Her heart had previously been set entirely on standing at the absolute peak of power.
Then she would be able to control Hua Shan and force him to release Hua Sang.
Yet now, as that day was truly about to arrive, an unspeakable sense of emptiness welled up in Li Xuanyue's heart.
"However, if any of you have any requests when the time comes, feel free to present them to this Palace," she said solemnly. "As long as it does not violate morality and natural justice, I can grant them to you. Of course, should you wish to leave, I will not stop you."
Once she stepped into that position, anyone who felt that staying by her side was a torment could leave entirely at that time. She would not force a single person.
"This subject will not leave," Junhe said, regardless of whatever mindset prompted him, directly expressing his stance before Li Xuanyue. "Unless the Princess grows to loath this subject."
Unsurprisingly, these words of his caused Li Xuanyue to give him a second glance. Yet she did not utter a single word.
***
Meanwhile, having sent men to deal with the First Elder as instructed by Hua Shan, Xiao Ce sensed that the recent atmosphere had grown amiss. He was just about to turn around near the rockery in the Imperial Garden when Li Feng appeared before him out of nowhere, startling him so badly that he instinctively took two steps back.
"Phoenix Emperor!" Regaining his composure, he immediately grew respectful before Li Feng.
"Eat this!" Without wasting any breath on Xiao Ce, …
Chapter 166