Xu Yuehua nodded, then followed the palace maid out of the room.
In the Empress Dowager's palace, Xu Yuehuai kept her head down, trying her best to avoid looking at the Empress Dowager. She knew that at this moment, any small movement could arouse the Empress Dowager's suspicion.
The Empress Dowager sat on her throne, her gaze fixed intently on Xu Yuehuai. She did not speak, but scrutinized Xu Yuehuai with a critical look.
This atmosphere made Xu Yuehuai feel somewhat oppressed, but she still tried her best to remain calm.
Finally, the Empress Dowager spoke.
"Do you know why you are allowed to remain in the palace?" The Empress Dowager's voice carried a hint of authority.
Xu Yuehuai raised her head to meet the Empress Dowager's gaze. She took a deep breath and then slowly spoke.
"I do not know." Her voice was low, but full of determination.
The Empress Dowager looked at Xu Yuehuai, a hint of admiration flashing in her eyes. She didn't like this girl, but she had to admit that this girl possessed an extraordinary resilience and courage. This quality reminded her of her own youth.
"You were allowed to stay only because of your status, but don't even think about seducing Bai Yu." The Empress Dowager's words carried a hint of warning.
Xu Yuehuai was slightly taken aback; she hadn't expected the Empress Dowager to speak so directly. But she didn't back down. Instead, she met the Empress Dowager's gaze and calmly said, "This humble woman has never had such a thought."
The Empress Dowager looked at Xu Yuehuai, a hint of satisfaction flashing in her eyes. She nodded, then waved her hand, signaling the palace maid to take Xu Yuehuai back.
On her way out of the palace, Xu Yuehuai took a deep breath. She knew that this meeting with the Empress Dowager would not be as simple as she had imagined. But she also understood that she had to remain calm at all times in order to survive in this palace full of danger and opportunity.
Back in the room, Qi Guze came up to her and looked at Xu Yuehuai with concern.
Xu Yuehua smiled slightly at him and shook her head to indicate that she was fine. She knew that she couldn't show any weakness at this time, and she couldn't let him worry about her.
Qi Guze understood this as well. He didn't say anything more, but simply chose to stay by Xu Yuehuai's side, providing her with his support and strength.
Qi Guze hugged Xu Yuehuai and said, "Don't worry, if anyone doubts your identity, I'll take you away immediately."
"Okay," she said, leaning against him.
Suddenly, it was as if everything around them had disappeared, leaving only the two of them.
"Something terrible has happened!"
"Look what that is!"
"A natural disaster has struck!"
Suddenly, a commotion broke out outside, a chaotic scene, and the noise suggested that something serious had happened.
Xu Yuehuai and Qi Guze exchanged a glance, and then Qi Guze temporarily found a place to hide.
Xu Yuehuai opened the door and walked outside to see what had happened.
As soon as she entered the courtyard, Xu Yuehuai's heart jumped into her throat. Her eyes widened as if she wanted to take in the entire scene outside.
"Boom—!"
She looked at the opposite mountain, which was originally quiet and peaceful, but was now covered by a huge ball of fire. The sound of the explosion echoed in her ears like thunder, making her feel uneasy.
Where did so much explosives come from in ancient times?
Xu Yuehuai immediately turned and ran back into the house, her heart pounding wildly like a frantic drumbeat. Her face was pale, and her eyes were filled with fear and unease. She pushed the door open and then slammed it shut behind her.
She whispered to Qi Guze, "Guze, something terrible has happened! The mountain on the other side has exploded!"
Upon hearing Xu Yuehuai's shout, Qi Guze immediately stood up from his hiding place, a hint of surprise and confusion flashing in his eyes. He quickly went to Xu Yuehuai's side and asked anxiously, "What's wrong? What happened?"
Xu Yuehuai gripped Qi Guze's hand tightly, her voice trembling: "Look, the mountain opposite exploded! So much explosives, where did they come from? Were all the explosives that were moved from that secret room before?"
Qi Guze frowned, staring at the distant flames, and said thoughtfully, "I'm not entirely sure either, but this is definitely unusual. Such a large amount of explosives, if not for large-scale destruction, then it must be for some other purpose."
Xu Yuehuai's heart sank, and she felt a chill rise from the soles of her feet. If these people really wanted to create a major riot, then innocent people would suffer endless pain and disaster.
She gripped Qi Guze's hand tightly, her voice resolute: "We must find out what these people are up to, and we can't let them hurt more people."
Qi Guze turned to look at Xu Yuehuai, his eyes flashing with a sharp light. He held Xu Yuehuai's hand tightly, giving her strength: "Ayue, don't be afraid, I will protect you. Let's find out the truth together and stop this disaster."
Their eyes met, filled with trust and determination. They knew it would be a tough battle, but they were willing to face anything bravely for justice and peace.
The firelight outside shone on their faces, giving them a golden glow.
Xu Yuehuai leaned against Qi Guze's chest, listening to his strong heartbeat and feeling his warmth and love. She knew that with him by her side, she would not be alone, and she had the courage and strength to face anything.
Qi Guze suddenly lowered his head and kissed Xu Yuehuai's lips. Their kiss was lingering and passionate. This kiss seemed like a vow, a promise, that they were willing to face the challenges of the future together for each other and for justice.
They kissed for a very long time, until the firelight outside gradually faded and the tranquility of the night enveloped the land once more.
They knew the battle had only just begun, but they were prepared to fight side by side until final victory.
...
Xu Yuehuai's courtyard was quiet. The afternoon sun slanted across the bluestone slabs, casting dappled shadows. The osmanthus tree in the courtyard swayed gently, releasing a faint fragrance. Xu Yuehuai sat alone on a stone bench in the courtyard, holding a yellowed book in her hands, her expression focused.
Suddenly, a series of hurried footsteps shattered the tranquility. Du Juan and Zhao Xi stormed into the courtyard, their faces filled with anger.
Xu Yuehua frowned slightly, put down the book in her hand, and looked up at the two of them.
"If you're here to cause trouble, I don't welcome you." Xu Yuehuai's voice was calm yet sharp, her eyes revealing an unquestionable attitude.
Upon hearing this, Du Juan's anger intensified: "You murderer! You killed Li Xiunü and He Xiunü, yet you became a third-rank female official. What right do you have to do that!" Her voice was sharp and piercing, as if it would shatter Xu Yuehuai's composure.
Xu Yuehuai remained unmoved. She spoke calmly, "The evidence is out. It was the Dowager Consort who was behind it. Don't slander me here." Although her voice was calm, it revealed an undeniable firmness.
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