Killer Queen: Tyrant, prepare to die!

On April 15th, the snow cleared and the sky brightened.

The cold snap of early spring has finally passed.

Sunlight pierced through the thin clouds.

Sprinkled on the glistening snow, it refracts a dazzling light.

Inside and outside the imperial city, everything was covered in silver, but it couldn't conceal the surging emotions of the people and the silent tension.

Once again, carriages and horses crowded the gates of the Phoenix Perch Villa.

But this time, it was no longer an imperial procession.

Instead, it is a simple yet undeniable team belonging to "Lady Night Phoenix".

Four carriages, twenty elite guards

Some members of the Nightblade faction have already been secretly granted temporary identities as palace guards through Xiao Jue's machinations.

Also present were Jinshu, Eunuch Li, and several trusted servants.

Shen Qingci stood before the steps, dressed in a simple, moon-white dress, with a silver fox fur cloak over it.

Her dark hair was loosely tied up with a long white jade hairpin, without any other ornaments.

She looked at the villa where she had lived for several months, her eyes calm and undisturbed.

This was once her base of operations when she returned to the capital.

It was the starting point for her revenge plot, but now, her mission has come to a temporary end.

Bao'er was held in Jinshu's arms.

The little guy was wearing a thick brocade coat and a fluffy tiger-head hat.

Her little face was red from the cold, and she looked around curiously: "Mommy, are we going to our new house?"

"Hmm." Shen Qingci patted his head, her voice gentle, "Bao'er, are you scared?"

"With Mother here, I'm not afraid!"

Bao'er answered crisply, hugging Jinshu's neck tightly.

Shen Qingci smiled, a faint but genuine smile.

She took one last look at the villa.

He turned around and boarded the first carriage, which had no markings but was clearly reinforced.

"Set off."

The convoy slowly drove away, rolling over the still partially melted snow and leaving deep ruts.

Destination – the Royal Palace.

However, it is not the Weiyang Palace that attracts everyone's attention and symbolizes the central position.

---

The Imperial Palace, the Western Six Palaces, Qingyan Pavilion.

This is a secluded palace located in the northwest corner of the palace, near the cold palace area, and almost forgotten by people.

It's not large, with only three courtyards.

The palace walls were mottled, and the plants in the courtyard looked somewhat sparse due to a lack of care over a long period of time.

However, it is independent and quiet, and has a separate side door leading to the alley outside the palace, making its location relatively secluded.

This is the residence that Shen Qingci chose herself.

When the convoy arrived at Qingyan Pavilion, the palace gates had already been cleaned and prepared in advance.

Although it still looks old, at least it's clean, free of cobwebs and thick dust.

Dozens of eunuchs and palace maids newly assigned by the Imperial Household Department

They were already kneeling at the door to welcome them, each with their heads bowed and eyes lowered, not daring to utter a sound.

They all knew that those who were about to move in...

It was the one who tore up the imperial edict, forcing His Majesty to publicly tear up the decree to depose the empress.

Although she no longer holds a formal title, she is now considered a "former" empress whom no one dares to underestimate.

Shen Qingci alighted from the carriage, his gaze sweeping over the somewhat desolate palace.

There was no disdain or dissatisfaction on his face, but rather a barely perceptible hint of...satisfaction?

Seclusion is best.

It's easier to get things done if you don't attract attention.

She took Bao'er's little hand and entered Qingyan Pavilion.

Jinshu and Eunuch Li immediately began directing the staff to arrange luggage and tidy up the house.

The newly arrived palace maids, under the seemingly gentle but actually sharp gazes of Jinshu and Eunuch Li,

They were cautious and swift in their movements, not daring to slack off in the slightest.

Shen Qingci then took Bao'er on a brief tour of the palace where they would be living in the future.

The main hall in the front courtyard is quite spacious and can be used for daily living and receiving guests;

The backyard was her and Bao'er's bedroom. Although the furniture was a bit old, it was sturdy.

There was a row of side rooms on the east side, which were just right for Eunuch Li, Jinshu and the core guards to live in;

To the west was a small garden, now withered and bare.

However, it is clear that the original layout was acceptable, and with a little maintenance, it could have become its own little world.

"Bao'er, do you like it here?" she asked.

Bao'er blinked her big eyes and looked at the somewhat empty courtyard.

He nodded: "I like it! It's quiet here, and not so many eyes are watching Bao'er."

Children's intuition is always surprisingly sharp.

Shen Qingci felt a pang of sadness, followed by a surge of warmth.

I knelt down and kissed his cheek:

"Yes, this will be our home from now on."

"Bao'er can play however she wants."

They had barely settled in when an announcement came from outside the palace: "His Majesty has arrived!"

Nangong Ye arrived very quickly.

He led only Xuan Ying, stepping through the still-snowy remnants, into Qingyan Pavilion.

He was still dressed casually, and his complexion seemed better than it had been a few days ago.

But the worry and fatigue between his brows were still very pronounced.

Seeing this obviously remote and dilapidated palace,

He frowned almost imperceptibly, but said nothing.

When Shen Qingci met him in the main hall, she did not bow, but simply nodded slightly: "Your Majesty."

When Bao'er saw Nangong Ye, she shrank behind Shen Qingci.

The little hands gripped the hem of her mother's clothes tightly.

Her big, dark eyes looked at him with curiosity and a hint of timidity.

Nangong Ye's gaze first fell on Bao'er, and his eyes softened instantly.

Even instinctively wanting to step forward, but seeing the child's wary expression,

She stopped in her tracks again, offering him only a smile that was as gentle as possible, yet somewhat stiff.

Then, he looked at Shen Qingci, his voice low:

"This place... is far too simple and desolate. Weiyang Palace is already..."

"This place is nice."

Shen Qingci interrupted him, her tone leaving no room for argument.

"It's peaceful, which suits me and Bao'er perfectly."

Nangong Ye choked, remained silent for a moment, and then said:

"If you like it, then so be it."

"Whatever is lacking, whatever is missing, just give the order to the Imperial Household Department."

"No need," Shen Qingci said calmly. "My people will take care of everything."

There was another suffocating silence.

Nangong Ye seemed to want to say something.

His gaze swept over the simple furnishings inside the hall.

In the end, the emotion returned to Shen Qingci's calm and expressionless face.

He knew that by choosing this place, she was silently declaring:

She returned, but not to the position of "Queen," nor to his side.

She simply moved into a corner of this imperial city, posing as Shen Qingci, Ye Huang, and Bao'er's mother.

This made him feel a deep sense of powerlessness and an even sharper pain.

"Qingci," he finally spoke, his voice carrying a barely perceptible plea.

"Can we... have a proper talk? About the future..."

"Okay." Shen Qingci answered decisively this time, raising her eyes to look directly at him.

"I have a few conditions before we begin."

condition?

Nangong Ye was taken aback, a sense of foreboding rising in his heart, but he still nodded: "Go ahead."

Shen Qingci stood up, walked into the hall, and spoke clearly, each word distinct, as if she were signing a contract:

"First, although I reside in the palace, I do not openly participate in court politics or discuss state affairs."

The discussions and decisions made by Your Majesty and your court officials are none of my concern.

I will not interfere in the operation of the previous dynasty in any way.

This is about drawing a clear line, and it's also about self-protection.

She didn't want the seemingly glamorous but actually restrictive title of "regency," at least not on the surface.

Nangong Ye frowned slightly.

He actually hoped she could use her talents.

But seeing her resolute expression, knowing this was her bottom line, he could only nod and say, "Okay."

"Secondly," Shen Qingci continued.

"I will not see foreign officials."

Regardless of rank, no one may set foot in Qingyan Pavilion without my permission.

For important matters, please send them via Jinshu or Eunuch Li. Those in the inner palace should not disturb them without permission.

This is to completely transform Qingyan Pavilion into an independent kingdom.

To isolate oneself from all unnecessary prying and interference from the outside world.

Especially those officials who may have ulterior motives, come to test or seek refuge.

Nangong Ye pondered for a moment.

This was tantamount to indirectly denying all court officials the possibility of paying homage to the "Empress."

This also isolated the women in the harem from any possible social interactions.

But considering her current situation and inner turmoil, he nodded again: "...Okay."

"Third," Shen Qingci emphasized, her gaze sharpening.

"I am fully responsible for Bao'er's upbringing."

From early childhood education to martial arts training to interpersonal interactions, I'm in charge of everything.

Your Majesty can come to see him, can show concern for him.

But they must not interfere with my parenting style.

Furthermore, you are strictly forbidden from taking Bao'er away from Qingyan Pavilion without my consent, or from publicizing or using his identity.

This is the most important point.

Bao'er is her life, her untouchable Achilles' heel.

She would never allow anyone, including Nangong Ye,

Using the names of "father" or "emperor" to influence, control, and even exploit Bao'er.

Nangong Ye's expression finally changed.

As an emperor and a father, he instinctively resisted the feeling of being completely excluded from his son's growth.

He opened his mouth, trying to get something in return.

But Shen Qingci's eyes were cold and resolute, leaving no room for retreat.

He looked into those eyes and was reminded of the fire that engulfed the Cold Palace.

I remembered Bao'er's cry of "Daddy's bad," and I remembered the years I owed this mother and son, years that could never be made up for.

All his principles and imperial dignity crumbled under the gaze of those eyes.

He closed his eyes listlessly, and when he opened them again, all that remained was a weary resignation.

"……Can."

He agreed to all three conditions.

There was no haggling, no imperial majesty.

In her presence, he always seemed to be the one in the wrong, the one who needed to constantly make concessions.

Shen Qingci didn't seem surprised by his answer.

There was no hint of victory on his face, only a deep calm.

"In that case," she said.

"If Your Majesty has nothing else to attend to, please return."

"Qingyan Pavilion has just been established, and there are many matters to attend to; it is inconvenient for Your Majesty to linger here."

They directly asked them to leave.

Nangong Ye felt a tightness in his chest and gave her a deep look.

She glanced again at Bao'er, who was peeking out from behind her with innocent eyes.

In the end, without saying anything, he turned around and left Qingyan Pavilion with somewhat heavy steps.

Stepping out of the palace gates, a cold wind hits your face.

He looked back and saw the three slightly dim plaques of "Qingyan Pavilion" standing silently in the sunlight after the snow.

She knew that "Yan" was her title (Shen Qingci, courtesy name Qingyan), yet she chose to live in such a remote "pavilion".

Qingyan Pavilion.

A tranquil and peaceful pavilion?

Or... should I sever all ties with her (Qingyan)?

He smiled bitterly, shook his head, and slowly walked away with Xuan Ying by his side.

Inside Qingyan Pavilion, Shen Qingci stood in front of the palace gate, watching Nangong Ye's figure disappear around the corner of the palace wall.

Jinshu stepped forward and asked in a low voice, "Miss, are we really going to live here forever? Won't it be... too unfair?"

Shen Qingci withdrew her gaze, turned to look at Bao'er who was curiously touching this and that, and a soft light flashed in her eyes.

"Feeling wronged?" she repeated softly, a cold smile curving her lips.

"At least it's peaceful living here."

"and……"

Her gaze deepened, as if piercing through the palace walls and looking into the distance.

"Who says you can't do great things just because you live in a remote area?"

"Three rules," she murmured to herself, as if making a vow, "are my rules."

"But beyond the rules..."

"Nothing that needs to be done will be omitted."

Sunlight streamed into the courtyard of Qingyan Pavilion, and the snow began to melt slowly.

The sound of dripping water, crisp and resolute, seemed to foreshadow some unstoppable process.

It was deep within this seemingly peaceful palace that things quietly began.