Pan Ling couldn't help but complain that she had always listened to her master and tried not to rely on her own abilities.

This approach has proven very effective. Now she can analyze a lot by observing people's words and expressions, and she only uses her ability to read people's minds when it comes to specific details.

This is the best proof that she can control her abilities at will; correspondingly, her mind-reading skills have also improved under this training.

To be honest, when she first met Xu Shi, she was indeed very interested in reading her master's mind. After all, Xu Shi was different from others, and even if she read his mind, she couldn't understand it completely.

But now... it seems like I don't have those worldly desires anymore.

It's something that becomes second nature.

"Too."

Xu Shi agreed, "In that case, let's proceed step by step, clean up this mess before going to the palace."

As Pan Ling said, how could he really let Cheng Gujian use him so easily, and pave the way for him with his own hard work?

A great gift was already waiting for him.

"As for you... you've made quite a bit of progress, so I'll give you a little reward."

He continued leisurely, "If you're willing in the future, you can read my heart."

"……real?!"

Pan Ling couldn't believe her ears and even had to double-check.

"If you ask again, it's not true."

"Thank you, Master!"

The silly apprentice was overjoyed because she knew that this reward was a form of recognition from her master.

Or perhaps the very fact that she could read Xu Shi's mind was something to be happy about.

It seems unlikely that she has no worldly desires at all; it's more accurate to say that she has now learned to control herself and is no longer swayed by them.

But being able to hear what the master has to say is definitely a wonderful thing.

So she couldn't wait to try mind reading.

Xu Shi also kept his promise and took the initiative to open his heart, making sure that she could hear what he was thinking.

Then.

[You just used the phrase "vengeful," right? Is that how you perceive your teacher?]

[You traitor! You're not allowed to eat tonight!]

...

?

It took Pan Ling a long time to realize what was happening.

So this is actually just one part of your story?

But it must be said that her mental fortitude is now quite strong; at least she has learned to resist her master's tyranny.

"It's late at night now, Master."

She tried to reason with Xu Shi, saying, "I can skip dinner."

Do I need to think about your appearance? Dare you say you're not that kind of person?!

"Right? Then why not save on tomorrow's meal too?"

"……yes."

The struggle failed, and the foolish apprentice was left speechless with despair.

...

There are two sides to the story.

Unlike Xu Shi's side, who were somewhat relieved after the battle, the imperial palace was now on the verge of war.

"Your Majesty! Grand Duke Gu Jian, cough, Cheng Gu Jian, this traitor, has raised an army in rebellion!"

"What?!"

The already uneasy little empress was suddenly startled, and her hands trembled involuntarily.

Her anxiety actually stemmed from Xu Shi, who, of course, knew about the war between the other party and the Holy See.

To be honest, she would prefer Xu Shi to win, since the two of them are now in the same boat.

Unfortunately, before the good news could arrive, they received news of Cheng Gujian's coup attempt.

This was undoubtedly a huge blow to her, since with her own strength, she certainly couldn't compete with the strongest person in the deeply rooted empire who had been there for many years.

It would be a lie to say I wasn't afraid, especially at a time when I was constantly overwhelmed.

No wonder the intelligence was coming in slower and slower; under these circumstances, how could she possibly keep track of the situation at the Vatican?

But at the same time, she suddenly felt a sense of resignation.

Was Cheng Gujian's rebellion something to be surprised about? Obviously not.

It could be said that from the moment she was no longer that naive young girl, she knew that this day would come sooner or later.

It's just that this day came earlier than she expected.

So here's the question.

What should she do?

"Your Majesty...run!"

The lady-in-waiting beside him was terrified and kept trying to dissuade him, saying, "Cheng Gujian has already begun to surround the palace. He has also sent troops to guard the residences of the other dukes and earls, and even troops from other regions..."

Dongfang Xiao was well aware of all of this.

In fact, if you concentrate carefully now, you can hear the sounds of soldiers outside the palace, as well as the treasonous words of the rebels.

Should we run?

She muttered something to herself.

"His Majesty!"

The female official beside him was quite loyal; in her anxiety, she even cracked her voice, "If we don't run now, it will be too late!"

That makes sense; surrounding the palace would take time, and they would still have a chance to escape.

But once the palace is completely surrounded, nothing more can be said.

As for resistance, it was out of the question. The royal knights personally trained by Cheng Gujian, as well as his own private soldiers, were of frighteningly high quality. Relying on the palace guards to quell the rebellion was simply a pipe dream.

Previously, he could borrow the power of Xu Shi, the imperial tutor, but now he himself is preoccupied with his own affairs, so it is unrealistic to place his hopes on him as well.

The only option left is to run away. There are secret passages within the palace that are unknown to outsiders. If we disguise ourselves, we can at least save our lives.

As long as the green hills remain, there's no fear of running out of firewood.

This is a last resort.

only.

At the critical moment of life and death, the little empress suddenly seemed to awaken and made some extraordinary decision.

My dear reader, there's more to this chapter! Please click the next page to continue reading—even more exciting content awaits!