Chapter 115

Chapter 115: Emperor of Qin Goes to Han, Lu Buwei’s Madness! Lady Mingzhu’s Flowers Have Bloomed!

Xianyang Palace.

The northern-facing camp palace is where the Qin State holds its daily court sessions.

Tomorrow before dawn, the various ministers will enter the palace gates in an orderly fashion.

Once everyone is inside, the Emperor of Qin will emerge from the rear.

This routine occurs daily without fail.

But today, something is different.

The officials have all assembled.

However, the Emperor of Qin’s figure is conspicuously absent.

The civil and military officials kneeling on both sides begin to whisper among themselves.

The murmurs fill the grand palace like the patter of raindrops.

*Cough, cough.*

Suddenly, a faint cough is heard.

It’s not loud, more like someone clearing their throat.

Yet, this faint sound reverberates like thunder in everyone’s ears.

The hall falls silent!

It becomes so quiet you could hear a pin drop!

Among the officials on the left side, a middle-aged general squints at the figure across from him.

There’s a gleam in his sharp tiger-like eyes.

At that moment, the other party happens to look in his direction too.

Their gazes meet briefly before returning to calmness.

At their level, rarely do they display any loss of composure.

Even if they find each other disagreeable!

“Father, why hasn’t the emperor appeared yet?”

A commander behind the general asks quietly.

“It’s not for us, mere subjects, to speculate on the emperor’s affairs. Just wait.”

Wang Jian glances back sternly and whispers.

“Yes, Father.”

Wang Ben responds and remains silent thereafter.

He understands his father’s temperament.

Though not rigid, he always speaks decisively.

When he says to wait, even if it means waiting all day, he won’t ask further.

But on the other side, the situation is somewhat different.

“My Lord Prime Minister, why is the emperor still not here?”

Lu Buwei’s subordinate can’t help but ask.

Lu Buwei’s eyes, hidden behind his bags, flicker.

“It’s a breach of protocol, improper.”

He glances at the eunuch standing nearby, as if signaling to urge someone.

But then, a sharp voice interrupts.

“The Empress Dowager is here~”

The civil and military officials show confusion but have no time to think further.

Adjusting their robes, they respectfully greet, “Greetings to the Empress Dowager.”

The Emperor of Qin has yet to assume full power.

The state affairs are mostly controlled by the Prime Minister.

The Empress Dowager attends court sessions daily, ruling behind the veil.

However, she always arrives last.

But today, the Emperor of Qin hasn’t shown up yet, so why has the Empress Dowager arrived first?

Layers of veils obstruct the view of the crowd.

All they can see is a blurry and graceful figure, escorted by palace maids, entering the rear hall.

Two hours later.

The court session ends.

The civil and military officials orderly exit the grand hall.

Walking at the forefront is naturally the current Prime Minister.

“My Lord Prime Minister, why do you think the emperor suddenly fell ill? Should we pay him a visit?”

During the morning court session, the Empress Dowager announced that the Emperor of Qin was too sick to attend.

Lu Buwei squints, hinting, “The emperor is young and healthy. He was perfectly fine yesterday, but today he’s too ill to attend the court session?”

The official furrows his brows, pondering for a moment, then suddenly exclaims, “Are you suggesting that the emperor is feigning illness?”

Feigning illness naturally requires a reason.

What could be the reason for the sovereign of a nation to refuse to attend the court session?

“I don’t know whether it’s real or feigned illness. Just focus on your duties,” Lu Buwei’s words are cryptic, yet his arrogance is evident.

Whether the emperor is present or not doesn’t matter as long as Lu Buwei is still in charge, things can continue to function as usual.

Upon returning to the Prime Minister’s residence, Lu Buwei heads straight to his study.

“Speak.”

He closes the door and says to himself.

As soon as he finishes speaking, a muffled voice resonates in the study.

“The spy reports that the Emperor of Qin left the palace today, heading directly outside Xianyang towards the direction of Han.”

Lu Buwei’s influence is immense, so understanding Ying Zheng’s movements isn’t difficult.

“Left the palace, hm.”

Lu Buwei sneers.

“Well, well, what a Emperor of Qin!”

With successive sneers, Lu Buwei slams his hand heavily on the table.

“Growing wings, leaving the palace without even informing me!”

His eyes flicker with cold light.

Over the years, as Ying Zheng has grown older, Lu Buwei finds his thoughts increasingly inscrutable.

Especially in the past two years.

Ying Zheng’s actions have already shown signs of losing control.

Today’s incident isn’t the first time he has kept Lu Buwei in the dark and acted alone.

If in another two years, when Ying Zheng assumes full power, won’t this behavior escalate?

Or even directly challenge Lu Buwei’s decisions as his “father figure”?

Lu Buwei has been in business all his life, never expecting such a setback here.

But it’s also good.

The sooner he detects the risks, the sooner he can contain them.

Lu Buwei rubs his sore palms and paces back and forth in the study.

After a long time!

His eyes suddenly flicker like candlelight, and he asks in a deep voice.

“Where is Xuan Jian now?”

The messenger replies, “He set out after waking up last time. By now, he should be nearing Han.”

Lu Buwei nods gently, takes a deep breath with folded arms.

“Inform Xuan Jian that he has a more important task now.”

*

Han Empire.

Han Fei and Zhang Liang walk side by side after leaving Purple Orchid Pavilion.

Although Han Fei is the ninth prince of Han, according to the system, he can’t reside in the palace after reaching adulthood.

His mansion now is in the same direction as Zhang Liang’s, and not far away.

Compared to the carefree Zhang Liang, Han Fei’s temperament is more stable.

On the street.

Zhang Liang looks around casually, while Han Fei’s expression is rather solemn.

“Zifang, do you think Father will let Bai Yifei take over General Ji Wuye’s position?”

Bai Yifei just returned to Xinzheng yesterday.

His reason for going to Baiyue was to eliminate the remnants of Baiyue.

But the real purpose, the few people in Liusha already knew from Li Mo’s information.

It’s for the treasure of Rain Fire Manor!

Zhang Liang rests his arms behind his head, strolling and saying, “It’s quite likely.”

“Other than Ji Wuye, he has the most significant military achievements in Han.”

“And he commands a hundred thousand troops, responsible for guarding the area around the Hangu Pass, with considerable responsibilities.”

“Your old man will definitely consider having Bai Yifei replace Ji Wuye to ease his burden.”

Han Fei smiled bitterly and shook his head at the words. “Ease his burden? Heh, the ambition of this Bai Yifei is even greater than Ji Wuye’s.”

“Once he holds the title of General, his actual power will be even greater.”

“Father is nurturing a disaster!”

The night in Han Empire is murky and gloomy.

The Emperor of Han would rather believe that Bai Yifei could bring stability to Han Kingdom than listen to the advice of his own son.

It’s not a lack of trust, but guarding against him.

Han Fei is full of patriotic fervor.

But the Emperor of Han keeps pouring cold water on him.

If Li Mo hadn’t exposed Ji Wuye’s plot last time, perhaps Han Emperor would have changed its dynasty by now!

Suddenly, Zhang Liang spoke, “If Sir lets Lady Mingzhu persuade your father, will he reconsider?”

Lady Mingzhu belongs to Li Mo, which only a few high-level people in Liusha know.

And Lady Mingzhu holds considerable influence with the Emperor of Han.

This is indeed a feasible solution.

However, Han Fei shook his head. “In that case, Lady Mingzhu will be exposed. Sir won’t allow her to do that.”

Exchanging the uncertain position of General for Lady Mingzhu’s exposure, it’s not worth it!

“By the way, where did Sir go today? I didn’t see him at Purple Orchid Pavilion.”

Only now did Zhang Liang remember that he hadn’t seen Li Mo’s figure at Purple Orchid Pavilion today.

He used to show up every time, giving everyone a general direction.

Now that Bai Yifei has returned, the atmosphere in Liusha has become tense again.

It’s quite unexpected not to see Li Mo at such a critical time.

Just like how they couldn’t predict where he is.

“Master~ Master~”

In the palace of the Emperor of Han.

Inside Lady Mingzhu’s chamber.

Her enchanting calls echoed in the room as if intoxicated.

Li Mo gently stroked her trembling jade shoulder, comforting her like soothing a gentle cat.

After a long time, Lady Mingzhu slowly opened her eyes.

She lifted her head and deeply kissed Li Mo on the lips.

“That’s enough.”

Lady Mingzhu’s misty eyes narrowed into a peach blossom shape, her voice clearer than before.

Li Mo then turned over and sat up.

Lady Mingzhu curled her body and nestled back into his arms, tightly embracing his waist.

Raising her snowy white shoulders, she coquettishly said, “Master, did you come to see me, or did you come to ask about Bai Yifei?”

Li Mo rubbed her head and said, “To see you, and to ask about Bai Yifei.”

Lady Mingzhu didn’t doubt the authenticity of his words, happily curling up her lips.

“Master, are you planning to deal with Bai Yifei?”

Now the night only has Bai Yifei left to act.

Getting rid of him will truly crush the night.

“Isn’t he your cousin?” Li Mo didn’t answer her question, but asked instead.

Lady Mingzhu raised her head in surprise.

“How did you… how did you even know about this?”

This matter, not even Ji Wuye knows!

Lady Mingzhu was initially recommended to be placed by Bai Yifei beside the Emperor of Han.

“He has been urging you to seduce the Emperor of Han and replace Ji Wuye, hasn’t he?”

Lady Mingzhu’s face changed drastically.

Because she had never reported this matter to Li Mo.

It wasn’t intentional concealment on her part.

It was because when she sincerely obeyed, Ji Wuye was already dead.

So, she felt there was no need to report it.

“Have you forgotten, or do you think I wouldn’t know?”

Li Mo’s calm voice continued to echo.

But it made Lady Mingzhu’s face change drastically!

The sweat that had just started to fade suddenly burst out again.

Cold sweat streamed down her jade back!

She didn’t care whether her body had recovered strength or not.

She quickly got up and knelt on the bed.

“Master, forgive me, forgive me.”

“I… I thought this matter had no impact on us, so… I didn’t tell you…”

“I deserve to die, please punish me, Master!”

“You… you can hit me, scold me, pinch me, beg Master’s forgiveness!”

Li Mo pursed his lips.

Are you asking for punishment, or are you seeking reward?

Lady Mingzhu is a wild creature.

Like a spirited horse.

The more he conquers her, the more excited she becomes.

So some requests… are quite strange!

“I don’t want you to think, I want me to think.”

“Whether there’s an impact isn’t for you to decide, what I say counts. Do you understand?”

Li Mo gently stroked Lady Mingzhu’s lowered head.

He could feel her trembling with fear all over.

“Yes, yes, I understand, I confess, I won’t dare anymore in the future.”

Seeing Li Mo nod, Lady Mingzhu cautiously asked, “Then, Master, what should we do next?”

“Are you asking how to get rid of Bai Yifei?”

Lady Mingzhu nodded eagerly.

Li Mo frowned. “But he’s your cousin.”

Lady Mingzhu shook her head vigorously, looking at him earnestly. “Mingzhu only has Master, only listens to Master.”

If it weren’t for her still being useful, why would Bai Yifei care about her as a cousin?

He knew that once he entered the palace, he would be walking a tightrope between life and death.

But for his own ambition, he never considered his own life or death.

From the moment she chose to obey Li Mo, there was no turning back.

Between her and Bai Yifei, only one could survive.

Li Mo relaxed his brows. “Lure the snake out of its hole.”

Lady Mingzhu pondered his words, then said thoughtfully, “I understand, leave it to me, Master, you can rest assured.”

Li Mo nodded gently. “Get up.”

However, instead of getting up, Lady Mingzhu took a few steps towards him.

Looking pitifully at him, she said, “Master, aren’t you going to punish me? I’ve made a mistake.”

Li Mo’s lips twitched.

What does your pitifulness mixed with anticipation, and anticipation filled with desire mean?

Suddenly, Li Mo smiled faintly.

“Want punishment?”

“Mm-hmm, please punish me, Master.”

Lady Mingzhu nodded her head, her narrow and charming eyes squinting.

“Master, there’s no need to spare this servant girl.”

“Punishment is deserved for making a mistake!”

“Alright, turn around.”

Lady Mingzhu quickly turned around. “Yes, Master.”

“Hmm, lift it up.”

Lady Mingzhu’s eyes brightened. “Yes, Master, as you command.”

Hearing some commotion outside, she couldn’t help but ask eagerly, “Master, do you need this servant to go get… ah!”

A sharp scream pierced the roof, startling the palace maids nearby!

…

“Oh, Mingzhu’s chrysanthemum has bloomed.”

Lady Humeiren stretched her waist lazily.

Her graceful curves were enticing.

Covering her mouth as she yawned, her gaze happened to fall on the elegant chrysanthemum Lady Mingzhu had given her on the windowsill.

“Why did it suddenly bloom?”

Lady Humeiren walked gracefully to the windowsill, admiring the blooming chrysanthemum with joy and curiosity.

She had been taking care of this flower for a few days.

She had nurtured it carefully, and the branches and leaves had quickly grown lush.

When Lady Mingzhu brought it, it was still just a bud.

Although it was almost blooming, she didn’t expect it to bloom so quickly.

“It’s so pink and lovely, quite beautiful.”

Lady Humeiren picked up the flowerpot, brushing her fingers over the tender petals.

The petals opened one by one, and the pink color was delicate and delightful.

She nodded in satisfaction. “Hmm, Mingzhu didn’t deceive me this time. I’ve never seen this variety before.”

The elegant fragrance of the flower wafted gently, with a intoxicating aroma.

Lady Humeiren usually liked gardening, so she naturally knew a lot about different flower varieties.

Chrysanthemums are usually yellow or white.

This pink color from Lady Mingzhu was the first she had seen.

Lady Humeiren held the flower in front of her.

The pink and vibrant flower immediately paled in comparison to her own beautiful appearance.

She leaned in to gently sniff the flower.

The strange floral fragrance flowed into her pert nose like a smooth stream.

For a moment, a dazed expression appeared on Lady Humeiren’s face, but it quickly returned to normal.

“This fragrance is special too, as clear as mountain spring water, yet intoxicating like strong wine.”

She held the flowerpot in her hands, admiring it for a while before reluctantly placing it on the table inside the room.

“Assist me in changing my clothes, I’m tired.”

Lady Humeiren yawned again, feeling a wave of drowsiness washing over her.

After sitting in front of the dressing table, several palace maids hurried over to help her remove her ornaments.

Her cascading long hair flowed down like a waterfall.

Smooth and shiny, it rippled behind her slender figure like a piece of black satin.

After changing into a light and thin sleepwear, Lady Humeiren lay comfortably on the soft phoenix bed.

But after closing her eyes, she couldn’t fall asleep no matter how much she tossed and turned.

She felt like there was a lump in her heart.

Gradually, her mood became restless.

Furrowing her brows, she said, “All of you, leave. You’re disturbing my sleep.”

Several palace maids looked at each other.

But we weren’t talking!