Phoenix Power: The True Colors of the Empress - Chapter 2. Learning to be Strong.

Witnessing Imperial Consort Chen’s resolute leap from the city tower left Emperor Cang Qian, along with his attending guards and eunuchs, utterly dumbfounded.

None of them had anticipated that Imperial Consort Chen would muster such courage, boldly leaping from above without a moment’s hesitation.

“Hurry, go down there and check,” said Li De, the chief eunuch next to Emperor Cang Qian. He was quick to command the nearby guard as he saw Imperial Consort Chen’s action, rendering Emperor Cang Qian speechless.

Emperor Cang Qian looked down from the city wall to see Imperial Consort Chen on the ground. Her once-white clothes were now dyed red with blood.

The Emperor hadn’t anticipated such a harsh side of her, and his face showed his intense shock.

Despite being a well-versed battlefield veteran, Emperor Cang Qian was thunderstruck by the actions of Imperial Consort Chen. Her words continued to reverberate in his ears, even though he had witnessed plenty of bloody battles before.

Emperor Cang Qian’s nose and face were covered in a layer of cold sweat.

“Your Majesty, Imperial Consort Chen… has… has stopped breathing,” a guard hastily and nervously reported to Emperor Cang Qian after finishing his examination.

No one present dared to respond. They all quietly watched Emperor Cang Qian, including Li De, who kept his silence, casting only occasional glances at the emperor.

Such a situation had never been faced before. The silence was so intense, it almost felt tangible, and the chill air seemed to be at a standstill. Despite having people around, the surroundings were deadly quiet, creating an eerie feeling.

“Regret over the death of an assassin spy isn’t necessary. Dispose of her body in the common grave. Also, ensure this remains a secret!” Emperor Cang Qian started to regain control.

He had a strong aversion for individuals like these. Regardless of whether Imperial Consort Chen’s issue was resolved or not, he issued stern commands to his guards without any hesitation or mercy. His scorn for Imperial Consort Chen was engrained deeply into his very bones!

“Still not going? Your Majesty, what about the fourth prince? ” Li De asked timidly as he followed behind Emperor Cang Qian. He didn’t know how to deal with Imperial Consort Chen’s child now.

“He remains my son. Let’s place him in Dragon Glory Palace for care. Later, I’ll find a virtuous mother to look after him!”

Emperor Cang Qian, seasoned by the tempests of life, swiftly regained his composure and promptly organized all the ensuing ramifications of this event.

Nonetheless, the issue with Imperial Consort Chen affected him profoundly, even though he was still uncertain if Consort Chen belonged to the Blood Clothed Tower.

However, his immediate focus was on scrutinizing the backgrounds of individuals within the palace, intent on uncovering any potential spies from the Blood Clothed Tower among them. He was resolute in ensuring that no one evaded his scrutiny. A meticulous investigation of every individual within the palace stood as his foremost priority!

Within the Cang Qian Empire, it was likely that they were about to experience an unprecedented calamity. Because of this matter, the Cang Qian Imperial Palace had set off a reign of terror!

Under the thunderous wrath of the Cang Qian Emperor, numerous lives had been lost, and anyone within the Cang Qian Imperial Palace harboring even the slightest suspicion faced varying degrees of punishment, with the gravest offenders meeting swift execution!

Within the Cang Qian Imperial Palace, blood like water for a time, casting a pall of misery over the entire realm. Even the once resplendent golden hall now bore a sinister and eerie crimson hue!

Long after the event had faded into memory, the palace residents continued to whisper about the harrowing ordeal.

Even though it had been a long time since it happened, the people in the palace kept talking about it.

There were many different versions of what happened, each with its own reasons. But no one knew it was connected to Imperial Consort Chen. Her disappearance didn’t cause any stir in the Cang Qian Imperial Palace.

The Fourth Prince, Cang Ling Ye, was also treated coldly by the Emperor because Imperial Consort Chen was his mother.

Everyone in the palace knew the real cause of Imperial Consort Chen’s death, so no one dared to bring it up.

However, in the palace, everyone worshipped the powerful and stepped on the weak. Seeing how the Emperor treated Cang Ling Ye, who would treat the prince kindly?

Cang Ling Ye grew up in this harsh environment. Without ever knowing his father’s love, even his wet nurse or any servant felt free to bully him. This was despite his true identity as the Cang Qian Empire’s Fourth Prince.

As Cang Ling Ye grew up, he faced many difficulties and setbacks. Often, he didn’t have enough food or warm clothes. When he got sick, no one came to take care of him. He usually had to recover on his own.

Cang Ling Ye knew he was the fourth prince of the Cang Qian Empire and that Emperor Cang Qian was his biological father. Yet, every time he witnessed Emperor Cang Qian’s warm interactions with his other sons, their bond was evident, and it filled him with envy.

Cang Ling Ye attempted to forge a closer relationship with Emperor Cang Qian, only to be met with consistent rejection. Emperor Cang Qian’s demeanor towards him remained frosty, bordering on harsh.

Cang Ling Ye couldn’t comprehend why, despite being a prince like everyone else, Emperor Cang Qian never seemed willing to acknowledge him fully. Was it simply because he did not have a mother?

In this atmosphere, Cang Ling Ye gradually came to the realization that his father simply didn’t favor him.

But what could he do? He knew he had to learn to fend for himself!

Cang Ling Ye also began to slowly stop desiring love from Emperor Cang Qian. He felt it was no big deal and knew he had to learn to be self-reliant and self-sufficient.

This was all taught to him by his master, Qin Yuan!

What brought a trace of warmth to Cang Ling Ye was that his master, Qin Yuan, taught him martial arts. Cang Ling Ye was very competitive and quickly mastered everything Qin Yuan taught him, integrating it with ease!

However, Qin Yuan was a figure who appeared and disappeared like a shadow. Typically, he showed little concern for Cang Ling Night beyond imparting martial arts skills, offering no additional attention or guidance.

At times, Cang Ling Ye felt an urge to inquire about his consort mother from Qin Yuan, hoping for some insight. However, his inquiries were met with ruthless rejection and a stern warning from Qin Yuan to never mention his consort mother again in front of anyone.

From that moment on, Cang Ling Ye never broached the subject again.

The young Cang Ling Ye, subjected to such cruelty and harsh experiences, found himself retreating into a withdrawn shell. Over time, he morphed into a cold and emotionless man, shaped by his tumultuous upbringing.

Whoever he gazed upon, his eyes bore a profound hostility, as if he sought to repel others and prevent them from easily causing him harm.

Some within the palace likened him to a ferocious coyote, so intense was his demeanor.

Particularly striking were his eyes, emanating a chilling coldness that sent shivers down the spines of anyone who dared meet his gaze.