Night Audience in the Hall of Mental Cultivation, the Emperor's Heart Unfathomable

Xiao Jinghong's expression stiffened, and the gloom in his eyes deepened.

Mo Qianqiu could not even be bothered to acknowledge him. He turned directly to Xiao Jingyan and Cao Zhengchun. "Your Highness, Eunuch Cao, His Majesty's summons is urgent. Shall we enter the palace at once?"

Cao Zhengchun's shrill voice rang out. "His Majesty has indeed been waiting for quite some time. Duke of the Nation, Director Mo, please follow this servant. The carriage is ready." He stepped aside, revealing behind him a luxurious carriage drawn by four snow-white, extraordinary Dragonhorn Horses, each with a single horn growing from its head. Its specifications were second only to the Emperor's imperial carriage.

Lu Chen and Mo Qianqiu nodded to Xiao Jingyan, then wasted no more time and boarded the carriage directly.

Cao Zhengchun personally took his seat on the driver's bench and called sharply, "Set off for the palace!"

The carriage slowly started forward. Escorted by the Dragon Soaring Guard, it passed through the massive city gate and entered the heart of the empire, where countless powers lay entrenched and schemes in light and shadow intertwined.

Xiao Jingyan watched the carriage depart, the smile on his face slowly fading. He glanced at the grim-faced Third Prince, Xiao Jinghong, and said blandly, "Third Brother, take care of yourself." With that, he too turned and left with his men.

Xiao Jinghong stood where he was, staring at the carriage vanishing around the street corner. The fist hidden in his sleeve clenched so tightly that his nails nearly dug into his flesh.

Beside him, a trusted official muttered indignantly, "Your Highness, this Lu Chen is far too arrogant! And that Mo Qianqiu..."

"Shut up!" Xiao Jinghong snapped, resentment and calculation flashing in his eyes. "Arrogant? Let's see how long he can keep that up!