"Ultimately, I'm the only one left out..."
The experiences of these years made her see through the ugliness of human nature, and her character became increasingly withdrawn. If nothing unexpected happened, she would likely grow old in solitude, ending her days alone.
Until she met Chen Mo.
Initially, Chu Yanli just wanted to use him.
After all, possessing the Dragon Qi and the Military Dao Inheritance was a massive variable for the court, something that needed to be tightly grasped.
However, as they continued to interact, this idea gradually wavered.
Especially when Chen Mo helped her suppress her mutation and planted a garden full of flowers. Having never experienced kinship, a deep, inexplicable feeling arose within her.
It probably couldn't be called affection yet, or rather, she didn't understand what affection truly meant.
But if she had to choose a husband, wouldn't Chen Mo be a good choice?
"But what does he really think?"
"If he dislikes me, then why be so good to me..."
The reason why Chu Yanli came this time was partly to protect the Empress, and partly to figure out Chen Mo's true intentions.
"I don't mind if there are other women around him, even being with Chan'er is not an issue, plus with what I've accumulated over the years, I can help him rise step by step to the top."
"Isn't there simply no reason to refuse?"
Chu Yanli pondered secretly.
Admittedly, Chen Mo's abilities were indeed formidable.
Within just two days of arriving at Bailu City, he found the Gu God Sect's base and followed the clues to uncover the pests hidden within the State Mansion.
As she said before, a talent like his, not serving the court, would indeed be a huge waste...
With such thoughts racing through her mind, she made her way into the inner yard.
She saw Sun Senior Palace Lady sitting on a stone chair with a burlap sack at her feet, vaguely showing a human shape.
"Your Highness, Princess." Sun Senior Palace Lady hurriedly stood up to salute.
Chu Yanli asked, "Where is Chan'er? Why don't I see her?"
Sun Senior Palace Lady replied, "Her Majesty the Empress is inside, talking with Mr. Chen."
"Alright."
Chu Yanli nodded, pushed open the door, and went inside.
Sun Senior Palace Lady's lips moved slightly; she hesitated and said nothing.
After all, Princess knows about the relationship between the Empress and Chen Mo, and as a mere maid, it's best not to meddle.
Chu Yanli crossed the hall and stood in front of the bedroom door, just about to knock when she heard "slap slap" sounds from inside.
?
Realizing what it was, Chu Yanli blushed and whispered to herself.
"In broad daylight, of all times... How improper."
Intending to leave, she stopped a few steps away, hesitated and returned to the door, pressing her ear against the gap to listen carefully.
Slap—
"Wuuu, no, I admit my fault, isn't that enough..."
The Empress's voice carried a sobbing tone, sounding quite uncomfortable.
Chu Yanli frowned, thinking Chen Mo must've gone too far. However, the ensuing conversation nearly made her jaw drop.
"Alright, Her Majesty has expressed her stance, now it's time for Her Majesty the Consort."
"You're dreaming, I will never apologize to her!"
Slap—
"Chen Mo, you've got some nerve!"
Seeing that the item was still there, Tang Xingbang breathed a sigh of relief.
After putting away the animal teeth, he went to the bed nearby, lifted the bedboard, and pulled out a parcel hidden inside.
Just as he was about to leave through the back door, suddenly, a hoarse voice came from behind:
"Lord Tang, where are you going?"
Tang Xingbang's expression froze, slowly turning his head.
He saw a young man in a brocade robe, resembling a scholar, leaning against the door. On his handsome face was a playful expression, "Lord Tang, you've even prepared valuables in advance, it seems like you're ready to flee at any time."
Tang Xingbang gulped, chuckling awkwardly, "Young Master, you jest. It's just my elderly mother is sick, and I'm eager to return home to see her..."
The young man smirked, speaking softly, "You know, I detest when people lie to me."
Tang Xingbang's clothes were drenched in cold sweat.
In his dealings with this person, the more radiant the smile, the more dangerous the situation.
"The Gu God Sect affair has alerted the Princess, and Hua Yinglan is in their sights too. The Barbarian Slave matter could be exposed at any moment."
"With their power, opposing them is impossible. I'm just trying to find a way to survive..."
Tang Xingbang spoke low.
The young man shook his head, said, "Too bad, it's too late. You've been watched from the moment you left the government office."
"What?!"
Tang Xingbang shuddered in terror.
Knock knock knock—
At this moment, there was a knock on the door.
"Lord Tang, are you inside?"

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