From cute to empress

Chapter 316 A New Chapter in Diplomacy

"What happened?" I was startled, and all my sleepiness instantly vanished. Without thinking too much, I immediately jumped out of bed, put on my outer robe, walked quickly to the door, and opened it.

"Your Majesty, urgent news from the border!" Zhen Youcai looked panicked, holding in his hands an envelope stained with mud but stamped with a bright red seal.

"Urgent news from the border?" My heart sank, a sense of foreboding washing over me. Without thinking about anything else, I immediately took the envelope, opened it, and my face turned pale.

"Your Majesty..." Zhen Youcai looked at me worriedly.

I took a deep breath, trying to stay calm, and handed him the letter in my hand: "Read it yourself."

Zhen Youcai took the letter, glanced through it quickly, and his expression became solemn.

"How could this happen..." He muttered to himself, frowning.

I closed my eyes, trying to calm my panic. The letter said that the barbarian nation to the north had torn up the peace treaty, assembled a large army, and raided the border. The border was in danger!

How could this happen? I was filled with confusion and bewilderment. They had even sent envoys to congratulate me on my coronation, so why would they suddenly tear up the treaty and start a war?

"Your Majesty, what should we do now?" Zhen Youcai's voice brought my thoughts back.

I took a deep breath and forced myself to calm down. There was no point in panicking now. I had to make a quick decision and address the crisis before me!

"Pass the order down, the celebration will go on as usual!" I raised my head, with a determined light flashing in my eyes.

"Your Majesty?" Zhen Youcai looked at me in surprise.

"The Barbarian Nation chose this moment to attack. Their purpose is self-evident. They want to take advantage of the celebration to disrupt the morale of our people and throw us off our feet." My gaze was sharp, my tone firm. "I will not let them succeed! The celebration must proceed as scheduled. I want to show the world that our dynasty will not tolerate bullying!"

"Your Majesty is wise!" A trace of admiration flashed in Zhen Youcai's eyes. He immediately knelt on one knee and took the order.

I took another deep breath and turned back to the dressing table. Looking in the mirror at the woman with a slightly tired face but an unusually determined gaze, the corners of my mouth curled up slightly, revealing a confident smile.

On the day of the celebration, the capital was decorated with lanterns and colorful lights, gongs and drums blared, and the atmosphere was filled with joy. Envoys from various countries, dressed in their finest attire, arrived at the palace early to participate in this grand celebration.

I was wearing a gorgeous golden dragon robe and a heavy phoenix crown on my head. Surrounded by palace maids, I slowly walked into the magnificent hall.

My appearance immediately attracted everyone's attention. Envoys from various countries stood up and saluted, their faces filled with awe and curiosity.

I walked to the throne and slowly sat down. My eyes swept over the people below, and my voice was loud and majestic: "Today is a day of great joy for our dynasty. I am deeply honored that you have come from afar..."

Amidst thunderous cheers of "Long live the nation," I began my speech. I reviewed the country's development, described the changes in people's lives, and envisioned a bright future. My voice was powerful, full of confidence and hope, and earned prolonged applause from the audience.

I sat upright on the dragon throne, looking at the cheering crowd below, and a smile of relief appeared on my lips. However, behind this smile, there was a sense of heaviness and worry.

I know the real test has just begun...

"Next, please appreciate the heroic posture of our soldiers!" I announced loudly.

As soon as he finished speaking, Zhen Youcai, clad in silver armor and mounted on a towering horse, slowly emerged from the palace… Zhen Youcai, towering and imposing atop his horse, looked like a god descending from heaven, a sight of extraordinary valor. He pointed his longsword toward the sky, and behind him followed a well-organized army, their armor gleaming with a chilling brilliance in the sunlight. Their measured march and resounding slogans showcased the might and power of our army. I noticed that the foreign envoys, whose eyes had previously held a touch of disdain, now became serious, some even revealing undisguised admiration.

After the parade, a highly respected monk slowly ascended the high platform in the center of the hall. Clad in a cassock and holding a staff, he exuded a kind and compassionate gaze, a sage-like demeanor. He chanted ancient scriptures in a deep, melodious voice, seemingly imbued with a magical power that brought peace to the heart. He prayed for good weather for the country, for a peaceful and prosperous life for the people, and for everlasting peace for the world.

I saw that everyone in the hall had closed their eyes, reverently listening to the monk's prayers. Even I, who had been on edge all this time, felt an unprecedented sense of ease and peace.

After the blessing ceremony, the celebration entered the stage of singing and dancing. Beautiful dancers, dressed in gorgeous costumes, danced gracefully to the melodious music. Their movements were light and graceful, as if they were not in the human world, but in a fairyland.

While enjoying the singing and dancing, I observed the reactions of the foreign envoys out of the corner of my eye: some watched the performance intently, some chatted in low voices, and some raised their glasses and gestured to me.

At this moment, a foreign envoy stood up and walked towards me...

The foreign envoy approached me, bowed deeply, and spoke in his not-so-fluent English, "Your Majesty, your country is so powerful and prosperous, and your people are so happy and healthy. I am deeply moved by this celebration." He paused and pulled out a golden scroll from his bosom. "This is a handwritten letter from our monarch, expressing our desire to strengthen exchanges and cooperation with your country."

I took the envelope with a smile and gestured for him to stand. Other envoys gradually came forward, expressing similar wishes. I noticed that beyond the initial scrutiny and tentativeness, their eyes now held a touch of admiration and sincerity.

As night fell and the lights came on, the entire palace was bathed in a dazzling glow. The atmosphere of celebration reached its climax, with cheerful music and hearty laughter interweaving into a hymn to a prosperous era.

I quietly left the bustling palace and came to the Imperial Garden. Zhen Youcai was waiting for me under a tree covered with magnolias. The bright moonlight shone on him, making him look even more handsome and tall.

"How is it? Are you used to it?" He came up to me with a smile and took my hand.

"Of course," I shook his hand, feeling the warmth of his palm. "Seeing our country become so strong, I feel extremely proud and happy."

"You deserve all of this." Zhen Youcai gently held me in his arms. "You have sacrificed so much for this country and its people."

I snuggled in his arms, listening to his strong heartbeat, a warm feeling welling up in my heart. Yes, from a newly arrived time traveler to the respected empress I am today, I have experienced so many hardships and challenges, but fortunately, I have always had him by my side.

"Youcai, thank you." I raised my head and looked at him sincerely, "Thank you for always being with me and supporting me."

Zhen Youcai gently stroked my hair, his eyes filled with doting and love. "Silly boy, we are husband and wife, there is no need to thank me. We will continue to walk the road ahead together."

"Yeah!" I nodded vigorously, my heart full of longing for the future.

Suddenly, my eyes fell on an envelope on the ground. It lay quietly among the flowers, seemingly out of place with everything around it. I bent down and was about to reach out to pick it up when Zhen Youcai grabbed me.

"Be careful, there might be a trap!" He looked around vigilantly and said in a low voice.

I was immediately shocked. Yes, although the celebration was a success, it didn't mean the danger was over. I took the gloves handed to me by the maid and carefully opened the letter. There was only a short line of words on it:

"Above the celebration, there is a hidden murderous intention..."