No Intent to Contend for the Realm, Blood Debts Repaid in Blood

The Grand Empress Dowager witnessed this scene, and the light in her eyes gradually dimmed.

All the strength in her body seemed to have been drained away by an invisible hand. At last, she slumped powerless onto the dragon throne, her eyes filled with exhaustion.

The phoenix carriage swayed gently, its pearl curtains brushing softly. Gems adorned its frame, gold and jade-green ornaments gleaming together, yet beneath that splendor lay a bleak desolation that the old woman could not conceal.

The old woman gave a bitter smile, her gaze fixed upon Zhou Zhen's corpse lying still upon the steps, helplessness and sorrow tangled together.

The Emperor's bones were not yet cold!

Yet everyone around her had bowed to the rebel traitors. The sight only made the scene all the more desolate!

She had lost. Great Qing had lost as well.

A surge of resentment quietly rose in the Grand Empress Dowager's heart.

Her cold eyes swept over Lu Lu and Zhou Jinyu, her voice icy, every word piercing the heart.

"You think that because you escaped disaster today, you can rest easy from now on? What a fool's dream!"

"What good ending could possibly await you? Would Lu Chen spare you? Stop dreaming!"

"Lu Lu, you betrayed your old master and sought glory from the enemy. From ancient times until now, how many people like you have ever met a good end? When history records your name, it is destined to become a mark of shame."

"Zhou Jinyu, you are merely a woman of North Wind. Do you truly think the Lu Family Army will leave you a path to live?"

"Ridiculous. Absolutely ridiculous."

At her words, Lu Lu's heart shuddered. His hands clenched into fists, his fingertips nearly digging into his palms. He wished he could draw his sword