"Empress Dowager, I am at fault, and I do not deserve your respectful title of National Teacher," Lián Mùxiū said humbly.

The Empress Dowager furrowed her brows. "Why do you say that, National Teacher?"

Lián Mùxiū responded indifferently, "The little creature who scratched the Empress Dowager..."

The Empress Dowager waved her hand dismissively. "National Teacher, you are always so kind. I understand your intention. Do not plead for that damn creature. I will handle its fate myself."

Coldness flashed in Lián Mùxiū’s eyes. "Empress Dowager, what I meant to say is that the little creature who scratched you is one that I raised."

The Empress Dowager was stunned. Since when had the National Teacher started raising foxes? This wasn’t good. Everyone in the North Yan Kingdom knew that while the National Teacher appeared kind-hearted with a smile always on his face, in truth, he was a very aloof and noble person who rarely showed his true feelings. People like him typically protected their own, especially when it came to things they cared about.

"Well... Since it’s raised by the National Teacher, I will not pursue the matter further," the Empress Dowager said, her eyes narrowing as she felt the ominous aura in Lián Mùxiū’s smile. It was best to act cautiously.

Lián Mùxiū opened his arms. "Little Nine, come here."

Little Nine, eager to please, immediately ran over.

Lián Mùxiū picked her up and, taking out a handkerchief, began wiping her face and paws. Little Nine thought to herself, How does Mùxiū always have so many handkerchiefs on him?

"Your Majesty, I believe the Empress Dowager is no longer suited for the title 'Empress.' Her behavior and actions do not befit the dignity of a noble concubine. If this continues, it may damage our country's reputation, especially with the upcoming diplomatic mission by Prince Nányú to North Yan," Lián Mùxiū said.

Look at that! The National Teacher, just talking about a concubine throwing a tantrum, escalated the matter to removing her title and even made it a diplomatic issue, forcing Lián Jǐngyì to take action against the Empress Dowager.

Lián Jǐngyì thought for a moment. "Since the Empress Dowager’s actions are unbecoming, I decree that she be stripped of her title and demoted to the rank of Zhaoyi. She shall remain there until she learns the proper etiquette. When she has improved, we shall discuss it again."

Stolen from Royal Road, this story should be reported if encountered on Amazon.

"Zhaoyi, accept the imperial decree," the Emperor commanded.

The demotion of the Empress Dowager to Zhaoyi was puzzling. She had merely offended the Emperor by being confined for a month, but now, because of a little fox’s scratch, not only was she denied sympathy, but she had been demoted as well. How could this happen when it was her who was injured?

"Zhaoyi, are you defying the Emperor’s decree?" Lián Mùxiū’s voice rang out, and the Empress Dowager quickly regained her composure.

"Your Majesty, I know my fault. I will reflect on it," she said, lowering her head.

"Very well, leave now," Lián Jǐngyì said. The Empress Dowager quickly acknowledged the command and departed, having truly lost both face and status.

Before leaving, the Empress Dowager cast one last hateful glare at Little Nine, her eyes filled with resentment. That damned little fox! One day, I’ll skin you alive!

Little Nine, confused by the Empress Dowager’s gaze, thought to herself, Wasn’t it the Emperor who punished her? Why is she glaring at me?

The intensity of her glare made Little Nine shudder, as if she wanted to devour her whole.

Little Nine rested her head on Lián Mùxiū’s arm, feeling perplexed by the complexities of human emotions.

Lián Mùxiū, seeing her confused expression, couldn’t help but laugh.

What was supposed to be a fun autumn hunt had turned into a situation where the Empress Dowager was demoted to Zhaoyi because of a scratch from a fox. Lián Jǐngyì, who had been enthusiastic about the hunt, now found his excitement dampened.

That evening, after everyone returned from the hunt, Lián Jǐngyì ordered a eunuch to deliver a decree announcing that they would leave for the palace the next day.

As the decree spread, people began whispering among themselves. Why are they heading back to the palace so soon?

This was supposed to be a hunting event held once every three years.

"What's going on with the Emperor? Wasn’t he fine just this afternoon? Why the sudden return order?"

"Doesn't Lord Yuan know?"

"Shouldn't I know anything about it?"

"Did you not hear about the Empress Dowager being demoted to Zhaoyi?"

"What? Demoted?"

"Yes, I heard it’s because of a fox from the National Teacher."

Another official, having overheard the conversation, joined in. So, who says men don’t gossip? Men can gossip just as much as women.

"A fox?"

"Yes. Apparently, the National Teacher’s fox scratched the Empress Dowager. When the Empress Dowager ordered it to be skinned alive, the National Teacher overheard and reported her behavior to the Emperor. That’s why she was demoted to Zhaoyi and lost several ranks."

"Wow, the National Teacher really dotes on that fox. We better watch out for it. Don’t get ourselves into trouble."

"Absolutely."

After the discussion, the officials dispersed.

Later, from the shadows, a tall figure emerged—it was the Seventh Princess, Lián Jǐngyà.

Having just returned and learned of the decree to return to the palace, Lián Jǐngyà had been on her way to ask Lián Jǐngyì about it but ran into the gossiping officials along the way.

Her face twisted with fury, starkly contrasting with the gentle demeanor she had shown in front of Lián Mùxiū earlier. Through gritted teeth, she muttered, "You little bastard. You’re already so important in his heart. I’ll skin you alive one day."