I Became the Devil Queen's Heart Demon

Chapter 566 - 218: Entering the Palace Late at Night! The Empress Secretly Learns New Poses! _3

Chen Mo spread his hands and said, "I did act a bit impulsively... but the atmosphere had reached this point, and not taking action would seem discourteous."

?

Eunuch Jin’s eyebrow twitched.

He felt that talking a bit more with this guy would surely shave years off his life.

Eunuch Jin gave Chen Mo a deep look and said, "Since Mr. Chen is unwilling to say more, then I shall not ask. But Mr. Chen should seriously think about how to explain this to Her Majesty the Empress later."

Chen Mo was taken aback by these words and asked, "Wasn’t your intervention this time arranged by Her Highness?"

Eunuch Jin shook his head and said, "The incident happened too suddenly. If I reported to Her Highness, I’m afraid Mr. Chen would have already been taken away by the people from the Military Prison."

Since His Majesty ascended the throne, Prince Yu has faded from view under the pretense of health issues, and most of his faction has been dismantled. But even a wrecked ship has three pounds of nails, with roots deeply entrenched within each ministry.

Chu Heng, as the only legitimate son of Prince Yu, holds an especially extraordinary status.

And the powerful ministers of the Six Ministries have always regarded the Chen Family as a major concern. Given such an opportunity, they would surely make an issue of it. By then, even Her Majesty the Empress might not be able to suppress it...

"This..."

Chen Mo didn’t expect Eunuch Jin would act so autonomously.

Seeing his furrowed brow, Eunuch Jin said with a smile, "Mr. Chen need not worry. In urgent matters, discretion is needed. I’m well aware of this. Even if I reported to Her Highness, she would have made the same choice."

Chen Mo was silent.

Although Eunuch Jin appeared nonchalant, Chen Mo knew well the risk he took.

If this matter escalated, and accountability was pursued, even with Eunuch Jin’s high status, he would hardly escape blame!

After a moment of silence, Chen Mo said, "I have one question."

Eunuch Jin, reading his mind, nonchalantly said, "Mr. Chen wants to ask why I helped you?"

Chen Mo nodded, openly said, "Since I first met you, Eunuch, you have seemed particularly attentive to me... Including that time sending a message to the Heavenly Martial Arena, you actually wanted to give me an opportunity, didn’t you?"

Eunuch Jin laughed and said, "The opportunity was there. Being able to seize it was your skill. I merely gave a gentle push."

Chen Mo frowned and said, "But there must be a reason, right?"

There is no love or hate without cause in this world.

Eunuch Jin was so good to him, and there must be some reason besides appreciating talent.

Eunuch Jin’s expression was slightly complex. His deep eyes gazed at the sky, as if recalling something.

After a long while, he sighed lightly and said, "I am helping Mr. Chen and, at the same time, helping myself... Some things cannot be explained, Mr. Chen will understand in due time."

Chen Mo: "..."

Fine, it was useless to ask. This cut was also an old riddle.

Eunuch Jin patted him on the shoulder, with a hint of implication, said, "I only hope that in the future when Mr. Chen faces decisions, he can follow his heart and never shrink back... because this could very well be the only opportunity in your life."

Chen Mo furrowed his brows even tighter.

Previously, Eunuch Jin had told him similar things, that if he had the chance to enter the third level of the Heavenly Armory, he must choose the painting hanging on the wall... and emphasized that he must seize the opportunity...

This old man seemed a bit odd...

Lin Jingzhu blinked her eyes, feeling confused by what she’d heard, couldn’t help but say, "From what I know of Chu Heng, today’s matter won’t end well, Mr. Chen, you should be prepared."

Chen Mo pinched his chin and pondered, "You’re right. If you do not uproot the grass, it will grow again with the spring breeze. Only the dead won’t cause trouble, might as well go all out..."

"..."

Eunuch Jin felt a headache coming on.

No wonder this young man could obtain the Military Dao Inheritance, his thirst for blood was too strong...

Seeing Chen Mo already contemplating how to sneak into the Prince Mansion, he hurriedly interrupted, "Alright, let’s stop discussing this here. We should quickly report this matter to Her Majesty the Empress."

"Fine."

Chen Mo nodded, following Eunuch Jin through the gates of the Imperial Palace.

Lin Jingzhu, somewhat uneasy, also followed behind them silently. The three of them walked along the palace path towards the direction of the Inner Court.

...

...

Yangxin Palace.

The Empress, wearing a crimson gown, lounged lazily on a small couch.

Her black hair was simply gathered into a bun, with a few playful locks draping down the sides of her face, accentuating her swan-like neck.

Beneath the exquisite collarbone, her curves rose and fell gracefully, akin to a ripe spring peach waiting to be plucked. The sash around her waist was slightly tightened, outlining the full curve of her hips, a corner of her skirt lifted, revealing a pearl-white, smooth calf.

The warm yellow candlelight flickered softly, casting a gentle glow upon her, reducing her regal dignity, and adding a touch of a girl-next-door’s enchanting allure.

At this moment, she was reading a book by candlelight.

It was a thread-bound book, its cover ripped off, so the title couldn’t be seen. The pages were slightly yellowed, suggesting it had some age.

Jin Shu and Huashan knelt to one side, massaging the Empress’s calves.

Seeing how focused the Empress was, Jin Shu curiously asked, "Your Majesty, what book are you reading? You’ve been engrossed in it for almost two hours."

The Empress held the book, her tone indifferent, "This is ’Women’s Precepts’ by Wenren, a consort of the late emperor. It speaks of maternal virtue, wisdom, chastity, and integrity... I’ve read it thoroughly. It has greatly benefited me, enhancing my conduct and aiding in maintaining order and harmony in the harem."

Jin Shu couldn’t help but praise, "Truly worthy of Your Majesty, reviewing memorials and handling state affairs by day, and studying by lamp at night. Such diligence and self-discipline indeed bless our Great Yuan!"

Huashan agreed from the side, "Precious as jade, elegant as gold, truly a model for women in the world."

The Empress said lightly, "Books are like medicine; reading them well can cure ignorance, especially the classics, which offer new insights every time and are worth savoring repeatedly... Cough, you should read more and read good books in your free time."

"What Your Majesty says is true, I will remember."

Both nodded in agreement.

The Empress’s exquisite oval face remained expressionless as she naturally turned a page in the book, the illustration changed from "Mandarin Duck Union" to "Empty Flip Butterfly..."

Knock, knock, knock—

At this moment, the sound of knocking was heard.

Sun Senior Palace Lady hurried in, speaking urgently, "Your Majesty, I have important matters to report."

The Empress silently tucked the book under the pillow, asking, "What happened?"

Sun Senior Palace Lady didn’t speak, her eyes glanced at Jin Shu and Huashan.

The Empress gestured, "You two can leave now."

"Yes."

Both bowed and exited the inner hall.

"Speak, what happened that has you in such a fluster?" the Empress asked.

Sun Senior Palace Lady’s throat moved slightly, "I received word that Chen Mo and Heir Chu had a conflict at the Imperial Music Bureau, and the two fought in the street..."

"What did you say?!"

The Empress sat up abruptly, her ample figure quivering slightly, urgently asking, "Chen Mo and Chu Heng fought? What was the result? Did Chen Mo win? Is he injured?"

"..."

Faced with the Empress’s rapid questions, Sun Senior Palace Lady’s mouth twitched slightly as she softly replied, "Mr. Chen is fine, but it seems Heir Chu’s injuries are quite severe..."

The Empress breathed a sigh of relief, "That’s good."

Sun Senior Palace Lady: ?

Noticing the strange look from Sun Senior Palace Lady, the Empress collected herself, cleared her throat, and asked, "What about Chu Heng’s condition?"

"He’s lost an eye, his body is nearly destroyed, his Divine Soul is severely wounded, and his life hangs in the balance," Sun Senior Palace Lady succinctly stated.

The Empress was momentarily stunned, "Is the injury that serious? What caused this?"

Sun Senior Palace Lady shook her head, "I am not clear on the specifics either. Eunuch Jin has already brought Chen Mo here; he’s currently waiting outside. Your Majesty should ask him directly."

The Empress nodded, "Let them in."

Sun Senior Palace Lady went out briefly and returned with Chen Mo and two others to the inner hall.

Through the glazed screen, a graceful silhouette could just be made out as Eunuch Jin and Chen Mo lowered their heads in greeting.

"Greetings to Your Majesty the Empress."

"Rise."

"Thank you, Your Majesty."

Lin Jingzhu stepped forward, bypassing the screen, two graceful silhouettes blending together under the candlelight.

"Aunt~"

"Why are you here too, my girl?"

"I just happened to be passing by, so I thought I’d come see you..."

"Hehe..."

The Empress, uninterested in chitchat, frowned and asked, "What exactly happened tonight? Chen Mo, why did you and Chu Heng start fighting?"

Chen Mo softly replied, "It’s rather complicated to explain..."

The Empress said, "Then make it concise."

"Alright, to put it simply..."

Chen Mo, in all seriousness, stated, "Heir Chu asked for it, so I obliged."

The Empress: "..."

"Cough, cough, cough!"

Eunuch Jin nearly choked on his own saliva, coughing violently, his face turning bright red.

What you said is a bit too simple!