The princess was ordained by Heaven.

Chapter 383 Intending to Escape

Some looked around warily, while others had lewd glances and talked about the actors.

The palace servants stood there with their heads down, cautiously, like wooden puppets or stone sculptures in a corner, or like lifelike paintings hanging at the base of a wall.

Qi Yongji held Cai Min's hand and leaned back leisurely.

When he was slightly tipsy, his imperial majesty also dissipated somewhat.

“Zitong, back then, everyone hoped I would die, but I still ascended the throne. Now, I rule the entire kingdom of He, and those who once looked down on me have no choice but to bow their heads before me. Do you know what this means, Zitong?”

His voice was soft and gentle, like a murmur, creeping into Cai Min's ears and spreading like spider silk down her spine.

Cai Min trembled, and Qi Yongji immediately leaned closer, his dark eyes fixed on her face.

"itch……"

Cai Min heard herself utter a coquettish word.

Never before had she felt so grateful for the instincts she had developed from long-term pretense, which prevented her from revealing her weakness at this moment.

A smile gradually spread across Qi Yongji's eyes, and the faint light reflected in his pupils resembled will-o'-the-wisps.

“Your Majesty,” Cai Min had to bring up the topic she had been avoiding in order to show her admiration and trust in Qi Yongji, “so, what does it mean?”

"mean……"

Qi Yongji didn't finish speaking; he just smiled and started talking about other things.

"Back then, out of so many brothers, only my eleventh brother and I survived. I survived because they couldn't kill me. So, guess why my eleventh brother survived?"

"Because of him, I became honest and law-abiding."

"No, it's because his life still has value."

Cai Min twitched the corner of her mouth: "It is his honor to be used by the Emperor."

She cursed herself for being stupid in her heart.

Does she absolutely have to become empress? Even if she was rejected by her family back then, it's better than being threatened by Qi Yongji now!

Yes, a threat.

She didn't believe Qi Yongji was telling her these things out of trust.

He didn't utter a single word of warning, but every word he said was meant to keep her in line.

Out of the corner of her eye, she saw Qiu Manyun eating in silence, and she had to admit that at that moment she felt a little jealous of the other's ease.

"Haha! As expected of my wife."

After offering a casual compliment, Qi Yongji looked away.

The feeling of being stared at by a ferocious beast disappeared, but Cai Min did not feel relieved.

Looking at the bustling scene in the hall and the inner chamber that was as bright as day, her fear subsided, but her unease grew stronger.

What exactly is Qi Yongji trying to do?

As the banquet drew to a close, Qi Yongji called out softly, "Mo Cheng."

Mo Cheng stepped forward, and the perceptive ministers knew that Qi Yongji had something to say.

The excitement quickly cooled down.

Qi Yongji said with a smile, "It's lively today, why don't we find some fun?"

If the emperor himself has brought up such a trivial matter, how could anyone else possibly refuse?

So, some suggested playing a drinking game, while others suggested a martial arts contest.

They're all the same old routines for banquets.

Clearly, they preferred to play it safe rather than attract Qi Yongji's attention.

Below, Diao De poked open a crystal soup dumpling that was noticeably twice as big.

A thin strip of paper was visible inside.

After reading the words, he wrapped the note back in the dumpling wrapper and stuffed it into his mouth expressionlessly.

Before long, obvious pain appeared on his face.

He got up, clutching his stomach.

Although he tried his best to keep quiet, some people still noticed his unusual behavior.

"Grand Tutor Diao..."

Diao De waved his hand: "My stomach is a little upset, don't disturb the others."

The man was clearly not one to read between the lines, and he fawned, "Ah! Then would you like me to help you fetch the imperial physician?"

"No need!" Diadela said with a displeasure. "Please make way."

"Alright, alright... please go ahead."

Diao De lingered for a short while before being spotted by Wu Qing, who was not far away.

He pondered for a moment, then followed at a distance that was neither too close nor too far.

As Diao De was about to leave the main hall, Wu Qing quickened his pace, approached him, and grabbed Diao De's arm: "Teacher, why didn't you tell your student that you were feeling unwell? I'd like to help you."

Diao De gritted his teeth, glanced around discreetly, and, finding no one paying attention, his anger subsided slightly: "I didn't want to trouble you, but since you're so kind, then go ahead."

For the first time, he regretted getting involved with Wu Qing.

This guy is like a stubborn plaster; if you dare refuse him now, he'll immediately draw everyone's attention.

The two walked at a seemingly slow pace, but their steps were actually quite fast, as if a ferocious beast was following behind them.

They avoided the palace servants all the way and arrived at the palace gate safely.

Wu Qing's expression, however, was unusually solemn.

He was suspicious. Why was Diao De in such a hurry to leave? Did he know something?

At this moment, Diao De pinched his arm: "Take it easy."

Wu Qing bared his teeth.

This old man, though not very old, is quite strong.

"The students are naturally worried when their teacher is sick."

That's what he said, but he still adjusted his expression.

The people in this palace are all shrewd and clever. If someone really sees through something, it will be bad if I can't escape.

The guards at the palace gate greeted Diao De with surprise: "Grand Tutor Diao, has the banquet ended?"

"No, but I'm not feeling well, so I have to leave now."

Seeing that the guards' words and actions were consistent, Diao De felt a little relieved. It seemed that the situation in the palace was not so dire.

He was always kind to his subordinates, so the guards always had a good impression of him and asked him a few questions with concern.

Diao De replied with a few words, revealing a hint of pain, and the guards quickly let him pass.

The two brushed past the guards.

Once they were a little further away, Wu Qing flattered, "Teacher, you are neither obsequious to your superiors nor oppressive to your inferiors; you have the demeanor of a gentleman."

Having successfully escaped the palace, Diao De was in a good mood and was happy to give him a few pointers: "It's just a matter of showing a good face and saying a few words, and you can gain a good reputation. Why not? Wu Qing, small people have their uses. These people are cheap and easy to bribe."

Wu Qing smiled knowingly: "Thank you for your guidance, teacher."

Inside the Hezheng Hall, everyone showed expressions of disapproval.

"As far as I know, this Diao De also comes from a poor family. When he was down on his luck, he received a lot of help from his neighbors," Lord Jiang said, hating evil as if it were his enemy. Naturally, he couldn't stand Diao De's words and deeds. "I wonder if those commoners who helped him will be disappointed when they find out his true colors."

"It's okay, he won't be arrogant for long."

"Correct!"

After blurting out the words, Lord Jiang realized that it was Tao Heng who had just answered him.

He immediately became alert and said, "What kind of trick are you up to now? Tell me!"

Liao Hongsheng couldn't help but chuckle and turned his head: "He's targeting us, he's being tolerant. Brother Jiang is so busy targeting Lord Tao that he's completely forgotten about us!"

Duan Yunfeng, who was standing next to him, did not answer, but silently moved a little further away from him.

On the other side, Shen Jiaming scratched his head and muttered in confusion, "What is Qi Yongji going to do? What exactly is written on that note?"

Cen Wan, standing beside her, "keeps her merits hidden."