Chapter 17: The Dragon-Patterned Jade Pendant

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Feng Ruqing held her breath, not daring to move an inch. The shadows of the trees swayed, the moonlight dappled, concealing her slender figure in darkness.

“Who’s there?!” The voice sounded again, tinged with impatience.

This time, the footsteps clearly approached the large tree where she was hiding.

At the critical moment, Feng Ruqing acted decisively. She darted out from behind the tree, a glint of cold steel flashing from her dagger, aimed straight at the nearest shadow.

Caught off guard by her sudden appearance, the man was swiftly kicked to the ground by Feng Ruqing.

“Who goes there?!” The other shadows immediately drew their swords in response.

Feng Ruqing snorted coldly and moved like a ghost among the shadows. Her dagger danced in her hand like the reaper’s scythe, reaping the lives of her enemies.

In the blink of an eye, several figures lay sprawled on the ground.

She did not linger, knowing the palace was heavily guarded and any commotion would bring more trouble.

Quickly, she disposed of the bodies and erased all traces before continuing toward the palace.

Meanwhile, Consort Li sat smugly in the emperor’s bedchamber, embellishing her account of Feng Ruqing’s “suspicious” nocturnal behavior.

“Your Majesty, I witnessed the Empress sneaking out of the palace late at night. Her movements were secretive—surely she is hiding something shameful!”

The emperor already harbored doubts about Feng Ruqing. Hearing Consort Li’s accusations only deepened his suspicions.

“Oh? Where did she go?”

“I… I do not know. I only saw her hurry away and vanish into the night,” Consort Li feigned worry. “I fear the Empress may be plotting something harmful to Your Majesty…”

The emperor narrowed his eyes, a cold glint flashing within. “Summon the guards!”

At that moment, Feng Ruqing had already returned safely to the palace.

When Little Peach saw her return, she moved forward to serve, but Feng Ruqing responded lightly and then rested. Seeing this, Little Peach dared not ask further and withdrew.

Suddenly, urgent footsteps echoed outside the palace gates, followed by a sharp voice: “Your Majesty summons the Empress!”

The emperor’s face darkened upon hearing Consort Li’s complaint; his fury nearly erupted.

He slammed the table, shouting fiercely, “Seize the Empress!”

Yet, at the instant the order left his mouth, he hesitated.

Images of Feng Ruqing’s sharp gaze and her methodical unraveling of the truth flashed through his mind.

This woman was not as fragile as she appeared—she possessed inscrutable wisdom and means.

To act rashly might alert the enemy.

He took a deep breath, suppressing his anger, and changed his order: “Wait! This matter requires investigation. Do not act against the Empress without proof.”

Meanwhile, Feng Ruqing had returned to the Phoenix Elegance Palace.

Little Peach approached anxiously, lowering her voice: “My lady, trouble! Consort Li has accused you before the emperor of sneaking out at night with suspicious intent…”

Feng Ruqing remained unruffled, a cold smile curling at her lips.

Slowly shedding her cloak dampened by night dew, she spoke calmly as if discussing the evening meal: “Noted.”

She changed into her empress robes; the pearls and tassels on her phoenix crown swayed gently, enhancing her majestic and untouchable aura.

“Prepare the carriage. We go to the Palace of Heavenly Purity.”

Her tone was indifferent but carried undeniable authority.

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Within the Palace of Heavenly Purity, the emperor sat erect, his expression shifting like the weather.

Consort Li knelt nearby, tears streaming like rain, accusing Feng Ruqing of “crimes.”

Feng Ruqing entered the hall, casting a glance at Consort Li before fixing her gaze on the emperor.

She bowed with neither humility nor arrogance, her voice steady: “Your Majesty.”

The emperor studied her, curiosity flickering in his eyes.

This woman, facing such accusations, remained so composed—was she truly innocent, or did she have a secret advantage?

“Empress,” the emperor’s voice was grave, “Consort Li accuses you of sneaking out late at night with suspicious behavior. Do you confess guilt?”

Feng Ruqing smiled faintly, red lips parting: “Indeed, I did leave the palace.”

Her candid admission stunned both the emperor and Consort Li, whose faces betrayed triumphant smiles.

Unhurried, Feng Ruqing withdrew an object from her sleeve and presented it to the emperor with a hint of mockery: “Consort Li saw only that I left the palace, but not that I was searching for a lost treasure for Your Majesty. And you, Consort, so eager to slander me—what hidden motives do you harbor?”

The emperor accepted the item and examined it closely. It was a jade pendant, exquisitely carved and evidently valuable.

“What is this?” he asked in puzzlement.

A meaningful smile curved Feng Ruqing’s lips. “Your Majesty, do you still remember the jade pendant lost ten years ago…”

She paused deliberately, locking eyes with the emperor and enunciating carefully, “Bestowed by the late emperor, carved with a dragon pattern?”

The emperor suddenly rose, stepping forward so abruptly he nearly stumbled. The palace air froze instantly.

Palace maids and eunuchs bowed their heads in fear; Consort Li’s face drained of color, her lips trembling, speechless.

Feng Ruqing stood tall in the hall, slowly raising the pendant. Under the candlelight, it emitted a warm glow.

A victorious tone touched her voice: “Your Majesty, this was the purpose of my midnight departure.”

Consort Li, seeing the emperor moved, sobbed even more dramatically: “Your Majesty, I saw with my own eyes the Empress sneaking out at night, behaving stealthily, followed by a man! I fear…”

“Enough!” the emperor interrupted impatiently.

Unfazed, Feng Ruqing produced a blood-stained cloth from her sleeve, presenting it firmly: “This is evidence gathered during my covert investigation into the palace’s security risks. Yet you, Consort Li, roam the palace at night and falsely accuse me of secret trysts. I ask you—what are your true intentions?”

The emperor took the cloth with suspicion and unfolded it, his face darkening.

The cloth bore a finely embroidered emblem—the symbol of the palace guards.

The shocking bloodstains added an eerie weight.

“What… is this?” His voice was low, tinged with restrained fury.

Feng Ruqing lowered her gaze, speaking calmly: “I suspect someone intends harm within the palace. Tonight, I ventured out in disguise to investigate secretly. As for the ‘man’ Consort Li spoke of, he is my secret guard, assigned to protect me.”

She glanced at Consort Li with a subtle chill in her voice.

Consort Li’s face turned pale. She quickly knelt, kowtowing: “Your Majesty, please see clearly—I meant no harm! I only feared for the Empress’s safety…”

“Enough!” the emperor roared. “You, as a consort, neglect your duties and stir trouble before me! Take her away—confine her for one month!”

Consort Li was dragged away by guards, her cries fading into the distance.

The palace grew heavy with tension.

The emperor clenched the blood-stained cloth tightly, his gaze dark as he stared at Feng Ruqing. “Empress, what exactly is this threat you speak of?”

Feng Ruqing smiled faintly, a cold gleam flickering in her eyes. “Your Majesty, this is a grave matter requiring further investigation. But I promise, I will bring the mastermind to justice without mercy.”

“Good,” the emperor said solemnly. “I trust you. Handle this matter fully and uncover the truth.”

Feng Ruqing nodded slightly and turned to leave.

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“Wait.”

The emperor suddenly called after her, his tone probing: “Empress, why did you go out at night without guards, only a secret protector?”

Feng Ruqing paused, her back to him, a meaningful smile touching her lips: “Your Majesty, some matters are better handled with fewer people…”

She did not turn around. Her figure vanished into the night, leaving behind an enigmatic silhouette.

The emperor watched her departure, a complex light flickering in his eyes. Beyond suspecting a plot, he felt a hint of admiration and curiosity toward her.

He slowly opened his palm, revealing a small jade pendant resting there.

This pendant was the dragon-patterned jade lost ten years ago… but why was it in Feng Ruqing’s hands?

“Send someone,” the emperor ordered sternly, “to investigate where the Empress went tonight, and whom she met…”

At once, the leader of the secret guards, Shadow One, received the command and disappeared into the night.

Feng Ruqing returned to the Phoenix Elegance Palace, removing her phoenix crown and rubbing her temples wearily.

Little Peach brought her ginseng tea, worry etched on her face: “My lady, are you alright?”

Feng Ruqing took the cup, sipping lightly, her voice calm: “I am fine.”

But she knew this was only the calm before the storm. Consort Li’s framing was merely the enemy testing the waters. The real danger lay ahead.

The next morning, citing concerns about palace security, Feng Ruqing summoned Commander Sun.

Commander Sun was straightforward and loyal to the emperor, harboring suspicions about the “mysterious” Empress.

Feng Ruqing spoke plainly, handing him the blood-stained cloth: “Commander Sun, recognize this?”

He examined it carefully, his expression darkening sharply: “This is the palace guards’ insignia! Why is it stained with blood?”

Feng Ruqing’s tone remained steady: “I suspect collusion between palace insiders and external enemies. This is a grave matter. I hope you will assist discreetly in the investigation.”

Though wary, Commander Sun could not neglect palace safety and immediately accepted the order.

Feng Ruqing stood alone by the window, gazing beyond the palace walls, her mind swirling.

She needed more clues, which only her old subordinates could provide.

That night, once more disguised, Feng Ruqing slipped quietly from the palace.

At a secluded house on the city outskirts, Zhao Hu awaited her.

Seeing her, he knelt on one knee respectfully: “General!”

Feng Ruqing motioned for him to rise, her tone grave: “Zhao Hu, what news from within the palace?”

He reported all he had learned, but one message made Feng Ruqing’s heart sink: “General, I discovered that the palace guard commander seems to have close ties with the Prime Minister’s residence…” The Prime Minister was one of her targets.

Had he already sensed something?

Feng Ruqing pondered briefly, then ordered: “Continue to watch the Prime Minister’s household. Report any movement immediately.”

Zhao Hu obeyed and left. Watching his retreating figure, unease flooded Feng Ruqing’s heart. She felt an invisible net tightening, ensnaring her completely…

Suddenly, soft footsteps approached. Feng Ruqing whirled around, dagger already in hand.

“Who’s there?!” A shadow emerged from the darkness. Moonlight revealed a familiar face.

“Your Majesty?” The dagger in Feng Ruqing’s hand trembled slightly.

The emperor stepped closer, his gaze profound, his voice low: “Empress, what are you truly doing?”

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