The Phoenix Split

The Phoenix Split-Chapter 37

Qiao Taiping secured the veil around her face as she slipped in and out of back alleys. Her stomach growled and she clicked her tongue. If she weren't so hungry, she wouldn't have risked it sneaking out of her master's manor. Everyone where she looked, there was a new sign searching for her. It almost reminded of her when Consort Yan was searching for Liang Yue. Plus, it wasn't Qiao Taiping's fault that he didn't keep any good food at his manor. Outsiders might see Yan Muchen as an indulgent playboy, yet he was actually very frugal. He was running out of money anyways trying to keep up that persona to the public.

Wondering the streets, Jiang Wei craned his neck trying to search for any clues. He had already asked around Hua Ligen's mansion for any signs of Zhao Lian. He shook his head and sighed. Whoever kidnapped Zhao Lian wiped his tracks very clean. He looked up at the sunny sky and thought to himself, "I can't let my Commander down again."

A shadow passed along a wall that caught the attention of Jiang Wei. He looked around and sharply exhaled. There wasn't anything left to lose. He quickly chased after the direction the shadow seemed to be moving.

Qiao Taiping's chest tightened as she heard hurried footsteps coming toward her. She was about to pick up her feet and start sprinting but she heard the draw of a blade. She gulped as Jiang Wei held the blade with a shaking hand, "Who are you? Turn around."

Qiao Taiping swallowed and pressed her eyes shut. If it were one of Hua Ligen's men, she was doomed for the rest of her life. Yan Muchen had already made it very clear to her that if she ever somehow fell back into the hands of Hua Ligen, he would not save her. She carefully turned around and Jiang Wei's eyes widened, "Miss Taiping?"

She gasped and her knees buckled as a wave of relief washed over her. The days of brutal torture had finally caught up to her as she collapsed to the ground without a care. Jiang Wei's mouth widened as he ran to catch her. They both ended up on the ground and Qiao Taiping smirked with exhaustion, "What are you doing out here?"

Jiang Yue stuttered, "I-I...was sent to find Zhao Lian..."

Qiao Taiping's expression immediately turned serious, "Did Qin Xun send you?"

Jiang Yue gave a shaky nod in response, "Is Ms. Zhao okay?"

Qiao Taiping nodded and swallowed, "Where is Qin Xun right now?"

"He's at court, so he sent me to search by myself."

Qiao Taiping pressed her lips shut before carefully choosing her response, "I cannot say much but finding Zhao Lian isn't just something that I can decide."

A red bird flew overhead so quickly appearing as if it had a tail as Qiao Taiping continued, "Her death and disappearance are part of a much grander scheme, I'll give you that."

Jiang Yue opened his mouth to say something but Qiao Taiping suddenly grabbed her stomach and winced in pain. His eyebrows furrowed and he didn't know what to do to comfort her, "Are you okay?"

Qiao Taiping nodded through the pain trying to speak but she couldn't as a burst of blood came out of her mouth. Jiang Wei dodged the blood as he shook his head, "You're definitely not okay..."

Qiao Taiping finally managed to squeak out, "N-no...I'm fine..."

Jiang Wei frowned as he grabbed her and pick her on his back in one swift move. Her eyes widened as he said, "Hold on tight."

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As Zhao Lian was still being confined at Yan Muchen's residence and court officials were still bickering back and forth about Liang Yue's legitimacy, she was summoned by Empress Xiaoxin.

Liang Yue tried to keep her breath steady as she bowed, "Greetings your majesty."

Empress Xiaoxin did not give much as a reaction, but she just waved her hands at her servants, "You all may leave."

The maids and eunuches bowed before scurrying out behind the lacquered screen that showed phoenixes like headless mice. Liang Yue stood frozen right in front of Wang Xiaoxin not knowing what to do. Her earlier stunt embarrassed the Empress socially and bypassed her authority. She clenched her fists and just hoped that Empress Xiaoxin wouldn't push her too hard for it.

Wang Xiaoxin sighed eyeing the single incense stick in the corner of the room that was burning too slowly, "If she can crown herself once, she can dethrone me next."

The Empress looked down onto the false Princess and pointed her chin towards an empty chair, "Please sit."

Liang Yue gulped carefully and bowed, noting the Empress' tone, "Thank you your majesty."

When she sat down, it was almost as if the chair jabbed into her spine, forcing her to sit upright. Empress Xiaoxin gave a smile that felt like a blade to the Liang Yue that was still trying to adjust to palace customs. However, at least it was just the two of them in the room. She opened her mouth, "I fear I might not be the first to say, however, you have caused quite the spectacle, Princess Liling..."

Liang Yue tried to not physically shake in the chair as her mind was racing. One order, and Liang Yue would never be remembered in history. Her heart pounded and the faint sandalwood tickled her nose as Wang Xiaoxin continued, "A spectacle that benefits me...yet one you did not ask permission to create."

Was Liang Yue a pawn or a rival to the Empress? Only her response would decide her fate. Empress Xiaoxin was dangerous, yet Liang Yue also had a decent amount of leverage to use. After all, her useless son had fallen into such a situation. Liang Yue lifted her head but kept a blank face, "Your majesty, I acted in the moment because the moment demanded it. A forgotten princess cannot wait for permission to be remembered."

Wang Xiaoxin's smile almost faded from her face. Liang Yue was still bold and charismatic girl that she knew, just like her mother. The fear inside of the Empress' heart crystalized as she knew deep down that she was not afraid of the Empress. However, she continued, "Tell me, do you enjoy being adored by the masses, Princess Liling?"

Liang Yue fought the urge for her eyes to widen. Everything was catching her off guard. Her hand slightly twitched but she suppressed it as she responded, "As a princess, it is my duty to portray an enjoyable imperial reputation."

Empress Xiaoxin cleared her throat and sat up a little straighter, "You have talent, Princess Liling. Talent that could be very valuable...or very troublesome."

She then dismissed the Princess with a smile, almost marking her as a piece on the Empress' board. Liang Yue could only tread carefully in the future within the palace or at least until she could escape again. Wang Xiaoxin, on the other hand, either needed to control her or destroy her.

The Empress gave her a lingering look followed with a soft laugh, "Dongshui has been quiet for too long. Perhaps you will make things...interesting."