Killer Queen: Tyrant, prepare to die!

On the second day of the second lunar month, the dragon looked up.

The gloom of the past few days has finally dissipated, and the sky is a clear, bright blue.

The sunlight carried the unique, unreserved warmth of early spring.

Sprinkle it on the Imperial Garden where tender buds have just sprouted.

The snow has completely melted, and the soil smells damp.

Several early-blooming magnolias stood tall and graceful, displaying large, pure white flowers.

A faint, cool fragrance floated in the air.

This should have been a day that brought joy and happiness.

At least for Xiao Jue, the heir of the Prince of Zhenbei, who had just returned to the capital from the northern border, yes.

The performance review process went more smoothly than he had expected.

Nangong Ye received him in the Hall of Mental Cultivation.

After listening to his detailed report on the defense of the northern border, the movements of the Northern Kingdom, and the situation of border trade,

They did not make things difficult for him, and even affirmed several of his suggestions on strengthening border defenses and reassuring border residents.

However, Xiao Jue could clearly sense that

The emperor on his throne seemed even more somber than when he left the capital last year.

His brows were furrowed with an inescapable weariness and a certain suppressed anxiety.

Those unfathomable dark eyes, as they listened to his report...

Occasionally, a fleeting, elusive, complex emotion would cross my mind.

He paused for a moment, especially when mentioning that "only with a stable border can the rear be secure."

After the report was completed, Nangong Ye, as was customary, hosted a banquet to welcome the guests, which was held at Chengrui Pavilion next to the Imperial Garden.

Xiao Jue thanked the emperor and left the Hall of Mental Cultivation, where he was led away by a eunuch.

It was still early, so he slowed his pace.

Walking on this familiar palace path again after nearly a year,

My gaze swept over the familiar red walls and yellow tiles, and my heart was filled with countless emotions.

The last time she left the capital, she had just returned to the palace with Bao'er.

After moving into Qingyan Pavilion, his relationship with His Majesty froze, and undercurrents surged in the court and the harem.

Now that she has returned, the Liu family has fallen, and her prestige is at its zenith.

The position of Crown Prince is secure, but Prince Jing is eyeing the throne covetously, and the political situation remains treacherous.

And between her and His Majesty... it seems there is still a stalemate.

I wonder how she is doing now?

Has Bao'er grown taller again?

Can she handle those hidden arrows?

As my thoughts raced, I arrived at the moon gate of the Imperial Garden.

The eunuch leading the way bowed and said, "Your Highness, the banquet is held at Chengrui Pavilion. Just follow this road straight through the plum grove."

"This servant must return to the Hall of Mental Cultivation to report. Please proceed on your own, Your Highness. You may stop to admire the scenery along the way."

Xiao Jue nodded: "Thank you for your trouble, sir."

The eunuch withdrew. Xiao Jue walked into the garden alone.

The scenery inside the garden was indeed more exquisite than it appeared from the outside.

Although most flowers are not yet in full bloom

But with the new green shoots just beginning to emerge and the streams gurgling, there is a unique and refreshing charm.

He strolled along, not really admiring the scenery.

I just wanted to find some peace and quiet to sort out my chaotic thoughts.

Also... it's closer to a certain place.

Qingyan Pavilion is located on the west side of the Imperial Garden.

He instinctively looked in that direction.

Separated by layers of palaces and pavilions, one naturally cannot see anything.

After turning past a rockery, there is a small, open lawn in front of you.

The lawn leads to a winding corridor.

Just as he was about to step into the corridor, he suddenly caught a glimpse of something out of the corner of his eye.

At the other end of the corridor, around the corner, stood a slender figure in plain blue.

She was leading a lovely little baby by the hand, walking slowly towards them.

His steps suddenly stopped.

My heart skipped a beat uncontrollably for a moment.

The sun was shining brightly on her without any obstruction.

She was wearing a simple plain blue palace dress today.

Her long hair was loosely tied up with only a jade hairpin, and she wore no makeup.

Her beauty was even more exquisite and captivating than the most beautiful magnolia in the garden.

She lowered her head slightly, patiently addressing the woman beside her who was wearing a bright yellow jacket.

Bao'er, bouncing around, was saying something.

A faint, yet genuine and gentle smile played at the corners of her lips.

That smile instantly stung Xiao Jue's eyes.

It wasn't the confident, shrewd smile he remembered as "Night Phoenix."

It wasn't the cold, mocking curve when facing an enemy.

It was not the aloof and indifferent expression he was rumored to have when facing His Majesty.

It was pure, relaxed, filled with complete doting and tenderness towards the children around her.

A smile that belongs to a "mother".

It was as if they had removed all their armor and masks.

She was just an ordinary woman taking a walk with her child under the warm spring sun.

It was so beautiful... that one almost dared not breathe, for fear of disturbing the scene.

Bao'er saw him first, her big, dark eyes blinking.

The little finger pointed over and called out in a clear voice, "Uncle Xiao!"

Shen Qingci looked up when she heard the sound.

Their gazes passed through the corridor and met Xiao Jue's in the air.

She was clearly taken aback, seemingly not expecting to meet him here.

But then, that gentle smile that had been reserved only for Bao'er didn't completely disappear.

Instead, it naturally expanded a little.

A clear, genuine surprise and...relief flashed across his eyes.

It's really relaxing.

Like old friends reunited after a long separation,

The joy of letting down your guard and experiencing genuine happiness when you unexpectedly meet someone in a foreign land.

She took Bao'er's hand and quickened her pace to walk over.

Xiao Jue immediately composed himself, suppressing the surging emotions in his chest.

With a composed expression, as Shen Qingci approached,

He took half a step back, bowed, and performed a standard and respectful courtier's salute:

"Your subject Xiao Jue greets Your Majesty and His Highness the Crown Prince."

His posture was impeccable.

However, in his lowered gaze,

The moment her skirt came into view,

That gentleness and focus, however, could not be completely concealed.

"General Xiao, please rise."

Shen Qingci's voice rang out.

She showed a more genuine warmth than when she's with others.

"No need for formalities. When did you return to the capital? How is everything in the north?"

She gave him a slight push, and Xiao Jue straightened up.

"Thank you for your concern, Your Majesty. I have just returned to the capital to report on my duties."

The northern border is temporarily at peace, but the Northern Kingdom suffered a defeat last year.

Internal strife remains unresolved, limiting their ability to launch a large-scale southward offensive in the short term.

Xiao Jue answered, his gaze falling on her face as he scrutinized her closely.

She looked better than last year, but there was still that lingering...

The calmness and resilience that seem to be etched into his bones remain unchanged.

But now, under the spring sunshine, there is less chill and more vitality.

"That's good."

Shen Qingci nodded slightly.

His gaze also held a scrutinizing quality.

"The general has lost some weight; the north is bitterly cold, and the battles are arduous."

It was just a casual greeting, but coming from her, it warmed Xiao Jue's heart.

At least, she genuinely cared, and it wasn't just politeness.

"Defending the border for the country is my duty, and I dare not complain of hardship."

Xiao Jue smiled, a smile that was hearty and sincere.

His gaze shifted to Bao'er, who was looking up at him curiously with her little face.

"Your Highness has grown quite a bit taller and is becoming even more handsome and clever."

Bao'er felt a deep connection to the person who had given him the rocking horse and played with him.

I have a very good impression of "Uncle Xiao," who also helped my mother.

Hearing this, he grinned, revealing a few small teeth.

She asked in a childish voice, "Hello, Uncle Xiao! Are there big horses to the north?"

The children's innocent words diluted the subtle atmosphere between the adults.

Xiao Jue's smile deepened. He squatted down to be at Bao'er's eye level and patiently said:

"Yes, there are many tall and large warhorses."

They run as fast as the wind.

"When Your Highness is a little older, I will take you to see the northern border, shall I?"

"Great!" Bao'er clapped her hands excitedly, turning to look at Shen Qingci. "Mommy, Bao'er wants to see Malaysia!"

Shen Qingci's smile remained unchanged as she gently patted Bao'er's head:

"Okay, we'll wait until Bao'er grows up." The tone was one of complete indulgence towards the child.

This scene was warm, natural, and harmonious, like a painting.

The painting includes her, the child, and him.

Sunlight, a covered corridor, the fresh green of early spring, and the clear laughter of children.

The woman's gentle gaze met the man's patient reply as he knelt down.

Everything was so wonderful.

So beautiful that it... stung the eyes of a third person.

Behind the artificial hill on the other side of the corridor, Nangong Ye had been standing there for who knows how long.

Even after court today, his mind was still preoccupied with the blood-stained cloth that had appeared in the Qingyan Pavilion that day.

Her statement, "Explanation is the privilege of the victor," has stirred up a lot of confusion and unrest.

Unable to concentrate on reading the memorials, he decided to go for a walk.

Xuan Ying reminded him that there was still a banquet to be held at Cheng Rui Pavilion for Xiao Jue.

He didn't want to go, but somehow he ended up in the Imperial Garden.

Then he saw this scene.

Seeing Xiao Jue bowing respectfully to her and Bao'er, she couldn't hide the tenderness in his eyes.

Seeing her facing Xiao Jue,

He revealed a genuine, relaxed smile that he hadn't seen in a very long time, and perhaps had never even shown to him before.

That smile showed no defensiveness.

There was no coldness, no hatred, only the pure joy of reuniting with old friends.

Seeing Xiao Jue squat down,

When he talked to Bao'er at eye level, Bao'er was completely unguarded with him and even seemed to like him a lot.

Seeing the three of them standing together in the spring sunshine,

They were all laughing and chatting, as if... they were a family.

And he, the husband in name only,

My father, an emperor, was like a despicable spy.

Hiding behind the artificial hill, watching his wife smile at another man,

Watching her son get close to another man.

The shock and pain from yesterday's bloodstained cloth have not yet subsided.

This heartwarming yet poignant scene before my eyes...

It was like rubbing salt into his already bleeding wound and twisting it hard.

A surge of violent jealousy and rage, almost bursting from his chest.

A mixture of profound helplessness and desolation exploded out!

The hand gripping the artificial rock tightened unconsciously.

Hard stone chips embedded themselves in his palm, causing a sharp stinging pain, but he was completely unaware.

His jaw was clenched, and his lower jawline was taut like a knife's edge.

His chest heaved violently, each breath feeling like it was pulling at his internal organs.

The pain made his vision go black.

She can smile at Xiao Jue like that.

You can speak to Xiao Jue so calmly.

Bao'er can get close to Xiao Jue like this.

What about him?

Who does he think he is?

His clumsy attempts to please, his painful confessions,

Approaching cautiously,

In her eyes, was she not even as good as a polite smile from Xiao Jue?

Why? By what right?

Just because he made a mistake in the past?

But he already knows he was wrong!

He's changing! He's in pain too!

Why won't she give him even a little bit...?

A normal, non-hatred gaze, like the one directed at Xiao Jue?

Could it be that in her heart, he was truly... beyond redemption?

Don't we even have the right to get along peacefully like ordinary friends anymore?

The artificial rocks creaked under the weight of his palm.

Xuan Ying stood in the shadows behind him.

Looking at the emperor's eyes, which instantly turned bloodshot and terrifying, and his almost out-of-control back,

Alarm bells rang in his mind, but he dared not utter a sound, and could only suppress his breath to the extreme.

Just then, Bao'er, who was playing in the corridor, seemed to stumble a little.

Xiao Jue reacted quickly, reaching out to gently support the child's arm and saying softly, "Your Highness, be careful."

It was a very ordinary action, stemming from concern.

In Nangong Ye's eyes,

It was like a red-hot iron clamp, burning his retina.

The hand holding his son's hand... was another man's hand!

And he could only watch from here!

"Your Majesty..." Xuan Ying finally couldn't hold back any longer.

He offered a very soft, whispered reminder, barely audible to the two of them, tinged with concern.

Nangong Ye abruptly closed his eyes, and when he opened them again,

The terrifying storm churning in his eyes was forcibly suppressed.

All that remains is a frozen, bottomless pool, which is all the more unsettling.

He didn't go out.

She didn't rush out to confront him like a husband in a storybook, blinded by jealousy.

He only glanced one last time at that jarring picture of "family reunion."

Then, slowly, very slowly, he loosened his grip on the artificial rock.

His palm was a bloody mess.

He turned around, silently, just as he had come.

After leaving the artificial hill, we left the Imperial Garden.

His back was straight, yet it exuded a loneliness and gloom more chilling than the coldest winter.

He found out.

Some things cannot be regained simply by repenting or making amends.

Some people, once lost, may truly be... gone forever.

And the man standing beside her, the one who could bring a relaxed smile to her face...

Nangong Ye's lips curled into an extremely cold and self-deprecating smile.

Xiao Jue.

What a fine... Prince Zhenbei's heir.

The sun was still warm, and spring was in full bloom in the Imperial Garden.

In the corridor, Shen Qingci seemed to sense something, frowned slightly, and glanced towards the direction of the artificial hill.

It was empty there, with only the rustling of the wind through the new leaves.

Is she overthinking it?

"Your Majesty?" Xiao Jue noticed her distraction.

"It's nothing."

Shen Qingci withdrew her gaze and shook her head.

Suppress the strange feeling that flashed through my mind for a moment.

Looking at Xiao Jue again, his smile was still gentle, but it seemed to have faded slightly.

"The banquet is about to begin, General, please hurry and do not keep His Majesty waiting."

Xiao Jue knew he couldn't stay any longer, so he bowed again and said, "Yes, Your Majesty, I take my leave. Take care, Your Highness."

He looked at her intently.

I will etch that smile under the warm spring sun into my heart.

Then he turned around and strode away in the direction of Chengrui Pavilion.

Shen Qingci, holding Bao'er's hand, stood there, watching Xiao Jue's tall figure disappear into the depths of the flowers and trees.

Despite the warm spring weather, she inexplicably felt a chill creeping up her spine.

Bao'er tugged at her sleeve: "Mother, shall we go back? Bao'er wants to eat the sweet cakes that Aunt Jinshu makes."

"Okay, let's go back." Shen Qingci gathered all her thoughts, looked down at Bao'er with a gentle smile, and said, "Let's go back and eat some sweet cakes."

The mother and son turned around and walked towards Qingyan Pavilion.

The sunlight cast long shadows on them.

Meanwhile, in Chengrui Pavilion, Xiao Jue, who should have been the main person at the banquet, waited for a long time, but the emperor never arrived.

All that came was Xuan Ying's cold, hard message:

"His Majesty has suddenly fallen ill, and the banquet has been cancelled. Your Highness may leave the palace on your own, or have some tea and refreshments in a side hall."

Xiao Jue stood in the empty pavilion.

Looking at the untouched delicacies on the table,

Then I recalled that fleeting glimpse of her gentle smile in the Imperial Garden.

And that fleeting, cold, bright yellow hem of clothing behind the artificial hill.

My heart sank suddenly.

It seems another storm is brewing in the capital and the imperial palace.

And at the heart of this turmoil...

He looked in the direction of Qingyan Pavilion, his expression becoming serious.