I Became the Devil Queen's Heart Demon

Chapter 794 - 297: Empress: It’s Time to Come Clean—I’ve Always Loved Chen Mo! The Prophecy Fulfilled! (Part 2)

Chen Mo blinked his eyes, "Are we still okay?"

The Crown Prince’s cheeks were flushed as he nodded earnestly, "Yes, as long as you don’t lie to me again, you’ll still be my best friend."

Chu Yanli saw Chen Mo amusing the Crown Prince into a daze, and her expression was somewhat peculiar.

This person not only has excellent luck with women but seems to have good luck with children as well...

"The hour is late, take the Crown Prince to bathe and clean up, then prepare for the ceremony," the Empress spoke up.

"Yes."

A Palace Attendant responded and led the reluctant Crown Prince out.

The inner hall was left with only three people, and the atmosphere quieted down.

The Empress looked at Chen Mo, furrowing her brows, "Aren’t you supposed to be patrolling near the Imperial Palace? Why did you come here instead?"

"It was Master Lv..."

Chen Mo was just about to explain when Chu Yanli’s slightly amused voice sounded: "Do you even need to ask? Of course, he’s worried about you. Even if you lose a hair, this guy would feel sorry for half the day."

The Empress frowned even more upon hearing this.

Chen Mo’s expression turned cold, "I don’t understand what Your Highness is saying."

"Do you really not understand, or are you pretending not to?" Chu Yanli slightly narrowed her eyes, "Do I really have to spell it out?"

"The Empress is noble as the Mother of the Country and cannot tolerate such slander, so please be careful with your words, Your Highness."

"Since you know her status, how dare you act recklessly?"

"Does Your Highness have any evidence?"

"I’m not investigating a case; why would I need evidence? Some things are clear to everyone."

The two stared at each other across the distance, and tension spread.

At this critical moment of confrontation, the Empress rapped the table with her hand and said sternly, "Impudent, do I exist in your eyes?!"

Seeing the Empress genuinely angered, the two coldly snorted and looked away.

Chen Mo knew very well that Chu Yanli intended to exploit his relationship with the Empress to achieve her own goals.

But just as she said, it was merely speculation.

So, as long as he denied it to the end, there was nothing she could do.

"Li’er..."

The Empress cleared her throat, saying, "Chen Mo has already explained yesterday’s events to me. I called you over to take this opportunity to make things clear."

Chu Yanli raised her eyebrows and said, "I know what you want to say. You two are completely innocent, haven’t overstepped in the slightest, and are purely interested in nurturing talent, right? You thought I was foolish..."

"Wrong."

The Empress interrupted, her tone calm, "There is nothing innocent between Chen Mo and me. Everything that shouldn’t have happened, has happened. That’s what I wanted to tell you."

?

The hall fell silent in an instant.

"Your Highness?"

Chen Mo was stunned.

"What did you say?"

Chu Yanli also hadn’t anticipated that the Empress would candidly admit it, rendering her briefly speechless.

The Empress stood up, her luxurious skirt trailing on the floor, and slowly approached Chu Yanli, her calm almond eyes gazing at her, "Since you didn’t hear clearly, I’ll say it again."

"Chen Mo and I have the kind of relationship you suspect."

"Whether you want to announce it to the world or expose it in court, it doesn’t matter. No one will stop you."

"But if you think you can threaten me with this, you are gravely mistaken. I don’t fall for such tricks."

Facing those piercing eyes, Chu Yanli felt a tightness in her chest, a sense of oppression.

She suddenly found her longtime friend to be somewhat unfamiliar...

She swallowed and said in a low voice, "But you are the Empress after all..."

"Stop using that title to pressure me."

"When I first entered the palace, we simply each took what we needed."

"Over the years, I’ve fulfilled my duties, and I’ve never owed you anything."

The Empress extended her gentle hand, palm upward, and golden light blossomed, revealing a Seal Platform engraved with "Fengtian Treasure."

"This Heavenly Shining Seal is what you gave me. I’m returning it to you now. From now on, we’re even and have no further ties."

She casually tossed the symbol of authority onto the ground like junk, and it rolled over to Chu Yanli’s feet, her tone carrying a hint of derision:

"You can ask Yu Youhan if she’s willing to be the Empress, because I’ve grown tired of it."

"Chen Mo, let’s go."

With that, she turned and walked towards the door.

Chen Mo said nothing, silently following behind.

Chu Yanli clenched her hands tightly, only then realizing that she seemed gravely mistaken.

This matter was never the Empress’s weakness; on the contrary, she should be the one trying to keep this secret because the Empress could easily walk away, but she couldn’t!

"Wait..."

Seeing the two about to step out the door, Chu Yanli picked up the Seal Platform and swiftly stood in their way.

The Empress paused her steps, saying indifferently, "Is there something else?"

Chu Yanli said, "Even if you don’t care about the position of Empress, don’t you want to avenge the old grievances?"

The Empress’s face darkened, and Chu Yanli hurriedly explained, "You misunderstood; I didn’t mean to threaten you... I want to say that we can continue to cooperate. You keep stabilizing the court, and I’ll handle the old vendettas for you."

"If you want to cooperate, you must show a cooperative attitude." The Empress raised her chin and said slowly, "But I haven’t seen even a hint of apology from you."

"I’m sorry, I was too harsh with my words earlier..." Chu Yanli said softly.

The Empress shook her head, "You shouldn’t apologize to me; you should apologize to Chen Mo."

Chu Yanli froze, "For, for what?"

"For your foolish behavior in recent days and for his repeated efforts to help you without holding grudges. Isn’t it clear in your own heart?" The Empress said coldly.

"..."

But he spanked me until my butt was swollen and even grabbed me there...

Chu Yanli felt some frustration, but dared not argue, and said stiffly, "Mr. Chen, I’m sorry, I’ve been rude before, and I hope you won’t hold it against me."