The return of her highness

“Make sure you bring that wretched girl to me!” Empress Dowager Chu, the second wife of the late Emperor of Heavenly City Capital Xiao Yiren —spoke through clenched teeth, her eyes burning with hatred. She pointed at Xiao Yao, the second Princess, who had just escaped from her grasp and was running as fast as her legs could carry her. A group of guards behind Daoger Chu immediately rushed after the fleeing princess. “Why did you stop running?” one of the guards sneered as he slowly approached Xiao Yao. “Tired already?” Xiao Yao looked around desperately. There was nowhere left to run. The guards had surrounded her from every direction, and behind her was the edge of a steep cliff. “Stop running around like a trapped animal and come back with us,” another guard said. “Tomorrow is your wedding to Prince Wu.” “I said I don't want to marry Prince. Wu!” Xiao Yao snapped. “I will only marry someone I choose. Besides, the First Princess was the one engaged to him. Why should I take her place?” “The First Princess is ill,” a guard replied coldly. “Her Highness has chosen you instead. Since she cannot marry General Wu tomorrow, one of the princesses must.” “Enough talking,” another guard said impatiently. “Come with us!” He grabbed Xiao Yao's wrist. “Let go of me!” Xiao Yao shouted, struggling against his grip. “I said let go!” In desperation, she bit the guard's hand. “You little brat!” the guard roared in pain. Without thinking, he shoved her away. Xiao Yao screamed. “Ahhh—!” “Hey! What have you done?” another guard shouted. The guard who had been bitten stared at his hand before looking up in confusion. “What?” “She fell off the cliff!” The guard's face instantly turned pale. “What?! She fell off the cliff?” Silence fell over the group. “What do we tell Her Highness?” one guard asked nervously. The bitten guard swallowed hard. “We'll tell her she committed suicide.” The others exchanged uneasy glances before nodding in agreement. “Where is she?” Dowager Chu demanded when the guards returned. The guards immediately knelt before her. “Your Highness, we failed to bring her back. We deserve punishment.” Empress Dowager Chu narrowed her eyes. “What are you trying to say?” “We attempted to capture her, but she jumped from a cliff and took her own life.” “What?!” Shock flashed across Daoger Chu's face, but it was quickly replaced by a trace of satisfaction. “Keep this matter a secret,” she ordered. “We return to the palace. immediately. Remember—nothing happened here.” “Yes, Your Highness.” The guards bowed their heads and followed Dowager Chu back to the palace, leaving behind only the whispering wind around the cliff where Xiao Yao had disappeared. A group of ministers and chancellor were standing at the left side while another group were standing at the right side well organized. The Imperial Court was shrouded in solemn silence. Rows of ministers stood in orderly formation on either side of the grand hall. On the left stood the civil officials led by Grand Chancellor Zhao; on the right stood the military officials, their expressions stern and unreadable. The court had gathered to discuss the growing influence of a mysterious cult within the kingdom. Seated upon the Dragon Throne was Empress Dowager Tang, the first consort of the late King and the acting ruler of the realm. Suddenly, hurried footsteps echoed from outside the palace. "Urgent report!" A palace guard rushed into the hall and fell to one knee. "Your Majesty, Princess Yao is missing!" A stunned silence descended upon the court. The ministers exchanged alarmed glances and began whispering among themselves. "What did you say?" Empress Dowager Tang rose abruptly from the throne, disbelief written across her face. The guard lowered his head. "Princess Yao disappeared from her residence this morning. Despite our search, we have been unable to locate her." Minister Zhao narrowed his eyes. Princess Qing had fallen gravely ill only days ago. Now Princess Yao had vanished on the eve of her wedding. This cannot be a coincidence, he thought. Stepping forward, he cupped his hands respectfully. "Your Majesty, it appears someone is attempting to disrupt tomorrow's royal wedding." A shadow passed across Empress Dowager Tang's face. "Mobilize additional soldiers. Search every corner of the capital. Bring Princess Yao back at once." "Yes, Your Majesty." The guard bowed and turned to leave. "Is that truly necessary?" A cold voice echoed through the hall. The ministers turned toward the entrance. Empress Dowager Chu entered with measured steps, accompanied by her personal guards and attendants. Her gaze swept across the court before settling upon Empress Dowager Tang. "Tang Fang, why trouble yourself over a dead girl?" she said calmly. The hall fell silent. Empress Dowager Tang stared at her. "What are you talking about?" A faint smile appeared on Empress Dowager Chu's lips. "Princess Yao is dead." Shock rippled through the court.