Jiang Yao opened the box, revealing my father's severed head inside.
"Father!" I gasped, rushing forward.
I stared in disbelief at the head before me; this was truly my father. I never imagined that he had died at Jiang Yao's hands.
I lifted my gaze, glaring at Jiang Yao with fury. "Jiang Yao, you are worse than a beast! My father treated you so well, and you actually killed him!"
Jiang Yao sneered, "Treated me well? Ha! Now that I am the Empress, what is a Prime Minister to me?"
She looked at me, a cruel smile curling at her lips. "If you don't obey, the next one to die will be your father's grandson."
I trembled all over, unable to believe what Jiang Yao had just said. I never thought she would spare not even a child. Despair filled my heart.
I fell to my knees with a thud. "Jiang Yao, I will listen to you; I will do whatever you say. Please, spare the Prime Minister's Residence and that child."
After returning to my palace, I remained in a daze. I never expected the Prime Minister's Residence to fall to such depths. I wanted revenge, but I had no strength to achieve it. With my father gone, who could I rely on?
Every day I pondered how to take revenge, yet I found myself utterly powerless. Soon enough, the day of the Crown Prince's first birthday arrived.
That night, I stealthily slipped out of the palace and made my way to the residence of the National Master.
I held a knife to his throat and forced him to swallow medicine, threatening him, "National Master, I know you have a way. Find an excuse to kill that wretched woman living in the Western Palace."
The National Master trembled all over. "Your Highness, please spare me! Your Highness, please spare me!"
"Stop the nonsense! If you want the antidote, think of a way quickly!" I said fiercely.
"Your Highness, the one in the Western Palace is protected by hidden guards. Unless someone is exceptionally skilled, no one can kill her!" The National Master explained in fear.
"Hidden guards?" I frowned. "She actually has hidden guards by her side!"
"I would never dare to deceive Your Highness," the National Master said anxiously.
I glared coldly at him, knowing he wouldn't lie. But how could I kill her now?
Suddenly, I thought of the Prince's First Birthday Banquet. Using the Prince's death to create an opportunity.
I looked at the National Master coldly. "You'd better forget about tonight's events. Otherwise, don't expect to get the antidote."
"Yes, yes, I know nothing," he nodded hurriedly.
I sheathed my dagger and turned to leave.
I would ensure that the Prince wouldn't live past his first year.
So I had to hurry.
I needed to avenge my family, avenge my father!
The Prince was the Emperor's only heir and was prophesied to be a blessing, so the Emperor held a grand banquet for his full moon celebration and specially invited the Southern Kingdom Ruler.
The Emperor ordered someone to bring the Prince over, proudly showing him off.
Jiang Yao sat beside the Emperor, holding the Prince in her arms, looking every bit like a mother who had elevated her status through her child.
"My beloved consort, you truly bring fortune to your husband and child. Having you is indeed a blessing for me," the Emperor said with a beaming smile. "I believe our son will lead our Northern Kingdom to even greater heights!"
Jiang Yao feigned modesty and replied, "Your Majesty overpraises me; I am merely doing what is expected of me."
"Haha! Good! Today I am happy; let the whole nation celebrate!"
Jiang Yao continued her act, saying, "On behalf of the Prince, I thank Your Majesty."
The Emperor was delighted and laughed heartily.
Suddenly, Jiang Yao let out a startled scream.
The Prince's face had turned pale, and his hair began to slowly turn white.
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