CHAPTER 711: CHAPTER 578: PREDICAMENT—ACCOMPANY ME BACK TO THE BEDCHAMBER

Only using White Cauldron Breath to treat such extensive head congestion was already a difficult task.

Not to mention, Ye Lingyue was also multitasking, using both Black Cauldron Breath and White Cauldron Breath simultaneously. This meant that she was expending double the effort, and one can only imagine the difficulty.

Little Zhiyo reminded Ye Lingyue that time was running out and the imperial feast was about to end.

Yet, the black spots on Feng Lan’s head had not completely cleared.

The minutes and seconds ticked by, and the sand in the Time Hourglass dwindled.

Inside Chuyun Palace, the imperial feast was nearing its conclusion.

Both Feng Xun and Little Wuya grew anxious as Ye Lingyue had still not returned.

"Prince Feng, my Illusion form cannot hold on much longer," Little Wuya said nervously, as she had yet to receive the signal from Ye Lingyue for her to leave, and Little Zhiyo was also silent.

She was worried that something might have happened to the boss and Little Zhiyo.

Feng Xun felt the same; he knew that Ye Lingyue must have gone to Emperor Beiqing’s private chamber.

Feng Xun cautiously glanced at Emperor Beiqing on the throne, unsure whether it was due to the inauguration ceremony or the Rainbow Five Treasures suiting the Empress’s taste, the usually abstemious Empress had drunk quite a bit tonight.

An eunuch quietly reminded Emperor Beiqing that it was about time to conclude the feast.

"Let’s disperse," the Empress, holding her head, waved her hand dismissively.

Feng Xun’s heart sank; the courtiers and foreign envoys had started to stand up and bid their farewells.

Nervously, Little Wuya clutched Feng Xun’s sleeve. What to do? If this continues, Little Zhiyo and the boss will be discovered.

"Later, you first go back to the coach," Feng Xun whispered to Little Wuya, "I’ll find a way to bring them back."

The latter looked worried but had no other choice.

Emperor Beiqing glanced at Feng Xun and Ye Lingyue, standing together.

Tall and handsome Feng Xun, and the outstandingly beautiful Ye Lingyue, the pair looked well-matched indeed, causing a sharp pain in the Empress’s heart.

Seeing them about to say their farewells, Emperor Beiqing couldn’t help but recall the scene years ago when they knelt before the late Emperor, requesting permission to marry.

After the Emperor consented, an excited Feng Lan held Qing Feng’s hand under her very eyes, leaving together.

They left the Imperial Palace together, returned to Feng Residence together, and together they bore a son.

While she, over these many years, had only this cold dragon throne.

The Empress clenched the armrests of her throne, a surge of anger and jealousy flooded her heart.

She hated the Qing Feng that stood by Feng Lan back then, and hated the Ye Lingyue standing by Feng Xun now; such hatred that seemed to burn a great hole through her heart.

The Empress’s expression was a bit off.

But Little Wuya, engrossed in thoughts about Feng Xun and worried about the boss and Little Zhiyo, did not notice.

Only the Heaven and Earth Dual Venerables, especially the Earth Venerate, who were still waiting to bid farewell, noticed.

The Earth Venerate’s eyes, like dry wells, caught sight of the Empress’s hands tightly grasping the armrests, veins throbbing visibly, stirring a ripple of emotion in his eyes.

"Your Majesty, this official shall take his leave first," Feng Xun was thinking how he could sneak into Emperor Beiqing’s private chamber.

"Xinxin, stay a while and accompany me back to my private chamber," the Empress suddenly said.

Feng Xun and Earth Venerate both furrowed their brows at the same time.

Although Feng Xun and Emperor Beiqing were closely related, Feng Xun had stayed by the Beiqing Empress’ side from the age of six to ten. After turning ten, however, he had left the Beiqing Imperial Palace.

Now that he was nearing seventeen, and had someone dear to his heart, sending the Empress back to her chambers late at night was clearly inappropriate, even for an aunt and her nephew.

Feng Xun initially wanted to refuse, but thinking that Ye Lingyue might still be in the Empress’ chambers, he involuntarily clenched his hand under his sleeve.

In the end, he agreed with a nod.

"Your Majesty, Earth Venerate, the night is deep, and I’ve drunk a bit today; I won’t see you out. In a few days, I’ll invite you both to discuss the matters of our nation," said the Beiqing Empress, pleased to see Feng Xun had agreed.

She rose from her throne and approached Feng Xun.

Feng Xun quickly whispered something to "Ye Lingyue" next to him, who then nodded and left with Heaven Venerate and Earth Venerate.

"You all may leave, only Xin needs to escort me back to the chambers," said the Empress, who had indeed drunk quite a bit and was staggering slightly.

Reluctantly, Feng Xun stepped forward and supported the Empress.

To his surprise, the Empress leaned half of her body against him. Feng Xun frowned but could not simply push her away; instead, he supported her as they headed to her chambers.

Heaven Venerate and Earth Venerate left Chuyun Palace, and Earth Venerate halted in his steps.

"Little sister, what are you thinking about?" Heaven Venerate asked, looking at Earth Venerate.

"Nothing much. I’m a bit tired too; I’ll take my leave first, brother," said Earth Venerate, dismissing the thoughts behind her eyes as she started toward her residence without hesitation.

Heaven Venerate stood in place, then suddenly looked up at the sky.

On this deep winter night, the sky was free of any superfluous clouds; a crescent-shaped new moon hung directly above.

Heaven Venerate noticed that a star, originally very dim, was slowly brightening in the sky.

He furrowed his brows; tonight, many things had occurred.

For some reason, he felt an odd sensation, as if something were about to break through the soil.

After lingering for a moment, Heaven Venerate slowly walked away.

After parting with Feng Xun, Little Wuya swiftly left Chuyun Palace. However, contrary to the original plan, Little Wuya did not wait at the carriage.

Remembering the appearance of the Lord Eunuch beside the Beiqing Empress, she transformed into his resemblance and quickly walked towards a carriage at the palace gate.

That carriage belonged to King Kaijiang, Chen Tuo.

King Kaijiang’s retinue at the banquet included Chen Tuo himself, his principal wife, and his son, Chen Mu.

Chen Mu, having become drunk, had left earlier and was in the carriage with King Kaijiang and the Princess.

Chen Tuo had also drunk some wine and was groggy; the Princess was massaging his temples at his side.

As the coachman prepared to depart, he saw the Empress’ eunuch approaching and promptly informed Chen Tuo, who stepped down from the carriage.

"My Lord, the Empress asks you to delay your departure; she has an urgent matter and wishes to discuss it with you in her chambers."

Hearing this, discomfort stirred in the heart of the Princess in the carriage. In the dead of night, both the Empress and the Prince had been drinking, and now she wanted to discuss matters with the Prince? Such discussions, she feared, might just end up in bed.

Her jealousy immediately flared.

Mimicking the eunuch’s voice perfectly and with Chen Tuo inebriated, Little Wuya spoke without him suspecting anything unusual.