The Red Bride - Chapter 35

The Empress Dowager clutched her heart with her right hand as her heart beat thumped wildly. Just as she heard the news about her power being transferred to that damned girl, her niece was beaten black and blue by the Yan family. Kneeling on the cold floor was the wife of Minister Yan, who had come to seek aid.

“Imperial Aunt, I know that I am only a branch member, but I have always been loyal to you. Please help me,” she frantically banged her head against the floor. Blood started to drip down from her head and stained the spotless marble. The Empress Dowager was her only hope left for survival.

The old woman took deep breaths and sipped on some tea before she could compose herself. An internal fire hit her heart constantly like tidal waves, eroding away the calm. She really couldn’t care less about this branch member in front of her, however it was the meaning behind this attack that worried her. He was showing off his might! The message was clear: not even the smallest person that’s on her side could escape his hands!

This was also to warn her not to cause even more trouble, and forcing her to let go of the Virtuous Treasures. However, she was unwilling! How could she let go of her power and hand it on a platter to that slut, Mu Qing? Not to mention the fact that Yu Lang is still gathering allies, if he doesn’t have backing then everything would be ruined. Then a thought suddenly eased the worries and rage backed from her heart. It was a very good thing that she was always cautious and took precautions against the young Empress. Very soon, Mu Qing would be dead by poison and she would take back what was hers. In the time of mourning, her forces would also have the upper hand and launch an attack.

Having comforted herself, the Empress Dowager looked at the trembling woman in front of her. She spoke in a gentle manner, “Lift up your head. How can Aja endure seeing you in pain? Go back home, Aja will speak with the Emperor for you.”

Relief washed over the woman’s pretty face, then she banged her head one last time to her savior. Watching the woman leave, a small scowl appeared on the Empress Dowager’s refined face. The Mama next to her walked over from the sideline.

“Your Highness, should I go and asked the Emperor to come over?”

The Empress Dowager took a very long sipped of tea before replying coldly, “No. Nothing more than a sacrificial pawn.”

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“Ke Ying, you go and send the chefs here,” a melodious voice ordered.

Inside the large room sat a young beautiful woman. Her face was indifferent, and her bearing made her distant from the common world. The paint brush twirled like an acrobat in her slender hand, marking the blank paper with graceful writing. The breeze caressed her body gently, however a cold wind blew across her heart. Mu Qing was silent.

Her mind sparked thousands of sancerios, hundreds of plots that the Empress Dowager will pull. It was never easy to survive in such a two faced, and cruel environment. Therefore, she was always careful and cautious. Mu Qing might be the Mother of the Nation, however that position, like any of those in power, comes with dangers. So yes, she was scared. She was a regular girl, rather she was a regular human being. Her enemies are also regular human beings, yet that only makes them even more devious. One wrong step could be proved fatal to her life or her family.

Not long after three men in white robes came into the courtyard. Their arms were muscular and their belly pudged just enough to let people know that they eat well. Sweat covered their faces, showing off the heat of the kitchen. They bowed to the young woman in front of them.

“Your Highness.”

“You may stand. I called all of you here today to discuss a very important matter.”

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“Did she really asked for Yu Yue’s life,” the Imperial Tutor, Tang Fang, raised an eyebrow at his best friend.

Hu Feng only slightly nodded.

“Despite knowing that Yu Yue poisoned her? Your wife looks cold on the outside, however she’s person with warmth.”

The Emperor looked at his right hand man like he was an idiot.

“Only I know best.”

Tang Fang was dazed for a moment before laughing, “You sound like a hen pecked chicken.”

Immediately, his laughter was stuck in his throat. Hu Feng’s glared could kill a man on the spot.

Coughing into his fisted hand, “What will you do about the matters of Minister Yan? The Empress Dowager will no doubt sacrifice this pawn.”

“Kill.”