Was this condition a bit too easy? Could it be that a noble queen dowager like her was only worth a carriage, some silver, and a bit of food?
Shi Muyuan felt rather depressed. However, she always felt that this scene was somewhat familiar.
This way of negotiating conditions was so similar to that in modern times. Could it be that Concubine Xiao was actually a time - traveler from modern times?
While she was daydreaming, Cui Qizhou had already agreed to Xiao Yue's conditions.
Xiao Xiao still stood in front of the queen dowager with a face full of resistance. Disbelief flashed in her eyes.
"How could the national master put the queen dowager in danger? If today's matter gets out, how will you explain it to the emperor and the people of the world?"
Her words were incisive, but unfortunately, she had chosen the wrong person to talk to.
Cui Qizhou simply didn't care about others' opinions.
"Miss Xiao is just a senior maid beside the queen dowager. By status, what right do you have to question me like this? By martial arts, you seem to be no match for me either, right?"
As soon as he said this, Xiao Xiao blushed with anger. She had never met such a person before, but it didn't mean she would abandon her mistress.
"If the national master intends to ignore the queen dowager's safety, then you'd better leave early. Even if I'm eaten by these bugs until only a skeleton is left today, I won't let the queen dowager get hurt."
The little maid's unwavering loyalty touched Shi Muyuan's heart.
However, that man seemed to be on the same page as her. She couldn't involve the little maid. So, she whispered to Xiao Xiao, "Don't worry, I'll be fine. You step back first and wait beside me. Be good. I'll be back soon."
Xiao Xiao obviously didn't want to.
"Your Majesty, you shouldn't trust them. Concubine Xiao will definitely not let you go as easily as she said. The national master may be stupid, but you can't be."
"When did you start to question my decisions? Has my word lost its authority in front of you? If so, don't follow me anymore in the future."
Saying this, Shi Muyuan pulled a straight face as if she was really angry.
Seeing this, Xiao Xiao was really afraid that her mistress would abandon her. Her eyes were moist.
"Your Majesty, I've served you for many years. If you really don't want me anymore, I'd rather die."
It wasn't the first time Shi Muyuan had seen her loyalty.
However, she still insisted on her words.
"Step aside now. I'm willing to leave with Concubine Xiao temporarily. Don't worry, I'll surely come back safely."
Since she had said so, Xiao Xiao had no choice but to reluctantly step aside.
Just like that, Concubine Xiao easily captured her.
"The queen dowager is so sensible. I surely won't make things difficult for you. Let's go now."
Cui Qizhou took the initiative to follow. Looking at the others who intended to follow, he gave them a cold look.
"Except for Miss Xiao and the guards, the others should stay here and wait for news."
Hearing this, Shi Muyuan was rather surprised. This usually stingy man didn't seem to be bothered about Xiao Xiao.
Her absent - mindedness didn't escape Concubine Xiao's eyes. The latter sneered, "Your Majesty, you'd better take care of yourself first. Maybe later, when you're not paying attention, I'll quietly leave something on you. I haven't forgotten who ruined my painstaking efforts."
Hearing this, Shi Muyuan had no choice but to withdraw her gaze.
"I advise Concubine Xiao to be more careful. I can tell that you value your own life quite a lot." Otherwise, she wouldn't have made a deal with Cui Qizhou. She must have some other motives for doing all this.
Having her thoughts exposed, Concubine Xiao remained calm. The dagger in her hand kept sliding across Shi Muyuan's neck.
"The queen dowager is truly a perceptive person. It's a pity that even if the national master made a deal with me, I still won't let you go. This is my ultimate goal. My father and brother's efforts can't be in vain. As long as I kill you, the queen dowager, it will surely deal a blow to the Shi family, not to mention the imperial court."
"Is that all? Concubine Xiao made a deal with the national master because you want to use his hand to kill me. By then, even if you die, you can still subvert the country. You know very well that the Shi family won't let him off."
Hearing this, Concubine Xiao burst out laughing, "Hehe, hehe, hehe."
Although she didn't answer further, the answer was obvious.
Shi Muyuan had already figured out all of Concubine Xiao's motives. She wanted to turn around and tell the people behind her.
However, as soon as she opened her mouth, before she could make a sound, she was acupunctured to be mute.
There was nothing she could do but be held hostage all the way to the foot of the mountain.
Before they got close, they could already see the guards waiting not far away.
Concubine Xiao curled her lips. She forced Shi Muyuan into the carriage with the dagger, then looked at the people who had been following.
"The national master wants to save the queen dowager, right? In that case, come with us. Be my coachman for a while. I've never enjoyed such treatment before."
Hearing this, almost everyone's faces changed. No one had ever dared to talk to Cui Qizhou like this. What was more surprising was that the man nodded in agreement without hesitation.
"Please remember your promise, Concubine Xiao."
"The national master can rest assured. I let you come with me so that it will be convenient to bring the queen dowager back later."
No one doubted Xiao Yue's words. Everyone thought that she really intended to release the queen dowager after reaching the destination.
Only Shi Muyuan, sitting in the carriage, thought of what was going to happen later and stared in horror with wide eyes. She wanted to remind Cui Qizhou, but Concubine Xiao quickly got on the carriage, leaving her no chance.
Cui Qizhou sat outside driving the carriage. Shi Muyuan kept glaring at Xiao Yue with her eyes, as if trying to intimidate her, but to no avail.
The carriage was moving fast. In just half an hour, they reached the destination.
Cui Qizhou jumped out first and said in a cold voice, "Concubine Mo, can you release the queen dowager now? I've done as you said."
There was no sound from the carriage for a long time. The man immediately sensed something was wrong. His eyes narrowed slightly. Was Concubine Xiao going to go back on her word?
He quickly drew out his sword and slowly approached. Just as he lifted the curtain of the carriage, a figure quickly flew out from inside.
Without thinking, the man immediately raised his sword to meet the attack. The next moment, he realized something was wrong. The person in front of him was not the one he wanted to kill.
Could it be... "Your Majesty the queen dowager?"
"Hehe, the national master isn't that stupid after all."