Soon, a stunning woman appeared – completely transformed from her previous state. Mei Si Yu now wore a pink dress, green satin with white jade rings, her hair softly falling behind her ears. Her delicate features and pure skin, without makeup, looked ethereal. Her bright eyes and long lashes were captivating.
”Qinger, sorry to keep you waiting,” Mei Si Yu said elegantly.
”Not long at all,” Ji Yue Qing responded gently, wearing a light blue pleated dress, her hair in a high bun with a white jade hairpin, her fair skin glowing in the sunlight.
[Text continues with further narrative about their plans and palace intrigues]
Well, I understand. You can all withdraw now. We still need to discuss this matter carefully, so don’t say anything more, do you understand?” the Empress Dowager said sternly.
“Wan’er and Yun’er understand.” After speaking, the two left one after another. Today’s Empress Dowager was somewhat strange. Why was she so calm about this? Wasn’t she always opposed to Mei Siyu? Why didn’t she care about such a major event in the palace, especially since the source was Mei Siyu’s palace? Both of them were filled with doubts.
Even though they were full of questions, they did not show it. After a subtle exchange, they each returned to their own chambers, without discussing the matter further.
In the Yangfeng Palace!
“Yuer, what are you thinking about so deeply?” Ming Lengchen stroked her hair affectionately.
“Oh, Chen, you’re here. How did you come without a sound?” Mei Siyu nestled in his arms, whispering.
“It’s not that there was no sound, but that you were lost in thought,” Ming Lengchen said softly.
“Chen, if someone close to you left, would you care?” Mei Siyu asked tentatively.
“Of course, if you were to leave me, I would be heartbroken. Even if you were at the ends of the earth, I would find you. Why are you suddenly saying such strange things? Are you thinking about leaving the palace again?” Ming Lengchen asked warily. His Yuer was always daydreaming, and he wondered if she was going to surprise him with another plan to escape.
“No, I’m not talking about myself. I’m asking about Wan’er, Qing’er, or Sister Yun’er. Would you be sad?” Mei Siyu asked seriously, looking at the leisurely Ming Lengchen.
“Them? I wouldn’t care. And who is this Qing’er? I don’t remember her,” Ming Lengchen asked.
“Oh my, you don’t even know Qing’er? Haha, that makes things easier,” Mei Siyu exclaimed somewhat triumphantly. Chen didn’t even remember Qing’er, so even if someone was missing from the palace, he wouldn’t investigate further. This meant Qing’er could soon be free! The thought made her excited!
“What makes things easier? What crazy idea has your little brain come up with? Quickly tell me,” Ming Lengchen asked eagerly, his interest piqued.
“Oh, it’s nothing. Aren’t you hungry? How about Yuer accompanies you to eat? I don’t know why, but I’m hungry again after just eating,” Mei Siyu said, pulling Ming Lengchen towards the hall. She hoped he wouldn’t dig deeper, or else her clever Chen might extract the truth, and her plan would be ruined, which would make Qing’er sad!
Qing’er trusted her so much, entrusting her entire future to her. If she messed things up because of herself, wouldn’t that break Qing’er’s heart? She must not let Chen suspect anything!
“Yuer, are you hiding something from me? You’re being so good today,” Ming Lengchen asked.
“Chen, I’m really hungry. Can we chat while eating? Please?” Mei Siyu whined, pulling Ming Lengchen outside. Try to probe her secrets? No way!
Ming Lengchen stared at Mei Siyu for a moment, allowing her to lead him out of the room. Today’s Mei Siyu was indeed strange.
“Yuer, in three days, I’ll be accompanying General Ying on a campaign,” Ming Lengchen said while eating the food Mei Siyu had served him.
“Oh, really? That’s great! Leiling Kingdom can win another victory!” Mei Siyu exclaimed sincerely.
“Yes, but I’m worried about you,” Ming Lengchen held her delicate hand, genuinely concerned.
“Chen, don’t worry. Yuer can take care of herself. Nothing will happen. Eat quickly,” Mei Siyu served him more food again.
Heaven is helping me! Chen is going on a campaign, which makes our plan even more seamless! She was inwardly jubilant. The only thing she was worried about now was the Empress Dowager. She hoped her lie could fool the usually shrewd Empress Dowager!
Time flew by, and in the blink of an eye, three days had passed.
A grand crowd stood on the platform, waiting for the Emperor to lead the troops into battle! Since Ming Lengchen’s ascension, Leiling Kingdom had been expanding its territory year after year, and its population had multiplied. This was a testament to the young monarch’s excellent governance! The soldiers were spirited, each looking heroic and ready to charge.
“Long live the Emperor! May Leiling Kingdom prosper forever!” everyone shouted.
“Move out!” Ming Lengchen looked sternly at the soldiers below.
“May the monarch return victorious soon,” those behind knelt and called out respectfully. This included the palace concubines, all hoping for a triumphant battle to showcase the kingdom’s might!
Watching the departing massive army, impressive and imposing, with Ming Lengchen gradually disappearing, she inexplicably became worried. She feared something might happen to Chen during this campaign, after all, it was a battlefield where swords and blades showed no mercy. She was scared and silently prayed to the heavens to protect Chen and ensure his safe return!
Tears unconsciously rolled down her cheeks. She realized how much she cared about Chen’s safety! Previously, she had always talked about leaving the palace, saying that some beautiful memories would be enough. Now she realized how naive she had been. She loved Ming Lengchen so deeply that she could never bear to leave. She could not tolerate the numerous beauties in his harem, could not bear the Empress Dowager’s arbitrary tyranny, or the suffocating palace life. Yet now, she was melancholic and in tears because of his journey. She feared she could never leave Chen in this lifetime, especially now that they had a child!
Wiping away the tears, revealing a faint smile, she knew this was not the time to be sad – many things were still waiting for her, including a big plan that needed to be implemented!
“Not good, the young mistress Qing is missing, not good, young mistress Qing has turned into a butterfly and flown away!!” Mei Siyu’s heart-wrenching cry came, disrupting everyone’s midday rest.
“Not good, young mistress Qing has turned into a butterfly and flown away, someone come quickly!” In her heart, Mei Siyu muttered to herself, “Aunt Qiong Yao, please don’t blame me for plagiarizing, Yuer had no choice but to imitate your drama. Please don’t be angry. I’ll bring you some rare treasures when I return.”
“In the middle of the day, what are you shouting about? You’re so ill-mannered!” The empress dowager, whose peaceful sleep was disturbed, shouted at Mei Siyu with anger.
“Your Majesty, Yuer did not intentionally disturb your rest. It’s just that the matter is so urgent that I must speak!” Mei Siyu said with teary eyes, hoping her act looked convincing.
“Tell me, what is so important that you’re making such a fuss?” the empress dowager inquired.
“In response to Your Majesty, young mistress Qing has turned into a butterfly and flown away. Yuer saw it with her own eyes but was powerless to stop it.” As she spoke, Mei Siyu’s eyes filled with tears, looking incredibly realistic.
“Nonsense! How could a living person turn into a butterfly and fly away? Stop spreading rumors!” the empress dowager scolded.
“Every word Yuer says is the truth, without a single lie,” Mei Siyu said confidently.
“Oh, did you hide Qing’er? Aren’t you always fond of witchcraft and such?” the empress dowager asked sharply.
