293: The Empress's Worries

The morning sun filtered through the exquisite window lattices, casting a soft golden glow over the Female Emperor's bedchamber.

Female Emperor Mu Qingning had already risen and was facing the mirror, letting Zixuan comb her cloud-like dark hair.

Hearing the palace attendant report that Li Shengyuan requested an audience, a light of pleasant surprise instantly bloomed in her eyes.

A trace of unusual and complex emotion also flashed in Zixuan's eyes before she proactively rose and left.

She quickly walked to the palace entrance. Seeing Li Shengyuan step in with the morning light, a bright smile involuntarily appeared on her face:

“Junior Brother, why have you come so early today?”

Her tone was cheerful, carrying a hint of a young maiden's playful shyness. “Mother returned to the palace yesterday and informed me of the auspicious date for our engagement. Junior Brother, did you... did you come specifically for this matter?”

She looked at him, her eyes filled with anticipation and sweetness, believing he couldn't wait to share this joy with her.

Li Shengyuan looked at her joyful appearance, and the guilt in his heart deepened.

He stepped forward, took her hand, and the two walked hand-in-hand into the bedchamber.

After officially setting the engagement, their interactions became increasingly casual.

Li Shengyuan smiled and nodded, “Yes, Senior Sister, the engagement is set, and my heart is also filled with joy.”

His fingertip gently stroked the back of her hand, but his tone suddenly shifted, becoming slightly heavy.

“However, besides informing you of this, there is one more thing... I need to bid Senior Sister farewell.”

“Farewell?”

The smile on Female Emperor Mu Qingning's face instantly froze, replaced by shock. “Why must you leave again? We only just reunited...”

She tightly squeezed Li Shengyuan's hand in return, as if afraid he would vanish the next moment.

Li Shengyuan sighed softly, and with a solemn expression, he concisely recounted the contents of his meeting with Pei Shuyun last night and his subsequent discussion with the Chancellor.

He emphasized the Demon Cult Leader's insane plot involving the Blood Refining World, and the crucial position of the Western Regions Demon Kingdom in this scheme.

“Therefore, the Chancellor and I both believe that someone must personally go to the Western Regions to investigate the truth before we can uncover the Demon Cult Leader's full plot.”

“This matter concerns the common people of the world, the continued existence of Daqian, and even our future. I... cannot shirk this duty!” Li Shengyuan stated gravely.

Hearing that Li Shengyuan intended to venture deep into the Western Regions Demon Kingdom, Female Emperor Mu Qingning's expression suddenly changed, her worry clearly visible.

She deeply understood the peril of that land; the Demon Race had always been hostile toward the Human Race, especially people from Daqian, for whom every step within its borders was fraught with danger.

In the past, even when facing powerful enemies, Li Shengyuan was mostly within the territory of Daqian. But this time, he was going to venture alone into a den of peril!

She pondered for a moment. The Emperor's rationality quickly suppressed the reluctance and worry in her heart, and she proposed a relatively safe plan:

“If this matter is indeed related to the Demon Cult and involves such a vast scope, I can formally send a letter, in the name of the Daqian Sovereign, to the Dragon Emperor of the Western Regions Demon Kingdom, explaining the stakes and advising him to be prepared.”

“Alternatively... I can appoint you as a Special Envoy, carrying the imperial credentials, to negotiate with the Dragon Emperor on behalf of Daqian.”

“In this way, with the state letter and the status of an envoy, the Dragon Emperor surely wouldn't dare to easily harm you.”

This was the method she could think of that would both achieve the goal and maximize Li Shengyuan's safety.

However, Li Shengyuan slowly shook his head, his gaze resolute: “Senior Sister, although this method is good, it won't work right now.”

“The Demon Cult Leader acts secretly. We don't yet know the extent of his infiltration in the Western Regions, nor do we know the Dragon Emperor's attitude.”

“If we rashly make official contact, we might alert the enemy, causing him to act prematurely or hide even deeper. This matter must be conducted in secret.”

Hearing this, Female Emperor Mu Qingning fell silent.

She understood that Li Shengyuan's concerns were valid; secret investigation was indeed more likely to reach the core issue than overt negotiation.

But in doing so, the risks he had to bear would undoubtedly multiply.

Seeing her concern, Li Shengyuan smiled confidently and calmly, “Don't worry, Senior Sister. Although the Demon Domain is vast and has many powerful individuals, the only one worth my attention is the Dragon Emperor himself!”

“To me, the rest of the Great Demons are no different from ants!”

Female Emperor Mu Qingning was well aware of Li Shengyuan's strength and had full faith in him regarding this.

But there was always a worry in her heart: what if even the Dragon Emperor was colluding with the Demon Cult Leader?

She raised her eyes, gazing deeply at Li Shengyuan. Her eyes, filled with both majesty and tenderness, were overwhelmed with persistent worry and concern.

A thousand words rolled in her throat, but ultimately they only transformed into one solemn instruction:

“Since you have decided... then go. Everything... please be careful!”

She knew that what Li Shengyuan had decided, she could not, and should not, stop.

As her voice fell silent, she said no more. Instead, she stood on her tiptoes, wrapped her arms around his neck, and actively pressed her soft, red lips against his.

This kiss was unlike their usual gentle affection; it carried a depth and reluctance that was almost resolute.

It was as if she wanted to convey all her worry, all her attachment, and all her strength through this kiss.

Li Shengyuan held her tightly, responding passionately, feeling the slight trembling of the jade-like beauty in his arms and her silent support.

After a long time, their lips parted... Female Emperor Mu Qingning rested her forehead against his. Her breathing was shallow, and her voice was slightly hoarse, yet exceptionally firm:

“I will wait for you to return... for the engagement!”