From cute to empress

Chapter 109: Counterattack in Adversity

"It was... someone deliberately set the fire!" My voice was filled with disbelief and anger. Kerosene, this was definitely not an accident, but a carefully planned conspiracy!

"Who is it?!" I turned my head sharply to look at Zhen Youcai, my eyes burning with rage. "Who is so bold as to do such a thing right under my nose?"

Zhen Youcai's face was solemn. He clasped his fists and said, "I have already sent people to conduct a secret investigation. I believe there will be results soon."

I took a deep breath, trying to suppress the rage within me. "We must uncover the truth as quickly as possible. I will bring the perpetrators to justice!" My voice was cold and emotionless, like the ice and snow in the dead of winter, chilling me to the bone.

Just one day later, Zhen Youcai arrived with the results of his investigation. "Your Majesty, I have determined that the fire was the work of Eunuch Li in collusion with the envoys from the Western Rong Kingdom!"

"What?!" I could hardly believe my ears. Eunuch Li, the eunuch Li who was usually kind and loyal to me, would actually do such a thing?

"Why would they do this?" I asked, trying to calm myself down.

"Eunuch Li accepted a large amount of bribes from the envoys of the Western Rong Kingdom and agreed to create chaos on the night of the celebration and take the opportunity to kidnap Your Majesty in order to force our dynasty to cede territory and pay compensation." Zhen Youcai said in a cold tone, with a cold glint in his eyes.

"What a courageous Eunuch Li!" I laughed in anger. "Pass on my order. Immediately arrest Eunuch Li and interrogate him strictly! In addition, bring all those involved in the case to justice. No leniency will be shown!"

My order was quickly carried out, and Eunuch Li was captured. A large amount of gold, silver, and jewelry from the Western Rong Kingdom was found in his residence. Faced with overwhelming evidence, Eunuch Li finally confessed his guilt.

I ordered the execution of Eunuch Li and summoned the envoys from various countries to publicly expose the Xirong envoy's conspiracy. Upon hearing this, the envoys were all shocked and condemned it. Knowing that they were in the wrong, the Xirong envoy was speechless and eventually left the palace in disgrace.

The storm has subsided for now, but I know this is only the calm before the storm. The Western Rong are wickedly ambitious, and even if their plot fails, they will certainly not let it go.

I stared out the window, my mind racing. "What's going on with Minister Liu?" I turned to look at Zhen Youcai and asked softly...

"What's the situation on Minister Liu's side?" I turned to look at Zhen Youcai and asked softly.

"Your Majesty, Minister Liu is constantly blaming himself and has been locked up in his mansion, refusing to leave the house." Zhen Youcai's face was filled with worry. "I have sent people to visit him many times, but he still refuses to eat or see anyone."

"Alas..." I sighed softly, my heart filled with worry. Minister Liu, a veteran of three dynasties, had always been loyal and devoted. He had also worked tirelessly on the preparations for this celebration. I hadn't expected something like this to happen. He had always been upright and incorruptible, but now that something like this had happened, he must be disheartened.

"Prepare the sedan chair. I need to go to the Liu residence myself." I made a quick decision and stood up. Zhen Youcai tried to dissuade me, but I was determined, so he had no choice but to obey the order and prepare.

Arriving at Liu's residence, I found the gates tightly shut. The courtyard was utterly silent, with only a few fallen leaves drifting in the wind, adding to the desolate atmosphere. I had the guards knock on the door. After a long while, an old servant slowly opened it. Upon seeing it was me, he burst into tears and fell to his knees, "Your Majesty..."

I quickly helped him up. "Where is Minister Liu now?" The old servant led me to the study. Minister Liu was sitting at his desk, his face haggard and his temples graying. He seemed to have aged ten years overnight. Upon seeing me, he quickly stood up and saluted. "I am guilty of causing your majesty any apprehension..."

"Minister Liu, don't blame yourself. This isn't your fault," I said gently, "I came here today hoping you can cheer up. Our dynasty still needs you."

I had a long conversation with Minister Liu, trying to unravel his inner frustrations. I told him that this incident had exposed the wickedness of human nature, but it had also strengthened my resolve to protect this land. "Minister Liu, you've served our country so loyally for so many years. Are you going to give up your ideals because of the mischief of a villain?"

My words were like a shot of adrenaline, rekindling hope in Minister Liu's previously dim eyes. He took a deep breath and bowed solemnly. "Your Majesty, rest assured. I, this old minister, will do my utmost to assist you!"

I nodded with relief and was about to leave when I heard a commotion outside the door. "What's going on?" I asked.

"Your Majesty, it's Princess Wang who requests an audience." The guard's voice came from outside the door.

"Princess Wang?" I frowned slightly, feeling a little unhappy when I recalled her previous collusion with Eunuch Li. "Let her in."

Princess Wang walked into the study, a trace of guilt and uneasiness on her face. "Your Majesty, I know I was wrong..." She knelt on the ground. "I was confused for a moment and was deceived by Eunuch Li's sweet words. I did something wrong. I beg Your Majesty to forgive me!"

I looked at her, speechless. Princess Wang was a member of the royal family. Although she could be a bit arrogant and domineering, she wasn't inherently bad. This incident might have been just a moment of confusion.

"Do you know you are wrong?" I asked calmly.

"I know I was wrong..." Princess Wang's voice was choked with sobs, "I am willing to accept any punishment."

"Admitting one's mistakes is the best way to improve." I reached out and helped her up. "I will not pursue this matter any further. If you truly repent, please assist Minister Liu and complete the preparations for this celebration together."

Upon hearing this, Princess Wang's face showed a mixture of surprise and joy. "Thank you, Your Majesty! I will do my best to make up for my mistakes!"

I nodded and turned to look out the window. Night had fallen, the stars twinkled, and everything seemed to have returned to calm. But I knew this was only the calm before the storm, and greater challenges lay ahead. "General Zhen..." I whispered, a hint of solemnity in my tone...

"General Zhen..." I said softly, a hint of solemnity in my tone, "The celebration is imminent, and the venue is severely damaged. You must quickly organize repairs and ensure that the celebration can be held as scheduled."

Zhen Youcai took his orders and left. I was confident in his swift and efficient work. Sure enough, within three days, the site, previously destroyed by the fire, had been completely renovated, even more magnificent than before. As I watched everything unfold, the weight of my worry finally settled.

But I know that things are far from over. This accident has made me see many potential crises, and I must be fully prepared to face the challenges that lie ahead.

I summoned Zhang, the wealthy businessman. He is as wealthy as a nation and has always been an important pillar of the court's finances. However, some of his business practices have recently caught my attention, and I need to remind him that there are some bottom lines that cannot be crossed.

"Boss Zhang, I'm deeply gratified by your generous donation to this celebration." I looked at this shrewd businessman in front of me, my tone gentle but sharp. "But I heard that you've been hoarding goods and driving up prices recently?"

Rich businessman Zhang's expression changed slightly, but he quickly regained his composure. He said with a smile, "Your Majesty, I am merely a businessman. Everything I do is to make a living. I would never dare to violate the laws of the court."

"I believe you understand." My tone was calm, yet it carried an undeniable authority. "This celebration is to pray for the people, and more importantly, to demonstrate the strength of our dynasty. If you truly serve the country, you should focus on the right path, benefiting the people, rather than exploiting it for personal gain."

I paused, then continued, "I hope you can use the proceeds from this celebration for public welfare, such as water conservancy projects and disaster relief, so that the people can truly feel the grace of the court."

Mr. Zhang understood my hidden meaning. He knew I wasn't discussing it with him, but rather commanding him. He didn't dare to neglect it and immediately knelt down and kowtowed, "Your Majesty, I will remember your teachings and will do my best to live up to your high expectations!"

I nodded with satisfaction and waved off Mr. Zhang. I knew that my words had not only changed his business strategy but also won him a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, a chance to gain both fame and fortune.

After a series of efforts, the preparations for the celebration were finally completed successfully. Looking at the lively scene with lights and decorations before me, my heart was filled with anticipation, but also a lingering sense of unease... "Your Majesty, the auspicious time has arrived..." Eunuch Li's voice rang in my ears. I took a deep breath and slowly stood up... Eunuch Li's shrill voice rang in my ears, pulling me back to reality. I took a deep breath, calmed my slightly heaving chest, and slowly stood up. My eyes swept across the magnificent hall, finally landing on the loyal old eunuch in front of me. "Let's go, follow me to welcome this grand event!"

The celebration was held in the palace's largest square. To demonstrate the nation's power and allow more citizens to participate, I ordered the space to be doubled in size. Looking out, the square was bustling with people, colorful flags fluttering, and a bustling atmosphere.

I stepped steadily onto the platform, accepting the homage of civil and military officials and envoys from various countries. The faces that passed by, some respectful, some fawning, some inquiring, all seemed to me bored. My eyes casually scanned the crowd, and when I saw the familiar figure of Zhen Youcai, a genuine smile finally broke out on my lips.

He was dressed in silver armor today, his figure standing tall and straight, like a guardian angel, standing among the crowd, gazing at me from afar. Our eyes met, and I could see both concern and encouragement in his eyes. I nodded gently, indicating that everything was fine.

"Wish Her Majesty the Empress a long life!" The deafening voice resounded through the sky. I slowly raised my hand and signaled everyone to be quiet.

"Today marks the tenth anniversary of my accession to the throne, and also marks the time when our dynasty is at its strongest. I thank all of you, my dear ministers, and allies from around the world, for coming to witness this historic moment with me!"

My voice was clear and powerful, echoing throughout the square. The people cheered, the envoys were amazed, and I, with my gaze fixed on the distance, was filled with lofty ambitions.

Over the past ten years, I've grown from a newly arrived time traveler to the current Empress. Only I know the hardships and sacrifices involved. But I know it's all worth it!

The celebration went smoothly, with singing and dancing, fine wine and delicious food, and everyone was having a great time. I chatted and laughed with the envoys from various countries, showing the demeanor of a great country, but I remained vigilant and paid attention to everything around me.

"Your Majesty, Princess Wang requests an audience, saying she has something important to report." Eunuch Li's voice sounded again, and I frowned slightly. Princess Wang is a royal relative and has always been arrogant and domineering. Why would she suddenly request an audience today?

"Let her in." I said lightly, with a hint of uneasiness rising in my heart.

Princess Wang, dressed in a gorgeous palace dress, walked slowly towards them, supported by a palace maid. She wore an ambiguous smile, but her eyes shone with an unfathomable light.

"Your Majesty, I pay my respects to you. May your Majesty be blessed with good health." Princess Wang bowed, but she didn't stand up. Instead, she raised her head, looked me straight in the eyes, and spoke slowly, "Your Majesty, I come here today to present you with a great gift..."

As soon as she finished speaking, there was a sudden commotion in the square. I was startled, and before I could react, I heard someone in the crowd shouting, "Fire! Fire!..."

My eyes instantly became sharp, and I looked at Princess Wang fiercely. I saw that the smile on her lips became even more intense, but a hint of viciousness flashed in her eyes.

"What did you do?!" I lowered my voice and almost squeezed out these words from between my teeth.

Princess Wang did not answer, but just laughed loudly towards the sky, her laughter full of madness and pride.

Flames shot up into the sky, thick smoke billowed, and the crowd fell into chaos. I, tightly gripping my wine glass, watched everything with cold eyes, a single thought in my mind: Who wants to destroy all this?!