From cute to empress

Chapter 319 The Shocking Secret of the Maid Chun Tao

"Forty-nine days?!" I gasped, my grip on the sword nearly dropping. If this storm lasted that long, not only the capital, but the entire country would be flooded.

"Hurry! Go and invite the imperial master!" I ordered urgently.

However, the guard looked troubled: "Your Majesty, the Imperial Master... he has... passed away..."

My heart sank instantly. The Imperial Master was highly respected, well-versed in astronomy and geography, and the only one who could possibly prevent this disaster. Yet, at this very moment...

"Your Majesty, perhaps I can give it a try." An old voice came from behind.

I turned around and saw an old monk in a gray robe, holding a Zen staff, standing behind me. He had a kind face and a gentle smile, as if nothing in the world could move him.

"Master? You are..." I looked at him with some confusion, and a glimmer of hope ignited in my heart.

"My Dharma name is Kongming, and I come from Lingshan Temple." The old monk smiled slightly and clasped his hands together. "I am not very talented, but I know a little about the art of praying for rain, so perhaps I can help Your Majesty."

I was delighted and quickly ordered the preparation of the incense table and offerings. Master Kongming sat cross-legged before the table, muttering to himself, his Buddhist beads twirling incessantly. As his chanting grew louder, the stormy sky miraculously began to clear. The dark clouds gradually dissipated, and a ray of golden sunlight pierced through the clouds, illuminating the earth.

I was filled with excitement. This sudden turn of events only made me more certain that this storm was manipulated. And whoever was hiding in the shadows, manipulating all this, must be closely watching the battle unfold. I looked around, scanning everyone's face, trying to find a flaw.

"Your Majesty, this storm has come with strange circumstances. I'm afraid there's more to it than meets the eye." Master Kongming walked over to my side and whispered, "I see a dark spot on your forehead. I'm afraid someone might be causing trouble."

"Master, what you mean is..." I was moved. Could there be other forces behind this rebellion?

"Your Majesty, you might as well set a trap to lure the snake out of its hole." Master Kongming said meaningfully.

I pondered for a moment, and a plan came to mind. I deliberately spread the word that I had found an ancient book that could control the weather and hid it in the palace's library.

After the news got out, I secretly strengthened the guards of the library and set up an ambush in the dark, waiting for the mastermind behind the scenes to fall into the trap.

As expected, that night, a dark figure sneaked into the library. I had anticipated his arrival, so I had someone place a spellbinding incense inside the library. The dark figure inhaled the spellbinding incense and quickly collapsed to the ground.

I rushed into the library with my guards, ripped off the mask on the black shadow's face, and was immediately shocked...

"How could it be you?!"

"How could it be you?!" I looked at the person in front of me in disbelief. It turned out to be Chuntao, my personal maid who grew up with me.

Chuntao's face was bloodless, her eyes hollow, like a puppet without a soul. I suppressed my grief and anger and demanded, "Tell me! Why did you betray me? Who ordered you to do that?!"

Chuntao's gaze lingered on my face for a moment, and a strange smile suddenly appeared on the corner of her mouth: "Your Majesty, do you really want to know? It's a pity that you no longer have the chance to know..."

Before she could finish her words, Chuntao suddenly pulled out a dagger from her sleeve and stabbed it into her heart.

"Chun Tao!" I exclaimed and wanted to stop her, but it was too late.

Chuntao's body slowly fell down, with that weird smile still hanging on the corner of her mouth, as if she was mocking my ignorance and naivety.

I collapsed on the ground, tears blurring my eyes. I couldn't believe that Chuntao, who had always been loyal to me, would choose to betray me in this way.

"Your Majesty, please take care of yourself!" The guards surrounded him anxiously.

I took a deep breath and forced myself to calm down. I knew that now was not the time to be sad, and I had more important things to do.

"Pass the order down, investigate this matter thoroughly and make sure to find the mastermind behind it!" I stood up, a determined light flashing in my eyes.

"According to the order!"

……

After the storm, the capital was in ruins, but people's faces were filled with joy at having survived the disaster. Zhen Youcai led the army and quickly suppressed the rebellion of the traitors and restored order in the capital.

"Your Majesty, are you okay?" Zhen Youcai, dressed in military uniform, rushed to my side, exhausted. There was a hint of fatigue on his face, but more of worry.

"I'm fine, Youcai, thank you for your hard work." I gave him a grateful smile.

"Protecting Your Majesty is my duty." Zhen Youcai knelt on one knee, his eyes firm and loyal.

Although this sudden rebellion brought tremendous losses to the country, it also made me see many things more clearly. I have a deeper understanding of my responsibilities and I cherish those around me even more.

Foreign envoys came to express their condolences, admiration for my leadership and the stability of our country, and expressed their willingness to strengthen cooperation with our country.

"Your Majesty, you are a great monarch. I believe that under your leadership, your country will be able to overcome all difficulties and move towards a more glorious future." An envoy said sincerely.

I smiled and nodded, but I knew very well in my heart that this crisis was only temporary and true peace and prosperity would require more effort and wisdom.

"Your Majesty, we..." Zhen Youcai suddenly walked to my side, seeming to want to say something but stopping himself.

I turned to look at him, waiting for his next words. "What's the matter? Just say it if you have something to say." I looked at Zhen Youcai. He looked a little serious, as if he had something important to tell me.

"Your Majesty, although the rebellion has been quelled, we cannot let our guard down. Those enemies lurking in the dark may be waiting for the next opportunity." Zhen Youcai said in a heavy tone.

I knew he was right. This crisis was only temporary. True peace and prosperity required more effort. I took a deep breath, stood up, walked to the window, and looked out at the fields outside the city, which were gradually coming back to life. My heart was filled with hope and determination.

"You're right, Youcai. We can't let our guard down, and we mustn't let the people down." I turned and looked at Zhen Youcai, my eyes determined. "Pass the word down. Hold a celebration tomorrow at the City Gate Square to announce to the people of the country that we have triumphed over the crisis and that the country will usher in a new era of prosperity!"

"Yes! Your Majesty!" A hint of joy flashed in Zhen Youcai's eyes, and he took the order and left.

The next day was a sunny day with clear blue skies. The city gate square was packed with people, their faces beaming with joy as they waited for my arrival.

Zhen Youcai and I stood side by side on the platform, looking at the cheering crowd below, our hearts filled with emotion.

"My fellow people, we have experienced an unprecedented crisis, but we united as one and ultimately defeated evil and defended our homeland!" My voice echoed in the square, arousing warm applause.

"Today, I am here to announce to you that our country will usher in a new era of prosperity! We will continue to implement reforms, develop the economy, improve people's livelihoods, and enable everyone to live a happy and healthy life!"

"Long live His Majesty! Long live the country!" The people cheered, the sound deafening.

Watching this exciting scene, my heart is filled with hope and strength. I know I have a heavy responsibility, but I will not let the people down. I will lead them toward a brighter future!

After the celebration, I returned to my chambers and rubbed my temples wearily. Then, a guard hurried in with a report: "Your Majesty, the monk wishes to see you. He has something important to report."

"High monk?" I was puzzled, but I still ordered, "Let him in."

The monk walked into the bedroom, clasped his hands together, bowed to me and said, "Amitabha, I greet your Majesty."

"Master, I wonder what important matter has brought you here so late at night?" I asked.

The monk's face was solemn, and he lowered his voice and said, "Your Majesty, I observed the celestial phenomena at night and found..."

Before he could finish his words, he heard hurried footsteps outside the door, followed by a panicked voice: "Your Majesty, this is bad! Something terrible has happened..."