Five years after her death, she awoke on the dragon bed.

Chapter 379 If This Isn't Love

Seeing that he couldn't get anything out of Ji Qing, Murong asked Ji Qing to bring the koi over.

Koi fish are considered more auspicious and intelligent; perhaps asking a koi fish will provide the answer.

Ji Qing, however, repeatedly warned Jinli not to speak out of turn in front of His Majesty.

Jinli thought dismissively, "So what if he doesn't want to talk? Anyway, it's His Majesty who'll suffer, not her. Men like His Majesty are just spoiled by women; too many women throw themselves at him, to the point that he doesn't value love much."

She actually hoped that His Majesty would suffer more setbacks at the hands of the Empress.

When she stood before the Emperor, he indeed asked, "Jinli, do you think I like the Empress?"

Jinli thought to herself, "His Majesty cares so much about this issue, how can it not be a sign of affection? It seems even the most powerful figures can make mistakes."

She replied respectfully, "Forgive my ignorance, but I do not know what liking is. However, I feel that Your Majesty the Empress has great respect for His Majesty."

When Murong heard the word "respect," he wasn't truly happy. His respect was only because Murong was a king; it was reverence, not love.

Seeing that its master was silent, the koi quietly glanced at him.

She felt a secret thrill when she saw her master's slightly gloomy face.

very nice.

These servants, under His Majesty's imposing presence, served him with utmost care, living in constant fear. But before the Empress, didn't His Majesty still have to curry favor with her?

Thinking about it this way, she suddenly felt that Heaven was fair, sending the Empress to deal with this supreme Emperor.

The koi secretly gave a thumbs-up to the powerful Empress, only to see the Emperor walk past her.

That's strange. At this time of day, could it be that they're planning to go to Xianfu Palace?

Curious, she followed, and Jiqing followed closely behind.

When they saw His Majesty leave the Qianqing Palace, he suddenly stopped and looked in the direction of the Xianfu Palace.
She kicked Jiqing, and Jiqing glared at her.

"What's wrong, Your Majesty?" she mouthed.

How could Ji Qing know? It's highly likely that His Majesty wants to see the Empress. But previously, when he suggested His Majesty go to Xianfu Palace, His Majesty stubbornly refused.

Now look what happened! In the blink of an eye, His Majesty changed his mind and wants to see the Empress. Has he been proven wrong?

"Go to the Cold Palace!" Just as Ji Qing and Jin Li were exchanging pleasantries, His Majesty suddenly said.

The two exchanged a glance, both showing the same astonishment.

What's wrong with Your Majesty? Why did you suddenly go to that ominous Cold Palace? Could it be that you've developed inappropriate feelings for the convicted woman, Tao?

And so, the imperial procession went to the Cold Palace.

Although it was called the Cold Palace, it was just a palace in a more remote location.

During the reign of the previous emperor, the Cold Palace housed quite a few people, but after Murong ascended the throne, there were only two in total. The previous one, Consort Ma, who was banished to the Cold Palace, had already died, and now only Lady Tao lived there.

The Cold Palace was sparsely populated, and with the night falling, it felt rather eerie.

Ji Qing felt this place was unlucky and wanted to advise his master: "Your Majesty, the Cold Palace is considered unlucky, perhaps..."

Before he could finish speaking, he saw his master step into the cold palace.

Tao had been pampered since childhood and had never lived in such a filthy place. Fortunately, it was May, so it wasn't cold. Everything here was covered in dust, and the bed was moldy. Having just entered this place, she felt that perhaps dying wouldn't be so bad.

She regretted more than once that if she hadn't been bewitched and hadn't had the intention to kill Lou Suyi, would she have been able to live a peaceful life in the harem?

Just as she was wallowing in self-pity, Murong arrived.

She felt a moment of surprise, but quickly realized that Murong would not pardon her. It was also possible that Murong had brought poisoned wine to take her life.

They, the so-called concubines of the harem, had all witnessed how cold-hearted this emperor was.

"This sinful woman, Tao, respectfully greets Your Majesty." Tao stepped forward, knelt down, and paid her respects.

"Come out." Murong disliked the smell in the room and went out first, walking into the dimly lit corridor.

Tao dared not delay and also went to the corridor.

She didn't know why Murong had come to see her. He was a very busy man; if he came to the Cold Palace to see her, he must have something to say.

But Murong arrived without saying a word, simply standing there quietly. She dared not utter a sound, waiting for Murong to speak.

Murong broke the silence after a long while: "Why do you think I like the Empress?"

Tao's brow twitched slightly; she never expected that Murong would come at this hour to ask her such a question.

This is interesting. The wise emperor still hasn't figured out his feelings for Lou Suyi?

She suddenly felt this was an opportunity to improve her living conditions, so she knelt down and boldly asked, "Your Majesty, could you help this sinner improve her living conditions in the Cold Palace?"

Murong turned around upon hearing the voice, coldly staring at Tao Shi: "You dare to negotiate with me?!"

Tao's heart skipped a beat; she knew she was unworthy. She wanted to harm the woman he loved, and she wanted to harm his child—how could she be worthy?
But she was once one of his concubines, only to be neglected by him because he didn't like her.

She used to be a very proud person, but she ended up like this because he was too biased.
“This sinful woman is indeed unworthy. But the concubine only wishes for a slightly better environment for the rest of her life, and this sinful woman can help His Majesty clarify his feelings for the Empress. This matter concerns the happiness of His Majesty and the Empress for the rest of their lives, and this sinful woman believes that His Majesty has not suffered a loss,” Tao said, mustering her courage.

Ultimately, it's a choice between dying or living a more miserable life. If she wins the gamble, she might live a little longer, so of course she's willing to take the risk.

Murong coldly stared at Tao Shi. Tao Shi looked up and met Murong's gaze directly, without flinching or avoiding it.

It must be said that the emperor's authority was immense. Just when she was about to give up, she finally heard His Majesty speak: "If what you say is worthless, I will grant you death."

Tao breathed a sigh of relief, knowing that she needed to speak properly to clear up Murong's confusion.

"This humble woman believes that His Majesty favors the Empress," she said with certainty.

Jiqing and Jinli, who were not far away, exchanged a glance, both feeling that their plans had come to nothing.

Ji Qing didn't want His Majesty to know about this, so that His Majesty could remain somewhat normal. Jin Li, on the other hand, hoped that His Majesty would experience some heartbreak, and that the Empress would torment him a little.

Who would have thought that His Majesty would suddenly find the Cold Palace, and that Lady Tao would actually be able to answer His Majesty's questions?

Murong looked coldly at Tao Shi: "Why are you so certain?"

He himself couldn't figure out what kind of feelings he had for the Empress, so how could Tao Shi be so sure that he liked the Empress?

“His Majesty has given the Empress everything a man can give a woman: honor, favor, and loyalty. If this is not love, then what is it?” Tao replied without hesitation.

Such a simple answer, yet Murong, being so caught up in the situation, was given the opportunity to clear things up for him.