Chapter 10: Could Qi Yuan Be Telling the Truth?
Aunt Qin would rather Jin Li not be in that position. But she knew it was not possible.
"You treacherous wolf!" She glared at Sima Ting, her eyes full of anger. "Colluding with the Northern Khan Court, you deserve to be executed!"
The Northern Khan Court and the Nangan Kingdom were archenemies. Every autumn harvest, the iron cavalry of the Northern Khan Court would break through the border and raid the Nangan Kingdom. The two nations had a deep blood feud.
"That is the difference between you and me," Sima Ting said proudly. "Between nations, there are only interests; warriors talk about grudges and revenge. Lady Qin, I advise you to know your place and hand over the treasury key, or else..."
Sima Ting threatened. As the legitimate wife of the late Great General, Lady Qin held the key to the imperial treasury. This key could unlock the Tianyun Lock and retrieve the Tianyun Imperial Seal. For Sima Ting to usurp the throne, he needed the Tianyun Imperial Seal to legitimize his claim and receive the national fortune of Nangan.
"Don't even think about it."
Sima Ting looked at Lady Qin and said no more. After all, she was the widow of the Great General. Currently, General Tianqi on the frontline had been as close as brothers with the Great General. If he killed Lady Qin, things would get complicated. But Lady Qin was the Empress's reliance, so he had to severely injure her, rendering the Empress without claws and teeth.
"Lady Qin, take care of yourself," Sima Ting said. "In three days, the Crown Prince of Nanfeng Kingdom will arrive. In ten days, the duel will take place. How will you respond?"
With that, Sima Ting left, flicking his sleeves. Anger flashed in Lady Qin's eyes, then turned to desolation. She was severely injured, her foundation damaged, making a quick recovery almost impossible. The duel would likely end in defeat.
...
"Your Majesty, there are a total of seven books here, all records about Xuanyuan Forbidden Land," the maid said, placing the books on the jade throne.
"Mm." Jin Li nodded, picking up a book and reading it carefully. Today, after hearing Qi Yuan mention Xuanyuan Forbidden Land, she became interested in it.
Now, Lady Qin was seriously injured. In ten days, the Crown Prince of Nanfeng Kingdom would arrive in Nangan's capital, and his national teacher would duel Lady Qin. If they lost, Nangan Kingdom would lose face, and her own fate would be in jeopardy.
The supreme emperor who left this information had been a grand protector of Nangan Kingdom. This information had always been in the library, never spreading out. How did Qi Yuan know? Could Qi Yuan be a member of the royal family?
Jin Li's mind was in turmoil.
"No! He knows that beast is called the mad pen! Could it be... Qi Yuan has really been to Xuanyuan Forbidden Land?"
Jin Li took out the exquisite jade and quickly sent a message.
"Qi Yuan, have you really been to Xuanyuan Forbidden Land? Entering with a ladder... is that true? I urgently need to enter."
Although Qi Yuan was often unreliable and liked to joke, she feared he might answer casually, so she mentioned her own need. She was betting her life on this. Qi Yuan wouldn't joke about this.
However, after sending the message, Qi Yuan did not reply.
"Unfortunately, Yiguan Forbidden Land is too far. Otherwise... alas."
Jin Li sighed, then her eyes became determined.
"Prepare for departure. Tomorrow I will leave the palace."
Time was running out. She decided to leave the palace tomorrow and head to Xuanyuan Forbidden Land. She had no other choice. Staying in the capital was just waiting to die.
She then ordered, "Send a squad of Kirin Guards to Yiguan Forbidden Land to see if there are any disturbances."
Qi Yuan said he went to Yiguan Forbidden Land. If Qi Yuan was a strong man, there would certainly be turmoil in Yiguan Forbidden Land. She sent the Kirin Guards to investigate.
Meanwhile, in Yiguan Forbidden Land, Qi Yuan carried a golden great sword, looking curiously at the strange creatures ahead.