"Listen to yourself," Sage Ruler Qing Qiu said, lacking the basic decency of a bystander enjoying a good drama.

Xiang Ning, oblivious to the awkwardness of the situation, continued to press her point.

“Imperial Noble Consort Lu! Explain yourself! Why are you at Fan Li's residence?”

"Explain?"

Lu Fubao, still hiding behind Fan Li, realized that Xiang Ning couldn’t harm her through a video call. Besides, as she studied Xiang Ning, who was in the Pure Land, she noticed something peculiar.

Was Xiang Ning wearing women’s clothing?

Remembering her own sham marriage, Lu Fubao's indignation flared. The daughter of the esteemed Lu Clan wasn't one to be trifled with.

“Your Majesty, I apologize.”

Xiang Ning, her face still stern, was about to deliver a reprimand when Lu Fubao continued,

“What a special occasion! You look so radiant today, Your Majesty! Your makeup is exquisite. I always thought the line 'A glance back, a smile, and a hundred beauties fade; the ladies of the palace lose their color' referred to the imperial consorts, but it seems it was describing Your Majesty.”

Lu Fubao, well-versed in literature, skillfully delivered a backhanded compliment, causing Xiang Ning to blush.

Xiang Ning suddenly realized she was indeed wearing women’s clothing. Had her secret been exposed?

“I… Actually… My dear consort, please let me explain…”

Xiang Ning stammered, unable to form a coherent sentence. She frantically gestured at Fan Li.

Help me! The Great Chu’s secret is about to be revealed!

Fan Li sighed, rubbing his temples. “We’re all friends here. Can we please stop this? I have a headache.”

He had no intention of covering for her.

With a single sentence, he exposed their relationship.

Lu Fubao, already aware of Xiang Ning's secret, had no interest in revealing it. However, being referred to as a "friend" filled her with joy. She remained behind Fan Li, her delicate hands tracing patterns on his back.

"Friends?" Xiang Ning was taken aback. Then, remembering that the Lu Clan was essentially a foreign ally Fan Li had secured for her, she grudgingly accepted his explanation. However, seeing their closeness, she couldn't shake off a feeling of unease.

It felt like betrayal.

But was it Fan Li who had betrayed her, or was it Lu Fubao? She couldn't tell.

“Qing Qiu, I have a question for you.” Fan Li’s tone became serious.

Stolen from its rightful author, this tale is not meant to be on Amazon; report any sightings.

The women, startled, abandoned their petty squabbles.

“Speak,” Qing Qiu replied calmly. “As long as it doesn’t violate the laws of the Pure Land, I will answer honestly.”

Fan Li knew her personality and principles. He trusted her to answer truthfully.

“I want to bring His Majesty back. What price must I pay for the Pure Land to release her?”

His words sent Xiang Ning’s heart racing. She feigned composure, her eyes fixed on Fan Li, tears threatening to spill.

He hadn't forgotten his promise. He still intended to bring her back to the Great Chu!

“Why do you ask?” Qing Qiu countered, frowning.

Fan Li sneered. "Because this is our opportunity.”

The women exchanged puzzled glances. Sage Ruler Yao Guang had founded her empire, the Pure Land becoming the world's first matriarchal dynasty. Both Yao Guang and the Pure Land enjoyed unprecedented prestige and influence.

Why would Fan Li believe this was the right time to retrieve Xiang Ning?

“The Pure Land lacks both people and resources. The Fan Clan Trading Company is the wealthiest in the world. We are willing to pay any price to ransom His Majesty.”

Fan Li was confident in his judgment. For years, the Brahma Sound Pure Land had cultivated an image of poverty and seclusion, a haven for women, lacking material wealth but rich in spiritual purity.

Now, with the founding of the empire, it was as if a saintly maiden had descended into the mortal world, her purity tarnished by worldly desires.

Sage Ruler Yao Guang, preaching in the Four Kingdoms, was no different from a dancer gyrating for money.

Fan Li’s question left Qing Qiu speechless.

He waited patiently.

Finally, Qing Qiu spoke. “You are right, Fan Li. But unfortunately, the opportunity has passed.”

Xiang Ning slumped to the ground, her spirit crushed.

“Master… Why…” she whispered.

“Can you explain?” Fan Li asked.

Qing Qiu nodded.

“Establishing a dynasty is an expensive undertaking. Resources, even mundane money, have always been a concern for the Pure Land. With your wealth, you could have funded the Pure Land's founding. In exchange, they might have released Xiang Ning.”

“However… Recently, the Pure Land discovered the imperial tomb of an ancient dynasty. The treasures and resources buried within, combined with the Pure Land's accumulated wealth, are sufficient to fund the empire's establishment.”

Fan Li frowned.

An ancient imperial tomb?

He hadn’t received any intel regarding such a discovery. He suspected even Cao Cao, Liu Bei, Sun Quan, and Emperor Jiajing were unaware of this secret.

Impressive.

Truly worthy of Sage Ruler Yao Guang!

Perhaps she did possess the qualities of an emperor.

“Whose tomb was it? How did you find it?” Fan Li asked.

As the words left his mouth, he realized he had overstepped.

As expected, Qing Qiu shook her head. “I cannot divulge that information. It would violate the laws of the Pure Land.”

“…Qing Qiu, thank you,” Fan Li said. He turned to Xiang Ning. “My apologies, Your Majesty. Please remain patient. It seems the day of your return will be postponed.”

His words, though intended to be comforting, carried an air of confidence.

Where did his confidence come from?

The women wondered, but held their tongues.

Only Emperor Jiajing of the Great Ming, they suspected, possessed the power to snatch someone from the Brahma Sound Pure Land.

“It’s alright,” Xiang Ning said, forcing a smile. “I’ll cultivate diligently and await your rescue.”

She changed the subject, eager to move on from this disheartening topic.

“Fan Li, guess what I’ve been learning from Master every day?”

“Hmm?” Fan Li was intrigued.

The Brahma Sound Pure Land possessed a wealth of knowledge, and Qing Qiu, the Sage Ruler of Law, was rumored to be the most knowledgeable among the Ten Great Sage Rulers. It was no wonder Princess Chang Le had chosen her as a master.

How could he possibly guess?

“Alright,” Qing Qiu said, patting Xiang Ning’s shoulder. “That’s enough. You’re breaking the rules.”

Xiang Ning stuck out her tongue playfully, her obedience towards Qing Qiu evident.

Fan Li said, “I wouldn’t have been able to guess anyway. Let’s talk about something else.”

But what should they talk about?

Usually, during their video calls, they could chat for hours without interruption. Now, with both Xiang Ning and Lu Fubao present, Fan Li felt uncomfortable, burdened by an unexpected sense of… guilt?

“Fan Li,” Sage Ruler Qing Qiu said suddenly.

“The Xuanyuan Tomb, a hidden realm, is about to open. I’m planning to go. Would you like to accompany me?”