At 100 years old, he joined the army in place of his granddaughter, and became a national war god.

The next morning, as dawn broke and the first rays of sunlight pierced through the layers of palace eaves, bathing the majestic and solemn imperial city in golden light.

Last night, the Daqian Imperial Palace was not peaceful.

After the argument in the Imperial Study, Consort Xu left the palace in a huff, disappearing alone and her whereabouts remain a mystery.

The news reached Xiao Jinghuan's ears immediately. Even though the emperor was furious yesterday and reprimanded Consort Xu for making irresponsible remarks about politics and speaking wildly, after calming down, all that remained in his heart was concern and worry for this favored concubine.

Xu Jinniang was stubborn and extreme in nature. She suddenly left the palace in a fit of anger, with no one to accompany her or protect her. If she encountered danger outside, the consequences would be unimaginable.

Therefore, last night, Xiao Jinghuan issued an imperial edict, ordering Han You, the commander of the Imperial Guards, to personally lead the entire Imperial Guards of the city to thoroughly search the streets and markets inside and outside the capital, and to do everything possible to find Consort Xu and bring her back to the palace.

A whole night had passed, and as dawn broke, the emperor, still restless, made it his first task upon waking to inquire about the search results.

On the dragon bed, Xiao Jinghuan slowly opened his eyes, his brows furrowed with a trace of lingering melancholy and anxiety. Before the palace servants could attend to him, he spoke in a deep voice, asking the palace guards outside the hall about the progress of the Imperial Guards' search.

Just then, steady footsteps sounded outside the hall. Han You, the commander of the Imperial Guards, was covered in dust from his journey, having searched all night without rest. His expression was solemn as he stood outside the hall and loudly requested an audience.

"Your subject, Han You, requests an audience with Your Majesty!"

Upon hearing this, Xiao Jinghuan's heart tightened, and he immediately ordered in a deep voice, "Enter the palace immediately!"

The palace doors opened, and Han You strode in, bowing and kneeling in greeting, reporting in a steady voice.

"Your Majesty, last night I received an imperial decree to lead the entire Imperial Guard in a city-wide search, covering every street, alley, restaurant, and villa in the capital. We searched the entire city but could not find even the slightest trace of the Imperial Concubine."

After a slight pause, Han You raised his eyes and said solemnly, "According to my deduction, the Imperial Concubine must have left the capital last night and gone to a place outside the city. There is no room left to search within the city."

"Have you left Beijing?"

Xiao Jinghuan's brows furrowed suddenly, his worry rising to its peak, and his expression became increasingly grave.

Even though he was furious last night and rebuked Consort Xu for being narrow-minded and harboring too many personal grudges, he had long been accustomed to her companionship in the deep palace after years of deep affection and favor.

The thought of her leaving the capital alone, her whereabouts unknown, with no one to protect her, and wandering far from home, had already extinguished the anger in his heart, leaving only anxiety and worry.

Xiao Jinghuan immediately flicked his sleeve and ordered in a deep voice: "Han You, listen to my decree! Lead the Imperial Guards out of the city at once and search along all the roads in the outskirts of the capital, sparing no expense, to find the Imperial Concubine! She must be found alive, without any mishap!"

"I obey your decree!"

Han You bowed and accepted the order, and was about to turn and leave when a hurried running sound suddenly came from outside the palace.

Li Fuquan was overjoyed. He hurried into the bedchamber and, without even having time to bow, loudly reported the news, his tone filled with undisguised delight.

"Your Majesty! The Empress has returned to the palace! Consort Xu has safely returned!"

"What?"

Xiao Jinghuan abruptly stood up, his anxious and worried expression instantly vanishing, replaced by overwhelming joy and surprise. His eyes lit up, and he eagerly asked, "Really? Jinniang really came back?"

"Absolutely true!" Li Fuquan nodded repeatedly, beaming, and respectfully reported, "Just now, a maid from the Imperial Concubine's palace reported that the Imperial Concubine has safely returned to her chambers."

A night of anxiety, suddenly relieved!

Xiao Jinghuan didn't bother to wash or change his clothes. He casually took the casual clothes handed to him by a palace servant, quickly dressed himself, and hurried towards the Imperial Concubine's palace.

At this moment, Xu Jinniang sat gracefully in her palace, having long since shed the madness, ferocity, and overwhelming hatred she displayed at Ziyun Temple yesterday. She had completely suppressed all her schemes and plots, and had regained the gentle and charming demeanor of a favored concubine of the harem.

She knew the emperor's temperament well, knew that Xiao Jinghuan had always favored and indulged her, and knew that the emperor must have been worried all night because she had left the palace in a huff last night.

Therefore, she returned to the palace early in the morning and carefully dressed herself up, drawing her eyebrows and applying her lips. Her makeup was exquisite and elegant. She wore a simple and elegant palace dress with flowing clouds. The skirt was light and graceful, and her figure was slender. Her eyes were full of affection, and she was charming and touching. She perfectly portrayed the image of a gentle, delicate, and repentant beauty.

She understood perfectly. Last night, she, Daoist Ziyun, and Yunjizi devised a plan to replace the real emperor with the fake one. The first step was to regain the emperor's trust, dispel all suspicions, and pave the way for bringing the emperor into Ziyun Temple and completing the replacement.

Before long, footsteps approached, and Xiao Jinghuan strode into the main hall of the palace.

Upon seeing the emperor arrive, Xu Jinniang immediately stood up. Before the emperor could speak, her body went limp and she knelt down on both knees, her posture respectful and humble. Her eyes instantly reddened, and tears welled up, giving her a look of deep remorse and repentance.

"Your Majesty! I know I was wrong!"

She lowered her head slightly, her voice soft and choked with sobs, full of self-reproach.

"Yesterday, I was narrow-minded, foolish, and ignorant. Blinded by my personal grievances, I acted impulsively and dared to contradict Your Majesty, making irresponsible remarks about state affairs. This angered Your Majesty and caused you worry and concern all night. I deserve to die!"

After speaking, she bowed slightly and kowtowed to the emperor earnestly, her posture sincere and her heart full of remorse.

Her tear-streaked appearance was so delicate and pitiful that it moved Xiao Jinghuan to pity, and he couldn't muster any anger at all.

Xiao Jinghuan already doted on her immensely, and his anger from last night had largely dissipated. Now, seeing his beloved beauty so remorseful, guilty, and tearful, the last trace of resentment in his heart completely vanished.

He quickly stepped forward, bent down, and gently helped Xu Jinniang to her feet. His tone was tender and indulgent, without a trace of blame: "Silly Jinniang, get up quickly. I have never blamed you. How can you say you deserve to die?"

"I know you have knots in your heart, grievances, and obsessions."

"I also acted too harshly last night and should not have reprimanded you so sternly."

"As long as you no longer interfere in court affairs or suspect loyal ministers, and live peacefully in the inner palace to accompany me, I will forgive and forget everything else and grant your request."

Xu Jinniang leaned against the emperor's chest, a cold glint flashing across her eyes before turning into a gentle and obedient one. She nodded obediently and replied softly, "Your Majesty's teachings have been remembered. After yesterday's events, I have come to a complete understanding."

"The affairs of the court and the military are all matters of Your Majesty's state. As a concubine in the harem, I should abide by my duties and behave myself."

"From now on, I will never again speak out about state affairs, nor interfere with the bestowal of titles and honors in the court. I will wholeheartedly serve Your Majesty, manage the harem, fulfill my duties as a Noble Consort, and stay quietly by Your Majesty's side. I will never again cause Your Majesty any worry or trouble."

These words were well-behaved and sensible, showing proper manners and tact. Hearing this, Xiao Jinghuan was greatly relieved and nodded repeatedly, saying with a smile, "Very good, very good! I am very pleased that Jinniang is so insightful and sensible."

Inside the hall, all the palace servants stood in service, creating a warm and tender atmosphere.

Xiao Jinghuan, not wanting outsiders to disturb their intimate moment, immediately raised his hand to signal:

"All of you, step back and stand guard outside the hall. There is no need for you to serve here."

All the palace servants and eunuchs bowed and quietly left the bedchamber, closing the palace doors tightly.

In an instant, only the Emperor and Empress remained in the vast Qingrou Palace.

Xiao Jinghuan took Xu Jinniang's slender hand and walked towards the elegant garden behind the palace.

In spring, the garden is in full bloom, the grass and trees are lush, a gentle breeze caresses your face, and petals flutter down, creating a serene and pleasant scene.

Stepping into the pavilion, Xu Jinniang gently freed herself from the emperor's grasp, took two steps back, and twirled slightly, her skirt swirling gracefully. Her figure was alluring and charming, displaying a delicate and alluring femininity. She looked up at Xiao Jinghuan with tender eyes and asked softly:

"Your Majesty, please take a closer look. Do you think my dress looks good today?"

The morning light fell on her delicate eyebrows and eyes, her skin was as white as snow, her eyebrows and eyes were gentle and moving, every frown and smile was full of charm, gentle and charming, making people's hearts flutter.

Xiao Jinghuan's gaze fell on her, his eyes full of doting smiles, and he nodded repeatedly, his eyes full of admiration.

"Beautiful! Jinniang has always been a stunning beauty; she looks breathtaking in anything she wears, unmatched by anyone."

Praised gently by the emperor, Xu Jinniang smiled and nestled into his arms, gentle and affectionate.

Xiao Jinghuan gently stroked her hair, recalling her inexplicable departure from the palace last night. His tone was filled with lingering fear and concern as he softly asked, "You left the palace in a huff yesterday and didn't return all night. I was so worried about you."

"I tossed and turned all night, unable to sleep, searching the entire city."

"Tell me, where did you go after leaving the palace yesterday?"

Xu Jinniang thought to herself, "Finally, they've gotten to the point."

However, she already had a plan in mind, her expression remained unchanged, her eyes were full of piety and gentleness, and she spoke softly and slowly, every word carefully crafted.

"Your Majesty, I felt extremely ashamed after I offended you yesterday. I know that I am guilty and have no face to stay in the palace."

"Also, considering his own narrow-mindedness and limited perspective, he went to Ziyun Temple on Ziyun Mountain alone."

"I am in the temple, where I am reflecting on my mistakes and repenting for my foolishness and stubbornness."

"At the same time, I sincerely fast and pray for blessings, kneeling and praying every day, praying for the prosperity of our Great Qian Dynasty, the stability of our land, and for Your Majesty's good health, the eternal stability of our country, and everlasting peace."

She looked up at Xiao Jinghuan, her eyes sincere and gentle, without a trace of deception.

"Your Majesty, I am aware of my mistakes yesterday. Only by sincerely praying for Your Majesty and for the Great Qian Dynasty can I make up for my errors and find peace of mind."

His words were sweet and charming, sincere and touching, full of genuine emotion.

Hearing this, Xiao Jinghuan felt a surge of warmth in his heart, completely dispelling all his doubts. His heart was filled with only gratitude and pity, and he repeatedly sighed:

"I see. I didn't expect Jinniang to be so sensible, able to admit her mistakes and correct them, to have the country and family in her heart, and to sincerely pray for blessings. It seems I misunderstood you."

Seeing that the emperor had completely lowered his guard and trusted her completely, Xu Jinniang knew that the time was ripe. She nestled in his arms and, in a soft and coquettish tone, revealed the true purpose of her trip.

"Your Majesty, I sincerely prayed at Ziyun Temple yesterday, but I was unable to complete the entire prayer ceremony. I have been feeling uneasy ever since."

She looked up at the emperor, her eyes full of expectation, and pleaded coquettishly, "Your Majesty, I humbly request that you spare some time tomorrow to accompany me to the Ziyun Temple again, so that I may complete the remaining prayer rituals, make up for yesterday's regret, and thoroughly pray for Your Majesty and for the well-being of the Great Qian Dynasty. I wonder if Your Majesty would grant this small wish?"

Upon hearing this, Xiao Jinghuan agreed with a smile without the slightest hesitation.

Firstly, he felt sorry for the beautiful woman's devoted and sincere heart, and couldn't bear to refuse her.

Secondly, he had always admired Master Ziyun's longevity cultivation techniques and wanted to visit him again to discuss the true meaning of cultivation.

This opportunity to accompany the Imperial Concubine in her prayers and visit the Taoist temple again is a perfect solution.

He gently ruffled Xu Jinniang's hair and replied with a smile, "It's alright. Since Jinniang has such a sincere heart, I will naturally grant her wish."

"I will accompany you to Ziyun Mountain early tomorrow morning."

"It just so happens that I haven't discussed the Dao with Daoist Ziyun for a long time, so this is a good opportunity to ask him about the path to immortality cultivation once again."

"Thank you, Your Majesty! You treat me the best!"

Xu Jinniang's eyes lit up instantly, filled with joy. She nestled tightly in the emperor's arms, her posture charming and gentle, soft and coquettish, displaying the utmost tenderness and affection.

Her cheek pressed against the emperor's robes, her eyes filled with tenderness and dependence, yet a chilling ruthlessness and mockery flickered deep within her lowered gaze.

Beneath her gentle exterior lies a ruthless and vicious heart.

Your days of absolute control, you dog emperor, are numbered!