Chapter 100: The Goddess Falls into Depravity; The Empress' "Special Incentive" (2)
Tang Xuan stood alone by the riverside, the whistling wind howling around him.
Passersby looked at him with strange expressions, uncertain whether he intended to throw himself into the river or if he was simply deranged.
Standing here in such fierce wind—he clearly wasn't normal.
In the Qianqing Palace…
Dressed in formal attire, the cold and alluring Empress Dowager performed a solemn and elegant sacrificial dance.
Her long, wavy red hair flowed with each movement, and her breathtaking beauty, usually accompanied by a smile, was now devoid of any mirth.
Instead, her solemn expression exuded an imposing majesty.
Her voluptuous and perfect figure executed a series of difficult movements with incredible agility.
However, if there were an audience, their emotions would not be those of joy from appreciating a dance.
This was a sacrificial dance, a ritual meant to communicate with the heavens and the earth.
Moments later, the Empress Dowager stood at the center of the grand hall, closing her eyes as if carefully sensing something.
When she opened them again, a hint of disappointment flickered within.
She had acted on a sudden impulse today, performing a divination, yet without exception, the results were all ominous.
Thus, she had resorted to using the Tianyi Ritual Dance in hopes of obtaining a clearer revelation.
But in the end, it seemed to have failed, only providing her with a fragmentary insight.
The chaotic divination pointed toward a person carrying immense destiny!
A person of destiny—if an ally, all would go smoothly, but if an enemy…
Su Mengxi was deeply concerned as she stepped outside.
She had to inform them in advance so they could prepare accordingly.
In the blink of an eye, Su Qing and the Imperial Beauty were summoned before her.
The atmosphere between the three was no longer as lighthearted as before.
Knowing that time was of the essence, Su Mengxi dispensed with pleasantries and revealed her divination.
"Is that so? I understand."
The Imperial Beauty's expression grew heavy.
Even though she had confidence in her own strength, she could not disregard her mother's words.
Her mother might appear unreliable at times, but her divinations had never been wrong.
If she predicted danger, then danger would surely come.
"Daughter, how do you plan to handle this?" Su Mengxi asked.
This time, she had completely set aside her playful demeanor, ready to assist the Imperial Beauty in refining her strategy.
"Enforce a citywide lockdown, deploy all soldiers, and investigate any potential threats and dangers."
"Search every place where disturbances may arise to ensure absolute security."
The Imperial Beauty responded without hesitation.
"That's good, but don't forget to leave enough personnel to guard White Jade Capital to prevent unexpected incidents."
"Station elite soldiers in the shadows, ready to act at a moment's notice."
Su Mengxi added.
"Then tonight, we will impose a curfew. The city gates will be sealed, allowing no one to enter or leave…"
The Imperial Beauty continued.
The two formidable women meticulously discussed the specifics of their operation, preparing a comprehensive array of measures.
"Stop, stop, stop! Are you two really going to be this cautious?"
Su Qing could no longer bear it and directly interrupted their conversation.
Normally, wouldn't a villain simply let out a cold laugh and arrogantly wait for the enemy to come?
"Caution is necessary. I have sensed the presence of the Child of Destiny. We must handle this with extreme care."
"We don't even know where the enemy is, so this is the only approach we have."
Su Mengxi explained seriously.
"This seems like an excessive burden on the people and resources… But, I think I might have an idea about what's going on…"
After a brief pause, Su Qing spoke up.
Immediately, both women locked their gazes onto him, their eyes burning with intensity.
Truthfully, being stared at by these two powerful women was not a particularly pleasant experience.
But being caught between them—that was another matter entirely.
After interrupting their serious discussion, they silently sat beside him.
The reclining chair was spacious enough for all three of them to fit comfortably.
In fact, given the tight spacing, it could probably fit even more people.
Su Qing felt like he was back in Prince Qi's residence, sandwiched between two elder sisters.
Every part of his body felt like it was being gently massaged—it was truly a marvelous sensation.
However, while the physical touch was similar, the atmosphere and gazes were completely different.
One was the Empress, and the other the Empress Dowager—the highest rulers of the entire nation.
Comfortable as it was, the pressure was undeniable.
"Let's start with the Child of Destiny. The orphan of the Tang family has already arrived in the capital, intending to cause trouble."
"His hatred for us has reached its peak—an irreconcilable grudge."
"As for the danger, I believe an assassination attempt will take place tomorrow."
Su Qing disclosed the information about their enemy.
Both the presence of a destined person and the looming danger aligned perfectly with Su Mengxi's divination.
"How do you know this?" The Imperial Beauty asked in surprise.
She hadn't expected that the man she was intent on protecting had already grasped so much information.
"Naturally, it's because I've been tirelessly gathering intelligence."
"Your Majesty, do you really think I spend my days only indulging in women? That's official business!"
"I have long since uncovered the enemy's plans. Your loyal subject is truly exceptional!"
Su Qing spoke with pride.
"Incredible!" Both women exclaimed in unison.
Even Su Mengxi was impressed, and the Imperial Beauty, who had always assumed his activities were purely for pleasure, was taken aback.
She never expected that his flirtations had actually yielded such valuable intelligence.
Could a beauty trap really be this effective?
"Well, well. From now on, you may call me the Unmatched Strategist, Su Wolong!"
Having seen through the enemy's every move, Su Qing now felt the urge to wield a feathered fan.
"I think you're getting too full of yourself!"
The Imperial Beauty rolled her eyes and knocked him on the head.
This traitorous subject—give him an inch, and he'd take a mile.
"Ah!"
Su Qing let out a dramatic groan, tilting his head directly into Su Mengxi's ample bosom.
Only this place could soothe his 'headache.'
The Empress tried to pull him away, but the Empress Dowager embraced him instead.
The two women wrestled over him, shattering the previously serious atmosphere.
After the playful interlude, the discussion returned to the crucial matter at hand.
"Regarding tomorrow's assassination—who provided you with this intelligence?"
The Imperial Beauty asked.
"I learned it from Princess Qi. She knows quite a bit."
Su Qing explained.
"Princess Qi? How reliable is she? You better not be deceived."
The Imperial Beauty frowned.
That scheming woman was not someone she could easily trust.
"Half and half. She didn't tell me the full truth, so she's not entirely trustworthy."
"But I have other sources of information. The true target of tomorrow's assassination is most likely me."
Su Qing spoke nonchalantly.