As soon as her words fell, a large number of insects suddenly emerged from somewhere on the ground.
Although they didn't know the species of these insects, Cui Qizhou and Shi Muyuan didn't even need to think to know what kind of insects they were.
The expressions of the two of them changed simultaneously. It was already too late to stop what was happening.
While Shi Muyuan was in a daze, Xiao Yue had already commanded some of the insects on the ground to move forward.
"Empress Dowager, come on. As long as you're with me, I won't feel so lonely."
Xiao Xiao was the first to react. She quickly protected the people beside her behind her and said, "Concubine Xiao, you'd better think clearly about the consequences of going against the Empress Dowager."
The poisonous insects hadn't even gotten close yet. She said this to threaten this audacious woman.
But Xiao Yue was already at the end of her tether. All she wanted now was to drag her enemies down with her.
All kinds of poisonous insects scurried forward quickly. Among those closest to Shi Muyuan, only Xiao Xiao knew martial arts. But with so many poisonous insects around, even if she had eight hands, she wouldn't be able to resist them.
Gradually, she was finding it more and more difficult to deal with the insects. However, she still gritted her teeth. As the insects got closer and closer, she immediately drove them away.
In just a moment, the area around Shi Muyuan and Xiao Xiao was already crawling with poisonous insects. Moreover, their attacks were becoming more and more frequent. Even the most capable person wouldn't be able to hold out.
"Heh, little girl. Do you think your little bit of martial arts can deal with my numerous poisonous insects? You're just daydreaming. I only want Shi Muyuan. If you're smart, get out of the way quickly. I won't make things too difficult for you."
The others were already terrified. They never thought that Xiao Yue would have such a trick up her sleeve.
Concubine Shen almost fainted on the spot. If it weren't for the quick - witted maid beside her who quickly led her away.
When she finally came to her senses, she forced herself to speak: "Concubine Xiao, the things that happened to your family before have nothing to do with the Empress Dowager. What you're doing now will only speed up your own death. Let the Empress Dowager go quickly."
Xiao Yue seemed to have heard a joke. There was nothing but mockery in her eyes and eyebrows. "Concubine Shen, you don't need to pretend to be innocent. We're all in the harem. Do you really think your hands are clean? If I kill our respected Empress Dowager now, won't you have a chance to rise to power? Don't you want this chance?"
As soon as these words were spoken, Concubine Shen fell silent immediately. The struggle in her eyes was obvious to everyone present.
Seeing this, Xiao Yue just thought it was extremely ridiculous.
"Hey, our little Empress Dowager. Will her heart be chilled by the fickleness of human relationships today?"
Suddenly, she found it interesting and didn't want to end things so easily.
The guards had already rushed over upon hearing the news. But when they saw this scene, they didn't dare to move. They were afraid that she might do something irrational. For now, they could only wait for an opportunity on the side.
Cui Qizhou originally wanted to step forward to save that woman, but was stopped by her secret hand gesture. He felt strange in his heart. Did this woman already have a way to deal with the situation?
He could only stay where he was, observing everything. He thought that if this woman couldn't get out of danger on her own, then he would be ready to take action at any time.
After all, according to the current situation in the court, this woman couldn't have anything happen to her. Otherwise, it would be difficult to explain to the Shi family.
Shi Muyuan looked at Xiao Xiao, who had been protecting her all the time. Her eyes were filled with gratitude. How long had it been? There had hardly been a few people who would risk their lives to protect her.
However, she didn't want to see others die for her.
She took a deep breath and said to Xiao Yue, "What Concubine Xiao wants is me, right? I know you won't kill me now. You've schemed so hard and finally achieved this. Are you willing to die? Without me, you definitely won't be able to escape. Am I right?"
Xiao Yue was stunned for a moment. She didn't expect that this woman could see through her thoughts so clearly.
Since that was the case, there was no point in pretending anymore. She might as well lay her cards on the table.
"Yes, I really won't let you die now. As long as you obediently come with me, I can guarantee that you'll come back safely. How about it?"
She was negotiating terms with Shi Muyuan.
In that instant, everyone around became excited. Concubine Shen shouted loudly, "Sister, I don't want you to die. You must live well. Don't fall into this woman's hands. She won't let you go."
Such a simple truth was naturally understood by everyone.
Ze Ze was like an ant on a hot pan, pacing around anxiously. "Yes, Your Majesty. Aunt Xiao will definitely be able to protect you. You mustn't put yourself in danger. We won't let Concubine Xiao off either. As long as we catch her, you'll surely be safe."
As soon as these words were spoken, everyone came to their senses.
Right! Why didn't they think of it? Those poisonous insects were just being driven by Xiao Yue. As long as they caught Xiao Yue, the problem of the poisonous insects would be solved.
Concubine Shen might be trying to atone for her mistakes and regain Shi Muyuan's trust.
"What are you guards standing there for? The Empress Dowager is now in the hands of this vicious woman. Do you want to watch something happen to the Empress Dowager? Hurry up and capture her for me."
Upon receiving the order, the guards rushed forward. But in the blink of an eye, the situation reversed, all because of a single sentence from Xiao Yue.
"You can just rush up and give it a try. Let's see if my insects are faster or your movements are faster. Oh, I forgot to tell you. These insects can devour a person and leave only a skeleton in a moment. If you really don't care about the life and death of your Empress Dowager, then go ahead and try."
At this, the guards could only take a step back.
Cui Qizhou's eyes were deep, like a pool of water that was impossible to fathom. No one knew what he was thinking at this moment.
"Concubine Xiao must have other conditions besides wanting to escape. You can say them out. As long as I can do it, on the premise that you must let the Empress Dowager go."
Xiao Yue slightly raised her willow - like eyebrows, as if she had just noticed this National Teacher.
"The National Teacher has great power and influence throughout the court. If you're really willing to make a deal with me, then I might consider it."
"Concubine Xiao, your chances are running out. For now, you can still use the Empress Dowager to threaten me. But if I suddenly change my mind later, maybe it will be too late for you to negotiate terms with me."
A flicker of struggle passed through Xiao Yue's eyes. It seemed that she was making a final consideration.
Soon, she made a decision.
"Okay, first prepare a carriage pulled by three horses for me. Prepare food and silver on the carriage. After I take the Empress Dowager five li away, I'll return the Empress Dowager to you safely."