Chapter 399: Chapter 397: Empress, Assassination Order_1
The Little Prince was seven years old.

At seven years old, he was already quite sensible.

Knowing his sister’s background, the little prince was heartbroken for her. His big watery eyes gazed at her while he hugged her and lovingly rubbed his cheek against her neck, comforting her in his own way.

The news of Su Qingluo returning to Capital City spread to the Imperial Court. Xu Ruyun let out a long sigh.

In a blink of an eye, more than four years had passed.

She had done her best to hide Little Qingluo’s identity, not wanting the Empress to target her prematurely.

Unexpectedly, Duke of Zhen’s Mansion still uncovered the truth of that year.

Fate was just like this; what was meant to come eventually did.

Because of Little Qingluo’s arrival, Capital City would once again be shrouded in wind and clouds, plunging into a new round of turmoil.

Imperial Palace, Serene Snow Pavilion.

Noble Lord took out the note from the bamboo tube on the leg of the carrier pigeon and quickly scanned it. His phoenix eyes revealed a hint of surprise.

The Su family’s girl was actually the dear granddaughter of Duke of Zhen’s Mansion.

Su Qingluo, Lin Qingluo.

Interesting!

With so many obstacles in his life, Prince Xuan’er faced constant threats. Could it be fate that the dear granddaughter of Duke of Zhen’s Mansion would be there to protect him?

Mental Cultivation Hall.

The Empress had a fierce look on her face, her gaze fixed on the secret report on the desk. Her dark, ink-like eyes were filled with dark intent.

Grand Commander Xu Ruyun of the Supervision Department was on one knee, her eyes slightly downcast, and her forehead covered with a fine sheen of sweat.

The young and useless girl raised in the Duke of Zhen’s Mansion for ten years was actually an impostor.

The real granddaughter was about to return, not only unparalleled in intelligence, but also extraordinary in martial arts and medical skills.

Could anyone tolerate such incredible talent?!

The Empress asked with a stern tone: “Is the biological daughter of Lin Xiaoyang really the child who cured Prince Xuan’er’s illness?”

Xu Ruyun dared not lift her head and respectfully replied, “Your Majesty, according to the secret information obtained by the Imperial Court, this is indeed true and beyond doubt.”

“When is she returning?”

There was a bottomless darkness in the Empress’s gloomy eyes.

“I haven’t received any news yet. She should not have left Woniu Village yet.”

Taking a breath, Xu Ruyun’s head lowered even more, hiding the momentary anxiety that flashed in her eyes.

With dark and ruthless eyes, the Empress commanded: ” Issue an order that she be intercepted en route, kill without mercy!”

“Your Majesty, no!”

A soft and pleasant voice suddenly came from outside Mental Cultivation Hall. Noble Lord entered the hall with a freshly brewed pot of tea.

“Leave.”

The Empress’s eyes flickered, her eyebrows raised, and she waved her hand to signal Xu Ruyun to leave the hall.

“Yes, this humble official shall take his leave.”

Xu Ruyun quietly breathed a sigh of relief and left the hall with her head still down, eyes covered, and two steps behind.

“Xinzi, what brings you to the Mental Cultivation Hall instead of resting in the Serene Snow Pavilion?”

The Empress turned her head to look at Noble Lord, her expression changing instantly, a hint of a smile appeared on her lips.

“If Xinzi didn’t come, my son’s life would be in danger.”

Noble Lord set down the teacup, feigning annoyance, her every frown and smile full of charm.

“My son?”

The Empress was momentarily stunned, clearly taken aback.

“Has Your Majesty forgotten? The prince has always been close to that girl from the Su family. When his sister returns, he will naturally come back too.”

Noble Lord walked to the Empress, her hands resting on the Empress’s shoulders, gently massaging her acupoints.

“If Your Majesty orders the assassination of that girl, would not the prince be in danger as well?”

“It is a good reminder from Xinzi; if you hadn’t spoken up, I would have completely forgotten, almost causing harm to my beloved son.”

The Empress suddenly understood, her face showing a loving smile as she thought of her beloved young son.

“Your Majesty is the ruler of a country, why care about such a small girl? Even if she is extremely talented, she is just a ten-year-old child.”

A glint of darkness flashed in Noble Lord’s eyes. Taking advantage of the massage, she slowly moved from behind the Empress to face her, bending down so that their eyes were level with each other.