"This time, I am truly grateful to Daoist Qiufeng for saving me. Otherwise, I really wouldn't know what to do."
As the Empress spoke, she nestled close to the Emperor.
The Emperor gently stroked the Empress's hair and sighed softly.
If it weren't for the Empress Dowager taking charge this time, he would have truly fallen into the trap of treacherous people.
Thinking about how he had neglected the Empress over the years, the Emperor felt somewhat guilty towards her.
"This time, it was all thanks to my beloved consort who took charge of the situation while I was unconscious."
At this moment, the emperor was filled with mixed emotions. He finally understood that none of the concubines he usually favored, nor the fourth prince, could be trusted.
"Your Majesty, I am but a woman with limited abilities. Fortunately, Guard Feng uncovered the truth, otherwise I would still be kept in the dark..."
Although the Empress genuinely cared for the Emperor, she was not lazy in promoting her nephew. Whenever she saw an opportunity to praise her nephew, she would seize the chance to say something.
"What my beloved consort says is quite right."
Those who had contributed this time all received rewards from the Emperor, and when the gifts were delivered to the Eastern Palace, Li Youran also received one.
"The Emperor rarely bestows gifts, and even when he does, it's just a few simple items. I never expected him to be so generous this time. It seems that after experiencing life and death, he has become indifferent to many things."
The Crown Princess casually picked up a crystal glass from the tray and said.
"If I remember correctly, this was a birthday gift from the Fourth Prince to His Majesty on His Majesty's birthday."
This action by the Emperor shows that he has completely lost faith in the Fourth Prince, and also proves that he is as stingy as ever...
"Princess Jiahe, please wait. The Emperor has an important announcement to make in the garden tonight."
After Li Youran thanked him for the reward, she turned to leave, but Eunuch Su spoke to her in a high-pitched voice.
"Today's banquet is very important. The Crown Princess and Princess Jiahe must attend."
After finishing speaking, Eunuch Su bent over and walked backwards out, leaving Li Youran completely bewildered.
Those attending the banquet that evening were all relatives and friends of the imperial family. There were just the right number of people, arranged in two layers, with an open space about seven or eight meters long.
"Master Qiufeng, I'd like to offer you this first cup of wine to thank you for saving my life."
The Emperor rose, holding his wine cup, and bowed to Daoist Qiufeng sitting to the side, leaving the crowd below the stage completely bewildered.
You must know, no one in the world can withstand such a cup of wine from the Emperor.
"It is because His Majesty has an affinity with Taoism."
Master Qiufeng maintained his usual calm and collected expression, and then downed the wine in his cup in one gulp.
Seeing how generous Master Qiufeng was, the Emperor laughed heartily, then drank his wine in one gulp along with Master Qiufeng, before looking at everyone.
"As Master Qiufeng said, I have a special affinity with Taoism. From this day forward, I intend to devote myself to cultivating Taoism."
Li Youran, who was sitting below the stage fidgeting with her fingers and staring blankly at the food on the table, couldn't help but look up at the emperor after hearing his words.
She suddenly remembered that there was a rule against it, and it was the Emperor. She hurriedly lowered her head, thinking to herself that the Emperor's words implied that he wanted to abdicate and give way to a more worthy successor.
Just as Li Youran was having some doubts, the Emperor continued speaking.
"This incident has proven that the Crown Prince is a brave, resourceful, and calm person. I plan to pass the throne to the Crown Prince soon, step down as the Retired Emperor, and devote myself to Taoist cultivation in pursuit of the Pure Land."
Upon hearing that the emperor was about to abdicate, the crowd below the stage erupted in uproar.
"Could this be the Emperor testing His Highness the Crown Prince?"
Liu Zhiyuan leaned closer to Tang Lei and whispered something, but Tang Lei shook his head and didn't say anything.
Entrusted by His Highness the Crown Prince, Tang Lei hid in the crowd to prevent any accidents. Liu Zhiyuan, on the other hand, clung to Tang Lei's leg and came to the banquet with him.
Seeing that Tang Lei didn't speak, Liu Zhiyuan assumed he was still angry about attending the banquet, so he simply shut up and looked in Li Youran's direction. He couldn't help but sigh that Li Youran was truly captivating in the moonlight.
In the blink of an eye, two men in black simultaneously lunged at the Emperor and the Crown Prince.
Li Youran sat near the Crown Prince, and Liu Zhiyuan's heart tightened suddenly. He didn't have time to think, and his first reaction was to protect Li Youran.
Tang Lei frowned, unsure whether to save the Emperor or the Crown Prince first.
Seeing that Daoist Qiufeng was already standing protectively in front of the Emperor with his whisk, he then headed towards the Crown Prince.
Tang Lei was extremely fast. Just as the man in black was rushing towards His Highness the Crown Prince, he stepped forward and kicked the long sword in the man's hand, causing the man in black to fall over in the direction of his kick.
Tang Lei was secretly relieved that he had saved the Crown Prince from the black-clad man's sword, but suddenly he realized something was wrong as the black-clad man headed towards Li You'er.
Tang Lei and Liu Zhiyuan simultaneously stepped in front of Li Youran.
Li Youran stared wide-eyed at the sudden scene before her. Just as the long sword was about to pierce Tang Lei, Li Youran's heart skipped a beat, and she felt a sense of emptiness.
In an instant, she understood.
"Leisurely!"
Tang Lei and Liu Zhiyuan shouted loudly at Li Youran at the same time.
Continue read on readnovelmtl.com
