Chapter 326 The Demon Queen smiled sadly: Is it my turn to die?
The Mansion of Duke Zhongguo.

Today, the Duke Zhongguo’s Mansion is immersed in joy and celebration because of Duke Zhongguo Shi Heng’s birthday.

The mansion had already been decorated with a festive atmosphere. In the center of the main hall hung a picture of the God of Longevity, holding a fairy peach and smiling, as if praying for the birthday of Duke Zhong. The walls were covered with various congratulatory couplets and calligraphy and paintings. In the hall, carved mahogany tables and chairs were neatly arranged, and on the tables were exquisite porcelain, various cakes and fruits, with a fragrant aroma.

Outside the mansion, there was a constant stream of traffic and people. Military generals in Beijing, dressed in gorgeous court robes, rode horses or took sedan chairs, and arrived at the Duke Zhongguo’s mansion in an endless stream, each holding a precious gift in their hands to celebrate the birthday. The gatekeepers were busy welcoming each guest and guiding them into the mansion.

As the guests arrived one after another, the main hall gradually became lively. The generals gathered in groups of three or five, whispering about interesting military events or toasting Duke Zhongguo to wish him a happy birthday.

In the afternoon, the back garden of the mansion became even more lively. The sound of stringed instruments and the dancing girls added a touch of charm to this festive day. The guests raised their glasses and drank together, laughing and talking.

Duke Chen Mao of Jing, who was a little dizzy from drinking, looked around and shouted, “Shi Heng, Shi Heng, where is this guy hiding? I won’t go back until I get you drunk today.”

“What are you yelling about?” Zhang Fu glared at him. “Don’t I have you to drink with me? I’m the host today and there are many guests. I can’t keep you company all the time.”

Duke Chen Mao of Jing rolled his eyes and said, “Yeah, old men like us are not popular. After those little brats finished toasting, they disappeared.”

The housekeeper of the mansion came up to explain: “My Lord, our master has gone to the backyard and has some relatives who need to be taken care of.”

“Yes, he has gone to greet his relatives.” Zhang Fu raised his glass, “Come, let’s drink.”

The two white-haired old generals raised their glasses and drank.

At this moment, Shi Heng had already left the city with a group of generals.

When they arrived at the intersection outside the city, they found a 10,000-strong army waiting there. Shi Heng glanced over, took out a golden medal from his pocket, and said in a deep voice: “Yu Qian is plotting something bad, and you all will follow me to suppress the rebellion.”

After saying this, he rode out on his horse and headed towards the Shenji Camp, with ten thousand cavalrymen following behind him.

……

Shenji camp.

Zhu Qizhen stood up, stared at Yu Qian, and snorted coldly: “Do you think you can catch me?”

“Your Majesty, I know you are good at fighting.” Yu Qian spread his hands, “So, I am also prepared.”

He raised his arm and smashed it down. In the blink of an eye, more than a dozen guards rushed in and surrounded Zhu Qizhen. Zhu Qizhen didn’t seem to care. He spread his hands and asked, “Yu Qian, why don’t you just poison me?”

Yu Qian didn’t answer him, but waved his hand fiercely: “Catch him!”

The dozen people rushed towards Zhu Qizhen. Zhu Qizhen curled his lips into a cold smile, shook his neck, and grinned: “I haven’t killed anyone for a long time.”

After saying that, he dodged and knocked the first person who rushed over with a punch, then snatched his knife and slashed it horizontally.

scold!
A head flew off the body, and blood rained down.

At this moment, his heart was burning with anger. He rushed left and right, the knife in his hand flying, and the head fell to the ground. Before long, his bloody knife was on Yu Qian’s neck.

“With just these few people, you underestimate me, don’t you?” Zhu Qizhen asked coldly.

Yu Qian remained motionless and sighed softly, “Your Majesty has not taken action for so many years, and your skills have improved more than before.”

Zhu Qizhen’s eyes were cold: “Why don’t you continue to call for help?”

“It’s too late.” Yu Qian smiled bitterly.

As soon as he finished speaking, the sound of horse hooves could be heard, accompanied by Shi Heng’s resonant voice: “You are surrounded, all of you lay down your weapons. The golden order arrow once again says that if you lay down your weapons, you will all remain the most loyal soldiers of the Ming Dynasty.”

Then, there was the sound of swords falling to the ground.

Zhu Qizhen looked at Yu Qian coldly and asked, “Do you know that I have made arrangements?”

Yu Qian shook his head: “I only know that I tried my best, but failed.”

Zhu Qizhen put down his knife, looked at Yu Qian in confusion and asked: “Then why are you doing this? I really don’t understand you.”

“Your Majesty, you won’t understand.” Yu Qian stepped forward, “Your Majesty, are you really from the future? So people in the future will not understand us scholars.”

Zhu Qizhen sneered disdainfully: “What a rubbish scholar.”

At this time, Shi Heng rushed in and shouted: “Your Majesty… Your Majesty…”

Seeing that Zhu Qizhen was fine, he breathed a sigh of relief, turned around and looked at Yu Qian standing there, and shouted angrily: “Yu Qian, surrender!”

“Can’t you make the same choice as Shi Heng?” Zhu Qizhen asked Yu Qian.

Yu Qian shook his head: “I can’t be like him, and he can’t be like me. Your Majesty, everything should end. Those soldiers outside are just following orders. Please let them go.”

“Accurate!” Zhu Qizhen said coldly.

He winked at Shi Heng, and Shi Heng called two guards to take Yu Qian away.

“Your Majesty, where is old Yu…Yu Qian imprisoned?” Shi Heng asked.

“Imperial Prison.” Zhu Qizhen waved his hand.

Shi Heng led his men to retreat. Zhu Qizhen walked out of the tent, looked at the setting sun in the sky, and sighed softly: “I have to go back and face the one in the palace.”

……

Kunning Palace.

The witch queen put on a phoenix costume that was only worn at grand court assemblies. It was a luxurious golden-purple palace dress. The breeze blew through it, and the hem of her skirt fluttered, making her figure even more graceful, dignified, and noble.

However, she looked anxious and walked back and forth in the hall.

Shuangxi came in hurriedly and bowed, “Your Majesty, I just received news that Shi Heng is not in the mansion. He left the mansion with a group of soldiers. The troops of the Five Military Commanders’ Office have also been mobilized.”

After hearing this, the Demon Queen sat down dejectedly.

“Yu Qian has fallen into the trap.” She looked panicked.

“Empress, what should we do?” Shuangxi asked anxiously.

The Queen remained silent. The setting sun fell on her face. Her delicate collarbone was white and attractive. Her beautiful face was noble but also showed a hint of coldness. She snorted, “Yu Qian’s affairs have nothing to do with me. I will wait for the Emperor in this palace.”

“Empress~” Shuangxi’s face was full of worry.

The Queen smiled sadly and waved her hand: “Everything is normal, do what you need to do, I will go change this dress.”

She stood up and returned to her room. She stood in front of the dressing table and looked at herself in the bronze mirror. She was covered in a phoenix robe and her skin was as white as jade under her slender neck.

“Is this the only thing I can do to sacrifice myself?” She smiled sadly.

She stared at herself quietly, as if appreciating a painting, and then gracefully reached out to untie her belt. The delicate fabric flowed like water, obeying her movements without hindrance. With just a slight pull, the long skirt slowly slid off her flawless white skin like morning mist.

A pair of snow-white and slender legs, along with the departure of the long skirt, quietly appeared in the air. Her delicate and small feet stepped lightly on the luxurious carpet, and every step looked so charming and moving. Her figure was graceful, like a willow branch swaying gently, and her long black and shiny hair fell to her waist like a waterfall, adding a bit of softness.

Then, she picked up a light tulle dress and gently draped it over her body, exuding such calmness and elegance, as if she was the most beautiful scenery in the world.

She slowly came to the front hall. At this time, night had already fallen. Shuangxi came to her and reported: “Your Majesty, His Majesty has returned to the palace.”

“Oh?” The Demon Queen sat down on the soft mat, “Wait for him to come and call for punishment.”

Shuangxi nodded slightly and went to guard the door.

After a long time, the sky was completely dark, but the emperor still didn’t come. The demon queen supported her head with one hand and said faintly: “Shuangxi, let’s eat, we won’t wait any longer.”

……

Imprisonment.

Shi Biao took Yu Qian, who was wearing prisoner clothes, to a room.

Yang Shan, Zheng Hong, and Shang Lu in the room were all shocked when they saw him. Yu Qian looked at them and spread his hands: “Okay, the Junshan Society has gathered in the Imperial Prison.”

Shang Lu asked anxiously: “How were you caught?”

Yu Qian walked over and sat down. “I’m different from you. I didn’t do anything and was arrested. I took His Majesty to the Shenji Camp, got him drunk, and then prepared to tie him up.”

“And then?” the three asked in unison.

Yu Qian spread his hands and smiled: “Then, didn’t I come to accompany you?”

Yang Shan, Zheng Hong, Shang Lu: “!!!”

“Hurry up and tell me!” Shang Lu was anxious.

Yu Qian recounted the whole process, and the three of them seemed to be relieved after listening. Shang Lu frowned slightly: “That’s not right, Yu Qian is so cunning, don’t you realize that you have been tricked?” “Your Majesty is more cunning than me.” Yu Qian said with a smile.

Shang Lu looked him up and down and said, “Why do I feel that you are deliberately getting caught and asking for release?”

Yu Qian glanced at them and asked, “Aren’t you also seeking liberation? This result is good. We have achieved what we wanted. The Ming Dynasty is still your Majesty’s and will continue to prosper.”

“Speaking of which, we must have a drink.” Shang Lu turned to Shi Biao and said, “Little Shitou, hurry up and bring me some wine.”

Shi Biao gritted his teeth and said, “Okay, sir, treat my prison as a restaurant.”

He turned and left the room to get ready.

Yu Qian looked at the three of them, his face darkened, and he said, “I’m afraid we won’t be able to get out this time.”

“Aren’t we all ready for the day we join Junshan Society?” Shang Lu said.

Zheng Hong interrupted: “Your Majesty has always valued friendship, so perhaps he won’t kill us. Didn’t he kill the Duke of Ying?”

Yu Qian shook his head: “Your Majesty must be heartbroken this time! We are different from the Duke of England. The Duke of England opposed Your Majesty from the beginning. We are deeply trusted by Your Majesty.”

“Now that death is approaching, I’m really scared. I don’t want to die.” Yang Shan said.

Shang Lu picked up the tea on the table, took a sip and said, “I am a little worried about the Queen Mother now.”

……

The harem and the villa.

Zhu Qizhen was extremely rude today, and even Aisha was a little scared.

Her delicate cheeks were stained with a charming blush, her lips were slightly parted, and she was breathing softly. She snuggled in his arms, her eyes were hazy, as if she had experienced a crazy love affair, her strength was almost exhausted, and she was unwilling to move even her fingertips.

“Your Majesty, what happened today?” she asked softly.

The emperor was really scary today. He hadn’t said a word since he came in, and his face was gloomy. Although Aisha showed her tenderness and asked three times tentatively, His Majesty still didn’t speak.

Zhu Qizhen rested his head on his arms, staring blankly at the roof.

Aisha didn’t dare to ask any more questions. She adjusted her posture and leaned obediently in his arms, resting her head on his neck. After a while, Zhu Qizhen’s eyes became hot again. Aisha could only lie down and bite her lip.

Moonlight poured in through the window, and gradually, it was already late at night.

It was early in the morning, and Zhu Qizhen finally fell into a deep sleep. Ayi was thirsty, so she got up to drink some water. However, after taking only two steps, she couldn’t help but frown. A sudden discomfort swept through her body, and she felt severe pain. In her narrow and beautiful eyes, a hint of helplessness and pain that was difficult to conceal flashed. She opened her red lips slightly and pursed them gently: “Your Majesty, where did you suffer a blow?”

She took a sip of the teacup and felt better after a while. She quietly walked out of the room and saw Cao Jixiang still guarding the door.

“Your Majesty has fallen asleep.” She stepped forward and whispered.

Cao Jixiang nodded slightly: “We will be guarding outside. It won’t be long before the morning court is about to begin. You go and accompany His Majesty. Don’t wake him up. His Majesty has been tired all day.”

“What happened?” she asked.

Because she had been in the harem, she didn’t know what was going on outside. However, the atmosphere in the harem was a little strange today, and Concubine Xian sent a message asking her not to wander around.

“Girl, you’d better stop asking.” Cao Jixiang smiled, “It’s not a good thing to know too much.”

Aisha smiled slightly: “Thank you, Eunuch Cao, for your advice.”

Cao Jixiang bowed.

……

The next day, morning.

A piece of news shocked the court: Yu Qian was imprisoned.

Minister of Finance Chen Xun immediately asked: “Your Majesty, what crime did Duke Xia commit that requires him to be imprisoned? Please let me know, Your Majesty.”

Many ministers followed suit and asked.

Zhu Qizhen glanced at him coldly and said, “After the Jinyiwei investigates the matter, I will naturally announce it to the world.”

“Your Majesty, that’s Duke Xia, who has made great contributions to the Ming Dynasty.” Chen Xun was anxious, “How can the Jinyiwei arrest people without any evidence?”

Many ministers agreed, while many others waited and watched. Xu Shiliang, the head of the Ministry of Rites, stood up and said, “Your Majesty, the Jinyiwei is too arrogant. Even if Duke Xia is guilty, he cannot be imprisoned.”

When Xu Youzhen saw his son showing up, he gritted his teeth in anger, but at this time, he didn’t dare to come out and scold him.

Duke Chen Mao of Jing also stood up and said, “Your Majesty, Duke Xia is an honest official and an upright man. I don’t think he is guilty. It must be the Jinyiwei who slandered him. I beg Your Majesty to release Duke Xia.”

After he said this, several ministers in the army stood up and tried their best to protect Duke Xia.

Zhu Qizhen glanced at him coldly.

It seems that there are indeed a lot of people who support Yu Qian. Among those who did not stand up, many also want to protect Yu Qian, right?

Yu Qian, oh Yu Qian, should I kill you?
I’ve been soft-hearted this time, but what about the future? Will there be more people who will oppose me?

“Dismiss the court.” He waved his hand violently and strode away.

The ministers were all confused. They surrounded the Prime Minister Xu Youzhen and asked him about Yu Qian. Xu Youzhen looked helpless and said, “I don’t know either.”

“You are the Prime Minister of this dynasty, and you just watch the Jinyiwei do whatever they want?” Chen Xun said angrily.

Xu Youzhen was spitted all over his face. When he saw Shi Heng, he immediately shifted the blame to someone else: “Go ask Shi Heng. He was the one who arrested the man, and his nephew is the commander of the Jinyiwei.”

Everyone looked at Shi Heng, and Shi Heng ran away.

……

Qianqing Palace.

Zhu Qizhen had no intention of writing a memorial. He even began to doubt that what he had been doing was wrong. In such a huge empire, who really submitted to him as the emperor?
“The Emperor cannot talk about friendship.” He clenched his fists and whispered to himself.

Ta da~
Hearing footsteps, Zhu Qizhen regained his composure and saw the Demon Queen coming in. She also looked unhappy and waved her hand: “Everyone, get out!”

All the eunuchs and palace maids left the hall.

“Why did you arrest Yu Qian?” The Demon Queen walked straight up to him.

Zhu Qizhen was silent for a while, facing her slightly cold gaze, he sighed, and seemed to be very distressed: “Why? Don’t you know? Aren’t you the one who controlled all this behind the scenes?”

The Queen’s eyes flickered slightly, avoiding his gaze and standing sideways gracefully. Her graceful figure outlined a curve that would make it difficult for any man to control himself, and the noble and gorgeous temperament radiating from the inside out was fascinating.

“I didn’t do anything.” She said lightly.

Zhu Qizhen suddenly stood up, took a step forward, stretched out his arms without hesitation, wrapped them tightly around her waist, and embraced her in an irresistible manner. His fiery eyes stared at her bright and beautiful face, exuding a strong possessiveness and aggression.

“You…let go.”

It was hot and full of power, like an endless strong shock wave. The Demon Queen couldn’t help but lean back slightly, her beautiful eyes flashing with a little panic, avoiding his scorching gaze.

She originally wanted to take the initiative and call him to task, but she felt that Zhu Qizhen was acting unusually this time. He was really angry, even extremely disappointed. Facing his gaze, her heartbeat quickened for a moment. Her red lips moved slightly, and she wanted to scold him, but she didn’t know how to say it.

“It’s been several years. You must know how I treated you.” Zhu Qizhen hugged her tightly with both hands.

“I……”

Before she could finish her words, she was blocked by Zhu Qizhen, causing her beautiful eyes to widen in surprise and confusion. She obviously had not expected him to act like this at this moment. Her hands instinctively grasped his clothes, intending to push away this sudden domineering, but as his kiss became more affectionate, she felt as if the strength around her was being drained away bit by bit.

With mixed feelings in her heart, her body involuntarily went limp, and finally she fell powerlessly into his arms, allowing the warmth and strength to surround her.

Zhu Qizhen’s eyes were filled with anger and desire, and his expression was crazy. The demon queen’s eyes soon closed, from resisting at the beginning to gradually cooperating.

After a long time.

Zhu Qizhen slowly relaxed, looking at the softened demon queen in his arms with a gentle and domineering gaze, and slowly said: “Go, I want to be alone for a while, I don’t want to quarrel with you now.”

The Queen’s beautiful eyes trembled slightly, and ripples appeared in her heart. Her breathing became rapid due to his passionate kiss, and her heart beat like a drum due to lack of oxygen. A dizzying feeling of confusion quietly spread, causing her thoughts to drift away gradually, and her brain seemed to be in a blank.

“You don’t ask anything?” The beautiful eyes of the demon queen were half open and half closed, revealing a coquettish attitude of wanting to refuse but also to welcome. The charm contained in it was difficult to describe, showing her unique charm.

Zhu Qizhen took a step back and snorted, “I’m afraid if I ask, it won’t stop my murderous intent.”

“You have captured them one by one. Will you kill them this time?” The Demon Queen smiled bitterly. “Then when will it be my turn?”

(End of this chapter)