Chapter 15: Mine, All Mine

Chapter 15: Mine, All Mine

Feng Xiyao nestled in the man's embrace, only to find herself released when she opened her eyes. She lowered her gaze to Mo Cangyan's sleeve, noticing several holes burned through the once flawless garment. She took his hand to examine it carefully, fearful of any injuries. If he had been hurt because of her, she would feel terribly guilty!

However, before she could finish, Mo Cangyan pulled her away and turned to leave. "Back to the palace!"

The following morning.

Ever since Prime Minister Feng proposed that the Emperor abolish the slavery decree for the original citizens of Country Dragon, the imperial court had been in an uproar. Some supported the idea while others opposed it, arguing until their faces turned red.

Opponents argued, "Your Majesty, you mustn't! If the slavery decree is lifted, the former citizens of Country Dragon might bring harm to Great Xia!"

Supporters countered, "Your Majesty, I believe it should be abolished. This way, we can prevent further uprisings, and they will be grateful to our Great Xia."

Objectors: "Your Majesty, releasing them might be like nurturing a tiger for future calamity!"

Supporters: "Your Majesty, the people of Country Dragon are now subjects of Great Zhao. We should treat them equally to foster integration and avoid future conflicts!"

Objectors: "Old fool, what do you know?!"

Supporters: "Old villain, I've long found you intolerable! Come, let's have a proper verbal showdown today!"

"..."

Mo Cangyan calmly watched the chaotic scene below, allowing them to bicker amongst themselves, knowing he couldn't handle so many voices at once.

...

After half an hour, as it seemed they were about to resort to physical altercations, Mo Cangyan stretched lazily before slowly intervening.

"Esteemed ministers, cease your arguments!"

"..."

All activities ceased as everyone turned their gazes towards the emperor.

"I understand that all of you have the best interests of Great Xia at heart. Therefore, listen to my perspective!"

"Could it be that the former citizens of Country Dragon are repeatedly stirring unrest within our borders because they, as slaves, are being oppressed to the point of desperation for survival?"

"If we elevate them to the same status as our own people, would it not deter any further impulses to overthrow Great Xia?"

"When Great Xia conquered Country Dragon, many of its able-bodied men perished in battle, leaving behind only the elderly, weak, and infirm. I believe that showing mercy to them would benefit Great Zhao more than it would harm. It would also demonstrate to other nations the magnanimity of our Great Xia!"

Silence ensued after Mo Cangyan finished speaking.

Feng Li stepped forward and declared, "This old servant trusts in the Emperor's judgment and believes that all ministers have the welfare of Great Xia in mind. I support the abolition of the slave decree!"

With the supportive Feng Li, other ministers who agreed also stood up, while those who wished to oppose but dared not speak out remained silent. They all claimed to act for the good of Great Xia; opposing now might provoke an unfavorable reaction from the emperor.

In the end, without the troublemaker Lin Youquan causing chaos, the matter was resolved amicably.

Overjoyed by the outcome, Mo Cangyan rewarded Feng Xiyao with two large boxes of pearls and gold and silver jewelry. He owed this resolution to her resilient father who had taken the brunt of the issue.

Feng Xiyao was oblivious to the happenings in the imperial court, her eyes only fixated on the two large boxes filled with jewelry, her mouth watering at the sight.

"Mine, all mine!"

She couldn't help but feel blissful recently, having acquired so many treasures all at once.

"Congratulations, Host. Your vitality has increased to 22%."

Hearing this delightful news in her mind, Feng Xiyao lay on her bed, surrounded by the glittering gold and silver treasures.

Mo Cangyan arrived at Fengchun Palace and immediately caught sight of the scene: the queen lying on the bed, her face flushed with delight, giggling to herself.

He truly couldn't comprehend why she had such an affinity for these items.

Feeling someone enter, Feng Xiyao stood up and saw Mo Cangyan. A pleasing smile curled up at the corners of her lips.

"Thank you, Your Majesty, for granting me so many gifts!"

Mo Cangyan picked up a black pearl from the bed, examined it briefly, then placed it back.

"Perfectly timed, the South Sea has sent some precious black pearls. It would be a waste to keep them in storage; it's great if the Empress likes them!"

Mo Cangyan spoke earnestly, but Feng Xiyao perceived a hidden meaning in his words.

She looked at him doubtfully, secretly pondering.

"Could it be... that this tyrant has taken a fancy to me?"

"Cough, cough, cough!"

Mo Cangyan choked on his own words, then raised his eyes to size up the woman before him with disdain.

Her phoenix-like eyes slightly arched, her delicate and exquisite face no bigger than a palm was breathtaking, with her rosy lips pressed tightly together. The empress had shed her elaborate robes and was now only clad in a plain inner garment, her waist-length hair flowing down her back.

A few mischievous strands of hair had stuck to her face from her previous actions.

Beautiful as she was, Mo Cangyan found it impossible that he could develop feelings for such a woman who spoke nonsense, behaved crudely, and had an unclear background.

With these thoughts in mind, he averted his gaze and spoke indifferently.

"The abolition of slavery has been successful, thanks to your father's support. These gifts are for you, and it's also due to your father's efforts!"

Feng Xiyao's smile deepened. "Hmph, he's still my father!"

Mo Cangyan observed the woman counting her treasures with earnestness, recalling the information she had provided over the past month.

First, she revealed that Lin Youquan was secretly hoarding silver mines, then the matter involving the Left Minister. Both were proven true, and he even found an abundance of treasure in the Minister's residence, so much so that it took several carriages to carry them all away.

Now, he fully trusted this woman before him.

If everything she said was genuine, then the warnings about being deceived by a woman and Great Xia's downfall must be true as well!

At this thought, he clenched his fists. Now that he knew, he would never let Great Xia reach such a state.

He wanted to know who this woman was that he would eventually love desperately. And where was this original male lead? He needed to prepare himself, as this man seemed formidable according to her account.

However, looking at Feng Xiyao's carefree demeanor, he truly didn't know how to ask.

Feeling a sharp gaze on top of her head, Feng Xiyao lifted her eyes to meet the tyrant's piercing stare, causing her heart to tighten with fear.

"I just want these items from Tyrant; why does he have to react so strongly?!"

Upon hearing this, Mo Cangyan's lips twitched. Surely he wasn't that petty.

"These things are mere trinkets in the treasury. It's nothing to me. Don't feel burdened!"

Feng Xiyao felt relieved upon hearing his words.

Seeing her count and recount the items, Mo Cangyan was puzzled as to why she valued them so much. He asked,

"What do you need these things for, Empress? You don't need them in the palace!"

"Well, of course…" Feng Xiyao kept her head down, nearly revealing her future plans. After a moment's thought, she changed her answer.

"They're beautiful! Don't you think they'd make great decorative pieces, Your Majesty?"

Mo Cangyan sensed something off in her tone. Sure enough, her inner thoughts echoed in the next second:

"After the original female lead arrives, you'll get rid of me to please her. Then, she'll conspire with her lover, leading to the downfall of Great Xia. When the time comes, I'll fake my death and escape the palace with my parents. With these items, we can live a good life, wouldn't that be wonderful?!"