Why imprison the Emperor? Ha!
Because she hated it. A secret she overheard brought back memories she had kept buried for many years. Revenge, revenge for being kept in the dark and deceived for so many years, was her only thought!
--
Huangfu Yu and Huangfu Mi, along with Prime Minister Meng, traveled to the Heng Prince's residence. At this moment, it was not safe to discuss matters anywhere except the Heng Prince's residence.
Huangfu Mi has always been self-centered. Since returning to the capital, he has looked down on the officials of the court. Therefore, all his guards and attendants were carefully selected by him when he was a commoner.
Many of them were figures from the martial arts world who, after growing weary of the struggles of the martial arts world, were subdued by Huangfu Mi and followed him to protect his safety.
At this moment, the Prince Heng's residence is under their protection, making it arguably the safest place under these circumstances.
The three of them went to the study, and after sending someone to fetch Meng Wan, the four of them sat down around the table.
Perhaps it was because of the cool weather, but Meng Wan often felt tired these days. So even though she knew something was wrong, she didn't care. She knew that Huangfu Mi and the others would take care of things if the sky fell, so she didn't ask any more questions.
At this moment, even her father was summoned, and she was brought along as well. Everyone looked solemn, and Meng Wan realized the seriousness of the matter.
Sitting next to Huangfu Mi, looking at his tense face, she said softly, "Has things reached the point of no return? Does the Empress really intend to seize power?"
Upon hearing this, Huangfu Mi's face darkened further, his fists clenched tightly, and after a long while he nodded: "Yes, that's why I've asked Father to come and discuss how to deal with this."
After saying that, he turned to Prime Minister Meng and said, "Father, just now, Fifth Brother used the pretext of allowing the officials to have an audience with the Emperor to persuade the Empress to do the same. Although the Empress verbally agreed, it was just a perfunctory gesture. Fifth Brother and I have already proven that she used drugs to bewitch the Emperor, so she would never dare to let us see him. However, if we don't see the Emperor, no one can punish her, so we have no choice but to coerce her into giving in."
Knowing the seriousness of the situation, and despite the strangeness and suddenness of his arrival, Prime Minister Meng had no time to delay. Just as Huangfu Mi had said, seeing the Emperor was of utmost importance. He nodded slightly and asked, "Do you have any good ideas?"
Huangfu Yu glanced at Huangfu Mi and nodded, "That's why we've come to ask the Prime Minister for help. Although my seventh brother and I are princes, we don't hold much weight in the court. On the contrary, you have served the country for many years and are highly respected. So now, please do everything you can to win over the officials and break into Zhengyang Palace. Once we see Father Emperor, we can expose the truth, and the Empress's true colors will be revealed!"
The more they talked, the more excited they became. Eventually, they stood up and exchanged a glance with Huangfu Mi, their eyes filled with impatience.
Yes, it's urgent, it really is urgent!
The Emperor is currently being attacked by the poison of the datura. Every day that is delayed, the poison will increase. They are really worried that if this continues, the poison will eventually attack his heart and mind, and he may not be able to recover.
Prime Minister Meng readily agreed, saying that he would immediately incite the ministers to storm Zhengyang Palace, while Huangfu Mi and Huangfu Yu would mobilize their trusted troops to wait outside the palace in case of any incident.
Meng Wan watched the three of them discuss, wanting to interject but not knowing what to say. In this situation, she knew that staying quietly was better than anything else.
He personally saw the three of them off and watched them leave before returning to the house, but his heart was pounding wildly.
Zhenzhen can't have a single day of peace. One trouble after another just won't stop. It's really exhausting!
---
It started snowing at noon, the first snowfall of the year. Snow fell heavily from midday until evening. A thick layer of snow covered the distant green tiles, and when the wind blew it down, it fell like blades onto my face, stinging slightly.
After Huangfu Mi and the others left, Meng Wan stood there, gazing at the snow outside the window. Snowflakes occasionally hit her, making her feel slightly cold, but she seemed oblivious, staring blankly at the doorway.
Several hours passed, but there was still no news, which made her very worried.
What is the situation in the palace? Have they made any progress? Why is there no news at all?
Just then, a series of hurried footsteps sounded outside the door, crunching on the silent white snow.
"Huangfu Mi?" Thinking they had returned, she hurriedly got up to greet them, but after only two steps, a shadow pounced on her and before she could react, it grabbed her tightly. A wave of dizziness washed over her, and she blinked, but couldn't hold back any longer. Her mind went blank, and she fainted.
---
Meanwhile, the palace was already in complete chaos.
A group of loyal ministers, led by Prime Minister Meng, stood outside Zhengyang Palace, loudly chanting their desire to see the Emperor. Meanwhile, the obstructionist faction, led by General Gu, was ordered by the Empress to block the way and prevent anyone from entering.
The snow fell heavily, and the situation reached a stalemate. Huangfu Mi was about to lead his men in when Yueji, who was beside the Empress, ran up to Huangfu Mi.
"Your Highness, the Empress wishes to speak with you privately. Please move to Chonghua Palace."
Yueji was one of the Empress's people, and Huangfu Mi recognized her. At this moment, she glared coldly and prepared to make an example of this palace maid. However, Yueji raised her hand and handed a sandalwood hairpin to Huangfu Mi.
"Please feel free to go, Your Highness. I have already delivered the message. Farewell."
After saying that, without waiting for Huangfu Mi's reaction, he curtsied and turned to leave, leaving Huangfu Mi frozen there, clutching the hairpin in her hand, completely stunned.
"Seventh brother, seventh brother--"
Huangfu Yu originally intended to force his way in with Huangfu Mi, but then he saw Huangfu Mi staring blankly at a hairpin that Yueji had given him, so he reached out and shook Huangfu Mi's shoulder.
Huangfu Mi finally came to her senses, but she was so startled that she ignored Huangfu Yu's words and rushed out towards Chonghua Palace.
--
Inside Chonghua Palace, the lingering fragrance of incense filled the air, its subtle aroma lingering in the heart. The Empress sat there, leisurely sipping her tea. She remained unperturbed by the footsteps outside, her lips curved into a smile, until Huangfu Mi rushed in and stood before her. Only then did she slowly raise her head.
"You've arrived, please have a seat."
Huangfu Mi was extremely anxious, her fists clenched tightly, her gaze fixed on that dignified face. Ignoring her words, she asked directly, "Where is Wan'er?"
Indeed, that sandalwood hairpin was the one he gave to Wan'er before. He saw her wearing it in her hair in the study at noon. Now that it has appeared in the Empress's hands, what does that mean? It goes without saying.
"Heh--" Seeing his eagerness, the Empress became even more unhurried, feeling a sense of unbridled joy. Looking at Huangfu Mi, she slowly drank a cup of tea before saying, "I have found a good place for her. If you do as I say, she can drink tea peacefully like me right now. Otherwise..."
The long, drawn-out tone, deliberately lingered, made one's heart pound with fear.
Huangfu Mi frowned and stepped forward: "Don't hurt her. What do you want me to do?"
"Hehe--" Upon hearing this, the Empress laughed even more unrestrainedly: "Truly, you two are deeply in love. It seems that the next choice for you will be very difficult."
Huangfu Mi didn't know what she meant. He squinted at her but didn't say anything. When the Empress saw this, she reached out to Yueji. Yueji nodded, turned and went into the inner palace. When she came out, she had a dagger in her hand: "I will allow you to enter Zhengyang Palace and I can also promise you not to hurt Meng Wan, but you have to kill someone."