Chapter 30: The Canary Captured by the Enemy Emperor 17

The days that followed felt unusually calm.

Neither the Empress Dowager nor the Noble Consort came to trouble her again. Two other concubines had not appeared before Lin Muqing either.

As for the palace beauties, they didn’t even dare cross her path.

Jun Yuanming, however, came to see her every day. Even if he didn’t sleep in her chambers at night, there was no news of him visiting any other woman.

Lin Muqing no longer sought him out either—
Because she was exhausted.

She couldn’t fall asleep until dawn every day.

Until half a month later—

News came from outside the palace: the Noble Consort, who had returned home to visit family, was hit by the Grand Commandant’s son’s carriage.

The horse lost control. The heavy carriage crushed her under its wheels.

The Noble Consort vomited blood on the street. By the time the imperial physician arrived, it was too late.

The relationship between the Grand Commandant and the Left Chancellor instantly dropped to freezing point. Tensions flared daily in the imperial court.

Jun Yuanming turned a blind eye to all of it. These so-called “loyal ministers” who once swore to guard his empire had long since been dulled by peace and comfort. The blood and sincerity in their bones had faded.

Now all they wanted was power, pleasure, prestige, and the people’s money.

Some even dared to covet his throne.

But it wouldn’t be that easy.

…

Another half month passed.

A national celebration was held.

The welcoming hall glittered with opulence—eight towering pillars upheld the ceiling, each carved with lifelike golden dragons spiraling around them.

Ten city lords and hundreds of ministers attended in formal attire. Wine glasses clinked, and beauties performed with song and dance.

Suddenly, Eunuch Qin’s voice rang out at the entrance:

“His Majesty has arrived!”

Everyone stood up.

Jun Yuanming strode into the hall in a purple-gold dragon robe. Gold embroidery trimmed his cuffs, and a gem-inlaid crown adorned his head. He exuded regal nobility. His features were sharp and striking, and his towering 190cm (6’3″) frame carried an overwhelming presence.

The dancing beauties practically glued their eyes to him.

Lin Muqing entered behind him, along with two other concubines.

She dressed modestly—just a light pink palace gown with a bit of lip rouge, unlike the other concubines with their golden crowns and silver bangles.

She had no intention of stealing the spotlight.
But she forgot—her face was the spotlight.

The two concubines beside her wished they could get away from her and quickly walked ahead.

Thinking they were hurrying, Lin Muqing quickened her pace too.

Many eyes fell on her—stunned, admiring, covetous—gazing at her for long moments.

In fact, even many ministers had never seen Lin Muqing in person.

But now, seeing her, they finally understood why His Majesty favored this orphaned girl so exclusively.

She was stunning. Not just in appearance, but in the beauty radiating from her very bones and soul—a seductive, cold, and refined elegance. A contradictory beauty, yet perfectly harmonious.

“Everyone may sit,” Jun Yuanming finally said, his gaze lingering on Lin Muqing seated two places below him.

“You’ve come from afar. I offer you a toast.”

Holding a goblet between two fingers, he lifted it slightly and drank it all in one elegant motion.

“To His Majesty!” the ministers below echoed and raised their cups.

Lin Muqing sneaked a sideways glance upward—this was the first time she’d seen him dressed so formally, the collar high and tight, exuding a cold, ascetic beauty.

She raised her cup with them and drank.

The liquor had a sharp, spicy front and a mellow, fragrant finish. It was excellent wine.

Her eyes lit up, and she was about to pour herself another when—

[Host, you’re pregnant and still want to drink that strong wine?] the system warned.

Right. She was pregnant.

She hadn’t told him yet.

She quietly set her cup down and boredly poked at the fruit on the table.

The ten city lords each took turns reporting their names and the status of their regions.

Deep, sonorous voices echoed through the hall.

Once they finished, dancers and music followed.

Jun Yuanming didn’t look at the dancers. His gaze lingered in the corner, where Lin Muqing sat quietly poking at her fruit.

A faint smile flickered in his eyes.

Then, a bearded man stood up and respectfully cupped his hands. “Your Majesty, I’ve heard you’re fond of beauties. I brought someone especially exquisite—unmatched in both temperament and appearance.”

“I no longer care for that,” Jun Yuanming said calmly, peeling a green grape. “Keep her for your own appreciation.”

Though his tone was mild, it carried an undeniable authority that made others instinctively yield.

“…Yes, Your Majesty.” The Lord of Ming City froze, then sat down with pursed lips.

The other city lords who had planned to offer beauties all fell silent.

Hearing Jun Yuanming’s words, Lin Muqing instinctively looked up—only to meet his gaze.

The brief eye contact felt like fire. She quickly lowered her head.

About half an hour into the banquet, she began to feel the urge to use the restroom.

But it would be improper to leave so openly.

She shot a subtle look toward Eunuch Qin, not daring to be obvious.

Eunuch Qin glanced at the Emperor first before stepping down.

“Eunuch Qin, I forgot something. Can you come with me to get it?”

She quietly left the hall. Eunuch Qin looked back at the Emperor once more before following Lin Muqing out.

Outside, the lanterns glowed in the twilight.

“Lady Lin, are you…” Eunuch Qin asked, puzzled.

“To relieve myself,” Lin Muqing replied, looking around, unfamiliar with the path.

“I’ll escort you, my lady.”

Eunuch Qin guided her to a nearby restroom.

When she came out—

Eunuch Qin was gone.

Damn.
Was someone trying to hurt her?

[Host, the secret guards sent to protect you are all gone. Be careful.] the system warned.

Lin Muqing replied in her mind, “Definitely a setup.”

[Host, it’s been a while since you’ve used a gun. Still remember how?]

Of course. You think I’m a goldfish?

The path wasn’t dark. Lanterns illuminated the way. A small stream and pavilion stood nearby.

[Host, there’s someone behind you—a palace maid.]

Lin Muqing turned swiftly, startling the maid.

“Lady Lin! There you are! His Majesty sent me to bring you back. He was afraid you’d get lost.”

“Oh? Then lead the way,” she said with a smile.

The maid nodded and began walking, seemingly back the way they had come—but it was the opposite direction.

They walked farther and farther off the main path.

“Where are you taking me?” Lin Muqing asked, pressing a dagger to the maid’s lower back.

The maid immediately buckled, trembling, “W-What are you doing, Lady Lin?”

[Host: Three people at 3 o’clock and 5 o’clock. Two each at 7 o’clock and 10 o’clock.]

Thud.

Lin Muqing stabbed the maid in the side. The woman let out a sharp, piercing scream.

Crows hiding in the trees took flight in a flurry of wings.

The hidden assassins realized something was wrong and immediately revealed themselves.

Lin Muqing knocked the maid out with a strike, put away her dagger, and pulled out a gun.

In under three seconds, with a silencer—ten lives were gone.

Each shot to the forehead.

She turned and ran—despite being pregnant, she didn’t dare run fast.

But she ran straight into a refined, noble-looking young man in official robes. His features were soft and scholarly. He looked surprised to see her in such a remote place.

“Greetings, Lady Lin,” he bowed politely.

Why was he here too?