The Imperial Guards of Western Chu instantly raised their swords, assuming a posture for attack.
Qingzhu also placed her hand on her flute, a battle seed inevitable.
Qi Yue slowly glanced at the seated Western Chu Emperor, "Do you want to stay?"
The Western Chu Emperor hurriedly stood up with a smile and waved for the Imperial Guards to stand down, his aged face blossod into a chrysanthemum smile.
"Miss Qi, you speak too seriously. Since the misunderstanding has been cleared, why not stay a few more days in Yindu?"
Qi Yue slightly raised her eyebrows, her voice carrying a hint of amusent.
"Your Majesty isn't worried that the Four-Nation Alliance won't co together?"
At these words, the Western Chu Emperor paused for a mont, but soon laughed.
"Miss Qi indeed has a divine perception; there is actually more to this matter... I have already prepared a late-night al, shall we eat while we talk?"
Seeing the old emperor's sincere invitation, Qi Yue was moved.
She had planned to use a tid device to blow up Zhucui Palace tonight, partially to intimidate the Western Chu Emperor. If she could further discern his true intentions and thoughts, it would also benefit her next move.
She and Zhao Xiyan's original intention was not to provoke a war, but they were also not willing to be slaughtered at will.
Now that the Four Nations were in chaos and the people were suffering, if she could persuade Western Chu to lay down their weapons, it would save so of the people from suffering, which would indeed be a good thing.
With this thought, she smiled slightly.
"If Your Majesty invites with such sincerity, how could Qi Yue refuse."
Thus, under the watchful eyes of many noble ladies, Qi Yue followed the Western Chu Emperor to have the late-night al.
The crowd dispersed, buzzing with discussions.
"Does His Majesty really want to invite Miss Qi for a late-night snack, or is it sothing else..."
"What are you thinking? Didn't you see Zhucui Palace has collapsed? Who would dare harbor ill intentions towards such a Miss Qi?"
"Unbelievable, I never thought a woman could still live like that?"
"Don't be envious, Miss Qi is capable and Zhao Xiyan is backing her up..."
"I also want to find a man like Zhao Xiyan..."
"Stop dreaming, there's only one Zhao Xiyan... Miss Qi is no ordinary person, it is said her dical skills are exceptional..."
"...."
As they passed the palace walls of Zhucui Palace, everyone was once again stunned by the ruins before them, and instantly clamd up, hurrying out of the palace.
In the side hall of Qianming Palace, Qi Yue and the Western Chu Emperor sat facing each other, with various delicacies for the late-night al before them.
"Co, Miss Qi, please try our Yindu specialties," the Western Chu Emperor cordially invited, "This is Plum Blossom Jade Dew, thoughtful nourishnt for the evening, and also stomach nourishing."
Qi Yue thanked him and started eating calmly.
Qingzhu wanted to step forward to stop her, but recalling that Qi Yue was protected by an elixir, impervious to all poisons, she forced herself to stand still, though her gaze closely monitored every move Qi Yue made.
"It really is good, it seems Your Majesty has a skilled chef!"
"If Miss Qi likes it, take it with you when you leave; it will be handy whenever you want to eat."
"Your Majesty is too kind, there's really no need."
"I have been in power for over thirty years and have never seen a talent like Miss Qi; it's a pity we didn't et sooner..."
"...."
"I heard Miss Qi is a master of the healing arts, capable of resurrecting the dead?"
"...."
Seeing that the two conversed without anything unusual, Qingzhu finally relaxed a little, yet remained on alert.
After the late-night al was finished, the Western Chu Emperor finally indirectly expressed his request for dical assistance.
Qi Yue rely smiled and stayed silent, as if she heard nothing.
The Western Chu Emperor very tactfully stated that if the Four Nations ford an alliance, Western Chu would not interfere nor take advantage of Nanyue during its vulnerabilities.
However, Qi Yue still did not indicate any intention to treat him.
Later, the Grand Eunuch of the Western Chu Emperor ca in and said that the accommodations had been prepared and invited Qi Yue to rest.
By the ti they arrived at the place to stay, everything was neatly arranged, but Qingzhu had not yet snapped out of her cautious state.
"Master, should we leave tonight?"
Qi Yue casually leaned back in her chair, smiling lightly.
"Why leave? After a tireso day, don't you want to rest for a night?"
"Master, it's too calm, I always feel this emperor is up to sothing bad."
"You're overthinking it. He wants to treat him, so he will surely treat us well."
"Master, is the Western Chu Emperor really sick and not long for this world?"
"He was, but after I intervene, he will live a few more years."
"Does Master really intend to save him?"
"Why not save him?" Qi Yue smiled slightly and glanced at the maid standing silently by the door. "Saving lives and helping the injured is the sacred duty of a physician."
"But..."
Qingzhu wanted to say that it would be better if the Western Chu Emperor died, as the chaos in Western Chu would an the princes would be too busy fighting for power to pay attention to the Four-Nation Alliance. But seeing Qi Yue give him a look, he imdiately fell silent.
Soon, both of them went to rest, and the previously quiet maid quietly left toward Qianming Palace.
In Qianming Palace, the Western Chu Emperor listened quietly to the maid's report and his furrowed brow relaxed slightly.
"Go back and take good care of Miss Qi Yue."
"Yes."
The Grand Eunuch brought a cup of tea, speaking softly, "Your Majesty, will Miss Qi Yue really take action?"
"More Calming Tea? It's no use to , take it away..."
The Western Chu Emperor turned his head and continued to fiddle with the black remote control in his hand.
"What exactly is this thing that no one can recognize?"
"But..." The Grand Eunuch hesitated, about to persuade, but was interrupted by the Western Chu Emperor.
"Bring that letter here."
The Grand Eunuch hurriedly put down the tea and picked up a thick letter from the nearby desk.
This was not an ordinary letter but the latest investigative report on Qi Yue.
The Western Chu Emperor set the remote control aside, took the letter, and read through it ticulously, his brow furrowing deeper.
"Zhong Yu, that boy, has indeed t Miss Qi Yue before."
The Grand Eunuch's eyebrows twitched, and he cautiously replied, "Your Majesty, you forgot that it was you who agreed to let Prince Yan and Princess Xiyang go to Longnan County Governnt."
The Western Chu Emperor waved his hand irritably.
"Before that, they had already t in Dongjiang, and Zhong Yu even knew of Miss Qi Yue's superior dical skills."
The Grand Eunuch squinted his eyes, "Dongjiang? If this old servant rembers correctly, Princess Xiyang brought back a prescription that ti, which cured her condition of bodily cold."
The Western Chu Emperor's eyes glinted coldly.
"It seems this son indeed wishes for my early demise!"
"Your Majesty, perhaps Prince Yan has forgotten..." the Grand Eunuch struggled to offer so comfort.
"Humph, don't try to console anymore." The Western Chu Emperor waved his hand coldly. "What kind of person that son is, do I not yet know? To think that after all these years of favoring him, I even thought of handing Western Chu over to him, and Xiyang... I really misjudged them..."
"Your Majesty..." the Grand Eunuch sighed.
He wanted to say that Qin Zhongqi might not necessarily be any better, but seeing the Emperor's stern face, he dared not speak further.
"You take good care of Miss Qi Yue, my illness depends on her now. As long as I live a few more years, I will certainly cultivate a qualified successor for Western Chu..."
I'm afraid by then, I won't be satisfied with just a few more years!
The Grand Eunuch thought to himself, his lips moved, but in the end, he said nothing.
"Yes, Your Majesty."
A shadow then quickly left Qianming Palace and soon returned to the courtyard where Qi Yue was staying.
Upon hearing the familiar knock, Qi Yue hurriedly opened the door.
After hearing Qingzhu's description, Qi Yue nodded in satisfaction.
"It's clear as day; such absolute power, what filial affection in the face of imperial authority? It hardly withstands a blow."
"Master, are you truly going to cure the Western Chu Emperor?"
"Of course I am. Now that Qin Zhongyu's influence is huge, once the Western Chu Emperor passes away, he will certainly take the throne. This man has long harbored ambitious and restrained desires. Once he gains power, who knows what he will do..."
At this, Qi Yue suddenly smirked slyly.
"I not only plan to cure the Western Chu Emperor but also support Qin Zhongqi."
Qingzhu looked shocked, "Master ans to incite conflict within the Western Chu royal family?"
"Exactly," Qi Yue nodded. "Give them sothing to do, so they don't keep eyeing other people's territories."
Upon hearing this, Qingzhu felt his fighting spirit soar.
"Master, what can I do?"
"Tomorrow find an opportunity to et Qin Zhongqi. After I cure the Western Chu Emperor, we will head to Nanyue."
"Yes, Master."
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