204 Kidnap the Emperor

mpossible for them to teach at Li Mountain Academy. How could those prodigies ever agree to have someone barely older than themselves as their teacherAunt Xu added with a smile, "In reality, only Qing...204. Kidnapping the Emperor

204. Palace Abduction Case

"Leave with me!" Looking at the obviously frightened woman before him, Feng Zhirao repeated in a solemn voice.

The empress was stunned by his words and only regained her senses after some time, shaking her head slightly. A hint of anger rose in Feng Zhirao's eyes as he gritted his teeth and asked, "Why not" The empress lowered her gaze to hide the sorrow and desolation in her eyes. She looked up at Feng Zhirao with a faint smile and said, "I am the emperor's wife and mother of the state. Anyone can leave, but I cannot." Although she had no romantic love for Mo Jingqi, when the previous emperor arranged their marriage, she never felt any dissatisfaction either. Since then, whether good or bad in life has nothing to do with others. She and Mo Jingqi are husband and wife; he is the father of her daughter. She doesn't love him but must stay by his side. She didn't understand Feng Zhirao's thoughts before, but now that she understands them, she cannot leave with him even more so. Taking a Chu empress out of the palace would not be beneficial for Feng Zhirao.

Feng Zhirao stared at the empress’s calm smile fiercely and almost bit his lip until it bled.

The empress looked at him softly, saying, "You're also no longer young. I've heard that the Duchess of Ding Wang already has a child. You are the same age as Ding Wang, so you should find a good woman to marry too. Yaoyao, thank you for coming to see me. But... please don't come again in the future. The palace is not somewhere one can enter and leave at will. It's not good for both of us." Feng Zhirao suddenly stood up and glared at her: "Fine! Fine! I was being foolish, it wasn't proper for me to disturb Your Majesty’s life. I shall take my leave!" Although he said this, there was no movement in his feet. In fact, as soon as the words left his mouth, Feng Zhirao felt remorseful because he knew that she only wanted to shoo him away and not that she truly feared any trouble he might bring her. The empress sighed softly: "You are being childish. Go back."

Feng Zhirao glared at the empress for a while without saying anything. He wanted to tell the empress what Mo Jingqi had done, wanted to tell her that Ding Wang would never let Mo Jingqi off, and wanted to beg her to leave with him. But he knew her well; even if she knew all of this, she wouldn't go away with him. Since stepping into Qi Prince's wedding sedan chair, her life's honor and disgrace were tied solely to Mo Jingqi. Even if Mo Jingqi became a defunct monarch, she would only accompany him in his demise.

"No matter what Mo Jingqi does, you won't leave him" Feng Zhirao asked coldly. The empress was stunned; being an extremely intelligent woman, she understood from Feng Zhirao's words that something must have happened with the emperor again. A faint bitter smile appeared at the corners of her lips as she said, "As a queen, it is my fault for not advising the Emperor on his moral conduct. If there are any consequences, I naturally would share them with him. Yaorao, go now and don't come back. In the future, if you have an opportunity, take care of Changle for me." Feng Zhirao remained silent, even though the Third Young Master Feng was intelligent and eloquent; he could never be her match. As long as she looked at him calmly, he wouldn't say anything else either. After a while, Feng Zhirao nodded and said to the empress: "Alright, I'm leaving... take care of yourself."

Seeing Feng Zhirao quickly disappear into the dark night through the window, the empress gazed at the flickering candlelight before her in a daze for quite some time before letting out a faint sigh.

Feng Zhirao left the palace gates and swiftly crossed the bustling streets of Jingcheng city, landing with his clothes dampened by dew and chilled air in the backyard of Qingshi Lane. It was already the fourth watch of night; even this place that never slept had long returned to calmness. Feng Zhirao entered a room with unrestrained behavior, kicking open the door as he entered. The waiting Leng Haoyu was startled by his sudden appearance and raised an eyebrow: "What's wrong" Feng Zhirao shook his head, walked to the table, sat down, grabbed a bottle of wine on it and poured it directly into his mouth. As Leng Haoyu watched him with his chin propped up, he knew that something must have happened. He patted Feng Zhirao’s shoulder and said: "What's going on We can drink day and night back at the house to relieve your sorrows. But now... how did it go in the palace Did you find out where Bi Luo Hua is"

Feng Zhirao put down the wine bottle, frowned and shook his head: "A few people from Qilin almost turned Mo Jingqi's bedroom upside down but found no trace of anything. They also checked all the secret rooms in the palace." Leng Haoyu furrowed his brows and asked: "Could it be that Tan Jizhi lied to us" Feng Zhirao shook his head and said, "No way. The Holy Maiden of Nanjiang is still being held captive in the northwest. If the holy maiden died, Tan Jizhi's forces in Nanzhao would crumble." Leng Haoyu scratched his forehead in frustration before looking at Feng Zhirao and asked: "If we directly ask Mo Jingqi about it, what are the chances of him telling us"

"Ask Mo Jingqi" Feng Zhirao was taken aback and looked at Leng Haoyu with puzzlement.

Leng Haoyu waved his fan while saying, "I'm afraid that besides Mo Jingqi himself, no one knows where he hid Bi Luo Hua. If we don't ask him directly, what else can we do Your time and the prince's body can't afford for us to work slowly." Feng Zhirao had to admit Leng Haoyu was right; he couldn’t stay in Jingcheng for too long, and even though Mr. Shen mentioned that due to the effects of phoenix grass, the prince’s condition might not deteriorate within two years as originally thought, it wouldn't be much longer either. Moreover, more than a year and a half had already passed. Calculating their time, they could afford to waste it, but the prince's body couldn’t wait. After some deep thoughts, Feng Zhirao said: "I need to think about this matter carefully. By the way, how is the Flame Lotus in Beirong"

Leng Haoyu replied: "Since the Prince can walk again, many people believe that he has already been cured of his poison. Therefore, they haven't paid as much attention to the Flame Lotus as before. I’ve arranged for someone to keep an eye on it; once its seeds are ripe, we will retrieve them immediately." Feng Zhirao nodded and said: "Whether or not it’s useful, having extra preparations is always better. If Bi Luo Hua isn't ready in time, Mr. Shen can definitely find a way with the Flame Lotus." In fact, everyone was rather pessimistic about finding Bi Luo Hua; apart from the time and energy required to locate it, the ancient formula for its concoction had long been lost as well. Therefore, while studying Bi Luo Hua, Mr. Shen also focused on other prescriptions that could temporarily suppress or replace the poison in the prince's body. Leng Haoyu nodded solemnly; everything they were doing was based on Ding Wang staying alive; if anything happened to him, all their efforts would be wasted. This was why even though Mo Army had been stationed in the northwest for a long time, its upper echelons did not push further forward. Once something happened to the prince, the more they did now, the greater the impact it would have on Mo Army’s future.

"Alright then, do as planned. If you need any experts, just tell me." Leng Haoyu stood up and said. This time Feng Zhirao brought only a part of his Shadow Guardsmen and about ten people from Qilin, all elite soldiers but too few in number. Feng Zhirao raised an eyebrow with a smile: "Speaking of experts, the duchess really gave me one when Prince left. As long as he obeys, it might not be impossible to kidnap Mo Jingqi even from the palace.

"Oh" Leng Haoyu was surprised, "The Queen Consort has such a high-level expert under her command"

Feng Zhiyao chuckled and said, "Mu Qingcang is one of the Four Great Experts in the world. Add on to that the unexpected appearance of the Qilin, do you think it’s enough"

Leng Haoyu was taken aback for a moment before he clapped his hands with a smile and said, "It's more than enough." One of the Four Great Experts in the world plus the unpredictable Qilin. Unless Emperor Mo Jingqi’s palace is impenetrable without any gaps at all, otherwise they wouldn’t have to worry about not being able to drag him out from the palace.

In the emperor's bedroom, with a gloomy expression, Mo Jingqi walked in from outside. The low-pressure aura around him made the eunuchs and maids following behind him shiver as their heads lowered without daring to look at the master before them. Stopping by the door, Mo Jingqi turned back and glanced coldly at the trembling servants, "Get out of here!" Everyone heaved a sigh of relief and scrambled out. In an instant, there was only Mo Jingqi left in the hall. The opulent bedroom appeared desolate and icy. As soon as Mo Jingqi entered, he kicked over a small table that had an antique vase placed on it beside him. Then everything inside the hall also suffered his wrath. The eunuchs and maids guarding outside could hear the sound of objects being smashed inside and knew that the emperor was smashing things again.

"Eunuch…" A newly arrived little eunuch asked anxiously, was His Majesty alright to be so furious with such destruction

The chief eunuch obviously had long grown used to this, hence he remained calm and said, "Watch well. Don't ask unnecessary questions."

"Yes." The little eunuch nodded but didn’t quite understand.

“Mo Xiuyao! Ye Li! I will definitely kill you!” Mo Jingqi roared in the hall after venting his anger, looking at the mess on the ground. Thinking about the message he received during court session that morning, Mo Jingqi couldn't help but boil with rage and even wanted to murder the messenger. For Ye Li’s child, Mu Xiuyao actually dared to openly claim it as Crown Prince Dingwang! The title of Crown Prince of Dingwang was long ago abolished by his imperial edict, yet Mu Xiuyao's act clearly showed that he was defying him. He even openly invited envoys from various countries for a full moon banquet for Crown Prince Dingwang. To be noted, this was an honor that not even the Imperial Princes of Da Chu had! Was Mu Xiuyao trying to tell all under heaven that his son is more respected than the imperial princes

"Mu Xiuyao... Evil Xiuyao... It’s because I didn’t kill you back then that I have to deal with this today! You wait!"

"Report, Your Majesty. Chancellor Liu seeks an audience," a eunuch outside reported carefully.

Mos Jingqi's eyes narrowed as he coldly said, "Get in here!"

The chamber door was pushed open from the outside before it quickly closed again. Chancellor Liu entered just as cautiously and only after checking his lord’s expression did he prostrate himself on the floor to say, "Your humble servant greets Your Majesty." Mo Jingqi harrumphed coldly and asked, “What do you think of this morning's memorial” Not having been ordered to rise from Mo Jingqi, Chancellor Liu didn’t dare to get up. He lifted his head with righteous indignation and said, "Report Your Majesty, Mu Xiuyao's behavior is truly a serious crime against the royal family. Since last year, Mu Xiuyao has committed many acts of rebellion and his wolfish ambition is clearly revealed. Although His Majesty showed much leniency towards him, he continued to act as he pleased and was even more arrogant. Please issue an imperial edict for strict punishment!" Chancellor Liu's words seemed very in line with Mo Jingqi’s thoughts; his expression changed slightly before nodding and saying, “You may rise. What do you think”

Chancellor Liu thought about it for a moment and clasped his hands as he reported, "Mu Xiuyao is far away in the northwest. Even if Your Majesty wants to punish him, it would be difficult to reach him. In my view, we should immediately seal off King Dingwang's mansion within the capital to show our intentions. Furthermore, the Xu family of Yun Prefecture is related by marriage to King Dingwang’s mansion and has had much contact with them in the past. Please issue an imperial edict for immediate arrest of the Xu family of Yun Prefecture, confiscate their property, and kill one to warn a hundred!"

"This…" Although Mo Jingqi had been looking down on the Xu Family for a long time as well, he still hesitated slightly when it came to seizing their property. Chancellor Liu immediately said, "Your Majesty, please understand, the Xu family controls the most prestigious Li Shan Academy in Da Chu. In every imperial examination, students from the Li Shan Academy take up a significant number. Furthermore, almost half of the officials and literati in court are graduates of Li Shan Academy. If the Xu Family were to side with Mu Xiuyao, these officials and scholars…" Chancellor Liu didn't finish his sentence but left just enough hint for Mo Jingqi to think about it. Sure enough, Mo Jingqi's expression changed before he nodded and said, "Chancellor Liu is correct. I’ll leave this matter to you then. Remember not to let the common people criticize us." Chancellor Liu smiled and said, “Your Majesty, rest assured. The relationship between the Xu family and Mu Xiuyao is well known throughout the world. In light of today’s act by Mu Xiuyao, which can be seen as rebellion, the Xu family will inevitably be implicated.” Mo Jingqi nodded with satisfaction and said, "Very good, Chancellor Liu, you may take your leave."

"Your humble servant takes his leave.

Seeing Chancellor Liu leave, Mo Jingqi's mood improved significantly. He was eager to see how Mo Xiuyao would react when he captured the Xu family members, but unfortunately, he couldn't witness it himself, which was somewhat disappointing. As he thought about this, he suddenly felt intense pain at his neck, and everything went dark.

When Mo Jingqi regained consciousness again, he found himself not in the magnificent imperial bedroom, but instead in an empty room. There wasn’t anything inside the entire room except for the chair he was sitting on, making it impossible to determine where he actually was. However, one thing Mo Jingqi understood clearly: He had been kidnapped and this place definitely could not be within the palace. His heart sank as he looked down at the ropes that tightly bound him to the chair and struggled futilely, shouting, "Someone! Quickly, someone! Who dares to kidnap me Show yourself!"

The door creaked open softly. Mo Jingqi, facing away from it, could not see anything but sensed someone entering and barked fiercely, "You have the audacity to kidnap this emperor. Unbind me quickly or I will not show you mercy."

"Oh my, Your Excellency is so scary..." A cold and mocking laugh came from behind him. Mo Jingqi turned his head to see three black-clad men standing there, with their faces covered entirely except for their eyes. No matter how hard he tried, Mo Jingqi couldn't tell if they were familiar or strangers.

"Who are you Do you know what crime it is to kidnap the emperor" Mo Jingqi demanded sternly.

Feng Zhiyao squinted his eyes at the man in front of him, dressed in bright yellow dragon robes. He was indeed handsome; members of the Mo family were generally good-looking. However, the aura and demeanor he exuded fell far short compared to those of Prince Ding. Even as he tried to appear calm, Feng Zhiyao saw fear deep in his eyes. Smirking thoughtfully, he mused that it would be better if the emperor was afraid.

"What is the crime for kidnapping His Majesty" Feng Zhiyao asked with a warm smile at Mo Jingqi: "Is there such a law in the Great Chu legal code"

Mo Jingqi was speechless; of course, there wasn't such a law in the Great Chu Code because no one would be so brazen as to kidnap an emperor. "How dare you!" Feng Zhiyao sneered and leaned forward, resting his elbow on the chair’s backrest, looking down at Mo Jingqi from above and smiling mockingly: "Since we invited Your Majesty here, we are aware of the consequences. So it would be best if Your Majesty stopped with idle talk; otherwise..." His empty hand suddenly produced a small dagger, which he casually let glide along Mo Jingqi’s neck, causing goosebumps to rise instantly from the icy sharp blade. “What... what do you want”

Cold Haoyu, leaning against the wall by his side, smiled and said, "It's actually nothing much; we just wish to borrow something from Your Majesty. An emperor with four seas of wealth shouldn't be so stingy, right" Although his words were gentle, they contained a clear threat.

Mo Jingqi quickly glanced at the dagger tip near his neck and asked, "What do you want"

"Peach Blossom from the Blue Void," Feng Zhiyao said in a low voice.

Mo Jingqi was startled. "I have no idea what you're talking about; what is Peach Blossom from the Blue Void" Feng Zhiyao laughed coldly: "It's rumored that Peach Blossom from the Blue Void can bring back life to bones and revive the dead. But I wonder if it could save His Majesty when a knife pierces his neck..." A slight sting on his neck made Mo Jingqi feel something flowing down — it was his blood! His heart raced as he called out, "Wait! The Peach Blossom from Blue Void has been lost for over a hundred years; who told you that I have it" Feng Zhiyao replied with a smile: "There's no harm in telling Your Majesty this. A young man surnamed Tan named Jianzhi — does Your Majesty know him"

Mo Jingqi was stunned, recalling Tang Jizhi If it were anyone else, he might deny it, but Tang Jizhi knew clearly because that item originally belonged to him. He thought Tang Jizhi had been killed by Mo Xiuyao; could it be... "Are you people from Mo Xiuyao"

Seemingly reading his thoughts, Feng Zhiyao sneered: "Your Majesty needn't waste your efforts on that matter. Many know about the precious item in Your Majesty's hands. Tang Jizhi is still alive and currently in the capital of Chu."

"He’s with you"

Feng Zhiyao shook his head and said, "Although we are also looking for him, it's enough to know the whereabouts of Bi Luo Hua now. It seems that Young Master Tan is not as loyal to His Majesty as people think. According to what I know, Young Master Tan had already returned to the capital more than two months ago. The emperor doesn't know this, does he"

Mojingqi cursed inwardly; indeed, he was unaware of it. Originally, he thought that Mo Xiuyao must have secretly killed Tan Jizhi himself. Now it seems that Mo Xiuyao really let him go back then, and it's Tan Jizhi who didn't want to return. No need to say... He surely has betrayed me already. Thinking about this made Mojingqi’s heart tighten up. Does Tan Jizhi betraying me mean that Mo Xiuyao knows about that matter!

"I truly admire His Majesty for being able to space out at such a time," Feng Zhiyao smiled and said, "Tell us the whereabouts of Bi Luo Hua or your life"

"Even if you kill me, you won’t be able to escape from the capital!" Mojingqi shouted angrily.

Feng Zhiyao laughed and said, "Who told you that we're still in the capital If I were to kill His Majesty now, I could calmly stroll into the capital and find a place to stay. Bi Luo Hua is always kept inside the palace; it doesn’t matter if I have to look for her slowly. Since Your Majesty is so stubborn, it looks like our Great Chu Dynasty needs a new emperor to ascend the throne."

Upon saying this, he raised his dagger and stabbed towards Mojingqi’s neck without any hesitation.

"Wait!" Mojingqi cried out in alarm. Seeing the dagger almost touching his neck made him sweat coldly.

"I say…" Mojingqi’s face was already deathly pale, fear filling his eyes. "Bi Luo Hua is…in the Empress's bedroom."

Feng Zhiyao froze in surprise; he narrowed his phoenix-like eyes and said coldly, "Would you keep such a precious item in the empress’s palace"

Mojingqi replied, "Because it is a treasure, keeping it inside the Empress's palace makes it inconspicuous. Bi Luo Hua looks like jade; eight years ago I had another artisan decorate it as a gift to the empress and ordered her to keep it well. Therefore, she would never use it herself or give it to someone else."

Feng Zhiyao stood up and said, "I hope what you’re saying is true."

"I’m not lying at all. When will you let me go"

Feng Zhiyao walked towards the door and said, "We can release you whenever we get the item, but if there are any issues with it, Your Majesty knows what will happen!"

Mojingqi sighed in defeat. "I understand."

Interlude:

In fact, considering the previous context, Phoenix thinks that this title may cause some misunderstanding. It’s not that Phoenix III kidnapped the emperor to take the empress away. Although many people hope for the empress's departure, Phoenix has to say that the empress actually can't leave with Feng Zhiyao. Whether due to her relationship with Feng Zhiyao or her position as Empress, she is undoubtedly a good empress and would never run off with someone just because she doesn’t love Mojingqi...Ye Li waved dismissively. "Our situation is different; see, even if we asked you to marry our王爺you would definitely refuse, right Most people would refuse too, so in this case… wouldn’t the王爺be mine a...