Killer Queen: Tyrant, prepare to die!

June 15th, the night of the full moon.

On the west side of the palace, near the Xuanwu Gate, a section of unused palace wall was swept by the night wind.

Shen Qingci, dressed in a plain blue dress and wearing a dark cloak, stood alone on the wall.

The terrain here is quite high, offering a wide view.

Beyond the layers of palace rooftops and bustling streets,

You can see in the distance to the south of the city—that was once the residence of the illustrious prime minister and the Liu family mansion.

Today, that area is deserted and far less bustling than its surroundings.

The towering gatehouse was sealed with glaring white tape.

The vermilion gate was tightly shut, and the brocade on the stone lions in front of the gate had long been eroded by wind and rain, revealing the gray stone.

The mansion was completely dark, devoid of its former bustling atmosphere and throngs of guests.

Only a few scattered, dilapidated lanterns swayed in the night wind.

The blurry figures of the patrolling officers added to the desolate and somber atmosphere.

The seizure has been ongoing for nearly a month, and the matter has finally been settled.

The Liu family, a malignant tumor that had entrenched itself in the imperial court for decades, was completely eradicated.

Liu Chengzong was executed in the autumn, and Liu Ruyan went mad in the cold palace and committed suicide.

Liu Chengming's body was left exposed in the wilderness, while his remaining followers were either beheaded or exiled; when the tree falls, the monkeys scatter.

It took her three years to go from being a deposed empress in the cold palace to her return as the Night Phoenix.

By proceeding step by step, she eventually crushed her enemies—those who had framed her, destroyed her family, and tried to kill her—into the mud.

Great revenge.

Light footsteps came from behind.

Jinshu came looking for them, carrying a lantern.

Seeing her standing alone against the high wall in the night wind, I felt worried.

She said softly, "Your Highness, it's windy at night, be careful not to catch a cold. His Highness is already fast asleep."

Shen Qingci did not turn around, but continued to gaze in the direction of the Liu residence.

Her voice, carried by the wind, was somewhat ethereal: "Jinshu, look over there."

Jinshu followed her gaze and naturally understood what she meant.

Overwhelmed with emotion, he whispered, "Your Majesty, the Liu family deserves their fate."

"My lord and mistress, if your spirits are watching from heaven, you can rest in peace now. You... have avenged your great wrong."

She spoke from the heart, her eyes slightly red.

These past years have been spent accompanying the young lady as she fell from grace to the mire.

Then crawl back from hell to earth.

Only the mistresses and servants truly know the hardships and tears they endured.

Shen Qingci remained silent for a moment.

The night wind lifted a corner of her cloak, making it flutter.

Moonlight shone on her exquisite profile.

It outlines cold and perfect lines.

Those eyes reflected the sparse lights in the distance.

Yet it was unfathomable, offering no sense of satisfaction or relief whatsoever from avenging a great grudge.

"Yes, revenge has been taken." She finally spoke, her tone as calm as if she were saying that the moonlight was nice tonight.

Jinshu keenly sensed that something was wrong with her mood.

She asked cautiously, "Your Majesty, are you... unhappy?"

She thought the young lady would feel relieved and happy, even if only for a moment.

But at this moment, Miss,

The aura emanating from him was even more icy, even more... heavy, than it had been during his quest for revenge.

Shen Qingci slowly turned her head to look at Jinshu.

Under the moonlight, her eyes were sharp as knives, clearly reflecting Jinshu's worried face.

"A letter,"

She asked, her voice not loud, but each word clear.

"What do you think is the purpose of revenge?"

Jinshu was taken aback, and subconsciously replied:

"Naturally, it's to bring the wicked to justice and to comfort the wronged souls."

Let the living...feel a little better.

"Feeling good?"

Shen Qingci's lips curved into a faint, yet utterly cold, smile.

"Watching them die, watching them fail, that moment might be exhilarating."

Like drinking a shot of strong liquor, burning the throat, causing a brief dizziness.

She looked again at the Liu residence shrouded in darkness.

His voice gradually turned cold: "But what if you sober up?"

My deceased Shen family members will not return.

I struggled with poisoning in the cold palace, gave birth in a sea of ​​fire, and the time that Bao'er missed since childhood... will never come back.

No matter how much blood the Liu family sheds, it can't fill these holes.

"Revenge can be avenged. Debts can be collected."

There was a barely perceptible hint of weariness in her voice.

But more than anything, it's a sobering, even brutal, realization.

"But what about hatred? That chill etched into the bones?"

Those fears that wake you up in the middle of the night

Those feelings of fear and relief when looking at Bao'er...

They don't vanish just because their enemy is dead.

Jinshu was stunned, staring at her mistress's back, which appeared exceptionally slender yet remarkably upright in the moonlight.

A wave of indescribable sorrow and shock washed over me.

She suddenly understood what her young mistress was carrying.

It's never just about "revenge".

That was a life utterly shattered.

It was a fate forcibly reversed, even if one were to personally kill their enemy...

It is also a deep wound that cannot be fully healed and exposes the bone.

"So, revenge has been taken."

Shen Qingci concluded, her tone regaining its usual calm.

But the hatred remains.

It won't disappear.

It will only turn into something else.

It's ingrained in my blood, etched in my bones, reminding me how I got to where I am today.

She raised her hand, her slender fingers pointing towards the dark distance beyond the Liu residence.

That was another neighborhood in the capital where the powerful and wealthy lived, and the lights there were much brighter than on the former site of the Liu family mansion.

"and,"

She changed the subject...

His gaze suddenly sharpened to that of a hawk, as if it could pierce through the night.

To pinpoint a specific location

"The old wolf has just been killed, and the new wolf, smelling the blood, has already reached the entrance of the den."

Jinshu strained her eyes to see in the direction she was pointing.

But all that could be seen was a hazy glow of lights: "Does Your Majesty mean...?"

"The Liu family has fallen, leaving behind vacant positions, vacant power, vacant profits... How many people are green with envy?"

Shen Qingci withdrew her hand.

She gathered her wind-blown hair, her movements elegant yet carrying a chilling aura.

"In the imperial court, it's always a case of one person finishing their act and another taking the stage. The Liu family may never have been the ultimate enemy."

She remembered Liu Chengming's blood-stained letter, and the dark pattern of the broken jade ruyi with a coiled dragon.

I recall those gentle, smiling, yet coldly scrutinizing eyes at the investiture ceremony.

Thinking of what Tingfenglou reported recently,

Those seemingly normal personnel changes and behind-the-scenes maneuvers were actually subtle.

"There is someone who is smarter, more patient, and more dangerous than Liu Chengming."

Shen Qingci's voice lowered, as if she were talking to herself, or as if she were pronouncing a verdict.

He had always remained hidden behind the enormous shadow of the Liu family.

Seeing the Liu family baring their teeth and brandishing their claws, attracting all the open and covert attacks.

Now that the shadow is gone, it's time for him to... step into the spotlight.

Jinshu was terrified and exclaimed in a low voice, "Your Majesty, you mean there's more...?"

"Shh." Shen Qingci held up a finger to stop her from speaking.

She glanced one last time in the direction of the Liu residence, then turned and walked down the palace wall.

"Let's go back," she said calmly. "Bao'er should kick off the covers."

The figures of the master and servant gradually blended into the shadows beneath the palace walls.

Only that lantern emitted a warm, dim glow.

Swaying in the night breeze, it formed a stark contrast to the pitch-black stillness of the Liu Mansion in the distance.

---

Meanwhile, at Prince Jing's residence, in Tingtao Pavilion.

Built by the water, the window overlooks a small lake created by drawing water from within the mansion, where moonlight shines on the shimmering waves, creating a clear and bright scene.

Inside the pavilion, fine silver frost charcoal burned, warm as spring and dispelling the chill of the night.

Prince Jing, Nangong Shuo, was dressed in a casual royal blue brocade robe.

She sat in the main seat with a relaxed posture, without wearing a crown, only her hair tied up with a jade hairpin.

He had a handsome face and a meticulously trimmed short beard.

Approaching forty, he is well-maintained and appears gentle and refined, reminiscent of the scholars of the Wei and Jin dynasties.

Three guests were seated at the lower end.

They were all the most outstanding among the refined scholars of the capital.

He was known for his noble character and profound knowledge.

One was Zhou Minzhi, the Director of Studies at the Imperial Academy.

One was Li Wenran, a lecturer in the Hanlin Academy.

Another one is Xu Yannian, a reclusive scholar who wrote extensively and whose fame spread throughout the world.

On the small red clay stove between the four people

The purple clay teapot was bubbling away, releasing a fragrant aroma of tea.

Several plates of exquisite tea snacks were placed on the side, creating a harmonious atmosphere.

"Your Highness, this Snow-Topped Emerald Tea is indeed a top-quality tea."

The water was from the Jade Spring of the Western Hills, the charcoal was from the Silver Frost smokeless source, and the cooking temperature was just right.

The aroma is delicate and lingering, the aftertaste is sweet and mellow—it's wonderful, wonderful!

Zhou Minzhi took a sip and praised it sincerely.

Li Wenran nodded in agreement:

"Indeed. What's even more remarkable is Your Highness's leisurely and refined taste."

Now that the political turmoil in the court has finally subsided, many people are restless and agitated.

Some are vying for power and profit, while others are filled with anxiety and unease.

Those who can sit quietly like the prince, sipping tea and discussing poetry, are truly rare indeed.

Xu Yannian stroked his beard and smiled, though he did not speak.

However, his expression also showed considerable appreciation for the tranquility and elegance of the Prince Jing's residence.

Nangong Shuo personally poured tea for the three of them.

Hearing this, he smiled modestly and said, "You two gentlemen and Mr. Xu are too kind."

Xiao Wang was merely stealing a half-day of leisure from his busy life.

Matters of the court are decided solely by His Majesty's divine will, with the loyal assistance of his ministers.

We, the clansmen, will do our duty by simply fulfilling our responsibilities and not causing trouble.

His words were impeccable, demonstrating his aversion to court intrigue while simultaneously flattering the emperor and his officials.

Zhou Minzhi sighed, "Your Highness is a man of noble character and integrity, a true role model for the imperial family. However…"

He paused, seemingly hesitant.

"Please speak freely, Director Zhou. There are no outsiders here." Nangong Shuo smiled gently, his eyes encouraging.

Zhou Minzhi lowered his voice: "Although the Liu faction has been eliminated, the court seems to be at peace."

However... the trend of the empress dowager interfering in politics seems to be on the rise.

The crown prince was young, and his birth mother was Lady Shen... Although she had rendered meritorious service in eliminating the Liu family,

However, his actions were ultimately too forceful.

Moreover, his background is... Now he controls huge profits such as Tingfenglou and Jinxiufang, and he also has close ties with border generals.

If this continues, it will likely not be a good thing for the country.

Li Wenran also looked worried:

"Yes, when a hen crows at dawn, the family is doomed. This ancient teaching should not be ignored."

His Highness the Crown Prince is intelligent, benevolent, and filial.

They are the hope of the nation, but if they grow up under the care of women and are too deeply influenced by them…”

Xu Yannian finally spoke, his voice aged yet clear:

"I have heard that since the Shen family moved into Qingyan Pavilion..."

Although he lived a secluded life, he was still very involved in the education and upbringing of the crown prince.

He held absolute power and allowed no one else to interfere.

Even His Majesty finds it difficult to intervene.

This is not a loving mother protecting her child; it is truly the lust for power.

The three of them talked at once.

Although not explicitly stated,

But the criticism was directed at Shen Qingci, with concerns that her influence was too great.

It could influence the crown prince and even interfere in court affairs.

Nangong Shuo listened quietly.

He always wore a gentle smile and nodded occasionally.

They expressed their understanding of their concerns.

Only after the three finished speaking did he gently put down his teacup and sigh.

"What you all say is a sincere statement for the country and its people, and I deeply resonate with it."

He spoke sincerely, “The crown prince is the foundation of the nation, and his upbringing is related to the future of the country, so it should be taken very seriously.”

Lady Shen... truly possesses extraordinary qualities and has rendered meritorious service to the country.

However, there is a distinction between inside and outside, and the universe has its order.

Balancing merit with propriety, satisfying His Majesty's favor while upholding the established order of the court, truly requires great wisdom.

His words, seemingly neutral,

In fact, it cleverly juxtaposes "Shen Qingci's merits" with "the empress's interference in politics and the disruption of social order."

It further shifted the problem to the emperor, implying that the emperor might disregard etiquette and law due to personal feelings.

Upon hearing this, Zhou Minzhi and others

They exchanged a glance, their worries deepening.

My impression of Prince Jing, this "clear-headed" and "concerned about the country," has grown even better.

"Your Highness is absolutely right!"

Zhou Min's Way

"In this matter, it is necessary for upright officials in the court to offer their advice from time to time and remind His Majesty of this matter."

"That's exactly right."

Nangong Shuo smiled and nodded, then raised his glass again.

"Come, have some tea. Let's put these worries aside for now."

The moonlight is beautiful tonight; how about we compose a couplet to liven things up?

The topic was diverted, and the atmosphere became relaxed and elegant again.

The group recited poems and chatted merrily, as if the heavy conversation they had just had never happened.

Outside the window, the moonlight remained bright, and the lake water murmured gently.

Nangong Shuo listened with a smile to the scholars' verses.

His gaze occasionally swept across the dark night sky outside the window, looking towards the direction of the palace.

Deep in his eyes, a faint, cold calculation flashed by.

Is it fast?

Not urgent.

The Liu family's rapid downfall only amplified her influence, leading to the Emperor's increased reliance on her.

Removing a conspicuous nail is easy.

But to shake a large tree whose roots are gradually becoming stable...

It requires patience, wind, rain, and... the perfect timing.

He picked up the warm teacup and brought it to his lips.

The rising steam blurred the ever-present, gentle smile on his lips.

The chessboard has been cleaned.

It's time to make a move.

What he likes most is this kind of game that involves strategizing and taking things one step at a time.

Especially when the opponent is such an interesting and strong woman.

This game is finally starting to get interesting.

Laughter and cheerful voices filled the Listening Waves Pavilion.

Drifting on the night breeze, blending with the silence of Qingyan Pavilion.

The cold wind on the palace walls,

The darkness of the former site of the Liu family mansion

Together they form a turbulent undercurrent beneath the seemingly calm night of the full moon.

The climax of the first phase ended with the destruction of the Liu family.

But a new chapter has quietly begun in a corner that no one has noticed.