Sikong Ruxuan cast a glance at the gathered imperial concubines, noticing their discreet nods of agreement.

While the Empress seemed to avoid addressing the main issue, she wasn't entirely at fault.

Could this really be considered as deceiving the Emperor?

After all, they would have regular interactions with the Empress. There should be no lingering grudges against the Princess Regent.

"Regent, as you can see, this isn't entirely the Empress' fault."

As soon as he spoke, a pricking sensation coursed through him, compelling him to avert his gaze from Jun Ruye.

"Qingqing, what are your thoughts?"

Feng Muqing was in full swing of the scene. She tensed up upon unexpectedly hearing Jun Ruye address her with such affection.

Qingqing?

When had he become so affectionate?

Since he was speaking up for her, she decided to let it slide.

Her eyes moistened as she sniffled.

"Her Majesty the Empress simply wanted me to kneel."

Before she could finish, she quickly lowered her head, her slender shoulders trembling slightly.

A faint smile tugged at the corner of Jun Ruye's mouth.

He wasn't fooled; the girl was trying to hide her laughter.

Despite the prominent scar on her face, her posture exuded a genuine, pitiable appearance.

With a wave of Jun Ruye's hand, a gust of white wind struck the Empress.

"Ah!"

The Empress was sent sprawling backward, her lips tinged with crimson before anyone could react.

"Regent!" Sikong Ruxuan exclaimed through gritted teeth.

No one expected Jun Ruye's sudden move, especially not in the presence of Sikong Ruxuan and the public.

Whispers rippled through the crowd.

It seemed that in all of Beiyi, even the Emperor had to defer to the Regent.

Princess Li tried to hide behind other imperial concubines, hoping to go unnoticed.

She had previously joined the Empress in criticizing the Princess Regent.

She hoped Feng Muqing had forgotten all about it.

Unfortunately, Feng Muqing was not one to forget, and she noticed Princess Li's subtle movements.

"What about Princess Li? My 'unsightly' face seems to have terrified her," Feng Muqing remarked, pretending to wipe away non-existent tears with her sleeve.

The onlookers suppressed their smiles, surprised that she openly addressed her appearance with humor.

Despite their inward scoffs, they lowered their heads, their faces genuinely reflecting fear.

"The Empress and Princess Li are showing disrespect toward the Princess Regent. They are being confined for three months and tasked with copying ancestral teachings a hundred times. Regent, are you satisfied with these punishments?"

Sikong Ruxuan inhaled deeply, suppressing the rage within him.

Jun Ruye sneered coldly, "It seems Your Majesty is forgetting that the Empress has just attempted to harm the Princess Regent."

Grinding his teeth, Sikong Ruxuan retorted, "In that case, strip the Empress of her title and banish her to the Serene Chamber."

"Your Majesty!"

The Empress regained consciousness and found this decree utterly unbelievable.

"Why?" she asked weakly, her voice barely above a whisper.

"Simply because she is the Princess Regent!"

"The late Emperor's decree stated that the lineage of the Regent is exempt from kneeling," Sikong Ruxuan replied, his gaze averted. He then turned and walked away.

Watching him leave, Jun Ruye and Feng Muqing left the palace seemingly unfazed.

Feng Muqing's mood lifted, her radiant smile warming Jun Ruye's heart to its core.

"Are you satisfied, Qingqing?"

"Absolutely!"

Feng Muqing's eyes sparkled mischievously.

Before entering the palace, Jun Ruye informed her in the carriage that she didn't need to kneel. Only imperial officers from the previous dynasty and Sikong Ruxuan knew about this, while the imperial concubines in the harem solely focused on competing for favor remained oblivious.

Unexpectedly, the Empress had aggressively confronted Feng Muqing, refusing to let the matter rest.

"How does the Empress even secure her position with such a lack of wit? Could it be that all the imperial concubines are so submissive?"

Jun Ruye shook his head, "Although the Empress is not smart, she has a very powerful family. As long as they don't rebel, Sikong Ruxuan will not depose her."

"Why does he depose her today? Why does he sever the vital connection for your sake?"

Feng Muqing was clueless, staring blankly at Jun Ruye.

When he met Feng Muqing's clear eyes, Jun Ruye's heart skipped a beat as a surge of warmth rose, his ear tips tinted with a hint of red.

Jun Ruye patiently explained that he possessed significant power, and even if he didn't act, he could easily overthrow the Sikong Clan's reign.

Moreover, he still had the Shadow Army given by the late Emperor. What could Sikong Ruxuan count on in front of that?

"Why does the Empress harbor such animosity toward me? Is it because of some unresolved romantic entanglement?"

Considering the Empress's actions, Feng Muqing found the idea far-fetched.

To seek revenge on behalf of Sikong Ruxuan?

It didn't seem so; even if the Empress was foolish, she wouldn't act so blatantly in Fengyi Palace.

Seeing Jun Ruye's handsome face, Feng Muqing appeared to grasp the underlying reason for the day's troubles.

Jun Ruye chuckled, shaking his head in helplessness.

"My reputation precedes me; they dare not provoke me."

"Why is that?"

Feng Muqing's curiosity was piqued, her eyes shining as she looked at Jun Ruye.

Jun Ruye averted his gaze and cleared his throat, feigning nonchalance.

"Perhaps because you were once engaged to Sikong Rulang."

Feng Muqing exclaimed in surprise, "Sikong Rulang?!"

Why is this so complicated?

How is Sikong Rulang connected to all this?

That would have been acceptable if she didn't know, but how could the owner of this body not know the engagement?"

Jun Ruye nodded, his mind drifting to her past engagement with Sikong Rulang as a shadow passed over his eyes.

The Prime Minister's wife, Lan Jingrou, once saved Sikong Rulang's mother's life. The two were betrothed; Lan Jingrou died of a difficult childbirth, and naturally, Feng Muqing was unaware of this.

The Empress was initially in love with Sikong Rulang. However, during the succession fight, Sikong Ruxuan cunningly manipulated the Empress to gain her family's support.

After learning the whole story, Feng Muqing was amazed.

She had never interacted with Sikong Rulang and had no ties to him. Yet, she had become an inexplicable target for the Empress.

It was indeed... speechless.

Returning to the Regent's Manor, Feng Muqing locked herself in the room and requested solitude.

Jun Ruye watched as she locked herself in, puzzled by her behavior.

Soon after, the door opened, and Feng Muqing handed him two pieces of paper.

"Have these items prepared as soon as possible."

Jun Ruye glanced at the papers; they contained lists of medicinal ingredients.

"What are these?"

"The one on top is the antidote for the poison inside me, and the other is a potion to delay the onset of your poison."

Jun Ruye nodded and handed the papers to Mo Ying.

"Do you know any skilled refiners proficient in forging?"

"Yes."

Feng Muqing handed him another paper. "Help me make a mask."

Jun Ruye readily agreed and asked, "When do you need it?"

"The sooner the better."

"Okay."

"By the way, can I use your study room?"

Jun Ruye nodded without hesitation.

He showed no doubt or hesitation, prompting a smile from her. "Aren't you afraid I'll betray you?"

"You won't!" Jun Ruye replied with unwavering trust.

There was no reason; he just believed in her that much.

Later that night, Mo Ying delivered the prepared medicinal ingredients. Feng Muqing took them and secluded herself in her room, instructing that she was not to be disturbed.

The moonlight bathed the willow branches in a soft glow that was reflected on the window mullion.

Feng Muqing sat cross-legged with her eyes closed and surrounded by a white aura.

Suddenly, she opened her eyes and unleashed a powerful surge of energy.