I became the demon of the female devil

Chapter 392 The Empress's Sudden Attack! Four women make a drama!

Zhaohua Palace.

A wooden table was set up in front of the emperor's desk, where Eunuch Jin was engrossed in reviewing memorials, while the documents on the desk beside him had already piled up into a small mountain.

Before leaving, the Empress instructed that he should handle ordinary matters at his discretion, but in case of an emergency, he could send a message to the Southern Frontier through the earth's veins.

As the Grand Eunuch and Director of the Directorate of Ceremonial, he often assisted in the work, so this task was not difficult for him. The only troublesome part was that he had to pretend that the Empress was still in the palace.

Not only did they have to go to Ningde Palace to pay their respects to the air every morning and evening, but they also had to deliver their breakfast inside and then secretly eat it in a secluded spot...

To the outside world, it was claimed that the emperor was unwell, and the routine morning court session was suspended.

At first, things went smoothly, but as several days passed and the Empress still hadn't shown up, it was inevitable that people would become suspicious, and recently some rumors had started to circulate in the palace.

When will His Highness return?

"At this rate, we can't hold out for much longer."

Grandpa Jin put down his brush and rubbed his temples.

Although Lady Sun wouldn't say it explicitly, he could roughly guess the reason why the Empress left the palace.

After all, Chen Mo had just left, and the Empress immediately followed him to the Southern Frontier; it was far too obvious, to say the least they weren't even pretending anymore...

"The eldest princess has a strong personality and holds military power; she doesn't even look at ordinary men."

"Chen Mo is not only incredibly talented, but he has also mastered the Military Seal. His abilities in all aspects are outstanding. The two are a perfect match, and with the support of the army, their future path will be much easier."

"But I never expected this kid to take the unconventional path and actually want to rise to the top in one step..."

Grandpa Jin sighed.

Taking too big a step can lead to trouble.

After all, the emperor was only ill, not dead. If their relationship were exposed, not only would Chen Mo be in trouble, but even the empress might not be able to protect herself.

dong dong dong-

Just then, there was a knock on the palace door, and a palace servant's voice came: "Your Excellency, someone outside the palace requests an audience."

Eunuch Jin frowned.

During this period, many ministers heard rumors and came to the palace under the pretext of reporting official business to try and find out more information, but he sent them all away.

Just as he was about to make an excuse to decline, the palace servant continued, "The person who came is Grand Tutor Lü. He said he has important matters to report to Her Majesty the Empress and is waiting outside."

"Lu Huaiyu?"

"Why is he here?"

Jin Gonggong's heart skipped a beat. After a slight hesitation, he still got up and left Zhaohua Palace.

On the square in front of the palace.

Lu Huaiyu lowered his gaze slightly, stood with his hands at his sides, and his tall and sturdy figure under his red silk robe gave him a majestic and imposing presence.

Hearing footsteps approaching, he looked up, a smile spreading across his usually stern face, his voice hoarse as if metal were rubbing together, "Eunuch Jin, it's been a long time."

"Grand Tutor Lü," Eunuch Jin nodded in greeting, "What brings you here?"

Without much pleasantries, Lü Huaiyu went straight to the point: "I have urgent business to attend to and must see Your Highness."

"What bad luck," Eunuch Jin shook his head and said, "His Highness is unwell and is currently recuperating at Ningde Palace. It is really inconvenient for him to receive guests... If the Grand Tutor doesn't mind, perhaps I can convey your message for you?"

Lü Huaiyu insisted, "I said I must report to His Highness in person."

Eunuch Jin said calmly, "As I have said, His Highness is not in a position to receive guests."

Is it inconvenient, or impossible?

"What does Grand Tutor Lü mean by this?"

The two locked eyes, and the atmosphere grew increasingly tense.

Lu Huaiyu narrowed his eyes, his pale yellow pupils seeming to see through people's hearts. "Please don't be offended, Eunuch Jin. I just find it a bit strange. Her Majesty the Empress rarely misses the morning court, and I heard that the Eldest Princess has also not shown up for several days. Could it be that they are both ill at the same time? Isn't that too much of a coincidence?"

Eunuch Jin remained expressionless and said, "Grand Tutor Lü should inquire about this matter at Changning Pavilion. I am merely a servant who assists Her Majesty the Empress. Apart from serving my master, I know nothing else."

"If there is nothing else, Grand Tutor Lü, please return."

"and many more."

Just as Eunuch Jin was about to see the guest off, Lü Huaiyu stopped him and said, "I do have something urgent to attend to. Since Your Highness is not available, I would like to trouble you to pass it on to me."

As he spoke, he took out a letter from his sleeve.

"This was given to me anonymously. The contents have not yet been verified, but since it concerns the safety of the palace, I think Her Majesty the Empress should know about it."

"Is the safety of the palace?"

Jin Gonggong was also a little curious. He reached out and took it, unfolded it and glanced at it. His expression immediately froze.

The letter indicated that Yu Zhe, the commander of the Xuanjia Guard, had been bribed by outsiders and had not only embezzled and accepted bribes, but had also repeatedly betrayed palace intelligence!
The entire content is very detailed. Although the person's identity is not specified, it can be basically confirmed that it is not a baseless rumor!
Most importantly, to ensure the Empress's safety during this trip out of the palace, he specifically arranged for a team of Xuanjia guards to accompany her.

If I remember correctly, the leader among them was this Yu Zhe!
"Oops!"

A chill ran down Jin Gonggong's spine.

The Empress is far away in the southern border, and there are spies following her. If anything goes wrong, he will probably be punished with death a hundred times over!

Lü Huaiyu sized him up and said in a deep voice, "Eunuch Jin, you should know that this is no child's play. It will be too late to regret it once a disaster is caused! I'll ask you one last time, where is Her Majesty the Empress?"

Eunuch Jin's voice trembled, "Her Highness, she..."

boom--

Just then, a loud bang was heard!
The ground trembled violently, as if an earth dragon were turning over!
The two looked up suddenly and saw smoke and dust rising in the sky above Qianji Palace, and a dark shadow spreading out, like an overturned bowl enveloping the entire palace!

"What's going on? It actually activated the Heavenly Shadow Guards?"

"Could someone be planning an assassination?!"

Without hesitation, Eunuch Jin leaped away.

Lü Huaiyu followed closely behind, his speed no slower than Lü Huaiyu's.

The two arrived in the sky, but dared not make any rash moves. The Heavenly Shadow Guards would automatically activate their defense mechanism when they sensed the killing intent, sealing off the space. Any creature that approached would be considered a threat and would be killed.

Even if you can't see what's happening inside, you can feel the restless primordial energy in the air, as well as the undisguised, fierce killing intent!
Someone actually murdered the king!

The black shadow quietly faded away after half an incense stick had burned.

Upon seeing the scene before him, Eunuch Jin's mouth gaped open, his eyes filled with disbelief, and even Lü Huaiyu was stunned on the spot.

The palace gates collapsed, the pillars crumbled, and the solemn palace was reduced to ruins.

A deep ravine runs across the entire palace, stretching all the way to the distant palace wall, as if someone had forcibly split the Qianji Palace in the middle!

Even on the day of the festival, the princess's astonishing sword strike failed to break through the Heavenly Shadow Guards' defenses.

With such ability and such courage, they can only think of one person—

Jade Cold!
"Dead!"

"Life is dead!"

Exclamations of surprise came from below.

The two exchanged a glance, their expressions changed slightly, and they hurriedly leaped away.

"Could it be His Majesty...?"

"Then the Great Yuan Dynasty is truly about to undergo a major upheaval!"

By this time, the Imperial Guards had completely surrounded the palace, their swords and spears gleaming coldly.

General Longwu Che Ming blocked their way, his hand on the sword at his waist, and said in a deep voice, "There has been an incident in the palace. The palace is sealed off and martial law is in effect. No one is allowed to approach Qianji Palace!"

Lu Huaiyu's gaze swept through the crowd, glancing at the deep palace gate. He bowed deeply and said loudly, "The capital city has been struck by a sudden calamity. We have arrived late to rescue Your Majesty. We beg Your Majesty's forgiveness. We wonder if Your Majesty is still in good health?"

For a long time, there was deathly silence.

Lu Huaiyu kept his head down and remained motionless.

After a long while, a soft cough was heard: "Cough cough... Thank you for your concern, my dear minister. I am in good health. It's just a pity that Lianshan was killed while protecting me..."

Lu Huaiyu frowned upon hearing this.

The dead person was actually Qi Lianshan?
wrong……

If Yu Youhan wanted to harm the emperor, Qi Lianshan wouldn't be able to stop him at all. Moreover, the Heavenly Shadow Guards only blocked the way and didn't take action, which means that the emperor himself was not under any fatal threat...

This indirectly shows that Yu Youhan came here specifically for Qilian Mountain!
But why would she do that?

The risks and rewards are completely disproportionate!
Unless, for her, Qi Lianshan had a compelling reason to die.

Just as Lü Huaiyu's heart was churning with emotion, the emperor's voice rang out again: "If I remember correctly, Lianshan should be your brother-in-law, right? As fellow members of the Qi family, connected by blood, he certainly cannot bear such a blow. Please tell your wife to accept this loss with restraint..."

? !
Lu Huaiyu's pupils suddenly shrank to pinpoints, and every hair on his body stood on end!

What does this mean?
Could it be that Yu Youhan's target wasn't just one person, but the entire Qi family?

Although the Qi and Jiang families are the most active among the four hidden clans, that is only in comparison.

In fact, most of the Qi family members are scattered throughout Kyushu. There are not many people with names in the capital, except for Qi Lianshan and his first wife, Qi Yingrong, a first-rank imperial consort.

"not good!"

"Yingrong is in danger!"

Without saying goodbye, Lü Huaiyu took off into the air and flew away like a shooting star!

"What a flustered and disorderly manner! You don't act like a Grand Tutor at all!" A disgruntled snort came from inside the Qianji Palace.

Jin Gonggong suddenly came to his senses, knelt down, and said in a trembling voice, "Your Majesty's good health is truly a blessing for all the people, and a blessing from Heaven for our Great Yuan!"

"God bless you?"

"Ha ha……"

The emperor's laughter carried a chilling undertone and disdain, before he suddenly asked, "Jinwu, why did you come with Lü Huaiyu? What does he want with you?" Jin Gonggong's hand clenched tightly in his sleeve, crumpling the letter into a ball, his face still showing signs of shock. "Your Majesty," he replied, "Her Majesty, Her Majesty the Empress has been unwell recently and has some unfinished business. Grand Tutor Lü has come precisely for this reason..."

"Well then, you may leave now and take good care of the Empress." The Emperor didn't say anything more.

"Yes, the slave will leave."

Eunuch Jin retreated with a bow and quick steps.

Seemingly out of some tacit understanding, no one mentioned the identity of the "murderer" throughout the entire process.

Leaving the palace surrounded by vermilion walls, Eunuch Jin composed himself and gazed at the dilapidated imperial palace in the distance, his eyes filled with solemnity and apprehension.

Even though the dome was torn apart, the interior was still filled with dense darkness, and not even a sliver of sunlight could penetrate it.

The emperor resided in the innermost palace.

The place he was in just now was several feet away from the main gate, with the main hall and layers of corridors in between, yet the voice could be clearly heard. This did not seem like someone who was seriously ill and dying!
It seems that the emperor's health has improved considerably since the day of the festival...

"This matter must be communicated to His Highness as soon as possible!"

"And that Yu Zhe, he's very likely to be a problem!"

Eunuch Jin turned and left, heading towards Zhaohua Palace without touching the ground.

……

……

Jinglan Street, Lufu.

Located at the foot of the imperial city, the streets here are wide and flat, with tall locust trees planted on both sides. Their lush canopies block out the bright sun and cast dappled shadows on the white stone pavement.

Although Jinglan Street is usually quite quiet, it seemed unusually quiet today, without even a bird chirping or an insect humming.

Despite the bright sunshine overhead, a chill inexplicably ran through me.

"Aren't you feeling a chill all over?" The guard in front of the Lu Mansion touched the back of his neck and asked in confusion, "I feel a little uneasy, like something bad is about to happen... Hey, I'm talking to you..."

After waiting for a moment without any response, he turned his head and saw his companion standing on the other side of the gate with empty eyes, standing there blankly like a statue.

Step, step, step——

At the end of the street, a figure in purple slowly approached.

Beneath the swaying skirt, her jade-like feet were fair and delicate. They stepped on the ground without being touched by dust, and in an instant, she arrived at the front and climbed the stone steps.

The guard tried to speak up to stop her, but no sound came out. The moment he saw the woman, he lost control of his body.

boom!
The gate shattered, and Yu Youhan stepped inside.

"who?"

"How dare you trespass into the Grand Tutor's residence..."

The words stopped abruptly.

All the servants and guards who came upon hearing the noise froze in place.

Her divine sense covered the entire mansion, searching for Qi Yingrong's location. Suddenly, her expression froze, and a trace of confusion flashed in her eyes.

"Why is she here too?"

Yu Youhan flashed into the inner courtyard, where a study was hidden in the bamboo forest, with a plaque that read "Jianshanlou" hanging above the door.

I reached out and pushed open the door, and I could hear women talking inside:

"Three barrels."

"bump!"

"One thousand—"

"Mrs. Lin, why are you targeting me specifically?"

"Hehe, you just got a pair of nines of ten thousand, I knew you were waiting for a pure suit of ten thousand..."

"I'm conceding this round to three other players. Let me see what kind of hand you have... No, you clearly have no ones or nines, yet you'd rather break up pairs to block me?!"

"I'm happy, can you take care of it?"

"Alright, ladies, let's just have some fun..."

"..."

Yu Youhan stood at the doorway, looking at the scene before her, and fell silent.

In the hall, there was a square table where Qi Yingrong and her daughter, Madam Jinyun, and He Yuzhi sat around the table, shuffling mahjong tiles with a clattering sound.

He Yuzhi was busy drawing cards when she suddenly caught a glimpse of a figure out of the corner of her eye.

He rubbed his eyes hard, making sure he wasn't seeing things, then dropped the horse card in his hand and stammered:

"Mother...Your Majesty?!"

"Ok?"

The other three looked over upon hearing the sound.

Upon seeing the "uninvited guest," his expression froze on his face.

Aside from He Yuzhi, only Jin Yun and Consort Yu had met once, but their identities were easily guessed by their distinctive phoenix eyes, cinnabar mole, and imposing aura that made people afraid to look directly at them!
Qi Yingrong was the first to react, rising to greet the Imperial Concubine.

"I have met the imperial concubine."

The others hurriedly stood up, feeling uneasy.

As the saying goes, a person's reputation precedes them. Faced with this "femme fatale" whose cultivation was beyond compare, even the Lu Shuang Pavilion, which had been through countless battles, couldn't help but feel a little nervous.

Yu Youhan said indifferently, "It seems I've come at the wrong time. You all seem to be having a lot of fun."

"My lady..."

He Yuzhi shuddered, her heart sinking into a deep chill.

Actually, she came here today entirely out of necessity.

Qi Yingrong had sent her invitations for several days in a row, inviting her to visit her family.

Although she didn't want to have too much contact with the Lu family, they were, after all, the wife of a high-ranking official. Chen Zhuo was still an official in the court, so she couldn't refuse him. It was really difficult to refuse, so she arranged a time to meet.

To avoid suspicion, they even brought Madam Jinyun along.

At first, the group was enjoying tea and appreciating poetry, but as a mere military man, He Yuzhi knew nothing about such things and found it all very confusing.

Seeing that she wasn't interested, Madam Jinyun suggested playing cards, which led to the scene just now...

No one expected that the Empress would suddenly appear and be caught red-handed!

However, it was not appropriate to say these things directly in front of these people, and He Yuzhi did not know how to explain them for a moment.

Qi Yingrong hesitated for a moment, then tentatively asked, "I wonder what brings Your Majesty here in person?"

Yu Youhan's eyes flickered.

After silently weighing the options, he ultimately decided against taking action.

After all, the group seemed to have a close relationship, and killing someone in front of He Yuzhi was ultimately inappropriate.

"It's nothing, I just happened to be passing by and came in to take a look." Looking at the mahjong tiles that had just been laid out on the table, Yu Youhan raised an eyebrow and said, "It seems you're short one player for the three of you, why don't you invite me to join you?"

???

The ladies looked at each other, their faces full of questions.

Consort Yu lived in Hanxiao Palace, so there was no way she could have passed by Lu Mansion. So she came here specifically to play cards?
Besides, there were originally four of them, so how could there be a shortage of one?

……

……

call--

A harsh sound broke through the air.

Trailing a wave of air behind him, Lü Huaiyu returned to the Lü residence from the palace in just a few breaths.

Seeing the guards frozen in place at the door, his bad premonition grew stronger. He slipped to the front of the study, took a deep breath, pushed open the door, and went inside.

"Please, please make sure nothing happens to you..."

[_?]
Upon seeing that bizarre art style, Lü Huaiyu had a moment of existential doubt.

Bad news: The imperial concubine did indeed get into a fight with her own wife.

Good news: It's a game of cards.

Yu Guifei and Qi Yingrong were playing mahjong, while Lü Shuangge stood humbly beside them, serving tea and water. The atmosphere was strange yet harmonious.

"bump!"

Lady Jinyun played two horse cards.

"Ok?"

Yu Youhan glanced at her.

Jin Yun swallowed hard and silently withdrew her hand. "Then I won't touch it."

Yu Youhan threw out a 1 or 9, then looked at He Yuzhi and said with a smile, "Madam Chen, you're really lucky, you actually won again."

He Yuzhi glanced down and chuckled sheepishly, "It really is true, I didn't even notice until Your Majesty pointed it out..."

"..."

Lu Huaiyu's lips twitched slightly.

Is this some kind of dream?
(End of this chapter)