King's Landing, How Are You

"The Moon Emperor furrowed his brows as he glanced at the Hall of Nurtured Hearts. There was still half an hour before the Qingguo ceremony, and he hoped nothing would happen during this time. Otherwise, it would become a laughingstock for other countries."

"Yes, Your Majesty," Qin Gonggong acknowledged and loudly announced, "Prepare to head to the Hall of Nurtured Hearts."

When Mu Yunxuan arrived at the scene with Jing Huai, he saw the masked figures lying dead on the ground, but there was no trace of Su Qi and Su Li.

Fury filled Mu Yunxuan's eyes as his tall figure trembled slightly. His clenched fists made cracking sounds, and the surrounding air seemed to condense with the cold aura emanating from him.

"Jing Huai, send a signal to Yunhan, Zimu, and Jincheng. They must find Qier and Li'er within an hour. If they fail, demolish the Hall of Nurtured Hearts."

"Yes, Lord," Jing Huai swiftly turned and left.

Mu Yunxuan also disappeared in an instant.

Meanwhile, Su Zimo was wandering alone in the vast palace. No matter which way she went, she couldn't find her way out. Time seemed to have frozen, devoid of any sound or breath, leaving her feeling anxious and lonely.

Su Zimo grew tired from walking and sat motionless in a chair, lost in thought. She knew the Empress would not let her off easily and would take this opportunity to deal with her. However, the Empress lacked the means to set up an impenetrable barrier. Su Zimo speculated on the enemy's actions but had never been so angry before.

Observing the sky, Su Zimo realized she had to leave before it got dark. But her enraged expression and recent actions were observed by a pair of hidden eyes.

Abruptly standing up, Su Zimo felt a sudden pain in her chest. She tightly covered her fluctuating chest, attempting to suppress the silent agony.

Why did her heart suddenly ache as if there was a burning fire within her?

Thudding footsteps felt like stomping on her heart, suffocating her and resonating rhythmically like an ancient bell.

Overwhelmed by discomfort, Su Zimo knelt on one knee, supporting herself with her hand. Hearing the footsteps, she shook her head, sweat beads forming on her forehead.

Raising her gaze, her vision slightly blurred, but she still recognized the newcomer.

"Jun Lintian, why are you here?"

Su Zimo couldn't believe that Jun Lintian was the one standing before her.

Jun Lintian's calm gaze met hers, and it inexplicably pained his heart.

"Puh!" Su Zimo circulated her profound energy to alleviate the pain but to no avail. Instead, it reversed her breath, causing her to cough up blood.

As the blood dripped from her lips, staining the floor in a striking red, each drop seeped into Jun Lintian's heart.

Did she truly hate herself to such an extent? Looking into her eyes, both beautiful and indifferent, Jun Lintian experienced an inexplicable heartache.

He had once been the only man in her life, but sadly, time changed everything. Many years had passed, and she was no longer the woman who constantly longed to see him.

Did he have to cruelly keep her by his side, watching her wither and decline?

On the glossy black floor, Jun Lintian's tall figure reflected, exuding an intimidating presence.

"Don't come any closer," Su Zimo glared at Jun Lintian, the pain subsiding in her body replaced by a scorching heat. She quickly understood the type of poison she had been exposed to.

The Poison of Fiery Clouds, the most treacherous aphrodisiac in the world. Remembering the scent that had emanated from the incense burner earlier, Su Zimo knew she had fallen victim to the Poison of Fiery Clouds. Its effects were domineering, and even a small inhalation was enough to poison her.

Ignoring her warning, Jun Lintian approached Su Zimo.

"Bang!"

Unexpectedly, Su Zimo exerted all her strength and, taking advantage of Jun Lintian's proximity, forcefully pushed him away. Caught off guard, Jun Lintian stumbled backward.

The excruciating pain left Jun Lintian dazed for a moment, but it brought some clarity to Su Zimo.

Using this opportunity, Su Zimo supported herself against the door frame and weakly pounded on the immovable door that had been locked at some point.

The sturdy sandalwood doors were tightly shut, and it would take some time to force them open.

Only one person could lock these doors, and that was Jun Lintian.

Clutching the door frame, Su Zimo's body weakened as if her strength was fading away. She futilely struck the unyielding door.

The door shook but remained unopened.

Jun Lintian stood up and approached Su Zimo again.

Seeing her eager attempt to escape, she seemed completely unconcerned about his feelings.

Jun Lintian's heart wavered as he recalled his previous intentions, the desire to keep her by his side for a lifetime. But now, it felt like her energy was draining away, withering and declining.

Once she grew tired and weary, maybe she would turn around and give him a glance.

Su Zimo's gaze fell on the window in the middle of the wall, with a narrow opening. She weakly walked over, her face filled with determination, and her strong will brought clarity to her mind.

With her slender jade-like hand, she forcefully pushed against the window. Due to exerting too much force, the edges of the window cut her palm, causing blood to drip everywhere. However, Su Zimo did not give up. As long as there was a glimmer of hope, there was no reason not to move forward, no excuse not to strive.

"Muer, there's no need for you to waste your efforts. I have set up a barrier here. Besides me, no one can open it."

Su Zimo suddenly turned her head, her watery eyes fixedly staring at Jun Lintian.

And those emotionless eyes made Jun Lintian's heart feel as if it had been ruthlessly torn apart.

Had she truly lost all feelings for him?

Six years ago, she had been obedient and appeared in front of him with a completely new face when he was on the verge of forgetting her. Thinking of six years ago, anger filled Jun Lintian's face.

Today, regardless of whether she loved him or not, he wanted her.

This idea suddenly surged in Jun Lintian's mind, shocking him. He realized that since the day he recognized her, his heart had stayed with her.

"Jun Lintian, what exactly do you want to do?" Su Zimo wiped away the sweat on her forehead. The desire within her body was becoming stronger, but she wasn't too worried. Her body was immune to all poisons. She just had to endure this pain until the effects of the poison subsided.

"Muer, can't you speak to me like the gentle and obedient person you used to be? Do you remember how you always had a shy smile on your face whenever you saw me? Back then, I knew you were beautiful, but now, you make me feel even more dazzled."

Su Zimo leaned heavily against the window, supporting her nearly collapsing body. "Jun Lintian, do you want me, Su Zimo, to be like before, devoid of self-esteem, without any demands, completely obedient to you? Jun Lintian, let me tell you, that Su Zimo died a long time ago."

Su Zimo sneered and spoke to Jun Lintian with a tone that was light and ironic.

Jun Lintian didn't mind. In his eyes, he even remembered the Su Zimo from six years ago.

His cruel decision back then! He had almost taken her life and snatched away her last bit of hope.

Although he never understood why Mu Yunxuan was interested in that kind of Su Zimo six years ago, he understood it now. If only he had known back then, he wouldn't have treated her so cruelly. But from the fierce and icy gaze she cast upon him, he knew she hated him!

Yet, six years later, why did he still think of imprisoning her by his side?

He, Jun Lintian, had said that what he wanted from a woman was complete submission, from body to heart!

"Muer, even if the previous Su Zimo is dead, I will make her come alive again."

A hint of madness and distortion appeared on Jun Lintian's face.

Su Zimo looked at Jun Lintian with a touch of sadness in his cold eyes. Was he regretting his previous decision?

For some reason, a thought suddenly arose in Su Zimo's mind. But she quickly dismissed it. This was something she couldn't obtain, and she couldn't let herself have such thoughts.

"Mm!" When the effects of the poison reached their peak, an involuntary sound escaped from Su Zimo's lips.

"Imperial Brother, why are you still hesitating? Father has already come with people. Mu Yunxuan has been hovering around here, and he has confirmed that Su Zimo is here. It's just that he hasn't broken through the barrier yet. Once the barrier is broken, today's plan will fail."

On the other end, Princess Jun Yaoxi glared at Jun Lintian with a dark expression and spoke coldly.

Su Zimo looked at Jun Yaoxi and realized that the two siblings had conspired against her. Shameless. They actually colluded in such a matter.

But thinking about how Jun Yaoxi liked Yun Xuan, she understood that women could do anything for the sake of a man.

Fine! If they wanted to ruin her, she would ruin them first.

"Wait a moment, Princess's timing is just right. How about helping me to the bed? Look, your royal brother is a grown man. How could he understand a woman's thoughts? If I were to ask him to help me over, I would feel embarrassed."

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