As expected, the Empress flew into a rage, slamming her hand on the table. She ordered the Sea Prince to kneel at the entrance of the marketplace to be punished, and had him whipped mercilessly with a thunder whip!
The execution was carried out by Qin Fenghuo.
The Sea Prince screamed in agony, shouting his defiance, as if possessed, determined to depose Meng Qingzhou and install Meng Qin as the Empress’ Husband.
“The Empress’ Husband is unworthy of his position. It’s been over a month since the grand wedding, and this old minister doesn’t even know what he looks like, whether he’s old or young. All I know is his name. During his tenure, he’s done nothing of note. How can he compare to the Space-Time Sword Saint?”
“The Space-Time Sword Saint is the true choice of the people!”
“Your Majesty… Ouch, Big Column Kingdom, could you be a bit gentler? Can’t you go easy on me?”
A strange silence fell over the hall.
The court officials were filled with admiration, showing the highest respect for the Sea Prince’s resolve.
Dongfang Liuli rubbed her temples, her head aching.
If not for the Sea Prince’s unwavering loyalty, and the fact that Meng Qin and Meng Qingzhou were actually the same person, narrowly avoiding disaster at the edge of the Empress’ wrath, it wouldn’t have been just a whipping at the marketplace.
After a long while.
She slowly spoke, her gaze fixed on the Sword Saint in green robes, “Tell me, why are you so determined to resign?”
Meng Qingzhou, neither humble nor arrogant, replied calmly, “My wife and I do not enjoy the court life. We only wish for a peaceful life, like idle clouds and wild cranes. That is our greatest dream.”
Again with ‘my wife’…
If this is truly what you desire…
Dongfang Liuli felt like she had been fed a mouthful of honey-flavored dog food, sweet and overwhelming, her pretty face blushing slightly.
Actually, she had anticipated this answer. What truly frustrated her was that, in Meng Qingzhou’s eyes, her identity as the Empress seemed so insignificant.
After all her efforts, there was no progress at all. She wanted to flip the table!!
“Fine, in light of your contributions to the Great Jin Dynasty, I grant you and your wife permission to resign.”
Dongfang Liuli’s red lips curved into a faint smile, her voice lazy, “Tomorrow, my imperial carriage will take you back. Do not refuse. Your contributions are so great that I don’t even know how to reward you. Sending you off with the imperial carriage is my highest respect.”
Hmph…
Go back, return to Present Village!
After all, it’s just a trip around the capital, and then you’ll be back, hehe.
“Thank you, Your Majesty.” Meng Qingzhou bowed slightly, surprised by the Empress’ generosity, that she would actually let him leave.
The court officials’ faces changed dramatically, and they knelt down with a clatter.
They had thought the Empress would surely refuse. After all, the Space-Time Sword Saint was too important to Great Jin, deeply loved by the people, who saw both the Sword Saint and the Empress as symbols of faith.
Moreover, the decisive battle with the seven major forces had just ended three days ago, at the peak of Meng Qingzhou’s prestige. His achievements were unparalleled, making him undoubtedly the most powerful minister in Great Jin, even Jiang Canghai and Qin Fenghuo couldn’t compare to Meng Qin.
But the Empress agreed! Who could have expected that!?
And she agreed so readily!!
“Your Majesty, please reconsider! Minister Meng is young and vigorous, how can he retire so early? This old minister is jealous… no, this old minister is regretful!”
“Minister Meng has made great contributions recently. If he resigns and returns to his hometown today, the world will criticize Your Majesty for discarding loyal ministers after they have served their purpose! You must not agree!”
“Please, Your Majesty, retract your order.”
…
…
Dongfang Liuli’s ears were ringing from the noise. These noisy ministers had nothing better to do than meddle in her personal affairs.
“My decision is final! This matter is not up for discussion. Court dismissed!” Dongfang Liuli waved her hand impatiently and disappeared in a flash.
Su Qingqiu hurriedly followed the Empress, calling for Wu Die who was hiding in the shadows.
Quick, quick, where’s the props team?
The Empress needs to change clothes!
“Coming, coming.” Wu Die came with a stack of plain white dresses.
Moments later, Dongfang Liuli reappeared, now in the guise of a female official, standing gracefully on the imperial path, looking radiant.
The court session ended.
The ministers, still unwilling to give up, followed Meng Qingzhou, trying to persuade him to stay.
Until Meng Qingzhou, annoyed, drew his long sword, the ministers suddenly stopped, realizing that this was a Sword Saint, a great being on par with Morning Glow!
Meng Qingzhou nodded, sheathing his Emperor Grade long sword, a relic of the Hidden Sword Lord, named [Cicada Song].
He was very satisfied with the ministers’ reaction.
“The only good thing about revealing my identity is that I no longer have to waste words with people, nor do I have to be obsequious and pleasant to the Empress.”
“The downside is, the trouble will only increase. But once we return to Present Village, we can finally have some peace.”
At the end of the imperial path, Meng Qingzhou smelled a familiar fragrance and smiled.
A graceful figure stood waiting for him, her white dress fluttering in the wind. When she saw him, she beamed with joy.
“Let’s go home.” Dongfang Liuli naturally took Meng Qingzhou’s arm, resting her head on his shoulder.
“Your Majesty has granted permission. Tomorrow, we’ll take Qingqiu, Wu Die, and Big Yellow back to Present Village.” Meng Qingzhou said as they walked.
“You and I are finally free!”
“From now on, we are free from the court and the Great Jin Dynasty. The rise and fall of the dynasty has nothing to do with us anymore.”
Meng Qingzhou sighed, feeling a bit melancholic.
In truth, he didn’t dislike the Empress. Such a peerless Empress, only a weak man wouldn’t like her.
But Meng Qingzhou was ultimately a pure-hearted warrior, unwilling to betray the beauty by his side, so he saw the Empress as a dangerous flood.
To truly leave Great Jin and sever ties with the Empress, Meng Qingzhou felt conflicted.
The Empress’ charisma was strong, and he was deeply affected, admiring her greatly.
But alas, their paths were different.
They were destined to part ways.
“Free from ties…” Dongfang Liuli covered her mouth, laughing softly.
Silly salt fish, little do you know we’ve been circling around Great Jin all along. Everything you’ve done has been for Great Jin. I wonder what expression you’ll have when you learn the truth someday.
Two sneaky figures followed closely behind them.
“The Empress’ Husband and the Empress are so sweet.” Su Qingqiu clutched her chest, staring intently at the divine couple ahead.
Wu Die nodded in agreement, “The Sword Saint and the Empress… huh!?”
Suddenly, Wu Die’s eyes widened, grabbing Su Qingqiu’s shoulder in shock, “What did you just say!?”
“The Empress’ Husband!?”
Su Qingqiu, still lost in the sweetness, spoke without thinking, “Yes, the Empress’ Husband and the Empress…”
“Ugh!”
Su Qingqiu, like a drunk, suddenly sobered up, scratching her head awkwardly.
She just remembered that Wu Die didn’t know Meng Qingzhou’s true identity as the Empress’ Husband.
“Well, you didn’t tell us before that the Empress’ Husband was a Sword Saint!” Su Qingqiu exclaimed.
As a fellow sword cultivator, the title of Sword Saint held more weight and pressure for Su Qingqiu than the title of Empress’ Husband.
Having always admired the Empress’ Husband, Su Qingqiu’s admiration now surged like an unending river.
Wu Die stood frozen, her mind in turmoil, as if struck by lightning, her ears ringing with thunder.
The Empress’ Husband…
The Empress’ Husband!
The one she once wanted to assassinate had been by her side all along!?
“Thank goodness!”
“Thank goodness Zhao Gou was foolish and didn’t give me the Empress’ Husband’s portrait in advance, or I would regret it for life.” Wu Die patted her trembling chest, breaking out in a cold sweat.
……………………….
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