The Imperial Guard's Revenge

My mother publicly exposed me as a woman in the Golden Throne Hall, and I fell from my position as the all-powerful head of the imperial guard to become a prisoner.

My nemesis grabbed my chin, his voice sinister and cold:

"Death or becoming a concubine—choose one."

I smiled charmingly as I climbed onto his neck, my breath warm against his skin:

"I'll be a concubine!"

The disdain in his eyes was impossible to hide as he pushed me down onto the damp straw pile. My thin prison clothes tore apart in his fingers, the dim cell lighting casting an intimate glow.

In the heat of passion, he leaned over my ear and laughed: "Even the girls from the brothels aren't as cheap as the imperial guard commander!"

I closed my eyes and bit hard into his scarred shoulder.

After the storm passed, he fastened his belt and looked down at me cowering in the corner.

I bit my lip: "My prison clothes are torn. Bring me something to wear."

He sneered: "What? Isn't Lord Zhou quite capable? Can't you handle a simple set of clothes?"

With that, he threw over a cloak. His voice was sinister:

"Go, Zhou Jin. From now on, this imperial city has nothing to do with you. You can only be a concubine in my Lu family!"

Lu Zhan and I were mortal enemies, the kind who would kill each other on sight. The Lu family had been convicted of crimes, and I was the one who led people to raid the entire General's Mansion, driving the Old Madam Lu—Lu Zhan's mother—to her death. I even threw Lu Zhan into the dungeon and tortured him severely.

The General's Mansion rapidly declined, and Lu Zhan was sentenced to exile. It wasn't until two years ago, when the General's Mansion was rehabilitated and Lu Zhan returned to the capital, that my troubles began.

I held a high position, so Lu Zhan didn't dare act against me directly, only secretly sabotaging me. But I wasn't easy to deal with either—I returned blow for blow, and for a time, we were evenly matched.

Until today, when I was discovered to be a woman. The crime of deceiving the emperor was inescapable.

Chapter 2

The Lu Mansion was huge. Lu Zhan casually threw me into a courtyard, pointing to the wet nurse waiting for me at the entrance. With a mocking smile: "Lord Zhou has never been a woman before. From now on, Wet Nurse Lu will teach you how to behave as a woman—and as a concubine!"

I threw off my official robes, changed into a silk dress, applied rouge, and lightly drew my eyebrows.

The woman in the bronze mirror was so unfamiliar, completely different from my previous self.

I bowed my head, letting the maid pin up my hair. So what if I became a concubine? As long as I could live!

Early the next morning, the wet nurse called me up to go serve tea to the main wife.

Madam Lu was a gentle and delicate woman who didn't make things difficult for me. Instead, the wet nurse behind me felt I wasn't respectful enough and gave me a whipping, ordering me to kneel in the courtyard and beg forgiveness.

When Lu Zhan arrived, I was kneeling under the scorching sun. He didn't even glance at me, heading straight for Madam Lu.

The two of them snuggled together affectionately while eating. Occasionally, Madam Lu cast worried glances my way: "Husband, she was after all the former head of the imperial guard. If she gains power one day, I'm afraid—"

"There's no 'if'!" Lu Zhan put down his chopsticks, interrupting her. "Rongniang, don't worry. Just show the authority of the General's Mansion's mistress!"

That evening, Lu Zhan came over, looking at the wounds on my back with a cold smile: "Zhou Jin, there really is karma in this world, isn't there?"

I ignored him as he leaned over me, torturing me without restraint.

I cried out in pain, my nails digging into his flesh. My resentful tone mixed with grievance: "Lu Zhan, it wasn't my intention to have your family confiscated and exiled. You don't dare target the one above, so you can only come humiliate me. Are you even a man?!"

Hearing this, he looked up at me, his eyes scarlet. Black eyes rolled with cruel desire, almost tearing me apart.

I must have struck his sore spot, because I heard him laugh coldly: "Whether I'm a man doesn't matter, as long as I'm your man!"

With that, rough fingers rubbed against my lips before he pressed down viciously.

Chapter 3

I was trapped in the Lu Mansion's inner quarters, and more than half a month passed in the blink of an eye.

Outside, everyone was saying that the former commander of the imperial guard had disguised herself as a man to confuse the court. The emperor was merciful and didn't order her execution, instead sparing her life. Some also said that making a former court official serve as a concubine was truly degrading—better to just kill her with a single blade.

These were things I heard when servants were gossiping. Some spoke openly, others whispered, all gloating and secretly covering their mouths to laugh at me, the protagonist of this story.

"Aunt Zhou, the mistress wants you to accompany her to Guangde Temple." Qiu'er, Madam Lu's personal maid, came to call me with a stern face.

I didn't like this maid. Relying on the mistress's favor, she acted more important than the master herself. But when you're under someone else's roof, you have to bow your head.

I sat in Madam Lu's carriage. She gently held my hand: "Aunt Zhou, I know you've fallen from grace and have resentment in your heart. The master at Guangde Temple is highly respected. Listening to his teachings will benefit you."

I answered softly. She sighed, her tone kind: "As a woman, the inner quarters are our foundation. Don't wield swords or guns anymore, and don't entertain improper thoughts."

I believed she genuinely meant well by saying these things at that moment. I just didn't expect the humiliation to come so quickly.

Chapter 4

I was pouring tea for her when rampant bandits with knives charged over. With a scream, the carriage shook, and water spilled all over the floor.

Qiu'er crawled in, panic-stricken: "Mistress, the villains are charging over. Our people can't hold them off. We need to flee!"

Madam Lu grabbed my hand, fear on her face: "Lord Zhou!"

I shook my head helplessly: "Mistress, my martial arts are gone!"

In the confusion, I could only pull her and flee. After all, I had fought my way through countless battles. Even without martial arts, I still had my ways of escaping.

Just as we dodged the crowd, we ran into Lu Zhan riding over hastily on horseback. When he saw us, he quickly dismounted and embraced the trembling Madam Lu, his expression full of concern.

I consciously stepped to one side, dusted myself off, and gave them space.

Madam Lu cried for a while, then suddenly looked up anxiously: "Qiu'er! Husband, save Qiu'er. She was taken away by the villains!"

Seeing Lu Zhan turn his horse to ride back in the direction we had fled from, I gently tugged on his sleeve and whispered: "Lu Zhan, these people aren't ordinary bandits. They're probably here for you. If you go, not only will you fail to rescue anyone, but you'll fall right into their trap."

With a sharp shout, the horse's hooves barely stopped. Madam Lu looked up, crying: "Husband, Qiu'er once blocked a knife for me. I..."

Lu Zhan frowned: "Wife, Zhou Jin's reconnaissance skills are first-rate. If she says this group isn't simple, then they must not be. We—"

Madam Lu opened her eyes wide, clenched her handkerchief, and interrupted him with a sharp voice: "Husband, don't you hate this villain who destroyed your family? Why would you believe her words?!"

Lu Zhan sighed and ultimately didn't turn his horse around, heading toward the sounds of fighting.

Chapter 5

When we arrived, the battle was nearly over. The General's Mansion guards lay all over the ground. Qiu'er lay covered in blood, her clothes in tatters. Beside her was a villain pulling up his pants. The others weren't dividing the spoils but instead stood warily on guard.

Madam Lu's tears kept flowing as she murmured: "Qiu'er, husband, save Qiu'er."

Lu Zhan didn't speak. Obviously, he too sensed something was wrong.

After a while, he gently coaxed the wife beside him: "Rongniang, I will arrange Qiu'er's funeral affairs."

The crying stopped abruptly. Rongniang's meaningful eyes glanced at me, then she whispered again: "Husband, it's not just that I feel sorry for Qiu'er. I... when I see those villains, I remember the scene of the old madam being driven to her death."

A bad premonition rose in my heart. I looked at Lu Zhan.

Sure enough, I met his dark eyes: "I heard that Commander Zhou once took Prince Zhaohé's head from among thousands of soldiers and horses. Saving someone should be no problem for you."

I stepped back, crying out in alarm: "Don't be crazy, Lu Zhan. You know I've lost my martial arts. If I fall into this group's hands, it's over."

He laughed coldly: "What if I say you must go?"

My eyes nearly split open: "Don't be like this, Lu Zhan. You can hurt me, humiliate me, but you can't send me to my death."

He remained unmoved. I pleaded: "General Lu, I'm begging you."

Lu Zhan frowned, seeming to hesitate slightly. Madam Lu sobbed softly: "Forget it, husband. It's all fate!"

The hesitant expression slowly became firm. His pitch-black eyes filled with venom as one hand covered my neck, his tone dark: "Zhou Jin, you should atone for what you've done!"

As the last syllable ended, my entire body flew out uncontrollably.

The whistling wind sounded. The villains who had already ceased fighting heard the noise and once again erupted with the eyes of hunters watching prey.

My nails dug into my flesh, but I couldn't feel any pain. What surged up was endless despair. I hate this so much!

Chapter 6

Soon a long spear came at me. I tilted my head back to dodge but was hit by an arrow from the left that embedded itself in my shoulder. Watching the blood flowing and the bandits gradually approaching, I took a deep breath, trembling as I removed the hairpin from my temple and stabbed it fiercely into the center of my chest.

Instantly, familiar energy flowed into my limbs and bones. The blood in my bones also began to boil, and powerful force seemed about to burst forth from my body.

Dozens of people fell to the ground under the impact of the internal energy. Several of them saw me like an evil ghost and retreated in terror.

"Zhou Jin! It's Zhou Jin!"

My white clothes and black hair rose in the air. The corner of my lips curved into a bloodthirsty arc. My voice was like that of a Shura climbing out of hell:

"Since you recognize me, all of you should die too!"

My toes slowly left the ground as I floated upward. Behind me, energy rolled, vaguely forming the shape of a green dragon, roaring in the half of the sky.

I snatched the nearest curved blade. Where the sword pointed, blood flowed like a river. The forest wind was filled with the smell of blood.

Finally, the last enemy fell. I lowered my sword tip and walked step by step toward the disheveled Qiu'er.

She half-lay on the ground, shaking her head and kicking her legs backward in fear.

I reached toward her expressionlessly: "Get up!"

She still shook her head, trembling and on the verge of tears: "My ankle... my ankle is twisted!"

I casually threw the curved blade aside, turned my back to her, and squatted down, coldly: "Get on!"

She seemed somewhat hesitant. Finally, just as my patience was about to run out, she climbed onto my back.

My neck felt burning hot. I turned my head sideways. The person on my back was sobbing softly, her voice like a mosquito's: "Thank you..."

Chapter 7

"Zhou Jin!"

The sound of horse hooves approached from far to near, along with the anxious calls.

I glanced sideways. Lu Zhan quickly dismounted, his brow furrowed as he looked me up and down, then scanned the crowd lying on the ground. The anxious panic on his face slowly replaced by a cold smile:

"Truly worthy of being Commander Zhou. To escape unscathed even in such a situation!"

I put down Qiu'er, a hint of sarcasm appearing at the corner of my mouth:

"What? Is the General regretting it? Did you rush back specially to save me?"

"You—" He looked over resentfully. There was anger, regret, and some unknown emotion in his black eyes. Finally, he flicked his sleeve. "Dying like this would be too cheap for you!"

I smiled but didn't speak. Finally, my strength gave out, my vision darkened, and I fainted.

When I woke up again, it was nighttime. I didn't see Wet Nurse Lu, only a maid in charge of delivering medicine.

Not long after, Lu Zhan came over. His probing eyes seemed about to pierce right through me.

"I took your pulse. You don't have any internal energy or martial arts at all. How did you do it?"

I didn't want to deal with him, closing my eyes to sleep again.

He grabbed my wrist, gritting his teeth: "Zhou Jin!

"I don't know what kind of heretical arts you used, but I know that any power beyond ordinary reason must come at a cost. I advise you to use it less!"

I actually laughed in anger: "So, General Lu means I should wait quietly for death, or gamble on the slight possibility that you might come save me?"

His pupils contracted, about to speak, but I interrupted him.

"Enough, Great General Lu," I waved his hand away, my voice cold. "Doesn't everyone have some backup skills? The General should worry about himself!"

In the following days, I didn't see Lu Zhan again. Instead, Qiu'er came secretly twice, wanting to speak but hesitating.

I was somewhat annoyed: "If you have something to say, say it!"

She stammered: "The mistress has argued with the general several times recently because of you."

Seeing I didn't react, she continued: "That day, the general settled the mistress in a household and rushed back specially to save you. Now that you're back, the general heard you were awake and came to see you immediately. The mistress is worried..."

"Worried about what?"

"Worried that the general has developed feelings for you."

"Heh!" I rolled my eyes. Developed feelings for a mortal enemy? Was this being cheap or what?

"Lord Zhou!" Qiu'er looked up, her cheeks flushing, as if working up her courage to speak, "If the lord has anything Qiu'er can help with, just give the order!"

My eyelashes moved. I reached out to stroke her flushed cheek, speaking softly: "I do have something I need Qiu'er's help with..."

Chapter 8

The bronze mirror was yellowing. I faced it to apply my makeup.

Following the appearance in the portrait from my memory, I carefully traced the features.

When it was about sixty to seventy percent similar, I stopped and adjusted my posture and demeanor.

Qiu'er entered the room furtively:

"Lord Zhou, the emperor is heading toward Haitang Courtyard. The general and the mistress are not accompanying him."

I nodded: "Well done!"

Qiu'er seemed afraid: "My lord, what are you going to—" I extended a finger to her lips, making a shushing gesture to stop her next words.

The weather had turned cold. It was time for a change.

I wore white clothes that fluttered, half-hiding my face with a pipa, and sat cross-legged among the sea of flowers.

I didn't play "Boudoir Resentment" very well, but it was sufficient for now.

When the emperor stared over infatuatedly, my pipa music gradually quickened, revealing half my side profile.

As expected, I heard his breathing become rapid. I seemed to awaken from a dream, the pipa note broke, and I rose hastily:

"Your Majesty!"

He returned from his thoughts, the lingering affection not yet completely faded from his eyes: "Who are you, that you recognize me?"

I hugged the pipa and slowly bent my knees: "This guilty official, Zhou Jin, pays respects to Your Majesty!"

In the silence, only the sound of wind blowing through the crabapple trees remained. After a long while, he laughed softly: "So it's Lord Zhou. I never knew you looked like this as a woman."

With that, his gaze suddenly turned sharp:

"Zhou Jin, as the imperial guard, you dared to privately spy on the emperor's secrets!

"Speak, what are you trying to do by disguising yourself as Huiyun's appearance to meet me?"

I stepped back, knelt calmly, and lowered my eyes submissively: "Your Majesty, I only want to live. The General's Mansion cannot accommodate me!"

He laughed coldly, lifting my chin: "Even if a wolf becomes a sheep, its nature remains. How do you know the imperial palace can accommodate you!"

Following his strength, I lifted my chin, adjusting the curve of my lips. My eyes also took on a mournful look. As if about to cry, I self-mockingly whispered: "Indeed, where in this world can accommodate me?"

His gaze held some pained confusion, but quickly, as if burned, he abruptly released his hand, glaring at me while breathing heavily:

"Zhou Jin, don't imitate her anymore!"

I ignored him, step by step approaching, my hands encircling his neck, red lips lightly brushing against his cheek, whispering warmly: "Your Majesty, did Empress Huiyun ever treat you like this?"

Just as his dazed expression was about to turn into rage, I quickly withdrew my movements, bowed respectfully, and said word by word:

"This guilty official, Zhou Jin, is willing to serve Your Majesty!"

Chapter 9

Red candles burned as I played with the completely green jade pendant in my hand, looking out the window at a branch.

Wei Xiao was suspicious and prone to anger. Having been his minister for several years, I knew well that these calculations of mine couldn't be hidden from him. I might as well be direct—each of us taking what we needed.

Most things inside and outside the palace couldn't escape the imperial guard's notice. Imperial secrets, I naturally knew quite a few.

Empress Huiyun was the last empress of the previous dynasty. Before the previous dynasty fell, she had helped Wei Xiao considerably. Therefore, even though she was nearly seven years older than Wei Xiao, he still regarded her as his white moonlight, forever unattainable.

After the previous dynasty fell, Empress Huiyun died for her country. Gradually, Wei Xiao buried this matter in his heart and no longer mentioned it.

But I knew that in the imperial study, there was a portrait of Empress Huiyun with frayed edges, showing how often the owner looked at it.

No one knew that behind the colorful harem, these concubines more or less had traces of Huiyun.

If substitutes were acceptable, why couldn't I be one? At the very least, I naturally had a three-point similarity with the person in that portrait. Plus, with the secrets I had investigated, I could imitate seven or eight parts.

So Wei Xiao would certainly be tempted.

Perhaps having developed a taste for it, Wei Xiao often climbed over the wall late at night recently.

Sometimes he would hold me without saying a word, other times he would indulge in pleasure for a good while.

I bit my lips tightly, refusing to make a sound.

He played with my fingers: "What? What are you afraid of, Lord Zhou?

"Afraid of Lu Zhan?"

I smiled bewitchingly: "Your Majesty jests. I'm afraid my voice isn't similar enough to disturb Your Majesty's dreams!"

His expression was colorful.

Chapter 10

Lu Zhan finally came.

He looked much more haggard, his gaze complex as he looked at me:

"Rongniang is ill. Did you know?"

I shook my head.

His voice turned cold: "Zhou Jin, as a concubine, you should attend to the main wife's illness. Don't you understand such a simple principle?"

I lowered my eyes submissively and moved my feet: "I will go attend to the mistress now!"

He seemed somewhat annoyed, wanting to catch my hand.

Unfortunately, he missed.

Madam Lu was indeed quite ill. Her face was pale and greenish as she covered her mouth with a handkerchief, coughing uncontrollably.

When she saw me, she just turned her face away and ignored me.

I took the bowl from Qiu'er, cooled it, and fed her the medicine.

She pushed it away fiercely, her voice hoarse: "I can't afford Lord Zhou's service!"

The medicine was very hot, and the back of my hand immediately turned red.

Lu Zhan walked in and saw this scene. His gaze lingered on my hand for a few seconds before he quickly strode to the still-coughing Madam Lu.

He gently patted her back, then turned to me and spoke sternly:

"How do you serve the mistress? Get out!"

For several consecutive days, I went to attend her illness daily.

For some reason, Madam Lu gradually treated me better, even calling me sister.

Seeing my hesitation, she smiled kindly: "I don't want to make things difficult for the general, and I ask Aunt Zhou not to make things difficult for me either."

Her condition gradually improved. When I went to pay my respects, she was chatting and laughing with Lu Zhan.

When I entered, she pulled me to chat about family matters.

But while talking, she was clearly distracted, occasionally looking toward the door, as if waiting for someone.

Qiu'er was nearby, anxiously winking at me, silently mouthing: "Shoes..."

I was secretly on guard.

Chapter 11

Finally, after Wet Nurse Lu whispered a few words in her ear, she erupted:

"Aunt Zhou, the general has shown you such great kindness, yet you dare to commit adultery? What crime should this be?!"

My heart skipped a beat—finally it was here. I lowered my eyes and answered calmly:

"What does the mistress mean by this? I don't understand."

Lu Zhan's shocked eyes moved between me and Madam Lu, showing surprise, anger, and confusion.

Madam Lu's palm heavily slapped the table, her voice hateful:

"How dare you deny it! Wet Nurse, bring out the filthy thing."

A pair of blue satin boots was brought up. Wet Nurse Lu said sarcastically: "Aunt, don't bother denying. The maids from Chunhui Courtyard all say that every night when it's late, there are strange movements in the room, and a man's voice. Isn't that right, Baishao?"

Baishao was my maid. At this moment, she knelt on the ground in panic, incoherent:

"Aunt... there's a man in the aunt's room, and men's shoes."

I walked forward step by step, picked up the men's boots, and looked at Baishao with a smile: "You mean these belong to the adulterer?"

Unexpectedly direct, her face flushed red as she stammered an agreement.

A sarcastic smile crossed my lips as I coldly threw them at her: "Then take a good look. Whose name is written inside these boots?"

Ziyuan!

That was Lu Zhan's courtesy name.

The fine stitching—I had made these new boots for Lu Zhan.

Madam Lu's face turned pale as she looked at Lu Zhan, at a loss.

He kicked Baishao down, looking at me with some apology:

"Zhou Jin, Rongniang was just deceived by villains. Don't blame her."

I understandingly lowered my head: "It's nothing. Just a small matter."

The disturbances in Chunhui Courtyard couldn't be hidden, so I simply staged a play myself.

The focus of the play was these boots—everything was real, only these boots were fake.

So, the adultery—it was fake!

Chapter 12

Gold and silver jewelry were continuously sent to Chunhui Courtyard. Lu Zhan was indirectly apologizing to me.

Outside the window, night deepened. Tonight, Wei Xiao would come over.

He rubbed my ankle, propping his chin with a smile: "Lord Zhou can handle the court and manage the inner quarters. Truly worthy of being someone I value."

I dodged his hand, imitating Empress Huiyun's appearance with deep, resentful eyes, sighing: "Your Majesty, how much longer must I wait?"

His hand stopped in mid-air: "I plan to—"

His words were interrupted by frantic knocking: "Aunt, the general is here!"

It was Qiu'er's voice.

Since learning my secret, she had privately paid attention to the movements here. For her to risk exposing herself by coming here at this time meant the situation was not good.

I was alarmed and exchanged a glance with Wei Xiao. He was also very surprised.

I knew he had informants in Lu Zhan's camp. Every time he came, he would avoid Lu Zhan or use important matters to detain him.

Lu Zhan had still discovered.

He was drunk, smelling of defeated alcohol.

He stared fixedly at the marks on my neck, his eyes scarlet, gritting his teeth:

"Speak, who did it?"

I glanced at the tightly closed window—Wei Xiao had just left from there.

My face burned with pain. Lu Zhan withdrew his hand, my clothes shattered. He smiled crazily: "Bitch!"

My eyelashes trembled as I resignedly closed my eyes.

Chapter 13

I was confined in Chunhui Courtyard.

The already sparsely populated courtyard became even more desolate.

Madam Lu came the next evening. Behind her was a wet nurse holding instruments of torture.

Brought along with her was Qiu'er, whose hands were tied.

She was held down by two old women. Before my eyes, a whip with barbs fell upon her thin back.

Wet Nurse Lu's voice was mocking: "This master-betrayer deserves to be beaten to death!"

Killing the chicken to warn the monkey—this sort of thing didn't work on me.

Just as the second whip was about to fall, I reached out and caught it, pulling it back sharply. The barbs dug into my palm, and the other person couldn't help but retreat a few steps.

Madam Lu stared at me intently: "Aunt Zhou, don't worry. It will be your turn soon!"

I expressionlessly untied Qiu'er's ropes: "The one the mistress truly wants to punish is me. Why involve others?"

Her gaze moved back and forth between us, then suddenly smiled: "Very well. I have a bowl of medicine here. How about if the aunt drinks it, I'll let her go. Is that acceptable?"

I raised my eyebrow: "Poison?"

She shook her head: "Don't worry. It won't harm your life!"

As she spoke, Wet Nurse Lu had already brought the medicine over. The black liquid was frightening to behold.

I reached out and took it.

Qiu'er rushed over in panic to stop me, shaking her head desperately: "My lord, don't. Qiu'er's life is but a cheap one."

I smiled, pried open her hands, and tilted my head back to drink it.

Since it wouldn't kill anyone, it didn't matter.

Madam Lu's expression was hard to read: "I was afraid Lord Zhou might have some divine abilities. It turns out a single Qiu'er could..."

After that, I could no longer hear clearly. My whole body collapsed to the ground.

Chapter 14

When I opened my eyes, Qiu'er was crying beside me.

I wanted to speak, but no sound came from my throat.

I understood—that bowl of medicine was a muting medicine.

I reached out to pat her back comfortingly and made a gesture:

Where is this?

All around me was gold and jade decoration—clearly imperial palace configuration, but I didn't know which palace this was.

Qiu'er's eyes widened: "My lord, your throat?"

As she spoke, she seemed to remember something and began crying again.

I helplessly wiped her tears dry and made the gesture again.

Qiu'er held back her tears: "My lord, this is Ganhui Hall. The emperor sent people to bring you here."

As soon as she spoke, a bright yellow figure approached from afar.

Seeing me awake, he seemed very pleased, holding my hand with a concerned expression:

"Are you feeling better?

"I heard about it. It's my fault for leaving you there alone. I didn't expect that beast Lu Zhan would treat you like this! You were foolish too. Why didn't you mention me?"

The corner of my mouth pulled into a bitter smile. I gestured: I was afraid of sullying Your Majesty's reputation.

He gently embraced me, his pity profound: "Don't be afraid. I will find a way to cure your throat."

An eunuch from the Imperial Household Department came to announce an edict, conferring me as Concubine Ying and granting me Ganhui Hall.

I took up a brush and wrote the character "ying" (shadow) on rice paper, blowing dry the ink.

Qiu'er excitedly paced back and forth: "My lord, the emperor still values you greatly!"

I smiled and shook my head.

After years as minister and subject, he knew me, and I knew him too.

That night, Lu Zhan would come. I thought it probably wasn't beyond his means either.

As for the reason—perhaps to make me completely give up on the Lu family, or perhaps to control me.

But these things were no longer important.

Chapter 15

In recent days, Wei Xiao treated me extremely well, staying with me day and night, eating and sleeping together.

He raised his eyebrows: "Lu Zhan has been kneeling at the palace gate for three days. Will you see him?"

I lowered my eyes deeply: "Your Majesty may decide."

He frowned, displeased: "Zhou Jin, at times like this, just be yourself. You don't need to imitate Huiyun."

I looked up, eyes straight ahead, gesturing lightly: I won't see him!

He laughed softly, embracing my shoulder: "Lord Zhou once killed Huiyun's eldest son, Crown Prince Zhaohé. Now you disguise yourself as her appearance to seduce me. I wonder how Huiyun would feel if she knew this in the underworld?"

After speaking, he turned to look at me: "The remnants of the previous dynasty are now rampant in the northwest. If Li Mingzhao knew, would she tear you apart alive?"

Li Mingzhao was Empress Huiyun's eldest daughter. Frail since childhood, she was the leading figure in the plot to restore the dynasty.

And when I was the imperial guard commander, the core figure in suppressing the rebels was me.

In the end, I still saw Lu Zhan.

At the entrance to Ganhui Hall, he blocked me, his face weathered, his voice hoarse:

"Zhou Jin, why?"

I picked up paper and pen: [I just want to live. The General's Mansion cannot accommodate me.]

He looked at my handwriting, speechless for a moment, then his lips trembled: "I never thought she would drug you mute!"

I shook my head and wrote again in a scratchy hand:

[You and I are mortal enemies to begin with. Winner takes all. You don't need to mind.]

"The emperor's heart is unpredictable. Do you think Wei Xiao truly treats you well?"

I raised my hand, word by word: [It doesn't matter. Everyone has their own destiny.]

On the way back, the empress summoned me.

I knelt in the great hall. Concubine Li was at one side, speaking animatedly:

"Empress, Concubine Ying has violated palace rules by openly meeting with a man in private. She should be punished."

I was somewhat annoyed—constantly private meetings, adultery. Would this never end?

The empress obviously knew about my private affairs too, only symbolically punishing me to copy sutras without making things too difficult.

Concubine Li, however, blocked me at the palace gate, her beautiful eyes red, resentment hard to hide:

"Commander Zhou, you said you would support this palace and the fourth prince. Now that you've become a woman, you've come to snatch this palace's favor!"

The empress had no son. Before I was imprisoned, I had indeed been very close to Concubine Li. She was my eyes and ears in the harem, and I, in turn, sought the merit of supporting the dragon, fully supporting the fourth prince.

But now, these things seemed like a joke.

Chapter 16

Wei Xiao was in a bad mood today. He stared at me intently, his eyes holding suppressed unwillingness.

He asked me in a hoarse voice:

"Zhou Jin, what if I restore you to the position of imperial guard commander? Would that be acceptable?"

I looked up sharply, then quickly lowered my eyes again nonchalantly, gesturing with my hands:

I dare not!

His smile was chilling: "Zhou Jin, as a palace concubine, I cannot do without you. As a court minister, I still cannot do without you. Are you pleased?!"

It turned out that the chaos in the northwest had grown more intense. Li Mingzhao had joined forces with local commanders, and now the northwestern region had been breached. Only the neighboring Fengzhuang was still holding out.

And I, having suppressed the remnants of the previous dynasty for years and once personally killing Crown Prince Zhaohé, was indispensable for this campaign.

Wei Xiao's voice was low: "Who do you think is suitable for suppressing the remnants?"

I considered briefly and wrote: [Marquis Beiyang.]

He nodded: "Correct. Marquis Beiyang is stationed at West Ridge, very close to the northwest. With his assistance, you will surely achieve great victory.

"What about Fengzhuang? Who would be suitable?"

I picked up the brush, the force going through the paper:

[Lu Zhan!]

The pressure on my shoulder increased as he scoffed:

"You certainly don't hold grudges!"

I smiled lightly, my handwriting like flowing sand: [Public and private affairs should not be mixed.]

His black eyes were deep, his gaze tightly fixed on me, as if I might disappear from before him at any moment.

"Zhou Jin, I will return your position as commander to you. I will also return your martial arts to you. You—don't disappoint me!"

I slowly knelt, performing the ceremony of subject and ruler:

Your subject accepts the decree!

Back at Ganhui Hall, Eunuch Gao was already there.

He held a gilded wooden box, bowing as he offered it to me:

"Commander, I trust you are well!"

Behind him, rows of eunuchs held trays.

Official robes, belt, golden seal, several ornaments.

Qiu'er took them and opened them for me. Two pills, one black and one white, lay quietly.

I recognized them—the black one was the spirit medicine to restore internal energy, and the white one was probably the antidote to the muting medicine!

I swallowed both together. Familiar power mixed into my veins. Different from the green dragon power drawn out with chest blood, this was completely, power that belonged to me, Zhou Jin's power.

Clearing my throat, I looked at Eunuch Gao, slightly opening my lips:

"Thank His Majesty for me!"

Chapter 17

The trip to the northwest was imminent. Lu Zhan and I would depart soon.

Arriving at the inn, he dismounted, wanting to help me down from the carriage.

I expressionlessly walked past him.

"Zhou Jin, don't you hate me?"

I turned back, frowning: "General Lu, if you still want to seek revenge, we can settle it after finishing the northwest matter."

He stared into my eyes, as if trying to see through me: "In the Lu Mansion, I treated you poorly. Do you hate me?"

I was annoyed—was there something wrong with him?

The Flowing Cloud whip slid from my sleeve. I tapped the ground with my toes and swung it.

He didn't catch it in time and took a lash, then gave me a deep look. His feet exerted force, and the long sword left its sheath.

"It's been a long time since I've experienced the commander's skills. Today I'd like to learn from you."

In the night sky, the cool wind suddenly intensified.

One green and one white figure shuttled across the rooftops, sword flashing and shadow dancing. For a time, they were evenly matched.

Finally, the whip wrapped around his neck. I gripped the whip handle, my fingers exerting force: "General Lu, see clearly. I'm not your concubine. I'm Zhou Jin!

"Underestimating your enemy is a great taboo!"

He looked at me deeply, whispering self-mockingly: "It seems the Lu Mansion's courtyard didn't trap you, only me!"

I retracted the whip, leaving a bloody mark on his neck, and turned to leave.

"Zhou Jin!"

I paused.

"If I said I regret it?"

I didn't move.

After a pause, his voice was hoarse, with an unnoticed anticipation:

"If I said I'm willing to let go of hatred, what about you? Can you let go?"

I finally turned back, smiling faintly, speaking word by word: "Lu Zhan, don't make me look down on you!"

Chapter 18

Arriving in the northwest, Marquis Beiyang was already there.

He was the first general to be ennobled for military achievements. Calling him the first in the army would not be an exaggeration.

Unfortunately, he didn't think much of me.

When news spread that the imperial guard commander was a woman, he was the first to submit a memorial demanding my execution.

Now he discussed countermeasures with others, ignoring me as I listened from the side.

When the plan was set, he glanced at me: "For tomorrow's trip to Huwei Mountain, Lord Zhou will accompany me."

I slightly lowered my eyes, a faint smile on my lips: "Good!"

My fingers swept across the deployment map. Marquis Beiyang was underestimating Li Mingzhao too much.

Arrogant and underestimating women—he would probably pay a price.

On Huwei Mountain, bodies were piled high.

We had fallen into an ambush!

Marquis Beiyang held a long sword, retreating step by step, staring at the young man before him, gritting his teeth:

"Brother-in-law Shen, where is Li Mingzhao? Why isn't she here? How dare you ambush me!"

The young man smiled slightly: "What? Is Marquis Beiyang planning to learn from Commander Zhou and capture the ringleader to defeat the gang?"

"Phooey!" Marquis Beiyang snorted coldly. "You dare call yourselves kings? Nothing but trash!"

With that, he raised his sword again, squinting, his tone dangerous: "Do you believe that even fallen as I am, I can still fight my way out? Isn't that right, Zhou—"

The words abruptly stopped. He looked in disbelief at the dagger tip emerging from his chest.

He staggered and turned his head. I was smiling as I withdrew the dagger from his chest.

"Your Excellency's martial arts are supreme. I believe it."

He spat out a mouthful of blood, supporting himself with his sword, his eyes wide:

"Why?"

I casually wiped the dagger, the long wind blowing my long hair. My light, dim tone seemed to come from beyond the heavens:

"Because I am the legitimate eldest princess of the previous dynasty—Li Mingzhao!"

Chapter 19

Shen Zhiqian walked toward me step by step, gently wiping the blood from my fingers.

"Your Highness, you have suffered!"

I lifted my sleeve, took out the tiger tally, and handed it to him: "Give it to Uncle Li!"

He reached out to take it, sighing: "Your Highness suffered much in the Lu Mansion to obtain this tiger tally. Was it worth it?"

I glanced sideways: "Is the brother-in-law saying... I'm dirty?"

"You know that's not what I meant!"

"How can you catch tiger cubs without entering the tiger's den!" I said lightly, looking toward the distant green mountains.

"Now that the tiger tally is obtained, Marquis Beiyang is dead, and I have also drugged Wei Xiao, soon, we will have our wish!"

Before returning, I fiercely stabbed myself in the chest with a sword.

Marquis Beiyang died at the hands of the rebels. How could I emerge unscathed?

Severely injured—that was the best explanation.

Lu Zhan had rushed back from Fengzhuang. In his astonished gaze, I fell from the horse.

It seemed Uncle Li and the others were no match. Fengzhuang was lost.

In confusion, someone carefully fed me medicine, spoke to me, and tenderly held my hand.

It was Lu Zhan.

I opened my eyes, returning his grip, my expression mournful: "Marquis Beiyang is gone!"

He nodded: "I know."

Unexpectedly, no one troubled me afterward. Even Marquis Beiyang's direct subordinates didn't seek me out.

Later, others told me it was Lu Zhan who had sent those people away!

Understandably—Marquis Beiyang died in this battle, not me. How could they accept it!

Chapter 20

But he still suspected me.

In the peach grove, his sword pointed at me, his tone cold:

"Zhou Jin, what is that faint green dragon behind your back?!"

I remained calm: "I don't understand what you mean."

"I interrogated Qiu'er. When you saved her, you used your chest blood as a guide to summon the green dragon. Your power at that time came entirely from it!

"What is your relationship with the previous dynasty's Xianlong Clan?

"Or rather, what is your relationship with the previous dynasty's Li Mingzhao?"

The Xianlong Clan was the family that had guarded the previous dynasty's imperial family for generations, using the green dragon as their totem. Each generation's clan leader could use the green dragon totem's power as their own—at the cost of their lifespan.

So each generation's clan leader didn't live long.

The previous Xianlong Clan leader was my master. Before he died, he passed the totem to me, telling me to keep it secret and not use it recklessly.

Even Brother-in-law Shen and Uncle Li didn't know. I had kept it well hidden—except for that time.

I narrowed my eyes, studying him. Under the peach tree, he stood tall and fair-skinned.

The long whip at my wrist moved slightly. I thought, I would kill him!

The sword tip fell to the ground. Lu Zhan smiled bitterly:

"You want to kill me, don't you?"

He stepped forward, approaching me, a struggle flashing in his eyes, as if there were many restrained feelings. After a long while, he spoke:

"Zhou Jin, if I said I could help you?"

I could understand his feelings, but—

"Has General Lu ever heard a saying?" I sneered.

"Late-arriving deep feelings are cheaper than grass!"

The current Lu Zhan was no longer worth killing!

Chapter 21

Before one wave settled, another rose. News came from the capital that the emperor was gravely ill.

More importantly, the Grand Judicial Court suspected someone in the harem was colluding with remnants of the previous dynasty to harm the emperor.

I was astonished. Those drugs shouldn't have been enough to make him gravely ill.

Lu Zhan frowned and asked me: "Was it you?"

I ignored him.

When I returned to the palace, a confrontation was underway.

Concubine Li knelt below, looking disheveled.

When they saw me return, all eyes turned to me.

When Wei Xiao saw me, he was both pleased and worried: "I heard you were injured?"

The empress stepped forward: "Your Majesty, Lord Zhou once served you. In this matter, Concubine Ying cannot remain uninvolved. Moreover, Lord Zhou faced the enemy with Marquis Beiyang, yet only Marquis Beiyang died. I cannot help but suspect..."

Wei Xiao tapped his fingers on the dragon throne, his gaze toward me tinged with doubt:

"They suspect you. How does Lord Zhou explain?"

I lowered my head: "I have no explanation. I too just returned from the gates of hell!"

"So Lord Zhou cannot prove your innocence either?" The empress laughed coldly.

"Enough!"

Concubine Li stood up shakily, her beautiful face full of desolation: "I'll confess! Why must the empress implicate others!"

Hearing her confession, no one argued further. The empress coldly ordered:

"Send Concubine Li to the Cold Palace. Await further disposition!"

I closed my eyes, ultimately saying nothing.

Chapter 22

Cold Palace. I brought Concubine Li poisoned wine under the empress's orders.

In just a few days, the vibrant beauty had become withered grass.

When she saw me, she showed no expression, only her face moved when she saw the wine in my hand.

I sighed: "I'm sorry!"

The road to imperial power is fraught with peril—one misstep leads to utter destruction.

I was too arrogant. I didn't expect the medicine I gave would conflict with the food Concubine Li sent, nor did I expect the poisoning to be discovered, implicating others.

She curled her lips: "Lord Zhou, don't overthink it. It has nothing to do with you. Even if you hadn't come, I would have confessed anyway."

I shook my head with a bitter smile: "Your master had you take the blame—didn't she tell you who you were taking the fall for?"

She suddenly looked up: "Who are you? How do you know?"

I looked at her with pity. The one connected to Concubine Li was Brother-in-law Shen's person. I knew she was one of ours, but they didn't know of my existence.

A flash of pain crossed my eyes, my voice extremely low:

"I am Li Mingzhao.

"I'm sorry!"

Her widened eyes could hardly contain the shock. She trembled, pointing at me several times, trying to speak before finally stammering:

"So it was you!"

She seemed to go mad, laughing and crying:

"No wonder, no wonder they would rather abandon this chess piece and have me take the blame. No wonder, they were protecting you!

"So you are the princess, you are Li Mingzhao. Who would have thought that the frail princess wasn't in the northwest but suffering here?!"

With that, she looked sharply at me:

"Our Du family has served the Li imperial clan for generations, yet you here become a concubine to our enemy!"

I remained silent. She smiled more bitterly than she cried:

"Princess, was it worth it?"

In a trance, someone had asked me the same thing.

"To be able to die for the princess, I have no regrets. Only the fourth prince..."

I grasped her arm, leaning to her ear:

"As long as I, Li Mingzhao, live for a day, I will not let anyone harm the fourth prince!"

The wine cup slipped. She smiled at me, her voice fading:

"If so, may the princess have peace and happiness hereafter!"

Chapter 23

Kunning Palace. I reported back to the empress. Wei Xiao was there too.

Both had gentle brows and eyes, as if the previous confrontation had never occurred.

Concubine Li was dead, having died at my hand, dispelling their suspicions.

Just like back then, when I killed my brother.

Crown Prince Zhaohé was my biological elder brother.

He suffered from a chronic illness and was near the end of his life. Before he died, my sword pierced his heart.

He had gently coaxed me: "Zhaozhao, don't be afraid. It won't hurt."

It was his life that secured my position as imperial guard commander.

Life after life, blood paving the road to restoration.

Endless sky, deep palace forbidding.

I looked up, forcing back the tears at the corners of my eyes.

Wei Xiao had recently taken a fancy to someone—my nominal elder sister.

In the year I was born, the seventh concubine daughter of Yongning伯 was near death. Uncle Li had swapped us. From then on, I became the seventh daughter of the Meng family, climbing my way up to disguise myself as a man and become the imperial guard commander.

Meng Siyuan was the legitimate eldest daughter of Yongning伯.

I knew why Wei Xiao favored her—because Meng Siyuan resembled Empress Huiyun more than I did.

This Wei Xiao was truly devoted.

But these things didn't matter much anymore. My wings had grown. I no longer needed to rely on imperial favor to live.

But the Eldest Miss Meng hadn't treated me badly in my youth. Thinking it over, I sent a few more beauties to Wei Xiao.

Chapter 24

Finally, the brother-in-law sent news—the action had begun.

Cavalry spread from the northwest, surrounding the capital.

In the blink of an eye, they charged straight for the capital.

In the court, hearts were uneasy, every shadow seeming like an enemy.

Wei Xiao was dazed, his gaze muddled: "Where is Marquis Beiyang? Why hasn't he come save me?"

The court officials mourned: "Your Majesty, Marquis Beiyang is gone!"

"Then what about Lu Zhan? Is Lu Zhan gone too?"

Lu Zhan stepped forward, giving me a complex glance:

"I am here!"

"Then why aren't you repelling the enemy? What are you standing there for?"

"I accept the decree!"

I held a smile on my lips, indifferently scanning the circle of court officials.

Wherever my gaze fell, most lowered their heads.

The medicine had begun to take effect. The court was also under my control.

Wei Xiao, your era is about to end!

Chapter 25

The palace was occupied. Brother-in-law Shen held my hand, gazing at the picturesque landscape:

"Your Highness, it's finally over!"

I nodded, returning his grip: "Yes, it's over!"

He reached out to stroke my long hair, his eyes filled with deep tenderness.

I went to see Wei Xiao. He had long been delirious, sometimes lucid, sometimes mad.

When mad, he would shout Huiyun, Zhou Jin at anyone he saw.

When lucid, he would glare at me: "Li Mingzhao, how dare you deceive me!"

I raised my eyebrows: "Didn't Your Majesty also use this subject?"

With that, I called toward the depths of the palace: "Isn't that right, Madam Lu!"

From behind the curtains emerged a figure—Lu Zhan's wife, Rongniang.

Her vicious eyes glinted with poison like a venomous snake:

"Lord Zhou, when did you discover?"

I had known early on that Madam Lu was someone Wei Xiao had placed beside Lu Zhan.

It was Lu Zhan who wanted me as a concubine, but it was Wei Xiao who truly wanted me dead.

Come to think of it, this face resembling his white moonlight had temporarily saved my life.

He couldn't kill me, even needed to use me, so he tried to control me.

But he never expected that I wasn't Zhou Jin—I was Li Mingzhao.

Wei Xiao had another episode, struggling to rush at me, saying he would take me away.

He was stopped by Madam Lu.

She gently held him in her embrace, her gaze filled with admiration and dependence.

I watched with interest: "So it seems Madam Lu has someone else in her heart!"

Her exquisite face was covered with vicious hatred: "Zhou Jin, if you have something to say, come at me. Don't touch him!"

I lowered my eyes and smiled softly, my voice clear in the gentle breeze and light rain: "Wei Xiao must die!"

"As for you—" I turned my head. "I'm returning that bowl of muting medicine to you!"

As I left, I saw Lu Zhan.

He stood alone outside the hall, silently watching the movements inside, his expression neither happy nor sad.

His voice was low: "Zhou Jin, tell me, am I very ridiculous?"

I didn't answer. A pitiful person must have something hateful about them.

Chapter 26

Gradually entering the final phase, Uncle Li had yet to return. I was somewhat worried.

The brother-in-law said that Uncle Li and the others had encountered Lu Zhan and had a dispute at Dongting Mountain.

I hurried there on horseback.

Qiu'er was there too, but her voice sounded wrong.

Through the dense trees, I heard Qiu'er's desperate roar:

"So what you're saying is that she was just your chess piece from the beginning? Is that it!"

I frowned, not understanding the meaning.

"Uncle Li, you'd better explain this clearly!" This was Lu Zhan's voice, suppressed anger about to burst forth. "Are you saying that Zhou Jin—she isn't the princess Li Mingzhao, that the real Li Mingzhao is the Eldest Miss Meng of Yongning伯 Mansion, is that right?"

I was struck by lightning, my feet barely stopping. I couldn't make any movement.

Uncle Li's aged voice came: "That's right. Zhou Jin was just a baby I picked up randomly, only because she somewhat resembled the princess.

"The moment I found her, I thought of having her serve as the princess's substitute. Think about it—the princess is noble and precious. How could I bear to let her crawl and fight in the court, become someone's concubine?!

"These things, naturally, a substitute could do.

"This child Zhou Jin is brave and strategic, enduring humiliation to accomplish great tasks. Everything I entrusted to her, she completed well.

"But now, her mission is over. It's time for her to return to where she belongs!"

Lu Zhan trembled with anger: "Where she belongs? And where is that?"

Uncle Li's voice was still steady: "If I hadn't picked her up, she would have escaped death anyway. I gave her twenty years of life. It's time to take them back!"

I don't know when, but tears were already streaming down my face as I slowly walked out from the bushes. I looked at the familiar faces, my expression torn:

"On what grounds?! Why was it me who desperately climbed up? Why was it me who bore the weight of human lives? Why was it me who became a concubine to my enemy?!

"Why was it I who obtained the tiger tally, I who controlled the emperor, I who killed Marquis Beiyang, I who lived in constant fear, terrified of finally disappointing everyone, yet you tell me that all of this—everything I did was for your princess?! On what grounds is this?!

"Haha! On what grounds is this?!"

My eyes were scarlet, my whole body nearly insane.

In my youth, the Meng family didn't like me. These people raised me, taught me, told me I was the princess, that the burden on my shoulders was to restore the dynasty.

I believed it, I accepted it, and I did as they said, bit by bit.

I thought I had succeeded, but what was the result? Nothing! Everything I did was merely to dress someone else in finery. All of this was just a joke!

I wasn't the concubine daughter of Yongning伯, nor was I Li Mingzhao. Who exactly was I?

A flash of pity crossed Uncle Li's face:

"Child, I too am reluctant to kill you, but there can only be one Li Mingzhao!"

Cold ice surrounded Lu Zhan: "Besides you and the brother-in-law, who else knows she is not the true princess."

Uncle Li glanced at him, his fingers moving: "Before you die, let me let you die understanding! The princess herself knows, and so does Yongning伯. Both true and false princesses were raised there. He knows too."

I could no longer listen, my mind in chaos, only wanting to escape this world.

"Zhou Jin!"

In Lu Zhan's heaven-shaking call, a green figure passed by my side. Her chest—clearly an arrow.

I helplessly caught Qiu'er, my trembling fingers wanting to touch the arrow. As reason gradually returned, my throat was hoarse:

"Qiu'er! Qiu'er, don't die!"

She grasped my hand, a smile on her face, looking genuinely happy: "My lord, being able to block an arrow for you is wonderful!

"My lord has lived such a hard life! Even so, Qiu'er still can't bear to let you die!"

"Qiu'er... don't speak, don't speak anymore!" I shook my head desperately.

Her voice gradually failed, struggling to say something more.

"My lord, do you know... what has been the happiest thing in my life?

"It wasn't... it wasn't you saving me, but on Wuming Slope, when you said you would carry me. In this life... no one has ever carried me before..."

The body in my arms gradually grew cold. I remained motionless.

Lu Zhan was very worried, softly calling to me: "Zhou Jin?"

Uncle Li shook his head: "Child, I raised you. Let you end it yourself, will you?"

My eyes tilted up, and I put down the person in my hands, slowly rising. Cold mist surrounded me.

Lu Zhan seemed to realize something, frantically grabbing my arm: "Zhou Jin, you can't!"

I pushed his hand away, took out the hairpin I had removed from Qiu'er's head, and stabbed it fiercely into the center of my chest.

I activated my internal energy. Qi flowed through my limbs and bones. With a wave of my hand, everyone present felt as if Mount Tai were pressing down on them, suppressed and unable to move, one by one leaning on their swords for support.

With a long whistle, a white green dragon appeared in the sky, roaring in the vast expanse. This time, it wasn't an illusion but a tangible dragon form.

Chapter 27

Uncle Li looked up in shock, murmuring:

"The green dragon totem—this is Zhou Huan's totem. How is it on your body?"

Zhou Huan was the last clan leader of the Xianlong Clan, also my master. Before he died, he instructed me not to tell others, only to use it to save my life at critical moments.

I suppose Master knew I was a false princess and was still thinking that this green dragon could save my life.

I floated in mid-air, the mist around me gradually thickening. The green dragon, sensing its master's anger, rampaged about. Beneath the dragon's mouth, cries of misery arose.

My tone was casual, cold as ice: "You all want my life? Then go die yourselves!"

The cold wind blew, the withered grass swayed, and the mournful cries dispersed in the lingering mist.

As the mist gradually cleared, I descended from mid-air, looking down at Uncle Li, whose fear was hard to conceal.

I smiled maliciously: "Uncle Li, tell me, if you all die, then can't I become Li Mingzhao?"

His muscles began to twitch in terror, as if his faith were collapsing: "You dare, Zhou Jin, do you dare?!"

"Why wouldn't I dare?!" My sinister, cold voice carried a murderous intent.

"I say I am Li Mingzhao—who dares stop me?!" My pale lips curved into half an arc.

"Go ahead and die!"

He had nowhere left to retreat, screaming in despair:

"Zhou Jin! You've abused the totem. You'll die a horrible death!"

As the final syllable fell, his eyes closed forever.

I retreated a few steps, spitting out a mouthful of heart's blood, nearly falling.

A hand caught me. I looked up to meet Lu Zhan's panicked face: "Zhou Jin, your hair?"

Only then did I notice that at some point, my head of black hair had turned completely white.

I straightened up, indifferently wiping the blood from the corners of my mouth:

"Let's go, General Lu. Let's go meet the real Li Mingzhao."

Chapter 28

Outside the Golden Throne Hall, Brother-in-law Shen and Yongning伯 were arguing with the court officials.

Behind them was a woman of extraordinary bearing—Meng Siyuan, or rather, Li Mingzhao.

Finally, Yongning伯's dry mouth brought the speech to a close:

"So Eldest Miss Meng is the legitimate eldest princess Li Mingzhao, and Zhou Jin is merely an impostor!"

"So Commander Zhou sacrificed so much, only to dress someone else in finery?" someone interjected.

I raised an eyebrow to look—it was Minister Wang of the previous dynasty, who had stayed behind in the northwest.

This group mostly knew that this commander of mine was the princess, and had watched me take each step forward.

Yongning伯 grew anxious: "Nonsense! A wise man doesn't stand under a dangerous wall. The princess is noble and precious. How could she risk herself?"

"Clap, clap, clap!"

I walked out from the shadows, covered in blood, applauding indifferently.

"Yongning伯 speaks well, but who is the princess isn't for you to decide!"

With that, I tilted my head slightly and smiled: "Isn't that right, Eldest Miss Meng?"

As if startled, she stepped back, grabbing Brother-in-law Shen's sleeve.

I shook my head. How boring!

I then looked leisurely at the brother-in-law: "You say she is Li Mingzhao. Do you have proof?"

"Naturally there is!" Yongning伯 answered first, proudly pulling a bright yellow imperial decree from his sleeve, waving it at me. "This is the last decree left by the previous emperor, always carried by the princess. Counterfeits are impossible!"

I took it, didn't even look, and with a wave of my hand, the imperial decree shattered.

Facing their stunned faces, my tone was severe:

"I say she is not Li Mingzhao. Is there a problem?!"

"Zhou Jin, don't be so arrogant!" Yongning伯 said anxiously, speaking first.

I shrugged, leisurely: "It seems Yongning伯 wants to see my evidence."

Energy surged into my chest. With a loud roar, the whistling sound rose again.

The white green dragon roamed between heaven and earth. In the blink of an eye, before everyone's eyes, a hole appeared in Yongning伯's chest.

Everyone was horrified, the looks they gave me like those of a Rakshasa demon.

I expressionlessly patted the blood from my body, lifting my eyelids:

"This is the green dragon totem left by the Xianlong Clan. Do you all recognize it?

"The Xianlong Clan has guarded the Li clan for generations. If I were not Li Mingzhao, why would the Xianlong clan leader gift me the totem?

"So everyone, I am Li Mingzhao!"

I half-persuaded, half-threatened. The entire great hall fell silent. After all, the hole in Yongning伯's chest was still bleeding.

After a long while, Brother-in-law Shen was the first to kneel: "This subject, Shen Zhiqian, pays respects to the Eldest Princess!"

Following him, calls rose and fell.

Finally, I smiled. Master, look—with sufficient ability, anyone can be Li Mingzhao!

Chapter 29

The coronation ceremony proceeded as scheduled.

I sat in the highest position, my head full of graying hair.

I sat on the dragon chair where Wei Xiao had once sat. Different position, different state of mind.

First in the position below me was Lu Zhan.

"Long live the Empress! Long live, long live!"

The entire court celebrated in unison!

I looked at the kneeling crowd below and slowly raised my hand:

"Rise!"

This vast country and mountains—this is what I deserve!