13 – The Secret of the Phoenix Rising from the Ashes (Revised)
That thing? It was a revelation from Heaven bestowed upon me, descending from the skies. I have nothing more to say.”
If Jiang Lige had a tail, it would probably be wagging up to the heavens by now.
Knowing she came from another world and had many strange and unusual things in her mind, Shang Guanqi didn’t press further and changed the subject.
“Why did you take my place in the Sacrifice to Heaven today?”
This question reminded her that she and Shang Guanqi still had an unfinished agreement.
Jiang Lige said seriously, “I just wanted to make a deal with you. I want the freedom to move around the palace in the future.”
“Is that all?” Shang Guanqi looked at her and continued to probe.
Jiang Lige thought carefully. Of course, it wasn’t just a deal; there was also a bit of repaying the debt of saving her life.
But she didn’t want to mix in so many emotions.
“That’s all,” she nodded in reply.
Shang Guanqi turned his head away, his tone turning cold as he spoke again, “I never agreed to your deal on the platform. It doesn’t count…”
Jiang Lige widened her eyes. Looking at his expression, he really seemed like he deserved a good beating.
“Fine, I admit it. I actually wanted to repay you for saving my life. Thank you for rescuing me yesterday and the time before. I…”
Before Jiang Lige could finish her words, something heavy was tossed into her arms.
It was a golden token, engraved with an iris flower.
“With this, you can come and go from the palace as you please,” Shang Guanqi said casually.
Jiang Lige felt as if she had found a treasure, a brilliant smile spreading across her face.
So eager to leave him?
Shang Guanqi found it grating to look at. Suddenly leaning in close, he reached out and pinched her chin, his eyes carrying a hint of malice.
“Don’t even think about escaping. You won’t get away. Even if you flee to the ends of the earth, I’ll drag you back and tie you to the Dragon Throne.”
The harmonious atmosphere instantly froze over, as Shang Guanqi radiated the tyrannical aura of a dictator.
Unexpectedly, Jiang Lige grabbed his right wrist and quickly undid his cufflink.
The red and swollen wound on his wrist showed no signs of poisoning.
She was about to secretly check his pulse again when Shang Guanqi withdrew his hand.
“Your Majesty, rest early.”
The carriage stopped in front of the Moon Departure Palace, and Shang Guanqi got out first and left.
Jiang Lige was puzzled: Had she been mistaken yesterday? Was Shang Guanqi not poisoned?
Not long after Jiang Lige returned to her bedchamber, Luzhu came back carrying a small bundle.
“Your Majesty…” Luzhu handed the bundle back to Jiang Lige.
Jiang Lige opened it and glanced inside. A small wireless projector was tucked at the bottom of the bundle.
She had taken it from her Space today. Coincidentally, when she used to work in the lab, she would sometimes use a projector to watch movies in her spare time.
Ever since learning about the Sacrifice to Heaven, Jiang Lige had been thinking about how to use this opportunity to secure some benefits for herself.
First, Xie Shu’s arrival was suspicious, and Jiang Lige doubted his loyalty.
Second, Xie Shu’s plan was too direct and hasty. It was impossible for Shang Guanqi not to have any precautions.
From the very beginning, the Sacrifice to Heaven was destined to end in Xie Shu’s failure.
Jiang Lige wasn’t foolish enough to bet everything on Xie Shu.
If she really wanted to eliminate Shang Guanqi, she would have to wait until she held real power and could retreat unscathed before taking action herself.
That’s why Jiang Lige had Luzhu project the pre-set phoenix pattern from a hidden spot on the altar today.
“Your Majesty, we disrupted Young Master Xie’s plan. Won’t he be angry?” Luzhu asked worriedly.
Jiang Lige replied, “No, he’ll thank me. I saved his life.”Luzhu didn’t understand, but seeing the officials support the Emperor today made her particularly happy and proud.
“Luzhu, I have something to ask you.”
Luzhu was still in high spirits when she looked up and saw Jiang Lige gazing at her with a grave expression, which made her feel somewhat uneasy.