Chapter 336: Empress, severing their kindness
As summer faded and autumn arrived, a gentle breeze swept through the palace gates of Tainan City, reaching the Changle Hall where the Emperor and Empress resided, causing the women’s hair to flutter delicately.
Empress Tong Zilan stood by the window, gazing blankly at the blooming spiritual flowers in the palace garden outside, her thoughts wandering to the Hundred Lotus Sect, which she had never visited but where her loved ones now resided peacefully.
Despite her regal status, Tong Zilan understood that her position as empress was similar to being trapped in a gilded cage within the confines of the Tainan City Imperial Palace. But soon, she would break free from this confinement. Soon, she would reunite with her long-lost kin.
With this realization, Tong Zilan felt an overwhelming longing for the future, yet she remained attentive to her surroundings, turning her head slightly as footsteps approached from behind.
Entering the hall was Hongyu, adorned with a sword at her waist, who bowed respectfully behind Tong Zilan and delivered a message,
“Queen, all arrangements have been made. Our people now guard the four gates of Tainan City. According to intelligence reports, the demon clan is within three hundred miles of the city and will arrive within three days. Once Deputy Commander Yue opens the gates, we can welcome the Demon Emperor into the city.”
“Excellent. Prepare to meet Liang Qing’s household. Preparation is key,” Tong Zilan responded.
“Yes,” Hongyu acknowledged with a bow before turning to attend to her duties. Suddenly, the sound of iron boots outside Changle Palace caught their attention. Tong Zilan frowned and glanced out the window, spotting a white-bearded cultivator in robes accompanied by a group of imperial guards.
The cultivator, known as Eunuch Qi, was a close guard of the Emperor and was referred to respectfully as “Eunuch Qi” by most in the palace.
“The imperial edict has arrived—! The queen is to proceed immediately to the Tianhe Palace to meet with the king,” Eunuch Qi announced solemnly.
As the saying goes, short words often convey great significance.
Upon hearing Eunuch Qi’s announcement, Tong Zilan pondered for a moment before grasping the gravity of the situation.
With over a thousand guards stationed in Tainan City, even if the Emperor of the Central Domain remained oblivious to external affairs, her recent personnel replacement would surely draw attention.
With the demon clan approaching the city and all the guards replaced, the Emperor would undoubtedly suspect her involvement with the Demon Emperor. The plan to welcome the Demon Emperor into the city had been compromised.
Hongyu, realizing the situation, looked nervous and asked, “Your Majesty! What should we do?”
“Don’t panic,” Tong Zilan interjected calmly, securing the phoenix hairpin into her hair.
“Hongyu, once I leave, the imperial guards will likely arrest all the servants in Changle Palace. Take this opportunity to leave the palace and inform Young Master Ye,” Tong Zilan instructed.
“But, Your Majesty, if you leave…” Hongyu began, her concern evident.
“Don’t worry. The old man and I have been married for a century, and even if he forgets our bond, he won’t harm me. When the Demon Emperor arrives, he won’t have the capacity to bother with me. I’ll find a chance to escape… Besides, Immortal Danyue is still here,” Tong Zilan reassured.
Hongyu’s eyes betrayed her worry, but she quickly nodded in compliance. Then, she retreated to a corner wardrobe, disappearing inside.
Outside, Eunuch Qi, seeing no movement from Changle Palace, shouted again, “Queen, will you come out on your own, or shall I break down the door?”
As the two deaf-mute imperial guards prepared to force open the palace door with their spears, Tong Zilan pushed open the red door adorned with a golden phoenix just in time.
Tong Zilan, adorned in a regal golden robe and with the grace of a phoenix, observed the scores of Imperial Guards holding spears at the palace gate calmly.
“Eunuch Qi, when a lady wishes to meet her husband, it’s only natural she takes time to adorn herself, wouldn’t you agree? Why the rush?” Tong Zilan inquired, feigning innocence.
“Your Majesty, involvement with the demon clan is a grave matter. The king, out of consideration for your long-standing marriage, has shown leniency by not immediately sending you to face interrogation. Yet, why do you remain so composed?” Eunuch Qi replied earnestly.
Pretending confusion, Tong Zilan retorted, “Adultery with the demon clan? What nonsense is this, Eunuch Qi?”
“You took it upon yourself to replace the guards at the southeast gate, attempting to facilitate the entry of the monsters into the city. Your plans have been uncovered, with physical and testimonial evidence against you. Do you still wish to deny it? His Majesty awaits at the Tianhe Palace. Please come,” Eunuch Qi stated firmly, gesturing for the Imperial Guards to make way.
Though Tong Zilan furrowed her brow at the revelation, she maintained her poise and proceeded calmly through the path cleared by the guards.
After Tong Zilan passed by, Eunuch Qi gave a subtle glance before issuing a command in a clear voice, “The king’s decree is to execute all servants within the Changle Palace on the spot, leaving no survivors.”
“Yes, sir!” Responded the Imperial Guards in unison, bowing.
Upon hearing this, Tong Zilan’s eyes widened momentarily. She halted her steps, her eyebrows furrowing, and turned back, demanding, “How dare you?”
Eunuch Qi smirked slightly, bowing and replying, “It is the king’s command, Your Majesty. Please do not glare at this humble servant. I am merely following orders.”
He then signaled to the guards on either side and instantly, seven or eight core-formation guards rushed into the gates of Changle Palace with spears in hand.
Tong Zilan immediately attempted to step forward to halt the imperial guards, but as soon as she moved, Eunuch Qi’s whisk halted her progress,
“Queen, the king is still waiting at Tianhe Hall.”
“… …”
Tong Zilan glared angrily at Eunuch Qi, realizing she couldn’t stop him. Since the old Emperor had sent him, the message was clear.
——If she resisted, they would forcefully carry her over, possibly even breaking her legs.
At that moment, sounds of shattering porcelain and servants’ screams echoed from Changle Palace,
“What are you doing?”
Crash—
“Ah—!”
“Help…help!!”
“Queen!! Queen…”
Swish—
… …
The sound of blades piercing flesh reached Tong Zilan’s ears, striking her like a blow to the heart. These servants had been with her since childhood. She knew each one by name and background. Yet now, because of her mistake, they lay dead.
Tong Zilan closed her eyes, took a deep breath, shed a tear, then turned and walked towards the depths of the corridor, saying,
“This century-old bond is now severed completely.”
Eunuch Qi followed, walking beside her and offering comfort,
“They were just servants, Your Majesty. No need to dwell on it.”
Tong Zilan glanced at him,
“Qi Wuji.”
“I’m here, Your Majesty.”
“Do you realize who you’re up against?”
“I do not know, nor do I need to. With the king in Tainan City, the Demon Emperor alone cannot threaten the imperial lineage.”
…