Chapter 32

📖 CHAPTER 32: THE EMPEROR'S GAZE

The imperial court was a battlefield, and Gu Qingyan had always known that. But now, the war was reaching its peak.

Dressed in a flowing deep-blue robe embroidered with golden threads, she stepped into the grand hall of the palace. Ministers, nobles, and high-ranking officials lined the room, their gazes flickering toward her with various emotions—curiosity, disdain, intrigue.

At the far end of the hall, seated on the dragon throne, was the Emperor.

A man of power, wisdom, and ruthless ambition.

His piercing eyes swept over the court before settling on her.

"Gu Qingyan."

She stepped forward, lowering herself in a flawless bow. "This subject greets Your Majesty."

The Emperor's voice was calm, but a hint of sharpness lingered. "I have received… troubling reports."

Whispers ran through the court.

Gu Qingyan remained poised. "Your Majesty, may this humble subject ask what troubles you?"

The Emperor's gaze darkened. "There are claims that the Gu family is hiding secrets."

A dangerous accusation.

Gu Qingyan's mind worked quickly. Who had pushed this forward? The Second Prince? The Empress?

Or perhaps… Feng Yusheng?

She lifted her head slightly, her silver eyes calm. "Your Majesty, my family has always been loyal to the throne. If there are secrets, I would like to know them as well."

A low chuckle echoed through the court.

From the side, the Crown Prince stepped forward.

Feng Yusheng's golden eyes glowed with amusement. "Father, I believe Lady Gu is merely saying that truth should be upheld."

Gu Qingyan's gaze met his.

He was playing with her again. Testing her.

The Emperor studied her carefully before speaking. "Then tell me, Gu Qingyan, are you willing to prove your family's innocence?"

A test.

And a trap.

Gu Qingyan lowered her lashes, then slowly lifted them again, her lips curving. "Of course, Your Majesty."

The Emperor nodded. "Then you will oversee the investigation yourself."

A collective gasp filled the room.

The Emperor had turned her into both the judge and the judged.

A brilliant move.

Gu Qingyan smiled, her heart steady. "This subject humbly accepts."

The Emperor leaned back. "Good."

As she turned to leave, she felt a piercing gaze on her.

The Crown Prince was smiling.

But in his eyes, there was a warning.

The real game had begun.

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📍 Outside the Palace

The moment she stepped out, Xiao Yue rushed to her side. "Miss! What happened?"

Gu Qingyan exhaled. "The Emperor wants me to investigate my own family."

Xiao Yue gasped. "What? But that—"

"Is an execution if I fail."

She walked toward the carriage, her expression cold.

But inside, her mind was already moving.

If the Emperor wanted a game, she would play.

But she would not be his pawn.

She would be the one to checkmate the board.