Madam Qin, as an old servant of the Empress Dowager, was indeed sharp. With just a few casual remarks, Madam Qin immediately understood the implied meaning.
"Indeed, calamities often arise from words. Some things are best kept in one's heart... it's best this way..." Madam Qin sighed, shaking her head in resignation after understanding. She prayed silently that they would be able to pass through this ordeal safely.
...
"What did you say? Chu Yanxi has led troops in rebellion!"
Murong Jin Yun exclaimed in surprise, accidentally dropping the teacup in her hand. The tea splashed onto her skirt, wetting a large portion of the pink silk.
"It's true. The news just came from the palace. Chu Yanxi has rebelled. Using the Empress's token, he has mobilized all the Imperial Guards. Currently, the Emperor of Eastern Chu, the Empress Dowager, Prince Jing, and the young madam of the Ling family are all trapped within the palace by Chu Yanxi!"
He had just received the news and rushed to inform Murong Jin Yun. Bai Li Xi hadn't expected that the Emperor of Eastern Chu's serious illness would push Chu Yanxi to such desperate measures, forcing him to take the risk and lead troops to attack the palace. However, with Ling Mo Han still outside, it was uncertain whether Chu Yanxi could succeed this time.
For now, his only course of action was to wait. Only when the situation had reached its conclusion would he make his move.
"What are you going to do?" Murong Jin Yun looked at the silent Bai Li Xi, her primary concern being his attitude at this moment.
Bai Li Xi had been plotting day and night to thoroughly destabilize Eastern Chu. Now, Chu Yanxi's rebellion presented him with an excellent opportunity. She refused to believe that Bai Li Xi could remain idle; he would never let such a prime chance slip by.
"The situation is not yet clear. We will wait and watch, letting them clash like fighting birds. Once both sides are weakened, we will reap the benefits, like a fisherman."
Bai Li Xi had already devised a plan. It all depended on how much of a commotion Chu Yanxi could stir up. Regardless of which side emerged victorious, it would be entirely beneficial to him. As long as Eastern Chu descended into chaos, and ideally, these two factions fought to the death and were severely depleted, it would be even more advantageous for their Western Liang. Upon hearing this news, he had been incredibly excited, managing to calm his emotions only after a long while.
"It seems you already have a plan. If that's the case, why are you telling me all this? Just make your decision yourself!"
Murong Jin Yun knew that Bai Li Xi no longer trusted her as he once did. He had even planted spies among her personal maids. Every move she made was reported to Bai Li Xi without fail. She found it tiring that Bai Li Xi had to pretend to be unaware of everything. Even now, Bai Li Xi maintained a respectful demeanor, asking for her opinion on everything. This behavior further annoyed her. After only a few words with Bai Li Xi, she felt utterly exhausted and just wanted to find an excuse to dismiss him, to no longer have to see him.
"This princess is feeling weary and wishes to sleep. General Bai Li, please excuse me. This princess will not see you out."
As she finished speaking, Murong Jin Yun, supported by her maids, stood up, her face showing clear fatigue.
"Princess, are you so annoyed by just a few words that you're driving me away?"
Bai Li Xi stared intently at Murong Jin Yun's retreating back, his tone not hiding his dejection. Murong Jin Yun, however, acted as if nothing had happened, maintaining a distance from Bai Li Xi. Her voice was filled with aloofness: "General Bai Li, you are overthinking things. This princess is simply tired and wants to rest. Does that require your permission as well? General Bai Li, do not forget your station. This princess's affairs are not yet within your purview. Also, keep your subordinates in check. Do not let them see what they should not, nor say what they should not, or you may not even know how you died."
Her words were intended to assert her authority and subtly warn Bai Li Xi to control himself and not do anything outrageous.
"Your subject... understands!"
Bai Li Xi hesitated for a moment before cupping his hands in a salute. Only after Murong Jin Yun had disappeared from his sight did Bai Li Xi slowly retract his gaze. He walked to the desk Murong Jin Yun had touched and placed his hand on it, as if still feeling her warmth. He had known from the start that he wouldn't receive a pleasant reception, yet he couldn't control his feet from coming here, finding every excuse he could to simply see Murong Jin Yun a few more times and exchange a few words with her. But all he received in return was her lack of understanding and deep mockery. However, this was the path he had chosen, and he would walk it alone, even if it was fraught with thorns. His only hope was for Murong Jin Yun to understand him a little, and that would have been enough. But now, it seemed his hope was merely a pipe dream. Murong Jin Yun must deeply resent him right now, wishing he would vanish from her sight as soon as possible.
...
"Princess, this servant believes General Bai Li still harbors some affection for you. Princess, you shouldn't be so harsh with him..."
Yun Yan also felt that the Princess was perhaps a bit too severe with General Bai Li. The Princess had always been amiable towards everyone, and she hadn't been like this with General Bai Li before. Now, it was as if she had become a different person. She didn't know what offense General Bai Li had committed.
"You are forbidden from discussing your mistress's affairs without permission. Furthermore, speak less of Bai Li Xi in my presence from now on, or do not blame this princess for punishing you severely."
"This servant understands!" Yun Yan quickly nodded in agreement. Princess Xian Zao's temper was truly unpredictable. She was afraid of offending the Princess and enduring punishment, so it was better to speak less.
"Go and select a few palace maids of good character to serve here."
"Then... what about the people serving before?"
Yun Yan pondered before asking. Why had the Princess suddenly decided to replace them? And it seemed she intended to replace them all. She wondered who had offended the Princess.
"Dismiss them all. Not a single one shall remain!" She most detested having spies around her. Since she couldn't ascertain who among them was a spy planted by Bai Li Xi, she would simply dismiss them all.