[032] Unyielding Majesty
Blue Star Empireās Grand General, Xiao Yichen: [Grand Marshal, what does Her Majesty the Empress mean by this? Could it be that she wants to reshuffle everything?]
Blue Star Empireās Grand Marshal, Huo Tingyue: [Letās observe quietly. The Empressās thoughts are harder than ever to predict.]
Blue Star Empireās Minister of Finance, Liang Jingxuan: [Is the Empress planning to groom the Second Princess? Could our spring finally be coming?]
Blue Star Empireās Minister of Public Security, Lei Gang: [Letās wait and see. Do more, speak less.]
Blue Star Empireās Minister of Defense, Bai Jingyi: [I only recognize the Empressās decree. Everything else people say is nonsense.]
For a moment, the empireās key decision-makers whispered among themselves, each harboring their own thoughts.
Soon after, the Empress announced the empireās upcoming plans and invited each minister to share their opinions. Time passed quickly, and the audience ended without any concrete decisions.
Just then, a guard entered to report that Bei Mingheng requested to meet the Second Princess. He claimed that if she refused, he would die at the palace gate to prove the sincerity of his feelings.
The Empressās fury flared, but she quickly regained her composure. Her sharp gaze turned to Li Yaoyao.
āSecond Princess, what do you have to say about this matter?ā
Bei Mingheng, once expelled from the imperial capital by her elder daughter, now cowered like a stray dog.
His former prestige, in the Empressās eyes, was nothing more than fleeting smoke.
Li Yaoyao felt her heart tighten. She knew her motherās formidable power and was acutely aware of her own precarious position.
She took a deep breath, steadied herself, and spoke slowly:
āMother, I believe that although Bei Mingheng is ambitious, he is no longer a threat. He was expelled from the palace by my sister and is likely afraid, unlikely to act rashly again.ā
The Empressās gaze remained piercing, as if she could see straight through Li Yaoyaoās heart. She fell silent for a moment before saying:
āSecond Princess, do not underestimate him. Bei Mingheng is cunning and treacherous. If left unguarded, he could cause unforeseen trouble.ā
Li Yaoyao quickly nodded and replied, āMother, you are right. I will be vigilant and careful, and will not give Bei Mingheng any opportunity to act.ā
The Empress slightly nodded, her gaze softening just a little. She knew Li Yaoyao was smart but still young and in need of further growth. Perhaps this incident was precisely the opportunity for that.
āLi Yaoyao, I want to hear your true words. Are these truly your words?ā
The Empressās beautiful eyes narrowed, and her aura instantly turned icy, as though the very temperature around her dropped several degrees.
Chen Lie, attending nearby, hurried to massage her shoulders and back, easing the tense atmosphere.
Li Yaoyao trembled, quickly kneeling in fear, saying, āMother, please calm your anger. Everything I have said is truthful. I had no knowledge of this matter.ā
āBesides, Bei Mingheng was promised to my sister by the Serpent Clan. How could I possibly entertain any thoughts toward him?ā
Her voice trembled, her eyes full of fear and helplessness. She lowered her head, afraid that her expression might betray her true feelings.
Her heart raced violently, as if it might leap from her chest.
She clenched her fists tightly, her nails digging into her palms, trying to use the pain to distract herself from the panic within.
She knew that once the Empressās wrath was fully unleashed, the consequences would be unimaginable. She had to find a way to calm her mother, or she would face severe punishment.
āPlease, Mother, I beg you to decide this matter on my behalf. I do not wish to become a figure despised by the world.ā
Seeing that the Empress remained unmoved, Li Yaoyaoās voice trembled further, her eyes full of urgency and frustration, and she quickly reaffirmed her stance.
She clenched her fists even harder, her nails pressing into her palms, as if that could steady her inner turmoil.
She despised Bei Mingheng for his foolish actions. His selfishness and recklessness had put her in such a difficult position.
She had never imagined she would suffer so much because of him.
Her heart was filled with helplessness and grievance; tears welled in her eyes, yet she stubbornly refused to let them fall.
She knew she could not show weakness before her mother and had to be strong to secure a fair outcome for herself.
She took a deep breath, striving to keep her voice steady, and continued:
āMother, I have always followed your teachings, striving to be a kind and upright person. Yet Bei Mingheng has treated me in this way. His actions not only bring me shame but also desecrate the dignity of the royal family. I humbly ask you, Mother, to uphold justice and restore my honor.ā
Li Yaoyao knew todayās incident would not end favorably for Bei Mingheng. Sacrificing him would ensure she retained everything she had.
Once she became the Crown Princess and eventually inherited the throne, what kind of male wouldnāt she have? Sacrificing one Bei Mingheng while having countless others was not foolishāshe would never sacrifice herself for anyone.
The Empress narrowed her eyes slightly, her gaze moving from the almost hysterical Li Yaoyao to Chen Lie at her side.
Her face, previously cold as frost, softened just a little, yet still radiated an unyielding majesty.
āLie, handle this matter. Do not leave any loose ends that the Serpent Clan could exploit.ā
āIf their people commit wrongdoing, let the Serpent Clan handle it themselves.ā
āSlandering a royal princess and defying imperial authority are serious offenses, but they still need to be reported to the Serpent Clan.ā
The Empressās voice was not loud but clear and forceful, each word heavy with authority.
Chen Lie nodded slightly, his eyes full of obedience and respect. āI will follow your command.ā
Without asking further questions, he turned and left.
Li Yaoyao watched this, a flicker of panic in her eyes, but she did not dare speak.
She bit her lip, hands unconsciously clutching her dress, knuckles white from gripping tightly.
Chen Lieās steps were steady, his posture upright, and he soon vanished from sight.
The Empress returned her gaze to Li Yaoyao, her eyes piercing as if reading her soul. Li Yaoyaoās heart raced, and she instinctively lowered her head.
āDo not be too anxious. As long as your conscience is clear, Mother will not treat you unfairly,ā the Empress said, her tone calm yet subtly reassuring.
Li Yaoyao shivered slightly and whispered, āYesā¦ā
At that moment, her heart was filled with fear of the unknown and speculation about her motherās intentions.
In this deep and shadowed palace, she felt like a lost lamb, unsure of what fate awaited her.
The Empress cast a glance at the ministers, then frowned slightly. āHonored ministers, I have a message for you: the Crown Princess has traveled to another planet in search of new resources.ā
āShe will not return for the time being.ā
āDuring this period, no one is allowed to disturb her.ā
āIf anyone dares to interfere with the Crown Princessāexecution without mercy!ā
Though the Empress was angry that her eldest daughter had fled the palace after sending just a single message, she was pleased that her daughterās safety was ensured.
Her palace was a fortress of bronze and iron, and she was curious how her eldest daughter had evaded surveillance and the heavy guard.
