Chapter 226 The Living Abandoned Empress of the Cold Palace X The Invading Unruly Buddhist Son 60
Chapter 226 The Living Abandoned Empress of the Cold Palace X The Invading Unruly Buddhist Son 60
Turning around, Yun Piao narrowed her eyes slightly, a look of cold mockery etched across her face. She understood what Qi Jueyu meant—he dared to make such an absurd request because he wanted his niece, Yun Qian.
In this regard, only two words came to Yun Piao's mind: Dreaming!
From the day Qi Jueyu started his rebellion, the relationship between them was destined to be "irreconcilable and life-and-death".
Even if he is a prince, so what? Without her recognition, the blood flowing in his bones will be in vain.
Even if he still had feelings for Yun Qian, it was useless. As long as Yun Qian was still alive, she was hers, her niece, and a member of her Yun family. This could not be changed.
And everything he had done…had already crushed that tiny bit of old friendship into dust. Even if he surrendered one day, it would only be because of the situation, a vain attempt to gain a glimmer of hope by keeping a low profile.
But if he thought that this little bit of servility could win her compromise, then he was underestimating Yun Piao.
Yun Piao stood there, sneering, her eyes filled with sarcasm and murderous intent. This was the political landscape—all human affection, gratitude, even blood ties, vanished before the whirlwind of power and profit. There was no longer any affection between her and Qi Jueyu, a fact they both knew full well.
If he really had the guts to propose such an offer, she would show no mercy. Now that they were enemies, there was no room for compromise.
Even if Qi Jueyu was already a prisoner, she would never give him any chance to turn the tables, not to mention that Yun Qian - the only bargaining chip that could influence the situation - was now firmly in Yun Piao's hands.
She, Yun Piao, wasn't dead yet! Qi Jueyu had the guts to come up with this idea, wanting her to hand over her niece to him personally?
"dream!"
The atmosphere in the hall was as cold as the coldest of winter. The ministers gathered around to discuss the matter lowered their heads in silence. Some glanced at their colleagues and then retreated quietly, no one daring to venture out and provoke Empress Yun at this moment. Yun Piao's wrath was more than they could bear, and the murderous intent hidden within that rage was even more terrifying.
"Qi Jueyu, are you really not afraid of dying an ugly death?" Yun Piao raised her eyes slightly, her gaze unfocused into the distance, but her voice echoed clearly in every corner of the hall. Her fingers tapped lightly on the table, making a rhythmic sound like water dripping on stone slabs, monotonous yet oppressive. The cold light in her eyes was like a blade, hiding her determination.
She raised her hand, her cold fingertips lightly sweeping across the military report on the table. Suddenly, she slammed the document in her hand onto the table with a dull thud. Then, without a moment's hesitation, she gave the order: "Mobilize all troops, send them all to the front lines, and call up the retired veterans! Now, 'Da Qi cannot retreat even a single step!'"
All the ministers responded in unison: "Yes!"
However, just as Yun Piao was about to wave her hand and prepare to have everyone retreat and follow her orders, she suddenly frowned and paused for a moment. She thought again, a cold light flashing in her phoenix eyes, and she immediately understood the key point.
She was incredibly clever, so clever that she figured out Qi Jueyu's plan in a split second. Yun Qian's wedding was in two days, and he had sent a secret letter at this crucial moment, proposing such ridiculous peace terms—was he simply testing her attitude?
impossible!
When a mature strategist does something to achieve his goal, would he only make one preparation?
"Wait!" Yun Piao suddenly spoke. Her cold tone made the ministers who had just stood up stop and lower their heads waiting for her further orders.
"Propagate this imperial decree—" She paused, her eyes sharp as a knife, "Draw back all the personnel of the Dark Guard Battalion who are outside. Ensure they closely guard the Imperial City and investigate any suspicious activity! Report any unusual activity to the Heavenly Court immediately!"
Her words were like a thunderbolt, completely subduing the ministers' doubts. Although they didn't fully understand why Queen Yun was so vigilant, they didn't dare to question it in the slightest.
"Yes!" After responding in unison, everyone filed out.
Seeing them retreat, Yun Piao felt a headache. She didn't want her niece to be involved in this matter, but she also knew that it might be unavoidable. At this moment, she inexplicably wanted to call Yun Qian to come and hear what she thought. Unexpectedly, she just said, "Come here, tell Yun Qian to come over."
"Your Majesty, the young lady waited outside the palace for a while. After His Royal Highness the Crown Prince left, she left with the young lady."
The servants below lowered their heads and looked submissive. Yun Piao looked indifferent, sighed, and thought, "Well, that's all."
She waved her hand, signaling everyone to leave. The empire's highest official slowly approached the place where the statues were enshrined... She hadn't believed in it before, but now that she was older, she had begun to enjoy reciting a few lines of Buddhist scriptures.
"Protect our Great Qi from the sufferings of war..."
…………
Inside the imperial city, there were lights and decorations, and the sound of gongs and drums was deafening. It was very lively and noisy.
The high-hanging red lanterns illuminated the entire imperial city like daylight. The streets were bustling with people, ribbons fluttered in the wind, and red silk could be seen everywhere.
The bustling scene, which began to be heard at midnight, filled every alley and every tall building.
The crowds of people were so numerous and cheerful that even the square outside the palace gates was packed with onlookers. The palace grounds were even more magnificent, with the courtyards adorned with vibrant flowers. Garlands of vibrant blossoms were woven into garlands and hung everywhere, adding a touch of romance to this royal wedding.
The treatment for marrying a wife in the Eastern Palace and marrying a daughter in the Queen's family is the same.
Yun Qian was caught and dressed up at midnight. She didn't feel anything in her heart, and her sleepiness was driven away by the lively sound of gongs and drums. Her thoughts couldn't help but drift away.
In the hall, Queen Yunhou sat on a high platform, her majesty tinged with a rare gentleness. She was dressed in formal attire and wore a phoenix crown, like a mother who treated her daughter's marriage as her own, solemn yet loving. Today, she felt a sense of joy that hadn't been seen in a long time.
This is what she should do. While she is still well, she always likes to plan a few more things for her beloved niece.
In the center of the hall, Yun Qian was led here by the ceremonial officer.
She wore a phoenix coronet and robe, embroidered with a golden phoenix pattern of outstretched wings. Her red makeup was vibrant yet aloof. She appeared dignified and graceful, a smile on her lips, yet possessed a calmness and composure that was uniquely hers. Standing shoulder to shoulder with her, the Crown Prince, clad in rich attire, his face brimming with joy. The noble and aloof Crown Prince wore a constant smile, his handsome appearance captivating many who attended the ceremony.
I'm afraid many of the girls waiting to be married will be heartbroken. After all, the Crown Prince may have once shown interest in their fathers. They also thought they had a chance to become consorts of the Eastern Palace. But the Eastern Palace is so big, and even if they are heartbroken, they still have the chance to enter again, right?
This is another matter, let’s not talk about it for now.
PDLP