luck. You look increasingly well now, and I believe your health will only improve."
"I understand. I just wanted to vent to you for a bit. Your turn to make a move!"
Zhao then placed a black piece, and the two began to play chess, moving back and forth.
I smelled a change in your scent. Did you switch to a new incense
The ripples asked, as if unintentionally.
"Your Majesty, I haven't changed the incense. Once I entered the garden, I stopped using it. The fragrance of all kinds of flowers in Zhu Xiu Yuan is so intoxicating and refreshing, surpassing any incense. It's natural. Currently, I'm using scented clothing with a light floral scent."
Zhao smiled and said.
"Your family's offerings of spices are quite good. I didn't bring any with me this time and was hoping to ask the Emperor for a couple pieces!"
"It was my negligence. Since I accompanied you to recuperate, I did not bring any spices."
The emperor wore a face full of remorse.
It's alright, I was just curious. I've been taking herbal baths recently to detoxify my body. Everything smells like medicine. I thought I'd try something different for a change.
Then I'll have the little attendant bring some freshly picked flowers over.
"That's good!"tuff to the medicine I gave her."Doudou said proudly."Don't kill anyone."The ripples gently brushed the petals of the flowers and said."Master, Doudou will take care of it. You can rest assured. I onl...