The Empress was gripped by panic as the number of guards dwindled.

She had never expected the situation to become so dire. If this news reached the Regent, the consequences would be beyond imagination.

Bang!

Feng Muqing dramatically clashed with one of the guards. Their potent force shattered nearby trees, enveloping everything in swirling dust.

Moments later, they both took a step back.

This person was unlike the others.

Meanwhile, in the Imperial Study…

Jun Ruye waved his hand, summoning Mo Ying, who forcefully dragged the nearly unconscious Feng Wanwan, and unceremoniously dumped her onto the floor.

"What is the Regent's intention in all of this?" Sikong Ruxuan asked, trying to remain calm but his voice tinged with confusion.

"Your Majesty, you're likely aware of the tumultuous events that unfold on my wedding day. All I wish to know is your plan to address this."

The Regent's Manor had impenetrable defenses, yet the presence of external forces couldn't be denied.

Jun Ruye had long sensed Sikong Ruxuan's suspicions toward him and awaited the right opportunity to eliminate him once and for all.

Unfortunately, this newly crowned young Emperor lacked the strength to counter such a maneuver.

"This…"

Sikong Ruxuan hesitated.

"The marriage between me and the Eldest Young Lady Feng was decreed by you, Your Majesty. Prime Minister Feng's actions can be regarded as treason and open defiance of the imperial decree. According to the law, his entire clan ought to face execution,"

Jun Ruye stated calmly, his words as sharp and biting as ice.

Sikong Ruxuan furrowed his brow, his eyes filled with deep concern.

Prime Minister Feng was his trusted ally, and Jun Ruye was forcing him to sever that vital connection.

"What does the Regent propose?"

Sikong Ruxuan had no option but to return the question.

"If it is up to me, Prime Minister Feng and his family will face the full weight of the law," Jun Ruye spoke calmly.

Since he had to speak for himself, he needed to express his stance unmistakably.

"No need for such extreme measures. Prime Minister Feng has dutifully served the imperial court for half his life. Such actions could deter other imperial officers."

Sikong Ruxuan suggested, maintaining his composure despite his anger.

"Your Majesty, it is your decree that Prime Minister Feng defies. By doing so, he challenges your authority. Therefore, the ultimate decision should rest with you," Jun Ruye replied nonchalantly.

Sikong Ruxuan cast a glance at the unconscious Feng Wanwan, a heavy sigh escaping his lips.

"Prime Minister Feng has rendered years of meritorious service. As punishment, he should forfeit a year's salary and abstain from attending the Imperial Court for six months. As for Feng Wanwan, since the Regent has already expressed your anger, let her remain at the Prime Minister's Mansion."

While speaking, Sikong Ruxuan discreetly observed Jun Ruye's reaction.

Jun Ruye seemed unfazed by the outcome.

"I leave this matter in your hands, Your Majesty. I must now attend to the Princess Regent."

With those words, Jun Ruye manipulated his wheelchair and turned to leave. Mo Ying immediately appeared and pushed him toward Fengyi Palace.

"I will go along with you."

Sikong Ruxuan hurriedly followed, eager to lay eyes on the rumored Princess Regent and determine if she was indeed as unimpressive as the rumors suggested.

Fengyi Palace…

The emerging concubines were paralyzed by shock and fear as they witnessed the scene. Their eyes remained fixated on Feng Muqing.

Half of her visage twisted into an eerie semblance, and her earlier display of formidable power made the imperial concubines tremble in fear.

The Empress herself felt an icy shiver crawling down her spine.

Retreat was not an option; the Empress understood the dire consequences of failing to apprehend Feng Muqing today....

The Empress did not dare to think further.

She had heard tales of the Regent's ruthlessness, but why would someone like him take such a keen interest in Feng Muqing...

especially when half of her face bore an otherworldly aspect?

"Take her down by any means necessary!"

The remaining guards rallied, their voices resolute as they surged forward against Feng Muqing once more.

Feng Muqing's gaze turned icy and filled with disdain as she fixed it on the Empress.

She seized a sword from a nearby guard, her mind racing to find the most effective skill for this perilous situation.

She found the answer!

The swiftness of the Moonlight Sword Technique was the perfect choice, where speed was the essence of martial arts.

Her grip on the sword tightened as she channeled her inner force, reengaging the guards with renewed determination.

The sharp clash of swords echoed through the air, each strike revealing Feng Muqing's ghastly face, akin to a grim reaper.

In mere moments, Fengyi Palace lay in ruins and the air heavy with the pungent scent of blood.

Several imperial concubines were unable to bear the gruesome scene. They sought refuge in the corners with their stomachs churning.

Maintaining a cold and unyielding expression, Feng Muqing efficiently killed the guards one by one.

The Empress felt her heart about to leap from her chest. Her hands concealed beneath her Phoenix Robe, nails digging into her flesh, leaving crimson imprints.

Both sides were evenly matched. As the guards aware of her diminished essence, they relentlessly harnessed their own to restrain her.

In a fleeting moment, neither side could gain the upper hand.

They clashed again in a desperate struggle.

"Mo Ying, show them no mercy!"

A deep and chilling voice pierced the air abruptly, sending shivers down the spines of all who were present.

In the midst of Feng Muqing's struggle, Mo Ying's intervention proved to be a decisive blow against the remaining guards.

Feng Muqing shot a quick glance at Mo Ying, then at the knife in her hand. A wry smirk graced her lips.

Once she returned, she vowed to find an antidote to counteract this posion.

How long had it been since she last faced such accosting and attacks by such vermin?

Disgust welled up within Feng Muqing as she tossed the knife aside and approached Jun Ruye slowly.

Jun Ruye scrutinized her, relieved to find her unharmed. Yet concern flickering in his gaze as he noticed the pervasive scent of blood, his brows furrowed.

"What happened here?" His voice was as cold as ice.

Feng Muqing was momentarily taken aback.

It seemed he had arrived to back her up.

Joy swelled within her heart, but her face still carried an unmistakable air of anger.

"That's the question I should be asking you."

Huh?

Jun Ruye appeared puzzled.

"Do you have any grudges with Her Majesty the Empress? Why is it that as soon as I arrive at Fengyi Palace, I'm met with such hostility? And you constantly look for reasons to get rid of me?"

Upon hearing this, Jun Ruye's intense gaze bore into the Empress. His eyes like icy daggers, piercing her very soul.

Meeting his eyes briefly, the Empress's heart skipped a beat and hastily looked away.

"Your Majesty, you owe me an explanation," he demanded.

It was only then that Feng Muqing noticed Sikong Ruxuan standing nearby, resplendent in a Bright Yellow Dragon Robe.

The young Emperor of the Beiyi Kingdom possessed his own charming allure. Yet in the radiant presence of Jun Ruye, he seemed to pale in comparison.

The crowd realized that their Emperor had arrived.

They promptly bowed low in deference.

However, Sikong Ruxuan wore a displeased expression. His gaze cast a cold, sidelong glance at Jun Ruye.

It was always like this—whenever Jun Ruye was present, he, the ruler of the emperor felt entirely overshadowed.

He vowed to eradicate him from his path someday.

He, Sikong Ruxuan, was the rightful Emperor of the Beiyi Kingdom!

"Your Majesty, you must uphold justice for me!"

The Empress rushed to Sikong Ruxuan, kneeling before him with tears flowing and presenting a pitiable sight.

"Empress, what happened?"

The Empress wiped her tears. "Your Majesty, the Princess Regent has no respect for tradition and the rules set by our ancestors. I merely wanted to teach her a lesson. Who would've expected the Princess Regent to fight back, leading to this situation?"

Before she could elaborate further, the Empress began sobbing softly, beseeching Sikong Ruxuan, "Your Majesty, you can inquire with the imperial concubines who witnessed the events if my words have wronged the Princess Regent."