Then, he slowly raised his hand, a hand that bore the marks of time, yet remained warm and strong.
With the unique tenderness and love of a father, he gently landed on his child's shoulder and patted him softly.
It seemed to be silently conveying endless encouragement and support, giving her the courage to face everything.
Immediately afterwards, the two walked side by side with unwavering steps, like soldiers going into battle, step by step toward the palace where the Empress Dowager was.
They knew very well that Xiao Wanxi was loyal, righteous, resolute, and courageous.
If Ning Chenyi makes the decision to go, she will definitely choose to go with him without hesitation or wavering.
This situation is extremely unusual, and the itinerary is subject to many restrictions, making it impossible to bring too many people.
Otherwise, the imperial concubines in the harem, with their unwavering loyalty to the royal family and their deep concern and worry for the fate of the country, would have been different.
They would undoubtedly all sincerely petition to embark on this unknown and challenging journey together, to share the burdens of the royal family, and to contribute their strength to the nation.
The two had barely stepped into Chang Le Palace when the palace maids serving outside faintly heard the Empress Dowager's suppressed sobs.
The sound, like a slender yet incredibly sharp needle, gently pierced the air, instantly shattering the tranquility of Chang Le Palace.
Each sob seemed to create ripples of sorrow in the air, which gradually spread, instantly enveloping the entire Chang Le Palace in a heavy and oppressive grief.
The lights in Chang Le Palace appeared particularly dim and yellowish in this sorrowful atmosphere, as if they too were grieving for what was about to happen.
Only when the night was deep and all was quiet did the lights in Chang Le Palace slowly go out in the oppressive atmosphere.
And the Emperor, in the deep, inky darkness, left Chang Le Palace quietly with a heavy heart and a deep sense of reluctance.
The next morning, the dawn shone through layers of clouds, casting a soft glow and draping the earth in a gentle veil.
As usual, the ministers, dressed in solemn court attire, entered the court hall with dignified expressions.
However, everyone soon noticed something was amiss: the newly appointed regent was nowhere to be found.
The seat where the regent usually stood was now empty, appearing particularly out of place.
Pei Yanci's heart sank suddenly, as if a huge boulder weighing a thousand pounds had been pressed down on his heart, making it hard for him to breathe.
I felt my eyelids twitching uncontrollably, the frequency of which seemed to foreshadow some kind of misfortune.
He subconsciously turned his gaze to the next Right Chancellor beside him, whom he had carefully nurtured, taught meticulously, and placed high hopes on, a hint of panic in his eyes.
He then quickly took deep breaths, trying to calm the turmoil churning within him.
I kept telling myself to stay calm and composed, and not to lose my composure.
Ning Yuanhe sat calmly and composed on the dragon throne, her gaze as sharp as a hawk's, silently taking in the changes in the expressions of the ministers.
She knew that every subtle change in the court could conceal many profound meanings.
However, she did not speak immediately, but calmly announced the start of the morning court session as usual.
In the imperial court, officials presented their reports in turn, their voices echoing in the empty and silent hall.
Yet they all seemed to carry a subtle sense of unease and anxiety, as if a delicate tension permeated the air.
After the morning court session ended, Pei Yanci and the emperor entered the imperial study together.
The atmosphere inside the Imperial Study was solemn and quiet, filled with an invisible pressure.
The calligraphy and paintings hanging on the wall seemed to remain silent in this solemn atmosphere.
After about the time it takes to drink a cup of tea, Pei Yanci slowly walked out of the imperial study, his face as pale as paper.
Having risen to the position of Right Chancellor, a position of great importance and power, Pei Yanci was naturally a meticulous and exceptionally intelligent person, certainly not a fool.
Normally, even though Qin Qianluo and Su Jinyun acted discreetly and cautiously, they never explicitly revealed anything.
However, thanks to his keen observation, exceptional insight, and profound understanding of the court situation.
From their daily words, actions, and expressions, one can already vaguely guess some key information and sense the severity of the situation.
He had heard rumors of frequent disasters in neighboring small countries, but he never expected that the situation would become so dire and precarious.
Like a volcano about to erupt, with magma surging underground, it could trigger a massive crisis at any moment, bringing annihilation to the entire country.
Continue read on readnovelmtl.com
