A deafening explosion rocked the palace, its shockwaves echoing through the grand halls and corridors. The resounding blast sent tremors throughout the palace grounds, shattering windows and sending debris flying in all directions. Panic and chaos engulfed the once-stately residence as thick smoke and dust filled the air.

Amidst the tumultuous aftermath of the explosion, the palace guards and servants rushed to the scene of the devastation. Their frantic search for survivors led them to a harrowing discovery. There, amidst the wreckage and chaos, lay Xiao Wei, her figure battered and bloodied from the blast.

The news of the attack spread like wildfire through the palace, sending shockwaves of grief and alarm throughout the royal court. Emperor Xing Chen, his heart heavy with dread, rushed to Xiao Wei's side, his eyes filled with anguish at the sight of his protector, unconscious and wounded.

As the palace physicians and healers worked tirelessly to tend to her injuries, questions swirled about the identity of the culprits behind this heinous act. The dynasty was plunged into a state of turmoil and uncertainty once again, and the search for answers and justice would only intensify as the palace grappled with the aftermath of the explosion.

Xing Chen stood there, his feet numb, staring at Xiao Wei's frail, bloodied body. While his mother was on the verge of passing away, Xiao Wei was starting to give him away. "Please aid her; she needs to lose as little blood as possible!" He screamed at the physician, rushing back to his mother. His brain was clouded with the disturbances caused by an anonymous "Increase the security of the palace; do not let anyone enter from the main gate of the nation. Make sure all the netizens are safe and sound." He ordered Hong Xue to leave.

In the solemn halls of the palace, the royal physician stood before Emperor Xing Chen and delivered the heartbreaking news that would send shockwaves throughout the dynasty. With a heavy heart and a voice filled with sorrow, he announced the tragic passing of Yue Song Qi, the beloved mother of the emperor.

"Your Majesty," the physician began, his words laced with grief. "I regret to inform you that despite our best efforts, Yue Song Qi, your esteemed mother, could not overcome the injuries she sustained during the recent attack. She has departed this world and ascended to the heavens."

The weight of the news hung heavy in the air, and a profound sense of loss enveloped the palace. Emperor Xing Chen, his heart shattered by the loss of his mother, bowed his head in mourning, his grief mirroring that of the entire royal court.

The dynasty mourned the passing of a beloved matriarch, and the palace was cloaked in a sombre veil as preparations were made to honour Yue Song Qi's memory with the dignity and reverence she deserved. The dynasty faced yet another tragic loss, and the quest for justice and answers would become even more fervent in the wake of this devastating event.

Emperor Xing Chen, burdened by grief and the weight of his mother's passing, made his way to the chambers where Xiao Wei was being treated. His steps were heavy, and his heart ached with sorrow as he approached her bedside. The sight of her battered and bandaged form stirred a mix of emotions within him, ranging from anguish to gratitude that she had survived the explosion.

Xiao Wei, though still in pain, managed a faint smile as she saw him enter the room. Her voice was gentle but filled with reassurance as she spoke to him, understanding the tumultuous emotions he must be grappling with.

"Your Majesty," she whispered softly, her voice barely above a breath, "I am deeply sorry for the loss of your mother. She was a remarkable woman, and her memory will forever be cherished." Her words were filled with empathy and understanding, an acknowledgment of the profound loss he had experienced.

Xing Chen, his eyes welling with tears, nodded in gratitude for her words. He appreciated her genuine sympathy and the comfort it brought him in this difficult time. The weight of his grief felt slightly lighter knowing that he had someone by his side who truly understood and cared for him. "I have decided to regard your role as a sword-wielder." He spoke up, his voice trembling. Xiao Wei's eyebrows frowned at his sharp words. She felt her body heat up from the anger; she felt annoyed and disappointed.

Xiao Wei took a deep breath, trying to calm herself before responding. She understood that his outburst was a result of his pain, and she didn't want to let her own emotions escalate the situation further. With a composed tone, she replied, "I understand that you're going through a lot right now, but I hope we can find a way to communicate without hurting each other." Xing Chen orders the staff to leave the two alone for a while as he approaches Xiao Wei, bringing his sharp, single-ended dagger out and pointing its tipped end at the injured lass.

"I do not think it is very appropriate for you to injure someone who is already severely wounded, Your Majesty." Xiao Wei taunted, raising her eyebrows at him.

Xing Chen's expression remained stoic as he calmly responded, "I assure you, my intentions are not to cause further harm. However, I believe it is necessary to establish boundaries and ensure our safety during this conversation." He lowered the dagger slightly, emphasising his point. "I have made the decision, and I will stick to it." He spat at Xiao Wei with a fierce look, determination visible in his eyes. He departs from the room, leaving Xiao Wei thoughtless and angered.

She pleaded with Sang Guo to come in front of her immediately since she needed to report and make plans for the emperor's most recent decision. Even though she was furious, she also felt helpless and smaller than the monarch, which she was obviously not intended to feel. That was her daily affirmation: "No Tang dynasty netizen will ever back down from their mission. Her prayers have been heard as there is a knock on the chamber's simple wooden door. Qin Sang Guo is revealed when Xiao Wei allows the source of the sound into the chamber.

"Elder sister, Sang Guo." Xiao Wei painted, her expression drained, and her face paled from the conversation she had with Xing Chen. Sang Guo frowns at her, shutting the teak wooden door, her legs rushing her to Xiao Wei.

"What's wrong?" Sang Guo questions her, examining her injuries with a worried look on her face.

Xiao Wei's eyes glisten in the dim light, her eyes watering as she explains the situation to her elder sister. "Xing Chen told me to step back from my position as the sword-wielder," she whispered.

Sang Guo's face turns to a frown, her eyebrows locked at the centre. "Do not worry, I will do something." She reassured Xiao Wei, handing her a small, sharp, dainty blade. She closes Xiao Wei's first on the blade. "Keep this; you will need it tomorrow, trust me." She explained. Xiao Wei looked at her with desperation floating in her eyes.