Mei'er's hands were light and steady. Every morning, she would carefully prepare the Emperor's favorite fragrant tea. However, today was different. Her fingertips held a small, exquisite paper packet containing a slow-acting poison that could make life worse than death.
Among the palace maids, Mei'er appeared unassuming, but she harbored a secret plan. She knew that today's actions would be proof of her loyalty and absolute obedience to Consort Mu's orders.
As soon as the emperor's attendant left, Mei quickly added poison to the tea. The powder dissolved instantly in the water, leaving no trace. Her heart raced, but her face remained as dignified and calm as a palace maid.
The Emperor accepted the teacup without suspicion, praising the aroma of the tea and nodding in satisfaction at Mei'er's service. Mei'er lowered her head, concealing her nervousness and unease, and silently retreated to the side.
Day after day, subtle changes began to appear in the emperor's body. At first, it was just occasional fatigue and discomfort, but gradually, even the ministers in the court noticed the emperor's abnormality. Discussions in the palace began to turn into whispers, and various speculations and suspicions spread in the shadows.
Consort Mu also noticed the Emperor's change, and her heart was filled with doubt. In a late-night private conversation, she summoned Mei'er, her voice tinged with disbelief: "Mei'er, are you aware of the Emperor's illness?"
Mei'er knelt on the ground, her body trembling slightly, but her voice was firm: "Your Majesty, it is all for the future of Qi Kingdom, for Your Majesty's great cause."
Consort Mu was filled with mixed emotions. She realized the weight behind Mei'er's actions. She knew that if things were exposed, not only Mei'er, but she herself would also face great danger.
"Mei'er, you are playing with fire." Consort Mu's voice was low and carried a hint of warning. "If this matter is exposed, neither of us will have a peaceful day."
A resolute glint flashed in Mei'er's eyes: "Your Majesty, this servant is willing to bear all the consequences. For the sake of Qi, for the sake of Your Majesty, this servant will spare no effort."
Ruan and Mu quietly approached her and praised her for doing a good job, then ordered someone to secretly send her to the palace.
Emperor Qi Jingxuan sat on the magnificent dragon throne, his face showing signs of weariness, the sharpness of his youth long gone from his eyes. Having reigned for so long, he had gradually felt the loss of power, like sand slipping through his fingers, impossible to grasp.
The Grand Tutor, as a powerful minister in the court, wielded influence like a vast net, quietly spreading to every corner of the palace. His words in court often carried more weight than the emperor's edicts, and many ministers flocked to him in hopes of protecting themselves.
In the inner palace, Consort Mu won the loyalty of many palace maids and eunuchs with her wisdom and skill. Although her Yujing Palace did not wield the same absolute power as the Grand Tutor, it was still a force to be reckoned with.
Emperor Qi Jingxuan was acutely aware of his predicament, his heart filled with helplessness and anxiety. One night, alone in the empty hall, he sighed softly, seemingly talking to himself: "Am I to simply hand over my empire to someone else like this?"
Meanwhile, in the inner palace, Consort Mu was also pondering countermeasures. She knew that although she wielded some influence within the palace, she was still far weaker than the Grand Tutor. She needed more allies and greater wisdom to gain a foothold in this courtly struggle.
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