The Last Emperor of a Fallen Nation 04

Xue Wanqiu was yanked so hard she stumbled, almost falling. In all her life, she had never knelt to anyone; even bowing felt beneath her dignity. But now, the gazes of the entire courtyard pricked her like needles. Her father's back trembled with tension, and her mother's nails nearly dug into her arm—for the first time, she realized that those who usually flattered her now wore expressions of pure spectatorship.

Wei Lin was on duty today and hadn't come. Liu Yan was also busy. Only Xiao Ce was present, but when she cast a pleading look his way, he instinctively avoided her eyes.

He wasn't foolish. Speaking up now would only lead to who-knows-what rumors later.

Finding no ally, Xue Wanqiu grew frantic.

"I won't kneel!" she said, her neck stiff, voice strained.

"How dare you defy me!" Her father whirled around, eyes bloodshot, and pressed down on the back of her neck, forcing her to kowtow heavily towards the Empress Dowager's direction. Thud! Thud! Thud! Three dull thumps made her forehead go numb and her vision darken.

Yin Tao made a grimacing expression.

Just as the Empress Dowager was about to tell the Xue family to rise.

"Miss Xue's temperament is rather... spirited," Yin Tao spoke up again, slow and deliberate. Her voice wasn't loud, but it carried just enough for those nearby to hear. "One just wonders if such spirit might one day turn into arrogance. After all, being too headstrong in front of the imperial family isn't really a virtue."

These words were like a soft thorn, gently piercing the hearts of the Xue family. Looking at her daughter's stubbornly stiff neck, Lady Xue felt for the first time that this child had likely been spoiled rotten. She disregarded the family's dignity and insisted on throwing a tantrum on such an occasion. If she really entered the palace and married Fang Zhiyi in the future, such lack of restraint could bring great disaster! The Xue couple suddenly felt a chill on their necks.

Dizzy from being forced to kowtow, the hatred in Xue Wanqiu's heart grew like wild grass. She couldn't understand how an insignificant concubine dared treat her like this? Even more, why were her own parents siding with outsiders! She stared fixedly at Yin Tao, nails digging deep into her palms: Just wait. Once I find Fang Zhiyi, I'll make sure that little wretch is torn to pieces!

Thinking of Fang Zhiyi, she lifted her head again, trying to find his figure in the crowd, but she was disappointed. Fang Zhiyi hadn't appeared. Before she could even sigh, she felt her father's hand on the back of her head again, pressing her to bow several more times towards the Empress Dowager and the Eldest Princess, until she felt lightheaded from lack of oxygen.

She even saw Xiaotao's smug smile, which filled her with extreme displeasure. Since I crossed into this world, I've never knelt to anyone! To suffer such humiliation today—you will all pay!

For the rest of the flower-viewing party, Xue Wanqiu, who should have been the center of attention, did not reappear, having been sent to reflect on her actions.

The Empress Dowager didn't seem to mind. Instead, she engaged Yin Tao in conversation, asking her this and that. Even the usually silent Eldest Princess offered Yin Tao pastries several times, making Yin Tao somewhat bashful.

"System, how did I do? Hahaha, all those palace intrigue and face-slapping dramas I watched weren't for nothing!" Xiaotao remained excited all the way back to her quarters. Her system replied lazily, "The host performed excellently. Keep up the good work," then fell silent.

"It's a shame Senior didn't come today. What is he doing?" Xiaotao wondered, but then thought, "Well, it doesn't matter. That female lead hasn't realized yet that her backer has already abandoned her, right?"

"Tell me, should I start with those admirers of hers? I don't believe all those men are utterly devoted to her." Xiaotao was clearly exhilarated. This was her first quick-transmigration mission. Today she had also noticed that Xiao Ce seemed unwilling to ruin his own prospects.

The system answered mechanically, "The host may decide."

Xiaotao didn't mind the system's perfunctory tone.

The Empress Dowager promptly sent over many gifts. Yin Tao's attention was immediately diverted. This being her first quick-transmigration mission, she found these treasures quite novel.

She had made up her mind: continue slapping the female lead's face. In the original plot, the imperial family members were too soft-hearted, actually letting the female lead run wild.

At the Xue residence, scolded by her parents, Xue Wanqiu shut herself in her room sulking. Having always had smooth sailing, being publicly humiliated today by that insignificant girl was unbearable. Several exquisite vases fell victim to her rage. Outside her room, several men exchanged glances, among them Wei Lin and Liu Yan who had just arrived. They had never seen Xue Wanqiu in such a state.

Wei Lin's face darkened. He would not allow anyone to bully Wanqiu. Perhaps... he could do something. A thought that should not have arisen surfaced in his heart, making it pound wildly.

"Palace intrigue? Hmph, let me show you what real palace intrigue is!" Xue Wanqiu, having finally calmed down a little, muttered viciously to herself. She refused to believe that someone like her, who had transmigrated into this story, couldn't outmaneuver a mere native!

When she gained power, that wretch must die! And die horribly!

She would also complain to Fang Zhiyi!

Strangely, however, Fang Zhiyi seemed to have vanished. He still wasn't attending court, but he wasn't in the palace either.

She had someone contact the little eunuch she had specially placed by Fang Zhiyi's side. The message she got back was that Fang Zhiyi was recently preparing a surprise for her.

This satisfied Xue Wanqiu a little.

The little eunuch who delivered the message trembled as he looked at the old eunuch before him, forcing a smile uglier than a cry. "Eunuch Wei, w-was that acceptable?"

Eunuch Wei smiled kindly. "You performed well. His Majesty said that as long as you are obedient, your parents and brothers will have food to eat. If you continue otherwise... you know the consequences."

The little eunuch shrunk into himself like a chick and quickly lowered his head.

He didn't understand how, overnight, his identity had been uncovered. Not only that, the entire palace seemed to have changed. The previously lazy eunuchs and maids were now bustling about, all looking hurried, some even carrying things out from time to time.

He had intended to pass a message to Xue Wanqiu, but before he could act, he was cornered here by Eunuch Wei from the Emperor's side.

After Eunuch Wei's "heart-to-heart talk," the little eunuch decided: he would take Xue Wanqiu's money, but he also wanted his whole family to live.

The court officials had grown accustomed to Fang Zhiyi's absence from court. They were also used to resolving matters through arguments. Of course, many senior ministers were deeply dissatisfied with Fang Zhiyi, but whether they admonished or remonstrated, it was useless. Over time, they got used to it.

It was just a bit strange today. The Minister of War, Li; the Minister of Personnel, Zhang; and the Grand Secretary, Yang, seemed unusually firm, repeatedly rebutting suggestions put forward by Xiao Ce and others without yielding an inch.

Weren't they afraid of the Emperor's displeasure? Everyone knew these young talents were deeply trusted by the Emperor.

Xiao Ce and Liu Yan were also frustrated. Why were these old fellows suddenly so stubborn?

However, when they sought an audience with the Emperor, they were informed that His Majesty had left the palace to offer prayers for the Empress Dowager's blessings and was not present. Both were left rather frustrated; even Wei Lin, the Commander of the Imperial Guards, was unaware of Fang Zhiyi's whereabouts.