From Cold Palace Princess to Celestial Empress Ch. 107
Under the starry sky.
The clash of sword and spear, the intertwining of black and white, two formidable attacks continuously collided. Waves of powerful spiritual energy rippled out, the earth cracked, the air hummed, and fierce winds rose from the ground, whipping up clouds of dust that blotted out the sky.
Yet, amidst all these extraordinary phenomena, the net woven by the starlight above rendered them insignificant.
Suddenly.
Xiao Minghuang’s body erupted with boundless golden light.
The net of starlight abruptly descended, as if countless invisible giant hands had seized the sword and spear.
“Break!”
Xiao Minghuang’s soft cry echoed as the starlight net tightened. The sword and spear trembled violently, emitting a hum, as if overwhelmed by an irresistible force.
Hum!
The sword and spear struggled fiercely, attempting to break free from the starlight net. However, the net’s strength far exceeded their expectations, rendering escape impossible. All they could do was emit mournful cries.
“It’s time to end this!”
Xiao Minghuang’s eyes sparkled with starlight, and an overwhelming aura burst forth.
Boom!
The earth shook.
The starlight net abruptly constricted.
In an instant.
The sword’s energy dissipated, the spear’s shadow vanished, and the light scattered, flung away. Xiao Minghuang’s starlight net continued its descent.
As they gazed at the falling starlight, the Fifth Prince and the Sixth Prince could not hide the despair in their eyes. They had never imagined that even their combined efforts would still fall short against Xiao Minghuang.
Moreover, their defeat was so decisive.
Xiao Minghuang had no intention of prolonging the battle. She had directly countered their strongest attacks with her own overwhelming force, crushing them with sheer power.
Such strength was bound to instill despair.
The onlookers stood in stunned silence, but none expressed surprise.
Tonight, they had witnessed too much, nearly numbed by it all.
Everyone knew that Princess Ziwei had proven herself to be the strongest among the princes.
She was the undisputed reigning champion!
All present understood that if Princess Ziwei could continue to grow, she would undoubtedly lead the Great Xia to even greater heights!
Not limited to the Thirty-Six Kingdoms, but even challenging the Three Great Sects.
Perhaps even surpassing the Three Great Sects was not beyond the realm of possibility!
The most astonished by this scene was undoubtedly the Second Prince.
He had originally thought that Princess Ziwei’s strength was on par with his own, and even if she was slightly stronger, with his substantial resources, he still had a chance of winning during the grand competition.
However, the strength Princess Ziwei displayed now had exceeded his expectations.
If his strength did not make a qualitative leap before the grand competition, it would be difficult to hope for victory.
“It seems that even with my uncle’s full support, it would be hard to win the grand competition…”
The Second Prince knew well that the enhancement from the daughter’s brew was limited, at most increasing a small realm.
But the gap between his strength and Princess Ziwei’s was likely not something that could be bridged by just a small realm.
As he pondered, a hint of ruthlessness flashed in the Second Prince’s eyes.
“It seems I need to make contact with those people over there when I have the time…”
…
At some point, the net of starlight had reached above the heads of the Fifth Prince and the Sixth Prince.
Just as the net of starlight was about to descend, it suddenly dissipated when it was mere inches away from them.
Feeling the sudden disappearance of the pressure from above, both the Fifth Prince and the Sixth Prince looked up in astonishment.
They saw a figure in bright yellow gracefully descending onto the arena.
Under the starlight, Xiao Minghuang’s skin was crystal clear, as if emitting a faint glow, her flawless face adorned with a gentle smile.
Her every movement seemed to stir the starlight.
Seeing such a beautiful and noble maiden, the Fifth Prince and the Sixth Prince immediately felt a sense of inferiority. They had just dared to attack such a celestial-like woman, truly unaware of their own limitations.
At the same time, they realized that Xiao Minghuang had indeed spared them by withdrawing the net of starlight.
Otherwise, with the starlight collapsing, they would have surely died on the spot!
Thinking of this, they immediately bowed and respectfully said:
“Thank you, Your Highness, for your mercy!”
“You are too kind. Your strengths are evident to all. This battle, I merely took advantage of the situation. If not for the brilliant starlight tonight enhancing my strength, it would have been difficult to withstand your combined forces.”
As she spoke, Xiao Minghuang did not lower her voice, and most of the audience heard her clearly.
“So the princess’s technique requires a clear night to reach its full potential!”
“This is significant, concerning the future of our Great Xia. Please, everyone present, do not leak this information!”
“Rest assured, the princess is the future of Great Xia. We will not reveal a single word about tonight’s events!”
Although they said this, today’s competition would likely spread soon, and in a few days, the entire southern region would know.
On the arena.
The Fifth Prince and the Sixth Prince both had complex expressions. It wasn’t that they felt Princess Ziwei had won by taking advantage.
But such an important matter was just revealed in public?
What if someone used this against her in the future, taking action in secret?
For example, if that shameless old man secretly acted, abducting her to a sunless cave, wouldn’t she be unable to use her full strength?
For a moment.
They actually began to worry for Xiao Minghuang.
The Fifth Prince immediately said:
“Princess, this is not the place to talk. Please, let us move elsewhere!”
Upon hearing this, the Fifth Prince also chimed in:
“Indeed, Princess, please move to another location. This place is crowded and we must be cautious!”
Hearing this, Xiao Minghuang slightly furrowed her brows. She felt that these two were acting rather strange.
Just moments ago, they had been arrogant—one competing with her for the spirit wine, and the other confidently challenging her.
But after a single bout, they suddenly became so docile.
And now they were acting as if they cared about her.
However, Xiao Minghuang didn’t dwell on it. With a wave of her hand, she stored the spirit wine in her sleeve.
“Very well, let’s speak in the main hall of the Prince’s residence.”
At the same time.
A servant stepped forward and bowed respectfully:
“His Highness the Prince has ordered that the Princess be invited to the main hall for an important discussion!”
Xiao Minghuang was just about to head to the hall.
“Perfect, let’s go then!”
The Fifth Prince and the Sixth Prince also stepped forward, intending to follow, but they were stopped by the servant.
The servant said respectfully:
“His Highness has only invited the Princess. The two Princes are requested to rest in the guest quarters.”
“Huh?”
Both the Fifth Prince and the Sixth Prince were taken aback, confused by the situation.
The servant paid them no mind and gestured respectfully to Xiao Minghuang:
“Princess, this way!”
Xiao Minghuang was also puzzled, unsure of what Prince Wu’an was up to. She glanced at the Fifth Prince and the Sixth Prince and said softly:
“Please wait here for now. We can talk when I return.”
At the same time, she gave a subtle look to Wang Jin, who was standing nearby, and transmitted a message:
“Eunuch Wang, keep an eye on the Sixth Prince for me. He still owes me the bet he lost!”
Upon hearing this, Wang Jin immediately replied:
“Your Highness, rest assured. With this old servant here, even if he grows wings, he won’t escape!”
Reassured by the response, Xiao Minghuang followed the servant toward the main hall of the Prince’s residence.
She glanced back and saw that the Fifth Prince and the Sixth Prince were not following.
She turned to the servant and asked:
“What does the Prince wish to discuss with me?”
The servant did not stop walking and replied respectfully:
“Your Highness, this servant does not know.”
Hearing this, Xiao Minghuang’s thoughts stirred. She knew that Prince Wu’an was aligned with the Second Prince, but even so, he wouldn’t dare harm her in public.
If anything were to happen to her in Prince Wu’an’s residence tonight, the Old Ancestor and the Emperor would surely intervene the next day, wiping out Prince Wu’an’s entire clan!
Thus, Xiao Minghuang walked with a calm and unhurried pace, showing no signs of tension.
In the main hall.
Prince Wu’an sat on the steps, dressed in casual attire, his demeanor calm and unassuming, more like a spirited elderly man than a dignified prince.
Seeing Xiao Minghuang enter the hall, Prince Wu’an stood up and clasped his hands in greeting:
“Princess, your talent is unparalleled. Defeating the Fifth Prince and the Sixth Prince in a single battle—such strength is unmatched in the entire southern region. You are sure to achieve victory in the upcoming imperial competition!”
Hearing this, Xiao Minghuang remained expressionless, though she was inwardly puzzled. Wasn’t Prince Wu’an a supporter of the Second Prince? Why was he suddenly showering her with praise?
Xiao Minghuang clasped her hands in return and smiled lightly:
“Your Highness is too kind. Both of my royal brothers are rare talents. My victory was merely a stroke of luck.”
After exchanging a few polite words, they took their seats and the conversation turned to the main topic.
“Earlier, I promised that the winner of tonight’s competition would receive not only the spirit wine but also a special surprise. Does the Princess remember?”
Xiao Minghuang nodded.
“What exactly is this surprise?”
As her words fell…
Prince Wu’an clapped his hands lightly and spoke in a clear voice:
“Xiu’er, come out and greet Her Highness the Princess!”
As soon as his words fell, the sound of crisp footsteps could be heard, and a young girl of about fifteen or sixteen years old emerged. She was dressed in a light green dress, her face as delicate as a porcelain doll, and her eyes sparkled with a lively light.
A sweet smile hung on her lips, making her appear very well-behaved.
The girl walked slowly to Xiao Minghuang, curtsied slightly, and said respectfully:
“This humble girl, Xu Xiu’er, greets Your Highness the Princess!”
Xiao Minghuang nodded slightly. She recognized the girl; they had met briefly on the training ground earlier and had exchanged a few words.
“So, you are the granddaughter of His Highness the Prince? Truly beautiful!”
A faint blush appeared on Xu Xiu’er’s cheeks, and she lowered her head slightly, saying:
“Thank you for your praise, Your Highness. Xiu’er is unworthy of such compliments. My humble appearance is like the light of a firefly compared to the brilliance of the moon and stars, truly unremarkable!”
Xiao Minghuang smiled gently and said warmly:
“Miss Xiu’er, you are too modest.”
At this moment, Prince Wu’an waved his hand and said:
“Xiu’er, serve tea to the Princess.”
“Yes.”
A maid approached with a tray, and Xu Xiu’er took the teacup, presenting it to Xiao Minghuang.
Looking at Xu Xiu’er’s slightly flushed face and shy expression, Xiao Minghuang’s delicate brows furrowed slightly, and a strange sense of complexity arose in her heart.
She had a feeling that Prince Wu’an would soon make a request that would put her in a difficult position.
Xiao Minghuang took the tea, sipped it lightly, and placed it aside. Then she turned to Prince Wu’an and said:
“Now that I’ve met Miss Xiu’er, Your Highness, if you have something to say, please speak directly. It’s getting late, and Wanqiu is waiting for me at home.”
Hearing Xiao Minghuang mention Miss Lin, a ripple of emotion flashed in Prince Wu’an’s eyes, but his expression remained unchanged as he spoke:
“I have heard that the wise rulers of ancient times needed the assistance of many virtuous ministers and could not favor just one person. Since Your Highness is about to ascend the throne and govern the millions of people of Great Xia, your vision must be broad. If you are unwilling to accept new talents, I fear it may disappoint the people.”
Upon hearing this, Xiao Minghuang already sensed the underlying meaning in his words. She smiled faintly and said:
“My character has always been consistent. If Your Highness has something to say, please speak plainly. There’s no need to beat around the bush.”
A look of surprise appeared on Prince Wu’an’s face. He hadn’t expected the Princess to be so direct, leaving him no room for subtlety. He then laughed heartily and said:
“As expected of the Princess, truly straightforward. Then I shall speak frankly.”
“Your Highness knows that the Second Prince is my grandson by blood, so in the eyes of others, I have always supported the Second Prince. Even Your Highness has regarded me as a rival in the struggle for the throne.”
Xiao Minghuang remained silent, but her expression clearly conveyed:
“Isn’t that so?”
Prince Wu’an gave a bitter smile:
“But the current situation is quite clear. The Second Prince’s strength is no match for Your Highness. Therefore, I have no choice but to shift with the wind and choose to support Your Highness.”
Xiao Minghuang’s delicate brows furrowed slightly. She hadn’t expected Prince Wu’an to say such a thing, but she remained silent, quietly waiting for him to continue.
Prince Wu’an then went on to say:
“Although I may be foolish, I have spent many years deeply entrenched in the court and various regions. Nearly sixty percent of the court officials are my disciples, and close to eighty percent of the local officials are also my disciples. If the Princess is willing to accept my allegiance, then these people will unconditionally stand by her side!”
“Once the Princess ascends to power, no matter what she wishes to do, I will fully support her without the slightest hesitation!”
Upon hearing this, Xiao Minghuang fell silent, lost in deep thought for a moment.
Prince Wu’an was right. Having cultivated his influence in the court for many years, his roots ran deep. Even if she could defeat the Second Prince and seize the throne, she would still be powerless against the stagnant state of the court.
Her strength was formidable, but she couldn’t possibly kill all the officials under her command. If she did, there would be no one left to carry out her orders.
If Prince Wu’an truly pledged his allegiance to her, her real power would instantly multiply several times over!
“Then, why should I trust you?”
“That is also my concern!”
The Prince of Wu’an spoke gravely:
“I have had little interaction with the Princess and do not know her well. Therefore, it is inevitable that our cooperation will lack trust. If things go awry, it would be disastrous for both of us!”
Xiao Minghuang nodded slightly in agreement.
At this moment, as if suddenly remembering something, she turned her gaze to Prince Wu’an and asked:
“Your Highness specifically requested to meet Miss Xiu’er. May I ask what this is about?”
Hearing this, Prince Wu’an smiled and said:
“The Princess must have already guessed.”
In response, Xiao Minghuang neither confirmed nor denied it. She had indeed sensed Prince Wu’an’s intentions, but she wasn’t entirely clear on the specifics, so she chose not to bring it up directly.
“Oh?”
Prince Wu’an continued:
“For our two sides to cooperate, we need an intermediary—someone to act as a bridge between us, conveying messages and facilitating communication. This person must be fully trusted by both parties; otherwise, the cooperation will be difficult to establish.”
Xiao Minghuang said indifferently:
“So, Your Highness wants Miss Xiu’er to serve as this intermediary?”
Prince Wu’an smiled:
“Exactly!”
Translator: Glariosa
Editor: Ruu
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