Crack—!
The half-full wineglass was crushed in a smooth, delicate hand, and crimson wine began dripping between her fingers.
Inside the luxurious room, the maids who had heard the sound merely stiffened, not daring to raise their heads.
Outside, those who had served Queen Fenghua for a long time all knew that the Queen was on the verge of a furious outburst.
They had heard some of the reason as well... During today's meeting of the imperial family's core members, Princess Anle had openly defied the Queen.
"What happened? Haven't the Queen and Princess always been close?"
"You don't know, do you? They've actually always just kept up appearances... I heard that when the heir was being decided years ago, Princess Anle had a huge falling-out with the Queen. Princess Anle wanted to become Crown Princess, but the Queen ultimately chose Prince Mao..."
"That happened?"
"You must be new here, right?"
"Shh... Keep it down. Don't let anyone hear!"
Just then, a squad of guards clad in black armor hurried over and, with lightning speed, seized all the maids outside the door.
"Spreading rumors about the Queen. Take them all away!"
"Spare... spare us..."
The pleas outside quickly vanished... Inside, Queen Fenghua took out a handkerchief and gently wiped her palm clean, her face already restored to its usual noble and regal composure.
As though speaking to herself, yet also as though speaking to someone else, she said, "You were discovered?"
"The man Li Guo brought with her is no simple person. I suspect he possesses at least peak Radiant Moon strength." A clear voice sounded inside the room.
It even gave off the feeling of a spring breeze.
"You... are afraid?" Queen Fenghua suddenly looked up toward the windowsill—where there was nothing.
"You jest, Your Majesty. An immortal at