The Treacherous Minister Who Helps the People 17

This time, the Emperor took Consort Jia to the imperial banquet. And it posed a dilemma for Zhao Baiyue.

Previously, she was the one who always accompanied the Emperor. But now, going too early would make others think she had fallen out of favor, while going too late would undoubtedly invite accusations of disrespect towards the Emperor.

Frowning with worry, Zhao Baiyue instructed Qiu Hua to inquire discreetly, deliberately timing their encounter with the Emperor outside the hall.

Only then did the three of them enter together.

Inside the banquet, a lively scene unfolded with melodious music, enchanting dances, and a feast that, although not particularly delicious, was visually appealing.

“Greetings to Your Majesty,” the ministers swiftly bowed upon the Emperor’s arrival, after which the envoys from the Kachar were brought in from the side hall.

The humble and courteous Prince Kachar followed the customs of the Da Liang and paid his respects to the Emperor. He appeared genuinely subservient.

Shen Qi caught a glimpse of him, lightly sipped from her wine cup, and then subtly glanced towards Zhao Baiyue, who sat beside the Emperor, equally esteemed and favored as the consort.

The Empress had been absent due to illness for many years, so Zhao Baiyue and the consort held similar positions and levels of favor.

The Emperor engaged in conversation with the young prince, while Zhao Baiyue’s gaze remained fixed on him.

He and the Emperor possessed contrasting styles; the Emperor exuded a mature and heroic aura, while the prince emanated a gentle and refined charm, akin to the ideal scholar in the dreams of countless young maidens.

Zhao Baiyue suddenly found herself appreciating this man.

Quickly, she used the prop of “love at first sight”, hoping the prince would cast a few more glances her way.

However, how could the prince blatantly gaze at the Emperor’s consort in front of so many high-ranking officials?

It would be suicidal. Thus, the prince merely stole a quick glance at Zhao Baiyue before lowering his head.

This made Zhao Baiyue disappointed. She exchanged a meaningful look with Qiu Hua, signaling her to proceed with the plan.

Qiu Hua felt anxious and uneasy and discreetly departed with her veil.

Observing this scene, Shen Qi remained silent, merely casting a glance at the guard standing by her side, who silently vanished into the grand hall.

As a powerful figure in the current court, Shen Qi had countless individuals seeking her favor, and she was open to all.

She drank cup after cup of wine, her gaze becoming hazy, her cheeks flushed.

Catching sight of Zhao Baiyue’s departure, she swayed slightly as she stood up, claiming she needed some fresh air outside.

As soon as they exited the grand hall, Shen Qi’s gaze quickly regained clarity. “Where are they?” she asked.

“They should be in the Huaming Hall now,” the guard replied in a low voice.

These guards were personally selected by Qiao Qingyun from the capital and were instructed by Shen Qi to closely monitor Zhao Baiyue and her maids.

Shen Qi narrowed her eyes slightly. “After an incense stick’s worth of time, inform the Emperor that I was attacked in the Huaming Hall.”

“Yes,” the guard replied softly, watching as Shen Qi departed. He then secretly calculated the time.

In the Huaming Hall at this moment, a note was handed to the Prince Kachar by a maid he had never seen before during the banquet.

Someone had invited him to meet in the Huaming Hall.

As soon as he left the palace, he was led here by a maid named Qiu Hua.

He had seen this maid before; she was by the side of the favored consort of the Da Liang Emperor. Could it be that the consort had been observing him all this time?

The prince found it absurd, but upon careful consideration, he realized there was much more to this situation. Thus, he was willing to follow her lead. “Where is your mistress?” the prince asked softly.

Qiu Hua shrank back slightly. “My mistress will be here shortly. Please wait a moment, Your Highness.”

Subconsciously, Qiu Hua felt a bit afraid of this prince, as he spoke to her in the same gentle manner that Shen Qi had used when threatening her. It made her somewhat fearful of such individuals, except for her fiancé, of course.

The prince nodded. “I wonder why your mistress wishes to see me?”

“I do not know, Your Highness.”

Qiu Hua shook her head, her face slightly tinged with embarrassment.

After all, she couldn’t just say, “My mistress seems to be trying to seduce you, right?”

That would be too shameful!

Without saying a word, Prince Kachar patiently waited.

Soon, Zhao Baiyue hurriedly arrived at the entrance of Huaming Hall.

She lightly adjusted the tassel on her head before gracefully walking in. “Are you Prince Kachar? Look up at me.”

Prince Kachar obediently raised his head and caught a glimpse of Zhao Baiyue, who had come dressed in exquisite attire under the hazy moonlight.

A hint of astonishment flickered in his eyes. This woman is so beautiful!

Gradually, Prince Kachar’s gaze transformed from fondness to infatuation…

Just by looking into his eyes, Zhao Baiyue knew that the plan had succeeded, especially when the system responded.

[Mission completed. Reward: 50,000 points, Pearl Earrings (Charm +3), Vermilion Lipstick (Seduction +5).]

Zhao Baiyue breathed a sigh of relief.

As a concubine, she knew it wasn’t good to have too much contact with Prince Kachar.

With a casual wave of her hand, she said, “I gotta go.”

However, Prince Kachar suddenly reached out and grabbed Zhao Baiyue’s hand, his gaze even revealing a hint of pleading. “Please don’t go. I love you so much, let me look at you a little longer.”

Seeing his gentle face, Zhao Baiyue found it difficult to refuse. “Just for a moment, then I must leave.”

Suddenly, a wave of resentment surged within Prince Kachar.

If only he were the Emperor of Da Liang, this beautiful woman, his beloved, could belong to him! How could she be taken away by the Emperor of Da Liang?

One day, he would conquer Da Liang!

Watching Zhao Baiyue and Prince Kachar exchange sweet words and embrace each other, Qiu Hua could only stare helplessly…

Ah! What was all this nonsense?

I’d rather die!

Qiu Hua took a deep breath, suppressing the urge to scream.

At this moment, she felt an eerie sense of unease and was reminded of the Emperor.

The Emperor had been extremely affectionate with the Empress at first sight, just like Prince Kachar’s deep infatuation with Zhao Baiyue.

Could it be that Zhao Baiyue really possessed some kind of enchantment?

Qiu Hua couldn’t help but tremble, about to remind Zhao Baiyue to return to the palace when suddenly, a commotion erupted outside.

Soon, several figures leaped over the palace walls and disappeared into Huaming Hall, their swords clashing.

“Ah!!!” Zhao Baiyue screamed in fright.

At this moment, Prince Kachar was deeply in love with Zhao Baiyue and couldn’t bear to see his beloved frightened.

He reached out and gently embraced her, soothing her. Just then, Shen Qi and a group of guards rushed in, their expressions frozen in shock…

Meanwhile, at the imperial banquet, a guard hurriedly approached the Emperor’s side.

“Emperor, Minister Shen has been attacked in the palace.”

“What!” The Emperor’s hand trembled, spilling wine on the table. “Shen Qi was attacked? What happened? Was he injured?”

The Emperor was genuinely concerned about Shen Qi, his childhood companion.

After careful inquiry, he realized that the guard didn’t know anything and promptly planned to leave.

“Go to Huaming Hall. I want to see who dares to play tricks in my place!”

The Emperor cast a sinister glance at the Kachar envoys, almost certain that they were responsible.