But the emperor was immediately pleased upon hearing this, saying, "Of course. There are probably few people in the world whose vision can compare with that of the Grand Tutor, and everything he gives me is the best."
Baili Xi's lips curled up, a mocking smile flashing across her face.
Before long, the carriage stopped in front of Prime Minister Baili's mansion. Chu Nian and the young emperor got off the carriage with the help of Wen Wan and Zhang Xiaohai, respectively.
Baili Xi led everyone into the mansion in a hurry, but no sooner had Chu Nian and the others stepped across the threshold than they heard a loud bang as the gate was slammed shut behind them.
Suddenly, many people wielding swords and knives jumped out from the small corners around the courtyard. Each of them possessed powerful Xuan Qi and instantly surrounded Chu Nian and the others.
Baili Xi stepped forward with a cold smile and said, "Sister, you've finally come home, so let's settle all the old and new scores together!"
Chu Nian asked, "Sister, what does this mean?" Her smile was incredibly gentle and radiant, like a spring breeze.
Baili Xi demanded sharply, "Baili Nian, what qualifications do you think you have to be Empress Dowager and wield power over the country?"
Chu Nian said in a cool voice, "The one who holds the reins of the country's government is the Emperor, not me."
Baili Xi then turned to look at the young emperor.
Chu Nian thought the young emperor's performance was excellent; he only panicked for a moment when many Xuan Masters jumped out, but quickly regained his composure. At this moment, Baili Xi looked at him, and he merely gave her a cold, dismissive glance.
Baili Xi chuckled and said, "What does this little brat know about politics?"
Chu Nian chuckled and said, "He doesn't understand, but do you think a woman like you who only knows how to shout for war understands anything?"
Baili Xi: "You don't even know what 'calling for war' means, yet you have the nerve to laugh at me here?"
The young emperor finally spoke, asking in a cold voice, "Is the Grand Master of Ceremonies ill?"
Upon hearing this, Baili Xi laughed heartily and said, "Thanks to Your Majesty's concern, although my father's health is not as good as before, he is not so ill that he is bedridden. He and my mother have long since returned to their hometown and will probably never return to the capital in this lifetime. My father's resignation letter has been placed on Your Majesty's desk." As she spoke, she felt a complex mix of emotions.
If it weren't for Baili Nian's meddling, her and Zhang Lie's grand plan might have succeeded long ago.
Chu Nian: "You tricked me and the Emperor into leaving the palace so you could ambush us here and kill us?"
Baili Xi: "Otherwise what?"
Chu Nian laughed and said, "What happens after you kill us?"
Baili Xi said with a hint of laziness, "After I kill you, the ministers in the court will stop nagging about the change of dynasty."
As she spoke, her voice suddenly turned sharp, and her gaze became sinister. She said, "A mother and son with no ability actually occupy the throne. Don't they know their own worth?"
"Baili Nian, as a concubine's daughter, you don't even know what Xuan Qi is. You're only fit to serve me and bow to me. There's no reason for me, your eldest legitimate sister, to bow to you all the time."
Before she finished speaking, she waved to the surrounding Xuan Masters and ordered, "Kill them all!"
The Xuan Masters immediately rushed forward, but unexpectedly, a powerful Xuan energy suddenly burst forth from Zhang Xiaohai's body, instantly erecting a protective shield that enveloped them all.
The Xuan Masters who rushed forward to slash at the protective barrier were all thrown backward by their swords and blades, which flew out of their hands.
"Eunuch Zhang, I really didn't see that coming!" Baili Xi sneered.
However, she was only momentarily surprised when she saw Zhang Xiaohai make his move, and quickly recovered. It seems she hadn't expected the Emperor and Empress Dowager to leave the palace incognito without bringing any powerful figures along; that would be tantamount to handing their lives over to others.
Therefore, she knew from the beginning that even if the Emperor and Empress Dowager left the palace, killing them would still come at a price.
Zhang Xiaohai smiled and said, "I have been entrusted by the Grand Tutor to protect the Emperor's safety. Madam Weiwu, please forgive me."
Baili Xi gritted her teeth and said, "I'd like to see what a eunuch like you can do!" As she spoke, she reached for her waist and a soft sword appeared in her hand. Her figure was extremely beautiful, and she came over like a dancer.
Zhang Xiaohai and Baili Xi clashed. Meanwhile, the Xuan Masters who had been knocked away earlier were not seriously injured and got up to attack again, only to be stopped by the guards accompanying the young emperor.
The young emperor coldly watched the battle unfold, but a glance caught sight of someone standing on the roof of the hall. His heart skipped a beat, and he quickly tugged at Chu Nian, whispering, "Mother..."
Chu Nian followed his gaze and looked up, only to see Yang Feijian standing there leisurely, sizing up the two of them.
Chu Nian stepped forward and shielded the young emperor behind her, saying, "Stay behind me and don't run around."
The young emperor said, "Mother, at this critical moment of life and death, how can I let you rush to the front? Baili Xi wants to ascend to the throne and wants to get rid of me. If I stand here to block him, Mother should be able to find a chance to leave."
Chu Nian couldn't help but laugh and said, "Your Majesty, now you're actually considering my feelings."
The young emperor's expression darkened, and his voice carried a hint of sorrow as he said, "After all, Mother is the one who raised me. No matter what, I will always respect you as my mother."
Having probably watched the spectacle long enough, Yang Feijian leaped down from the rooftop, smiling as he conjured a long sword and thrust it towards Chu Nian's face.
"Mother, be careful!" the young emperor exclaimed, trying to step forward to shield Chu Nian. Chu Nian was already prepared to fight back, but unexpectedly another figure suddenly appeared, his long sword meeting Yang Feijian's sword.
The two swords clashed, and Yang Feijian's sword snapped in two with a clang. The attacker's sword, without pausing, continued to thrust forward, piercing Yang Feijian's throat with a soft thud.
The young emperor paused for a moment upon seeing the other's back, then exclaimed in delight, "Grand...Grand Tutor! Grand Tutor, are you really that amazing? Grand Tutor, you're so handsome!"
As soon as he finished speaking, he saw Chu Nian give him a cool glance, and he immediately composed himself—his jubilant demeanor just now was indeed unbecoming of an emperor.
Chu Nian had already quietly withdrawn his attack, which he was about to launch.
"Your Majesty, I am late in coming to your aid. I hope the Empress Dowager and Your Majesty will forgive me!" Jiang Bai said as he bowed to the two of them.
The young emperor excitedly rushed forward to help Jiang Bai up, saying, "Grand Tutor, your arrival is perfectly timed. What crime have you committed?"
Baili Xi, who was fighting Zhang Xiaohai, was shocked to see his senior brother facing off against Jiang Bai and unable to even last a single move. He gasped in shock: Is this what they mean by "a true master does not reveal his abilities, and one who reveals his abilities is not a true master"?
Even Yang Feijian couldn't last a single move against Jiang Bai, so how many people in this world could be Jiang Bai's match? Yang Feijian is a Saint-level Xuan Master!
Baili Xi quickly grasped the situation and suddenly raised her hand to throw a bullet.
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