The Path of the Martial Arts BOSS
Chapter 544 - 40: Meeting at the Imperial Garden (Part 2 Continued)

Chapter 544: Chapter 40: Meeting at the Imperial Garden (Part 2 Continued)

"Qing Yu? Sister Qingwei, he’s that demon path," the newly appointed Princess Feng Chuhuan whispered to Si Qingwei.

During this period, Emperor Feng Jiwu had erected the Heavenly Giant Statue, but it had required immense manpower and force, with hundreds of Martial Arts experts conscripted to assist.

Under such circumstances, some persistent plotters had secretly spread numerous exaggerated rumors, attempting to slander Emperor Feng Jiwu who had just ascended the throne.

Thanks to their great favor, Qing Yu, who had proposed the construction of the Heavenly Giant Statue, had also become labeled as a national scourge and demon path.

Princess Feng Chuhuan, too, jumped at any rumor, driven by her subjective impressions—she harbored the utmost malice towards everything Emperor Feng Jiwu did. It seemed probable that she had picked up the term "demon path" from somewhere.

However, the newly appointed princess did not realize how conspicuous her supposed secretive behavior was.

Though whispered, what difference did it make to Qing Yu’s ears? Princess Feng Chuhuan ultimately had no experience in worldly society; though she had heard tales, she lacked sufficient understanding.

But it was different for Si Qingwei.

Seeing the Empress’s faintly smirking expression, the Director of Imperial Observatory, a white-haired Taoist, overheard Princess Feng Chuhuan’s words and the Empress promptly shielded her.

"Daoist Qingyu, even you should not eavesdrop on our private conversation!" Si Qingwei, though startled, was determined to pin this accusation on Qing Yu.

Regarding Si Qingwei’s preemptive move, Qing Yu simply responded calmly, smiling, "Your Highness, rest assured, I will not inform His Majesty of your and the Princess’s conversation."

Seeing her own motives directly revealed by Qing Yu, Si Qingwei dropped all pretense and spoke directly, "Daoist, even if you report this to His Majesty, you’re unlikely to receive any reward but may instead be punished for eavesdropping on a private conversation among the ladies. You should be wise enough to weigh the pros and cons."

"Her Highness has spoken her piece, Daoist Qingyu, please think carefully." After saying this, Si Qingwei intended to leave with Princess Feng Chuhuan.

This white-haired Taoist was indeed a bit mysterious. Si Qingwei felt she had no privacy in front of him. Although he always wore a smile, the indifference in his eyes was chilling.

In front of this Taoist, Si Qingwei truly struggled to stay calm.

So, it was best to leave quickly.

Princess Feng Chuhuan, feeling the same, hurriedly followed, not daring to linger a moment longer.

"Actually, even if I were to inform His Majesty, he would not punish you," Qing Yu’s voice floated over.

Si Qingwei unconsciously stopped walking.

"Your Highness is troubled, isn’t she? Troubled because she finds it difficult to connect deeply with His Majesty, and there are some grievances she finds hard to express," continued Qing Yu.

These words made Princess Feng Chuhuan incredulously look at her close friend.

She wanted to share her heart with that person?

Princess Feng Chuhuan felt a sense of betrayal.

"Why do you assert such a thing so confidently?" Si Qingwei didn’t turn around but spoke rather stiffly.

"Blood circulates faster by twenty percent, the pulse is strong and forceful, a vitality hidden within the abdomen. His Majesty has an heir, truly a great fortune for the nation!" Qing Yu declared.

"You... you saw it directly," exclaimed Si Qingwei, astounded.

Seeing right through her own blood circulation and pulse, even noticing the vitality nurtured in the womb, the supernatural ability of this white-haired Taoist was astonishing.

"What?! Sister Qingwei, you are pregnant!" Princess Feng Chuhuan was also extremely shocked.

Her close friend, and partner in shared enmity, was carrying that man’s child, and as for the future...

Even with Princess Feng Chuhuan’s naive nature, she understood the yearning for stability in the heart of a woman who had conceived. Now that she was pregnant, her close friend’s stance would unconsciously lean towards her own husband.

Thus, these deeply affectionate friends might become estranged in the future.

Moreover, the Emperor having an heir was like a heart-strengthening shot for the currently dwindling Imperial Family. Some people’s schemes, not yet truly started, would suffer a great blow.

"His Majesty will be overjoyed to know he has an heir. Your Highness, it would be best to inform His Majesty, lest those unwilling to accept deploy clandestine methods," advised Qing Yu.

Hearing this, Si Qingwei also gained some insight.

Those unwilling could not be other concubines. Emperor Feng Jiwu, previously unmarried before ascending the throne, had not crowned other concubines. Currently in the inner court, only Si Qingwei shone uniquely as the Empress.

The unwilling referred to those who clandestinely refused to acknowledge Emperor Feng Jiwu. These people might be ministers loyal to the former emperor, loyal to the Eighth Prince, perhaps even the Eighth Prince secluded at Mountain River Academy, and most possibly, Princess Feng Chuhuan right now in the Imperial Garden beside the Empress.

In fact, the current Princess Feng Chuhuan did harbor a slight thought of terminating the pregnancy. However, upon seeing the concern on Si Qingwei’s face, that slight ill thought swiftly vanished.

"Princess,"

The sudden call made the just-conceived Princess Feng Chuhuan shudder, turning towards the enigmatic white-haired Taoist.

"Some people might not behave in the coming days; Princess, it would be wise to leave the palace less if not necessary.," He continued, "Although His Majesty is known for his benevolence and leniency, he does not hesitate to employ severe methods against the rebel party."

Qing Yu smiled with his lips, but this smile sent a chill down Princess Feng Chuhuan’s spine.

"Now that the Eighth Prince can calmly focus on his studies, it would be best not to disturb him."

The Eighth Prince, previously known as Prince Feng Qiwu, was Princess Feng Chuhuan’s own brother, Prince Feng Qiwu. The mention of this name sent chills directly to her brain, rendering her completely cold even though it was still autumn.

’He’s found out, he’s found out...’ Princess Feng Chuhuan trembled inwardly.

Recently, someone had indeed approached her in secret. Naturally, the purpose was to dethrone Emperor Feng Jiwu, the emperor who burdened his people and squandered wealth, and to replace him with the benevolent and virtuous Prince Feng Qiwu.

Naturally disposed to dislike Emperor Feng Jiwu, Princess Feng Chuhuan was inclined towards Prince Feng Qiwu. Hence, she agreed, promising to cooperate with their plan.

Sadly, the plan had not yet begun before being detected. This was dire news for those already at a disadvantage.

"Han’er..." Sensing Princess Feng Chuhuan’s demeanor, the sharp Empress guessed some truth.

"Daoist..." a pleading look directed at Qing Yu.

Qing Yu maintained his smile, "I’ve already said, His Majesty is inherently benevolent and won’t readily resort to slaughter. Still, Princess, it would be wise not to associate with subversive elements for now."

"Thank you, Daoist."

After this incident, Si Qingwei could not afford to underestimate this Daoist any longer.