Starting from the imperial palace guards, his clones spread all over the world.

Chapter 632 Rescue the Empress
East of the city.

Yan Gui Lane.

The low houses were crammed together, the walls were mottled, and the air was filled with a complex smell of firewood, sewage and cooking smoke.

On the roof of a house, two young figures nestled together.

Even sitting on the rooftop, Ji Fei, the young man, stood tall and straight like an unsheathed sword.

A young girl named Xiaorou nestled beside him. Her coarse cloth dress was faded from washing, but it couldn't hide the clarity and liveliness in her eyes.

Their gazes passed over the cluttered rooftops and narrow alleyways beneath their feet, landing on a distant area surrounded by high walls and brightly lit.

That area is a district of mansions for the powerful and wealthy.

Even from a distance, one can vaguely see the outlines of exotic flowers and trees peeking out from the depths of the courtyard, displaying an elegant posture that does not belong to the slums, illuminated by carefully arranged lanterns.

For the two people who were used to the monotonous and gloomy Yan Gui Lane, the mere glimpses of green and warm light were the most luxurious scenery.

Xiao Rou gently rested her head on Ji Fei's shoulder, which wasn't broad but was as firm as a rock, her eyes sparkling with longing:
"Brother Fei, it would be nice if we could keep watching like this..."

She sketched out her vision of the future, only to be quickly pulled back by the cold, hard barriers of reality:
"Once we've saved enough money, we'll...we'll add another layer to our roof! And cover it with big blue tiles! The kind that the wind can't blow through!"

She immediately shook her head in self-doubt, counting on her fingers:

"No, no, the old foundation probably won't hold... To reinforce it, we'd have to dig up the ground to reinforce the foundation, which would mean demolishing the houses underneath..."

She frowned in distress, but finally, like a child who had found a treasure, she nestled contentedly against Ji Fei again.

"Oh well! I don't want to think about it anymore! This is fine as it is!"

Ji Fei suddenly sat up straight, a flame of resentment burning in his young and sharp eyes.

He released Xiaorou and gripped the handle of the thick-backed cleaver leaning against him tightly.

The smell of cheap liquor wafting from the alley and the cries of children became background noise that fueled his ambition.

"good?"

His voice wasn't loud, but it was like a taut bowstring, containing power:

"What do you mean by 'good'?"

"I refuse to believe that I, Ji Fei, will be poor my whole life!"

"I refuse to believe I'm going to spend the rest of my life holed up in this Yan Gui Lane, smelling the stench of this run-down alley while drooling over other people's grand mansions!"

He suddenly stood up, the night wind ruffling his slightly messy bangs.

He pointed to the magnificent outline of the distant landscape, illuminated by lights, his arm taut, with an almost vow-like resolve:

"I've heard that in the martial arts world, a fifth-rank expert is considered a true master!"

"With just a fifth rank, one can dominate a region! Gold and silver treasures are within easy reach! One will be respected and will no longer have to be subservient to others!"

His chest heaved, and his eyes gleamed with an almost fanatical light:

"And I'm already at the sixth rank! Xiao Rou, just you wait, in less than two years, I'll definitely be able to reach the fifth rank!"

He turned around, his gaze fixed intently on Xiaorou, as if trying to imprint this belief into her heart:

"When the time comes, I want to live in such a house with dignity! Green bricks and blue tiles, grand gates and courtyards!"

"I want to bring my parents, and you, Xiaorou, all in!"

"So that you will never have to worry about tomorrow's rice again, and you will never have to fear the harassment from the hooligans in the alley! We will live a truly good life!"

Xiao Rou looked up at him.

The afterglow of the setting sun outlined his young and angular profile, and the fervor and undeniable confidence in his eyes drew her in like a magnet.

A warm feeling welled up inside her, mixed with heartache and admiration.

Her Fei Ge should be just like that, upright and indomitable.

She smiled softly, her eyes sparkling:
"Brother Fei, you're already a sixth-rank martial artist. In our Yan Gui Lane, who doesn't know how powerful you are?"

"If you're looking for a stable job, you could actually go to..."

Ji Fei seemed to have been pricked by a needle, and abruptly interrupted her:
I know what you're going to say!

His voice suddenly rose, carrying a defiant and fierce quality:

"To guard the house for those fat, bloated old men? To bow and scrape, to be subservient to them? I, Ji Fei, will not do that!"

"Join those gangs that bully the weak and fear the strong, to rob the poor of their hard-earned money? Bah! I despise that even more!"

He suddenly swung his hand, and the machete drew a cold arc in the night:

"God gave birth to me, Ji Fei, not to be someone's lackey, not to do these despicable things!"

"I was born to do great things! Understand? Great things!"

His chest heaved violently, as if he had boundless energy with nowhere to go:

"Right now... we just haven't had the chance yet!"

"Xiaorou, have you ever heard of 'times create heroes'? The capital is about to descend into chaos! I can feel it! Even the prince and empress have been assassinated in the last two days."

"As long as the winds of change blow, I, Ji Fei, will surely make a name for myself! When that time comes, I will make the whole capital know the name Ji Fei of Yan Gui Lane!"

Xiao Rou was startled by the boldness and fierceness in his words and leaned back slightly, but when she saw the burning ambition in his eyes, the tenderness that belonged to a young girl quickly turned into a deeper admiration.

She nodded vigorously, about to say something—

"I'll give you the opportunity."

A cold, calm, and unexpected voice sounded behind them like a ghost.

The sound wasn't loud, but it was like a thunderclap striking the silent rooftop!

"Who?!"

Ji Fei's muscles tensed instantly, and his hair stood on end!

He whirled around, the machete clanging as it was held horizontally in front of him, his movements as swift as lightning, his eyes filled with unbelievable horror!
He was a sixth-rank martial artist with senses far exceeding those of ordinary people; nothing within ten feet could escape his perception!

But when did this person come up here?

He was completely unaware!

A chill instantly shot up from my tailbone to the top of my head!

Xiao Rou's reaction was surprisingly unexpected!

Almost as soon as Ji Fei turned around, she grabbed a sharp-edged half of a roof brick from the side of her hand, and without even looking at it, she used all her strength to smash it hard in the direction of the sound!
Her movements were swift and ruthless, displaying the instincts honed by a slum girl through countless conflicts!
She knew about Ji Fei's family's past crimes with the gang and how much they had suffered because of it.

At this point, Xiao Rou still thought it was just gangsters coming to take revenge, so she immediately prepared to help Ji Fei fight.

"Xiaorou, don't move!"

Ji Fei shouted sharply, his left hand shooting out like lightning, precisely grabbing Xiao Rou's wrist as she smashed the brick, forcefully stopping her movement.

His gaze was fixed on the figure that had appeared at the edge of the roof at some unknown time, looking at that familiar face.

The shock in Ji Fei's eyes was quickly replaced by a complex emotion:

"Is...is it you?!"

His voice had a slightly dry quality that was barely perceptible.

Xiao Rou's wrist was grabbed by Ji Fei, and the brick slipped from her hand and landed on the tile with a dull thud.

She looked at the newcomer with lingering fear, then at Ji Fei's unusual reaction, her large eyes filled with confusion and wariness.

Liang Jin's gaze swept lightly over Xiao Rou's wary yet wild face before finally settling on Ji Fei.

His eyes remained completely calm, as if the brick that had almost hit him was just a speck of dust.

"If you're willing to risk your life, then come with me alone."

Liang Jin's voice was completely flat, as if he were stating a fact.
Before he finished speaking, he moved slightly, as if he had only been blown by the night breeze, and then he disappeared from the rooftop.

The next moment, he silently drifted down into the dark alley below like a fallen leaf, and walked into the depths of the alley without looking back.

Ji Fei did not hesitate at all!

He abruptly released Xiaorou's wrist, his eyes burning with an almost insane, resolute light.

That's the look in a trapped beast's eyes when it sees the only way out!

"Brother Fei!"

Xiao Rou's voice was choked with sobs and deep worry as she instinctively grabbed Ji Fei's sleeve.

Ji Fei paused, turning back to look at Xiao Rou.

The intensity in his eyes softened slightly, replaced by a reassuring urgency:

"Don't be afraid! It's him... He wouldn't lie to me! He wouldn't hurt me!"

He gripped Xiaorou's cold hand tightly, his tone resolute:
"Remember what I told you, I, Ji Fei, am ready to give him my life anytime he needs it!"

After saying that, he didn't linger. He suddenly broke free from Xiaorou's hand and jumped off the roof.

Upon landing, he performed a light roll to dissipate the force, then burst into astonishing speed, sprinting towards the direction where Liang Jin had disappeared.

........................

In the secret room.

Mu Congshuang regained consciousness in a daze.

The biting cold, like countless fine steel needles, pierced into her very bones, causing her to tremble slightly even in her unconscious state.

My body was tightly bound by rough, tough hemp ropes, and the pain of the ropes digging into my flesh had already numbed me.

The wad of cloth stuffed in her mouth emitted an indescribable stench, making her nauseous and suffocating.

The most despairing thing is darkness.

The heavy hood blocked out all light, depriving her of the last possibility of perceiving the outside world.

She didn't know how long she had been imprisoned.

Time loses its meaning here, leaving only eternal cold, darkness, bondage, and soul-deep fear.

She was like a discarded rag doll, curled up in this hellish place.

"Well……"

A faint groan escaped from his blocked throat.

My body twitched slightly from the cold and discomfort, and the rough hemp rope stung my skin.

"Your Majesty, you've finally woken up."

That chilling voice, like a nightmare, rang out without warning, right up close!
Mu Congshuang's body suddenly stiffened, and then she began to tremble violently uncontrollably!

My heart felt like it was being gripped tightly by an invisible hand, almost stopping!

It's him!

That devil!

Fear, like a cold, venomous snake, instantly coiled around her heart; she could even hear her teeth chattering with extreme terror.

She was once trampled underfoot by the owner of that voice, and the dignity of the empress was utterly crushed.

After that, her memory became confused. She didn't even know what had happened, how much time had passed, or why she was always in a deep sleep.

But she knew it must be because of the drugs the masked man had given her.

She only vaguely remembered that she seemed to have talked a lot with this masked man while she was in a daze.

She was like someone who was drunk and couldn't control her mouth, unable to stop herself from talking and rambling on.

But she couldn't remember exactly what was said.

Sudden.

She was kicked.

This terrified Mu Congshuang so much that she couldn't help but scream, her whole body trembling uncontrollably, and tears streaming down her face.

She was afraid of the owner of that voice.

Because of that masked man, she felt the threat of death and realized that in the face of death, whether she was an empress or a commoner, she was equally vulnerable.

Just when Mu Congshuang thought this man would continue to abuse her.

Sudden--

"who?!"

The masked man's voice suddenly rose, filled with shock and rage!
Immediately afterwards, deafening sounds of fighting erupted from the narrow passageway outside the secret chamber!
"Qiang——!"

It was the sharp sound of a weapon colliding violently!

"boom!"

It was a dull, resounding thud as a heavy palm strike slammed into the stone wall, causing the entire secret chamber to tremble and dust to fall in a flurry!
"Ugh—!"

A short, piercing scream!
"Pfft!"

The dull thud of a sharp blade piercing flesh!
The chaotic footsteps, roars, and dying groans mingled together, coming from afar and frantically assaulting Mu Congshuang's eardrums!

The aftershocks of the fight even made her feel the ground tremble and hear the howling sound of the wind whistling through the stone wall!
The demon seemed to have joined the fray, letting out a furious roar:

"You brat, you dare to meddle in other people's business? Die!"

His voice was filled with a ferocious killing intent, clearly indicating that he had encountered a formidable enemy.

The sounds of battle were terrifyingly close!
It felt like it was right outside the door of the secret room!

Mu Congshuang was terrified and desperately curled up, wishing she could shrink herself into the cold stone ground.

Every impact made her shudder, and every scream made her heart stop.

She didn't know what was happening; she only felt like a small boat in a raging storm, about to be torn apart by the violent fighting at any moment.

I don't know how much time passed; it might have been just a moment, or it might have been an incredibly long time.

The deafening sounds of battle receded abruptly, like a receding tide.

The locked room fell into an eerie, suffocating silence.

All that remained were her heavy, fearful breaths, unusually clear in the confined space.

Just as she was still in shock, trying to glean some information from the terrifying silence.

suddenly!

"Well!"

She was suddenly lifted up by a tremendous force and shoved onto a hard, broad shoulder like a sack of potatoes!
The sudden dizziness made her vision go black and her stomach churn.

The person carrying her didn't stop at all and started running at full speed!

The wind howled shrilly in her ears, and the feeling of weightlessness and turbulence made her dizzy.

She could feel her body moving rapidly, and the deep, bone-chilling coldness originating from the mineral was quickly receding.

She was taken away from that hellish mine!
But...where to go?
A new hell?
A wave of immense fear and helplessness instantly gripped her.

Tears welled up again, mingling with the sweat and dust inside the hood, sticky and cold.

Like a lamb awaiting slaughter, she could only whimper and sob incessantly amidst the unknown turmoil.

The running continued for an unknown period of time.

Finally, the person carrying her stopped.

She was carefully lowered down, her feet touching the solid ground, and then seated on a chair with a soft cushion.

Immediately afterwards, the ropes binding his body were cut off with a sharp blade!

The long-lost feeling of ease almost made her collapse.

Finally, the heavy hood that had covered her for who knows how long was also ripped off!

Having been in darkness for so long, her eyes struggled to adapt to the sudden burst of light.

The blinding light was like countless golden needles, piercing her eyes that had been deprived of light for so long.

Mu Congshuang let out a painful sob, abruptly closed her eyes, and tears streamed down her face once more.

She instinctively used the back of her hand to block out the light, and after a while, she dared to slowly open her eyes a crack.

The blurry vision gradually cleared.

She found herself in a spacious and bright room.

The walls were snow-white and emitted the pungent smell of fresh lime, clearly indicating that it had been recently built.

The table and chairs are simply arranged, yet clean and tidy.

The warm sunlight streaming in through the window brought an almost unreal sense of security.

Before her, two men knelt on one knee, their heads bowed low, their posture utterly respectful.
"Your Majesty, I am late in coming to your rescue! Please forgive me!"

Mu Congshuang's heart was still pounding. She stared blankly at the two people in front of her. This was not the familiar palace, and they were not guards in court armor.

The disorientation of surviving the ordeal and the huge gap in information left her unable to react for a moment.

"You...who are you?"

Her voice was hoarse and dry, carrying the weakness of trauma and deep doubt. The young man kneeling in front of her slightly raised his head, but his gaze remained respectfully fixed on the ground.

Mu Congshuang saw his face clearly: fair and delicate features, no beard, gentle temperament, and eyes that revealed a composure and sharpness beyond his years.

“This servant is Zhao Bao, the third head of the Criminal Investigation Bureau.”

The young man answered clearly.

The other kneeling man also looked up.

His skin was a bronze color from being exposed to the wind and sun, his figure was as upright as a javelin, and his eyes were as sharp as a hawk's and full of aggression. He glanced at Mu Congshuang for a moment when they met, and then lowered his head respectfully, exuding the unique toughness of a soldier.

"Your subordinate is Liang Jin, the flag commander of the Southern Imperial Guard's Willow Camp!"

His voice was deep and powerful, like the clang of metal.

The third head of the police station?

Southern Fortress Army Flag Commander?
Mu Congshuang's chaotic thoughts struggled to process.

She seemed to have heard rumors that the head of the Third Division of the Criminal Investigation Bureau had changed, but this young man in front of her... was far too young!

How important is the third gear position?
How could Wang Jin, the supervisor of the Criminal Investigation Bureau, employ people in such a way?

And that flag commander Liang Jin... a mere flag commander?
In the Imperial Guard system, this was just a low-ranking officer, who didn't even have the right to approach me on ordinary days!

Why is it that, in the end, it wasn't the First Commander of the Southern Imperial Guards, Shou Zheng, or even the Deputy Commander Hong Wei, who knelt before him in such a momentous matter as rescuing the Empress?

Instead, he was an unknown banner commander?
A huge cloud of doubt instantly enveloped Mu Congshuang's mind, which had just begun to relax.

She scrutinized the two kneeling figures, her eyes sharpening as she tried to find any flaw in their expressions.

Liang Jin seemed to have anticipated her doubts, and before she could ask again, he raised his head and said in a deep voice:

"Your Majesty, please allow me to report!"

“Two days ago, my subordinate and I were hiking in the mountains near Qingluan Peak when we inadvertently stumbled upon a group of masked thugs who were hurriedly sneaking away with a bound noblewoman in tow!”

"Judging from their attire and demeanor, I was filled with suspicion and secretly followed them. I eventually confirmed their hiding place! I was even more shocked to discover that the noblewoman being held hostage was none other than Her Majesty the Empress!"

"To ensure Her Majesty's safety, I have no choice but to secretly report this earth-shattering secret to a trusted old acquaintance—Lord Zhao Bao, the newly appointed Third Chief of the Investigation Bureau!"

Zhao Bao nodded slightly at the opportune moment and replied:
"This servant was horrified when I received the secret report from Commander Liang! I know this matter concerns the very foundation of the nation; a single move could have far-reaching consequences!"

"Therefore, I personally worked with Commander Liang to meticulously plan and deploy the attack on the enemy's lair just now!"

"Thanks to the blessing of the Heavenly Empress, after a bloody battle, all the villains were finally killed, and the Empress was rescued from the clutches of evil!"

“This place is my absolutely secluded, newly built, yet-to-be-opened residence in the capital. It is guarded both inside and out by reliable people, so Your Highness can rest assured!”

As Mu Congshuang listened to their stories, her tense nerves relaxed a little.

The real feeling of escaping the dark mine and basking in the light, along with the respect and the fact that the two men were rescuing her, finally brought her shattered heart back to reality.

She subconsciously straightened her back, and although her face was still pale, the grace and majesty that belonged to the empress was gradually returning to her brows.

She is transforming from a prisoner back into an empress.

"Now that you have rescued me from danger..."

Mu Congshuang's voice regained its usual coolness, carrying a scrutinizing tone:
"Why not escort me back to the palace immediately?"

"Why are you staying here?"

Her gaze was like an icicle, piercing Zhao Bao.

Zhao Bao lowered his head even further, his voice filled with bitterness and helplessness:
"Your Majesty, it is not that I am unwilling, but... but there is a vixen who looks exactly like you, a demoness, currently entrenched within the palace! She... she has usurped the throne and turned the world upside down!"

"What's even more hateful is that this scoundrel actually turned the tables and slandered Your Majesty, saying...you are the imposter!"

"Now the Criminal Investigation Bureau, the Six Doors, the Shuntian Prefecture, and even the Mu family have all received arrest warrants. The entire city... no, the whole country is frantically searching for... the wanted criminal 'impersonating the Empress'!"

He uttered the last few words with difficulty, his tone filled with grief and indignation.

"what?!"

Mu Congshuang was struck dumb and jumped up from her chair!

The image of the woman who looked exactly like me at the bottom of the cliff flashed through my mind instantly!

She actually... she actually succeeded?!
A surge of overwhelming anger, mixed with the humiliation of being desecrated, instantly shattered her newly established composure.

"presumptuous!!"

Mu Congshuang slammed his hand heavily on the hard wooden table beside him, making the teacups rattle!

Her chest heaved violently, her phoenix eyes wide open, burning with terrifying rage and murderous intent:
"I am the late Emperor's chosen Empress, revered by all the people! The legitimate daughter of the Mu family!"

"What is that monster?! She is the imposter who deserves to be torn to pieces! A traitorous villain!!"

Her voice, sharp and trembling with extreme anger, echoed in the empty bridal chamber.

Zhao Bao and Liang Jin lowered their heads and remained silent, enduring the Empress's thunderous wrath.

They knew that any explanation at this moment would be futile; they could only wait for her to process this cruel reality herself.

After the rage came a chilling, suffocating feeling.

Mu Congshuang seemed to have all her strength drained away, and slumped back into her chair, her face as pale as paper.

She was breathing heavily, her fingers unconsciously gripping the hem of her luxurious dress.

After a long while, the body that had been trembling with anger gradually calmed down, but the eyes became incredibly sharp and cold.

She looked at Liang Jin and Zhao Bao again, this time with a gaze full of scrutiny and penetrating insight.

"You, a mere banner commander of the Southern Imperial Guard,"

She stared at Liang Jin, each word clear and distinct:

"Even if, by some stroke of luck, it is discovered that I have been abducted, the law dictates that the matter should be immediately reported to the immediate superior, proceeding up the chain of command until it reaches the commander of the Imperial Guards!"

"Why... did you choose to bypass your superiors, and even several levels, by directly reporting to the third-in-command of the Investigation Bureau?"

Her gaze shifted to Zhao Bao, filled with even deeper confusion and doubt:

"And you, the head of the Third Division of the Criminal Investigation Bureau, with your high position and power, and your eyes and ears all over the capital, how could you... so easily believe the words of a mere banner commander?"

"You're even willing to risk your life alone to take this dangerous step? What... is your relationship with each other?"

This pointed question instantly froze the atmosphere in the room once again.

Liang Jin met Mu Congshuang's scrutinizing gaze with an open and honest expression, neither humble nor arrogant:

"Your Majesty is wise! There are two reasons why I dare not report this to the Imperial Guards."

"Firstly, I personally witnessed Deputy Commander Hong Wei escorting the fake empress back to the palace, behaving with utmost respect, treating her as if she were the real empress!"

"Whether Deputy Commander Hong has been deceived or has ulterior motives, I truly cannot judge!"

“Deputy Commander Hong holds a high position and wields great power. He has deep roots in the Southern Imperial Guard. His subordinates are merely banner officers, insignificant and powerless. If we rashly report this to him, accusing our superior of colluding with the fake empress, we may be silenced before we even have a chance to meet the commander!”

His voice carried the helplessness and resolve of a low-ranking soldier:
"Secondly, precisely because Hong Wei's behavior is suspicious, has the Imperial Guard been infiltrated? Who can be trusted? I dare not gamble!"

"To ensure Her Majesty's safety, I have no choice but to choose a perilous path... one that seems against the rules, but may lead directly to the Emperor's ears!"

He paused briefly, then turned his gaze to Zhao Bao, his tone resolute:
"As for why I was able to meet Lord Zhao and gain his trust... it is because Lord Zhao is an old acquaintance of mine from the palace."

Zhao Bao raised his head at the opportune moment, his gaze meeting Mu Congshuang's probing eyes with a calm and earnest tone:
“Your Majesty, everything that Commander Liang said is true.”

“I have known Liang Qizong since we were both lowly, and we have been friends for many years. We are like brothers. I know him well. He is loyal, brave and upright, and he is not the kind of person who would speak recklessly or cause trouble.”

"He risked his life to deliver this message; how could I not believe him? How could I stand by and watch Your Highness suffer?"

He kowtowed deeply:
"Now, whether Your Majesty wishes to return to the palace to restore order or temporarily avoid the limelight elsewhere, your servant and Commander Liang are willing to go through fire and water for Your Majesty, even unto death!"

This seemingly sincere statement, coupled with the two men's respectful demeanor and seemingly reasonable explanation, was like a boulder thrown into the lake of Mu Congshuang's isolated and helpless heart.

Although the doubts have not completely dissipated.

But now, as she looked around this unfamiliar room, thinking of the vixen who had usurped the throne in the deep palace and the "wanted posters" that covered the capital, a huge sense of powerlessness and a faint dependence on the two people in front of her began to take over.

Mu Congshuang remained silent for a long time, her long eyelashes drooping to conceal the complex thoughts in her eyes.

Finally, she let out a sigh of utter exhaustion, a sigh filled with the desolation of a lost imperial power:
"That demoness must have an immense power supporting her."

"She has managed to deceive everyone and seize control of the palace. I fear that she has already taken control of the entire palace. If I were to return to the palace now, it would be tantamount to walking into a trap, like a lamb entering a tiger's den."

Her fingers unconsciously tightened around the hem of her dress:
"Even... within the Mu family... there were probably already arrangements made by her."

She looked up at Zhao Bao, her eyes filled with a final glimmer of hope:

"Did you secretly report this matter to Wang Jin? Did you... report it to the Emperor in person?"

These were the last two cards she could think of.

Zhao Bao looked troubled, his voice low:
"His Majesty's health is failing... He is recuperating in his new residence, and only trusted and important ministers are allowed to approach him."

"This servant...is of lowly rank and insignificant position. To request an audience with the Emperor is as difficult as ascending to heaven."

He paused, his tone becoming more cautious:
"As for the Grand Eunuch... his mind is as deep as the sea, unfathomable. In this chaotic situation, I... can hardly predict which side the Grand Eunuch will ultimately stand on."

"This matter is of great importance, concerning Her Majesty's life and death, and the very foundation of the nation. This servant... dares not believe it lightly, much less act rashly, therefore I have not yet reported it to the Grand Eunuch."

As Mu Congshuang listened, the last glimmer of light in her eyes dimmed.

Zhao Bao's words were like a cold knife, completely severing her last shred of hope.

Even Wang Jin... the emperor's most trusted henchman, has become an unknown?

That's right!

She seemed to recall that her grandfather, Mu Canglong, disliked Wang Jin very much, and even showed this dislike without reservation.

Wang Jin may not be unaware of Mu Canglong's attitude towards him, and that he wants him to pledge allegiance to the eldest daughter of the Mu family at a crucial moment.

I am afraid……

She slumped back in her chair, her delicate face etched with confusion and deep weariness.

"Let alone you..."

Her voice trembled slightly, almost imperceptibly, filled with self-mockery and bitterness:
"Even I, at this moment... do not know who... can be trusted within this vast capital city and these towering palace walls?"

Her gaze slowly swept over Liang Jin and Zhao Bao, who were still kneeling on the ground. Her eyes were extremely complex, filled with scrutiny and doubt.

But in the end, it turned into a resolute determination to gamble everything.

She took a deep breath, trying to calm her voice, with a deliberate gentleness:

"Now it seems that the only people I can rely on are the two of you."

She raised her hand, her voice carrying the authority of someone accustomed to a high position, yet also containing a barely perceptible hint of pleading:

"My two ministers, please rise."

"I will forever remember the life-saving grace you have shown me today."

"When I have swept away the evil influence and regained control of the Phoenix Seal, I will reward you according to your merits and will never mistreat these two loyal and righteous men!"

Liang Jin and Zhao Bao responded in unison:
"Thank you for your grace, Madam!"

After they bowed deeply in gratitude, they stood up and stood respectfully with their hands at their sides.

Mu Congshuang's brows furrowed with seriousness:

"Zhao Bao, give me a detailed report on the situation outside these past two days."

She needed to know what the world had become during her dark days of imprisonment.

Zhao Bao responded with a "Yes," and then began to recount the events concerning the fake empress in a clear and organized manner.

With each sentence he heard, Mu Congshuang's face grew darker.

When she heard that the fake empress had met with Tong Shan, Hong Wei, Mu Wanrong, and the Prince of Shanyang, she couldn't help but grit her teeth.

When she heard that Mu Wanrong had contacted the Mu family on behalf of the fake empress and that this had triggered the secret letter pointing to the northern border, her nails dug deeply into her palms, and her eyes flashed with cold light!

When Zhao Bao mentioned the overwhelming wanted posters, a chilling sensation and a profound sense of absurdity almost suffocated her.

She, the Empress of the Great Qian Dynasty, has become a wanted criminal in her own country!
After Zhao Bao finished speaking, he stood respectfully with his hands at his sides.

A long silence fell over the room.

Mu Congshuang sat there, like a cold jade sculpture.

Only the slight rise and fall of her chest and the violent turmoil in her eyes testified to the turmoil within her heart.

The situation was far more complex and treacherous than she had imagined.

She felt like a chess piece thrown into a violent game of chess, surrounded by enemies on all sides, with every move potentially leading to an abyss.

Outside the window, the sun had already set.

Zhao Bao glanced at the sky and bowed respectfully:
"Your Majesty, it's getting late."

"This servant still needs to go to the new residence. The eunuch has important matters to instruct me, so I have no choice but to go."

His tone was apologetic.

Liang Jin also clasped his hands and said:

"Your Majesty, it is my turn to be on duty in the camp tonight, and I must return to the Southern Imperial Guard camp immediately for roll call."

Mu Congshuang woke up instantly, her voice carrying an undisguised panic:

"You...are leaving?"

She abruptly raised her head, and the little bit of composure she had just managed to muster instantly crumbled!

It's like a drowning person suddenly losing their only piece of driftwood!
These two people in front of her were the only ones she could grasp at the moment, the only ones she could barely call "one of her own"!

If they leave, in this vast, unfamiliar, and perilous capital city, who can she trust? Who can she rely on?
An overwhelming sense of loneliness and insecurity washed over her like an icy tide.

Liang Jin stepped forward, his voice steady and carrying a strange, comforting power:

"Your Majesty need not worry."

"Although this house is new, it has been properly arranged. There are also reliable people guarding and serving inside."

"Once Her Majesty changes out of her old clothes, I will go and summon them."

He pointed to a set of casual clothes prepared next to him, made of exquisite materials and with a low-key yet luxurious style:
"only……"

He abruptly changed the subject, his expression becoming unusually serious, his gaze fixed intently on Mu Congshuang:
"Among those in this residence, only your subordinate and Lord Zhao know the Empress's true identity."

"The rest of the people all thought that Her Highness was a distinguished guest placed here by Lord Zhao, and knew nothing about what was happening in the palace!"

"For Your Majesty's safety, we earnestly request that Your Majesty remember to temporarily conceal your imperial demeanor, change into plain clothes, and never reveal your identity!"

"This is a matter of life and death; Your Majesty, please be extremely cautious!"

After saying that, Liang Jin and Zhao Bao exchanged a glance.

The two bowed again and silently left the room, gently closing the door behind them.

When the door was finally pushed open again.

Mu Congshuang had already sat back down in her chair. Her simple and elegant casual clothes made her look slightly haggard and pale, but they did not diminish her deep-rooted grace.

She tried her best to remain calm.

Liang Jin walked in, his gaze quickly sweeping over her. After confirming that she was alright, he silently put away the phoenix robe that symbolized her supreme status.

He then left the room and went to the courtyard.

In the courtyard, two figures were already standing with their hands at their sides, waiting.

One male and one female.

The man was lean and strong, with sharp eyes and an arrogant air; it was Ji Fei.

The woman was dressed in an elegant dress, with a beautiful and gentle face, and clear eyes that held a hint of curiosity and nervousness. She was Zhao Yiyi.

The two were indeed unaware of the Empress's identity, and Liang Jin, in order to keep it a secret, did not intend to tell them.

Ji Fei was hired by Liang Jin to serve as a guard, to prevent thieves from breaking in.

Zhao Yiyi was invited by Liang Jin to take care of the Empress's daily life.

This empress was so pampered that she could hardly take care of herself in her daily life.

Although Liang Jin did not eavesdrop intentionally, his powerful hearing still allowed him to hear that the Empress took a long time to think about changing her clothes, which clearly showed that she rarely had the opportunity to change her clothes herself.

Ji Fei and Zhao Yiyi are also people that Liang Jin currently trusts.

"Ji Fei, Yi Yi, while Zhao Bao and I are away, I'll leave this place to you."

Liang Jin said to the two of them:
“Remember three things: First, do not initiate conversation with this distinguished guest without a reason, and do not inquire about his background.”

"Secondly, as long as she does not leave the gate of this mansion, whatever her needs may be, we must do our best to meet them and not neglect her."

Finally, Liang Jin slowly raised his hand and pointed to a small, detached house deep in the corner of the courtyard.

The doors and windows of the house were tightly closed, and the gaps were nailed shut with wooden boards, so that not a single ray of light could get in.

A heavy brass padlock firmly locked the door.

"Thirdly, that room... absolutely! must not be opened!"

"No matter what you hear inside, no matter what happens, stay away from it!"

(End of this chapter)