The Empress found it strange that Wei Ran hadn’t entered for so long.
“Why hasn’t Prince Heir Wei come in yet?”
Wei Ran answered in a loud, clear voice, “If Your Majesty has something to say, please say it here. I will not enter.”
When away from home, it’s always best to stay vigilant. She was the Empress, mistress of the inner palace—not someone to take lightly.
The Empress immediately understood Wei Ran’s concern and chuckled softly. “Prince Heir Wei dares to strike the Emperor’s brother-in-law, but now you’re afraid of me, a mere woman? Do you think I could eat you alive?”
Wei Ran thought to himself, It’s not impossible—depends whether Your Majesty has the appetite.
The Empress smiled and said, “As the mistress of the inner palace, I preside over the three palaces and six courts. I’ve seen enough of palace intrigues to despise such matters. I wouldn’t involve myself in them, let alone use myself as bait. You may rest assured.”
Since she had spoken so directly, it would make Wei Ran look narrow-minded if he refused to enter. He stepped into the Celestial Phoenix Palace.
Inside, the hall was spacious and quiet. Upon entry was a tea area where vegetarian offerings were served to guests. Behind the curtain screen lay the Empress’s sleeping quarters. The floor was heated beneath with stone dragons, making the entire room feel like spring.
The Empress was seated before a low table. Tea boiled gently over a red clay stove, filling the room with its fragrance. The table was lined with tribute fruits and exquisite pastries. She had removed her phoenix robe and now wore a yellow-and-white palace outfit. Her hair was tied into flowing clouds, her long black hair cascading like silk. Her slender waist could be held in a single hand—truly a peerless beauty.
Seeing Wei Ran enter, she smiled sweetly and raised a hand to invite him.
“Please, Prince Heir.”
Wei Ran no longer hesitated. He walked over quickly and sat down without performing any formal greeting.
The Empress was not surprised and spoke frankly.
“I heard you were ambushed last night. I was so concerned that I couldn’t sleep. Now that I see you safe, I can be at ease.”
Wei Ran nodded slightly. “Thank you, Your Majesty, for your concern.”
The Empress hesitated for a moment, then parted her red lips.
“To be honest, I invited you here today because of my younger brother. Though he’s arrogant and often causes trouble, he would never dare to hire assassins. Hiring bodyguards to beat you was wrong, and I won’t defend that. But I assure you, he had no intent to kill. The two female assassins had nothing to do with him.”
Wei Ran’s tone turned colder. “So, Your Majesty means your brother had nothing to do with the assassination attempt?”
The Empress nodded. “His Majesty has already ordered a full investigation. The capital is now sealed—no one can leave. I believe it won’t take long to capture the culprits and uncover the truth.”
Wei Ran narrowed his eyes, his expression growing more indifferent. “So, Your Majesty is certain that the Prince was not involved in last night’s assassination?” Get faster updates on novelping . com.
The Empress bit her silver teeth and nodded firmly. “Yes. He had no part in it. I can vouch for him.”
Wei Ran suddenly burst out laughing. “Your Majesty, I’ve been in Chang’an City for half a month, staying home and keeping to myself just to avoid trouble. Even when I confined myself to the residence, trouble still came looking for me. Surely someone like you would know a little about what I did in Liangzhou?”
“I’m the infamous Heir of Prince Min. Did you really think I’m some naive noble boy you can manipulate?”
His imposing aura was overwhelming, and even the Empress was briefly stunned.
She hadn’t expected a few words to make this notorious regional prince drop his act and show his true face.
Though Wei Ran was putting on a fierce front now, he wasn’t actually confident. After all, the woman sitting across from him was the Empress of the Great Li Empire. He was merely a fake heir. If his identity were exposed, he would die without a burial.
But as the saying goes—fortune favors the bold.
To gain enough leverage from the assassination incident, he had to act dominant.
Thinking this, Wei Ran slammed the table hard.
With a loud bang, the Empress’s delicate body trembled.
He stared coldly at her. “Out of respect, I call you Empress. But if you push me too far, I don’t need your brother Shi Lingkuan to kill me—I’ll slit my own throat. Let’s see if my father doesn’t march south and change the face of this empire.”
The Empress turned pale, panic flashing through her eyes.
If His Majesty found out that she had invited Wei Ran into the palace and pushed him into desperation, leading to Prince Min launching a southern campaign, she would be the Great Li Empire’s greatest sinner. At best, she’d be deposed and sent to the Cold Palace.
She dared not lose her temper. Instead, she smiled gently and softened her tone.
“Please calm down, Prince Heir. I have no intention of pressuring you. I only wanted to tell you that no one knows my brother better than I do. I know exactly what he’s capable of. He doesn’t have the guts to hire assassins. Please, see clearly.”
Wei Ran knew now—he had the upper hand. Being the heir of Prince Min was truly a useful identity. He would need to make the most of it from now on.
“Hmph!”
He snorted coldly. “Whether your brother hired assassins or not, that’s not up to you to decide. As long as those two female assassins haven’t been caught, the blame stays on Shi Lingkuan. If they’re not caught for a year, then he bears the guilt for a year.”
The Empress trembled. Her anxiety was growing. This chapter was copied from g.com without permission.
Just as she was about to speak, Wei Ran continued, “If we never find them, then he is the mastermind. And if His Majesty refuses to uphold justice for me, I’ll send a letter to Liangzhou and ask my father to help him uphold it.”
The meaning was clear—if the Emperor wouldn’t show face, let Prince Min make him.
The Empress’s lips quivered slightly, but she kept her smile. “Please don’t be angry, Prince Heir. Have some tea.”
Wei Ran stood up, voice cold. “There’s no need. If Your Majesty has nothing else to say, I’ll return to the residence. After being chased by assassins all night, I’m full of rage. A single cup of tea won’t calm me.”
You think a cup of tea is enough to smooth this over? If you don’t make a serious gesture, your brother will be labeled guilty.
“Please wait, Prince Heir!” The Empress quickly rose and caught up to him.
Wei Ran’s tone was frosty. “What more does Your Majesty want to say?”
The Empress gave a bitter laugh, then her expression turned sorrowful.
“Prince Heir, I’ve never begged anyone in my life. But today, I beg you—please, spare my brother. I promise, he will never trouble you again. If he dares, I will personally bring him to you for punishment.”
She bit her lip, her eyes turning red.
“My three uncles and four cousins all died on the battlefield. My Shi family now has only one branch left—my younger brother. If he dies, our family line ends. I beg you, please show mercy. I will forever be grateful.”
Wei Ran remained hard. “If I show you mercy, who will show me mercy? If your grandfather hadn’t whispered in His Majesty’s ear, would I be here alone in the capital as a hostage?”
With that, he turned and strode away.
“Prince Heir, wait—”
The Empress suddenly rushed forward and wrapped her arms around him from behind.
Wei Ran was startled.
A seduction trap?
“Your Majesty, please behave yourself.”
But the Empress held him tightly, her voice trembling, “If you’re willing to show mercy… then I… I am willing to serve you for one night.”
Wei Ran was stunned.
This… is way too insane!