While the outside world fought to the death, peace and tranquility reigned within Eastern Jin's Imperial Palace.
But at that moment, an old eunuch with a grim, sinister face hurried in. With a wave of his hand, he had the singing girls and performers driven out in a fluster.
The old eunuch respectfully approached Empress Dowager Li's curtained chamber and said, "Your Majesty, word has come from the Golden Tent Khanate. They are about to make their move and have told us to be prepared. But if we are to break Great Zhou's defenses, we will still need Prince Wucheng to act. Yet Prince Wucheng listens only to that person."
Empress Dowager Li's lovely brows rose, and a trace of cold light flashed through her seductive phoenix eyes.
"Quan Hai, you have served me for so long. You should know what ought to be said and what ought not to be said. Is this something you should concern yourself with?"
The old eunuch Quan Hai shuddered in fright and immediately dropped to his knees, viciously slapping himself twice. "This servant deserves death! This servant deserves death!"
Having served Empress Dowager Li for decades, he knew all too well how terrifying the woman before him was. She was a ruthless woman who could even lay hands on her own flesh and blood!
Empress Dowager Li said coldly, "You and I have been mistress and servant for many years, and I do not wish to say too much. I am not dead yet, and already you cannot wait to go curry favor with others?"
Quan Hai was so frightened that he did not dare speak. He could only slap himself again and again, until blood trickled from the corners of his mouth. Only then did Empress Dowager Li snort coldly. "Enough. Get