"The day Xi'er ascends the throne is the day you will all die, along with those concubines outside. Your Majesty, you won't be too lonely then."
The Empress suppressed her anger. Killing them now would be too easy.
She had plenty of time to torture them slowly, which was the only way to quell the resentment that had festered in her heart for years.
"You poisonous woman, kill me if you want to. There's no need to torture me. I have no regrets if I can gain His Majesty's favor. Even in death, I will smile in the underworld. It's just that I regret that His Majesty will have to suffer alongside me under your torment, and for that, I truly feel remorse."
To have received His Majesty's love before death, she could die with a smile. However, the thought of His Majesty suffering the tortures of this venomous woman alongside her genuinely pained her.
"You dare to be so defiant even when death looms. If you wish for a quick death, I, the Empress, will not grant it. The grievances between you and I, Imperial Consort, cannot be settled so simply. I will not let you die easily. I will make you watch with your own eyes as I become the Empress Dowager, admired by all, while you are merely a prisoner trampled under my heel."
"I will make you suffer all sorts of torment, and I will make you watch as everything you cherish is lost. Only then will you die with regret, and only then will my anger be appeased!"
Of course, only after the Imperial Consort had suffered to her heart's content could she truly be happy.
"Detain them properly. Serve them well with food and drink. I want them to witness Yan Xi ascend the throne and me become the Empress Dowager... Hahaha..."
The Empress's maniacal laughter echoed throughout the room, only ceasing when the palace doors were shut.
The Empress Dowager collapsed onto the floor, still tightly grasping the cold hand of Nanny Qin.
Emperor Xuanwen's tears fell upon witnessing this scene. He slowly moved his steps and knelt beside Nanny Qin's body, kowtowing three times.
Nanny Qin had cared for him since he was a child. For many years, she had shown him utmost care and concern. Her kindness to him was something he could never repay. Now, Nanny Qin had died saving the Empress Dowager, making his debt of gratitude even more immense.
"Mother, once this matter is concluded, I will ensure Nanny Qin receives a grand burial and her family is generously rewarded..."
The Empress Dowager sighed softly, her voice tinged with sorrow. "Nanny Qin was an orphan who lost her parents at a young age. Her relatives are long gone and untraceable. She was all alone in this world. To whom will Your Majesty bestow these rewards?"
"Mother... I truly didn't know this. It was my oversight."
Emperor Xuanwen was indeed unaware of Nanny Qin's background. This was truly his negligence.
"It is fine... it is fine. You meant well. Knowing you cared for Nanny Qin, I believe she will rest in peace in the afterlife."
After a pause, the Empress Dowager spoke faintly. "Nanny Qin spent her entire life serving me. Let her be buried with me. When I pass away, I can still talk with her."
She had grown accustomed to having Nanny Qin by her side her entire life. In death, she only wished to be able to converse with Nanny Qin.
"As Mother wishes."
Emperor Xuanwen quickly agreed, following the Empress Dowager's words. This would be the best resting place for Nanny Qin. He believed that being able to be with Mother, Nanny Qin would be content.
...
Chu Yanxi walked ahead, while Feng Jin was escorted by several young eunuchs behind Chu Yanxi, heading towards the city walls.
"Greetings, Your Highness!"
Upon seeing Chu Yanxi's arrival, everyone hastily bowed respectfully.
Chu Yanxi merely waved his hand and hurried to the edge of the city wall, looking down. Beneath the wall was a dense mass of Black Armored Soldiers, completely surrounding the entire palace.
Having grown up in the capital, Chu Yanxi had never witnessed such a grand display. For a moment, his heart faltered, feeling uncertain.
"Your Highness, the Black Armored Army is stationed below the city walls. Our forces may not be their match. I implore Your Highness to make a decision soon!"
Below the walls were the most formidable soldiers of the Eastern Chu, the Black Armored Army. They were merely the Imperial Guards defending the palace, and their combat experience was naturally not as rich as that of the Black Armored Army. Furthermore, the one leading the troops was Ling Mohan.
He was the God of War of the Eastern Chu. Few in this world could rival Ling Mohan. Their forces were insufficient to even be a mouthful for Ling Mohan.
Chu Yanxi's hands clenched the wall, his veins bulging. His eyes ignited with a fierce fire.
If it came to a direct confrontation, he was no match for Ling Mohan. But now, Feng Jin was in his hands, his trump card. In the end, who would win and who would lose was not yet certain.
"Young General, the person on the city wall is Chu Yanxi."
Lu Shi, with sharp eyes, spotted the figure on the city wall and immediately reported to Ling Mohan beside him.
Ling Mohan had indeed seen Chu Yanxi. However, he still did not know Feng Jin's whereabouts, making it difficult for him to order an attack on the capital.
"Young General, the timing is perfect. I beg you to order me to take a troop inside."
After such a long preparation, his hands itched for battle, eager to fight.
"Wait a moment longer. Do not act rashly for now."
Ling Mohan commanded in a calm tone. If he were to attack, from the current distance, he could take Chu Yanxi's life with a single arrow. But as Feng Jin's safety was still unconfirmed, he could not act carelessly.
"Yes, Young General."
Lu Shi responded, suppressing his inner impulse.
"Your Highness, this place is dangerous and not suitable for lingering. Your Highness should return."
Open spears are easy to dodge, but hidden arrows are hard to guard against. The city walls were inherently perilous. No one could be sure if an arrow would fly towards them at any moment.
"No... they dare not act now."
He was certain that Ling Mohan would not act rashly for the time being. Once Ling Mohan saw the trump card in his hand, he would surely be even more hesitant to make any move.
"Bring the person up."
As Chu Yanxi spoke, the few young eunuchs holding Feng Jin forward, escorting Feng Jin ahead.
"Young General, the one on the city wall is the Young Madam!"
Lu Shi was the first to spot Feng Jin on the city wall and shouted loudly.
Ling Mohan looked up and saw Feng Jin's figure. His heart suddenly tightened, his grip on the reins tightening, his breathing becoming heavy.
"Bastard! He's actually holding the Young Madam hostage. How despicable!" Lu Shi shouted furiously, disgusted by Chu Yanxi's ignoble actions.
"Ling Mohan, your wife is in my hands. If you want her to live, it depends on what you do!"