It didn't make much for a wise person to understand the Emperor's feelings about Ao Chenyi. Ning Xueyan heard, way back when she was in the Lord Protector's Manor, that the Emperor was in poor health, a stark contrast to Ao Chenyi's youthful vigor. This was plenty of reason for him, especially when Ao Mingyu and Ao Mingwan weren't worthy opponents for Ao Chenyi.These factors made it very likely for the Emperor to use this opportunity to attack Ao Chenyi.The rebellion of the Feudal Prince of Annan would soon plunge the nation into chaos, allowing him to take advantage of the crisis for personal gain. If an incident were to break out during this time, it would be easier for him to deal with Ao Chenyi than in peaceful times."It's all right. He can't do anything to me." Ao Chenyi patted Ning Xueyan's head. He could see the panic in her eyes. With a languid laugh, he added, "He still doesn't know about Annan's rebellion, but I already do. While h

The banquet at the Lord Guardian's Manor was a bustling affair for two reasons: the status of the manor as well as the identity of the Madam Dowager herself. She was a female hero that was more respected than her counterpart in the Lord Protector's Manor. That was why she was able to receive everyone's approval even after so many years.Ning Xueyan left for the Lord Guardian's Manor herself as Ao Chenyi had to stop by the palace first. Her timing was just right; she was neither early nor late when she arrived. One carriage after another entered the gate of the Lord Guardian's Manor. Twenty servants—ten older female servants and ten young servants—stood at the gate to receive guests.The sharp-eyed servants immediately noticed the carriage from Prince Yi's Manor. A clever older female servant went up to the carriage at once. No ordinary family would arrive with such a lavish carriage, never mind the handful of imperial guards standing beside it. The servant

Weiran Pavilion was located near a courtyard, about a dozen of steps away from its gate. There was a small rockery near the corner of the gate. From where Honored Consort Xia was standing, she could see Ao Chenyi standing there alone with his hands behind his back, staring at the courtyard.Her two palace maids stood still, not moving an inch, and watched her walk up to Ao Chenyi step by step. She stopped inside the pavilion and stared at the figure. Taking off her face veil, she asked in a trembling voice, "Your Highness, can you… can you still recognize… Hua Yueying?"She believed that he would be pleasantly surprised to hear her name.The man with the most handsome face she had ever seen slowly turned around, with a gaze so cold that he resembled a Demon King treading through the bloody hell. His icy gaze fell on her face as he looked at her like she was a lifeless object.Honored Consort Xia staggered, taking back her outstretc

How could Princess Yi be here? Didn't Honored Consort Ya say that Prince Yi was rendezvousing with Honored Consort Xia? Her words suggested that they weren't only having an affair, but also plotting to murder the Emperor. So how could Princess Yi be nearby?Everyone was stupefied. They looked at Honored Consort Ya, then at Ning Xueyan. For a while, no one said anything.Honored Consort Xia, who had been putting up a struggle, was also dumbfounded. When she came here, Ao Chenyi was the only one she saw. That was why she was able to say such things. How could there be someone hiding behind the rockery?Honored Consort Ya was also stunned but she quickly recovered her senses and looked Ning Xueyan up and down with a dark expression. She had experienced so much, after all. Besides, Honored Consort Xia was the one who spoke of such private matters here without noticing a second person. Her shock was bigger to find out that there was another person h

Before Honored Consort Ya left the palace, the Emperor had already warned her to detain and gag Honored Consort Xia without saying anything the moment she saw her in the Lord Guardian's Manor. Then, she would have to find the poison and accuse Ao Chenyi and Honored Consort Xia of rendezvousing. Her work would over once she accused them of secretly poisoning the Emperor as well.The rest wasn't hers to worry about; all she had to do was hold on until the Emperor's decree came. By then, those in the palace would have discovered that the Emperor was poisoned and Ao Chenyi would be finished in that confrontation. As for Honored Consort Xia, well… The Empress would deal with a palace consort who had committed a crime.Every layer of trap had been set. The entire scheme was quite an ingenious one. Knowing that the Emperor was beginning to attack Ao Chenyi, she was more than happy to lend him a hand. After all, it was obvious from the current situation that her so