The Beauty Emperor's New Mission

Ling Shuang replied, "It is indeed Gao Xuan, Your Majesty."

The Emperor's expression showed a hint of surprise, and a smile appeared on his face. "To see so many assassins and still dare to approach, it seems that I have not cultivated him in vain."

Although this group of black-clad individuals was numerous, most of them had low cultivation. Occasionally, there were some at the Soul Palace Realm, but Ling Shuang dealt with them effortlessly.

Therefore, Gao Xuan reaped great joy, for even mosquito legs were still meat.

Soon, the scene was filled with piles of bodies and blood flowing like a river, and few of the black-clad individuals remained.

At that moment, chaotic footsteps approached from a distance. A large number of Imperial Guards responsible for protecting the palace arrived, swiftly dealing with the remaining assassins as if cutting melons and vegetables.

"I apologize for arriving late to protect the carriage, Your Majesty," a general dressed in silver armor kneeled beside the carriage and respectfully pleaded guilty. It was Xue An, the commander of the Imperial Guards.

However, his expression remained indifferent, without a trace of contrition.

The Emperor did not show himself, and a neutral voice sounded from within the carriage.

"Rise. If there is a next time, I will definitely behead you for your mistake."

"Thank you for Your Majesty's mercy."

Xue An stood up immediately, as composed as if nothing had happened, as if he had anticipated the Emperor's response long before.

Then, he turned around with a dignified tone. "Have you found out who these assassins are?"

An aide stepped forward and reported, "Reporting to General, we have already investigated. These assassins all have lotus flower marks on their wrists. They are members of the White Lotus Sect!"

"Indeed, they are these rebels!"

Xue An snorted coldly and said, "Behead all these rebels and hang their heads at the city gates as a warning to others! Let's see if they dare to attempt an assassination again!"

Upon hearing these words, Gao Xuan immediately realized how vicious this general's intentions were!

The White Lotus Sect had numerous members and countless experts. Judging from the strength of these assassins, it was clear that this was only a preliminary test.

But this general, by showcasing the rebels in such a public manner, might seem like he was striking fear into them, but in reality, it would only further enrage the White Lotus Sect.

In the next assassination attempt, it would not be as easy to deal with as today.

Moreover, he highly doubted that the Imperial Guards deliberately relaxed their guard today, allowing the assassins to infiltrate easily.

If the Imperial Guards were to arrive late again in the next incident, relying solely on Ling Shuang, the safety of the beautiful Emperor's life would be uncertain.

"Let's go. Go to the Huaqing Palace. I want to bathe and have Gao Xuan attend to me."

The Emperor simply said a sentence, and the carriage set off directly. Gao Xuan, who received the message, hastily caught up.

..

Huaqing Palace.

Everything needed for bathing had been prepared in advance. Steam rose from the pool, and a faint floral fragrance permeated the air.

The other palace maids and eunuchs had all retreated, leaving only Gao Xuan, the Emperor, and Ling Shuang in the hall.

Upon arriving here, Gao Xuan recalled the events that had happened when he first crossed over. He couldn't forget the stunning beauty and graceful figure of the beautiful Emperor.

If the Empress, Consort Shu, and Noble Consort were considered the epitome of beauty, then the Emperor herself was a divine masterpiece!

After changing out of men's clothing, she was undeniably the most beautiful woman in the world from any perspective.

Thus, the opportunity to serve the Emperor in bathing was a rare occurrence. Gao Xuan secretly rubbed his hands together, wondering when he would have the chance to experience that heavenly touch again.

Although it had only lasted a moment, the memory lingered and left him with infinite yearning.

Today, the Emperor had specifically called him to attend, could it be to help with a massage or bathing?

Even though he was not proficient in this area, he was willing to learn on the spot for the Emperor's sake.

Even if he couldn't handle it, it would still be wonderful to admire the divine beauty of the Emperor.

"What are you thinking?" The Emperor, seated high on the main seat, seemed to see through Gao Xuan's thoughts and gave him a cold glance.

Coughing, Gao Xuan quickly changed the subject, diverting the topic. "Ahem, I was thinking... about the assassins earlier!"

The Emperor snorted lightly and softened his tone. "You coming to rescue me today was unexpected."

Gao Xuan put on a righteous expression. "It is the duty of this servant. As long as Your Majesty is safe and unharmed, this servant is willing to die in battle!"

The Emperor gave him a disdainful look. "They were just a group of petty thieves. Even if you wanted to die, it would be quite difficult."

Gao Xuan's face turned red. Although the Emperor's words were true, please don't state it so bluntly. He had some dignity too.

Ling Shuang couldn't help but show a slight smile on her face, but it quickly returned to normal.

"In any case, your loyalty is considered commendable," the Emperor said in a softer tone. "If the courtiers in the imperial court were all like you, I wouldn't be so troubled."

What did it mean by "considered commendable"?

Was it reluctantly commendable?

Gao Xuan thought to himself secretly. If everyone in the court were like him, the court would have long been ruined, and there would be no need to worry.

However, in comparison, the current court was not much better. Those with some power by the side of the beautiful Emperor were basically puppets of various factions, just like Xue An and Wan De Shun.

If the beautiful Emperor wanted to regain control, it would still be a long and difficult road.

"I called you here today because of the Empress," the Emperor's tone changed as she spoke slowly.

"Oh?" Gao Xuan's spirit immediately lifted. When it came to the Empress, he was no longer tired.

The Emperor's gaze flickered, and she continued, "Ever since that night in the bridal chamber with the Empress, I have noticed a significant change in the attitude of the civil officials towards me."

"Chang Sun Wuji, as the current Prime Minister and the high priest of the Confucian Temple, is undoubtedly the leader of the civil officials. Yet, he only has one daughter, the Empress."

"Thus, as long as the Empress remains devoted to me, Chang Sun Wuji and the civil officials who were originally neutral will naturally begin to support me."

"If the scholars in the world pledge their loyalty, it would be of great assistance to me. It would provide me with the capital to contend with the Empress Dowager and the Wan family."

Gao Xuan knowingly asked, "So, Your Majesty's intention is?"

The Emperor glanced at him slantwise. Usually, he was quite intelligent, but now he was pretending to be foolish?

She couldn't be bothered to expose him and raised an eyebrow, saying lightly, "I plan to visit the Kunning Palace again tomorrow. I need you to communicate with the Empress and strengthen our relationship."

She intentionally slowed down her words at the end, making her intention quite clear.

Gao Xuan's heart immediately rejoiced. Sleep with the Empress? He was familiar with this task!

A traditional woman as gentle and delicate as the Empress was the embodiment of every man's dream.

He missed the Empress dearly. It was a lie to say he wasn't excited.

Immediately, he patted his chest and assured, "Rest assured, Your Majesty. I guarantee that I will fulfill the mission satisfactorily!"

"Hmph."

The Emperor felt a slight pang of jealousy in his heart. Seeing Gao Xuan's joyful attitude, he inexplicably felt a bit displeased.

"Don't get too excited. Remember, only success is allowed, not failure. If the Empress discovers the truth, you should be well aware of the consequences."

Gao Xuan quickly responded, "Rest assured, Your Majesty. This servant will be extremely cautious."

The beautiful Emperor was still in the dark, unaware that the Empress had long discovered her identity.

But Gao Xuan didn't want to reveal it either, mainly because he was afraid of hurting the beautiful Emperor's pride.

As the Emperor, having her own consort taken care of by others and having her develop another affectionate relationship... Even if she were a woman, she probably wouldn't be able to bear it.