"Hm?"
Dugu Yueli was resting her chin on her hand in worry when the heavy stone door of the underground chamber was suddenly pushed open.
A magnificent phoenix robe came into view.
Seeing who had arrived, Dugu Yueli was somewhat surprised. She hurriedly rose and cupped her hands. "Female Emperor? Why are you here?!"
Jiang Jingyi looked as composed as ever and casually surveyed the surroundings.
Then she walked straight to the stone stool opposite Dugu Yueli and sat down, elegantly smoothing her skirts.
"I heard that your ancestor suppressed and imprisoned you. After hearing about it, I came to see what exactly happened, and incidentally to visit you." Jiang Jingyi put on airs, her tone leisurely. "Do not misunderstand. I merely came to chat. This Emperor will not interfere in your Dugu Clan's affairs!"
Dugu Yueli asked with a puzzled expression, "Then what does the Female Emperor wish to discuss with me?"
Jiang Jingyi appraised her. That slender waist, those long shapely legs, and that delicate, lovely face truly had a charm all their own.
She had the sort of pitiful beauty that made one ache for her at first sight.
Even a pig, upon seeing her, would probably want to give her a poke.
Being scrutinized made Dugu Yueli's scalp tingle. She had no idea what the Female Emperor intended to do. Was she here to kick her while she was down?
That did not seem to fit the Female Emperor's style either!
Jiang Jingyi chuckled and said, "Lin Heng's tribulation lies with you. You know this. I came today to discuss who, within this Inner Court, is worthy of the position of female lead."
"After all, the Mortal Tribulation lies in beauties, and beauties find their end within the Inner Court. Yet among the countless women of