Chapter 22: Leaving the Imperial Palace

Amidst the clash of steel and the glint of blades, Feng Ruqing moved with the agility of a dragon. Her dagger danced in her hands, claiming a life with every strike. Though waves of black-clad assassins fell only to be replaced by more, they could not breach her defense. Commander Sun watched in terror; this Empress, far from being a sheltered lady of the inner palace, was a true god of slaughter. He recalled rumors long whispered in the army about a mysterious, invincible war deity from the Jinsha Battalion—could it be her?

As the coup subsided, the Emperor, still shaken, gazed at the corpse-strewn hall and then at the composed Feng Ruqing, his heart filled with an indescribable turmoil. She cast him a cold glance, turned, and left behind only a chilling remark: "Your Majesty, I am tired."

The sea breeze brushed her face, carrying a hint of brine. Standing at the bow, Feng Ruqing gazed into the vast ocean, her heart roiling with complex emotions. Leaving the palace to embark on this unknown journey was a quest for new strength and a temporary respite from her heavy plans for vengeance. She knew the sea's calm was merely a facade; unpredictable dangers lurked beneath the surface, waiting to unleash their fury.

"Your Majesty, you should return to the cabin to rest; the sea winds are strong," the shipwright, Chen, advised cautiously. His face was etched with worry, for in his eyes, this vast expanse was filled with hidden perils. Feng Ruqing shook her head slightly. "No need. I wish to observe the view."

The calm was suddenly shattered. Several black ships appeared in the distance, ghost-like, rapidly closing in. A grim skull emblazoned on their sails snapped in the wind. "Pirates! It’s Hu Dahai’s pirate fleet!" Chen cried out in trembling terror. The pirate ships drew closer, their crews howling like starving wolves.

"Fire!" At Hu Dahai’s command, a dense volley of crossbow bolts rained down upon them.

Feng Ruqing remained unmoved, calmly directing her crew. "Take cover, everyone! Helmsman Li, steady the ship!" She thought to herself that this pirate attack was merely another challenge, no different from the schemes of the inner palace; she would not be easily broken.

Amidst the chaos, Miss Lin rushed from the cabin, clutching an oddly shaped compass. "Your Majesty, they are trying to board! We must stop them!" Feng Ruqing’s gaze sharpened. "Chen, prepare the incendiary oil!"

"Heh, little lady, just surrender! Follow me, and you’ll live like royalty!" Hu Dahai stood at the prow, laughing arrogantly.

Feng Ruqing sneered and drew her bow. The sea wind seemed to favor her archery; as she pulled the string, it whistled past her ears, her hair dancing in the gale. Her eyes were those of a hawk locking onto its prey. The arrow, glinting coldly in the sunlight, flew like a lightning bolt the moment she released the string, piercing the pirate leader’s chest. He screamed and tumbled into the sea, where a scarlet bloom of blood instantly stained the azure waters.

She moved with fluid grace, a reaper on the battlefield. "Splendid shot!" Miss Lin exclaimed, her eyes bright with excitement. The rest of the crew felt their blood boil; their panic vanished, replaced by a surge of fighting spirit. To them, the Empress was no longer a delicate palace lady, but a war god capable of leading them to victory.

Enraged, Hu Dahai shrieked, "Useless fools! Shoot her! Kill her!" His face twisted into a demonic mask.

As another barrage of bolts flew, Feng Ruqing dodged nimbly while commanding the counterattack. "Is the oil ready?"

"Ready!" Chen replied, his voice still trembling but his eyes resolute.

"Fire!" At her command, pots of burning oil were hurled toward the pirate ship.

The oil pots traced arcs through the air like falling meteors. As they shattered, the burning liquid spread across the sea like a serpent of fire, quickly climbing the pirate sails. The canvas ignited with a roar, and through the inferno, the terrified faces of the pirates were visible, their silhouettes cast against the apocalyptic flames.

"Fire! Put out the fire!" The pirate ship erupted in chaos, its aggressive momentum shattered. Hu Dahai hopped in frustration. "Damn woman! I’ll tear you limb from limb!"

Feng Ruqing sneered and drew her bow once more, the tip pointed directly at Hu Dahai’s throat. "Let’s see if you have the ability to do so!"

The ships drew closer, waves crashing and wind howling as a more brutal confrontation began. Miss Lin stepped to Feng Ruqing’s side and gripped her hand. Her touch was warm and firm, a silent vow of trust and support that flowed between them like the tide. Feng Ruqing turned, locking eyes with her, and felt a warmth bloom in her chest—the unspoken camaraderie of comrades-in-arms. She smiled, the ice in her eyes softening into gratitude and resolve.

Amidst the stench of blood and the violent crunch of wood, Helmsman Li growled. Gripping the wheel with bleeding hands, he held the ship’s course steady. Feng Ruqing glanced at his pain-contorted face, a pang of guilt piercing her. She had never intended to drag innocents into this fray, yet the arrow was already loosed; there was no turning back.

The battlefield was a cacophony of screams, roars, and clashing steel—a dissonant symphony of death. The air, thick with gunpowder and blood, was suffocating. Feng Ruqing’s bow remained drawn, her arrows singing through the air like meteors, striking pirate after pirate with lethal precision. With every shot, she felt as if she were purging the grievances and hatreds of the palace. If those who once belittled her could see her now, they would surely be struck dumb with shock.

She moved across the deck like a phantom, her attacks merciless and precise. She was no longer the submissive Empress; she was a war god risen from the blood, protecting everyone behind her.

The pirates, cowed by her ferocity, began to falter. Hu Dahai, driven to a frenzy, swung his scimitar and roared, his face twisted like a bloodthirsty beast. "Useless trash! Charge! Whoever kills that woman gets a thousand pieces of gold!" His hysterical screams echoed, attempting to incite his men once more.

Feng Ruqing looked at him with a mocking smile. She turned to the sails, snapping in the fierce wind, and tightened her grip on her bow. She looked every bit the war god born of blood. She spoke, her voice cold and commanding. "Helmsman Li, turn!"

She looked at Miss Lin and Chen, her eyes brighter than the stars above the sea. "Next, let’s give him something thrilling." She paused, a murderous smile touching her lips. "Let these pirates... remember today forever!"

Helmsman Li gritted his teeth, his knuckles white as he strained against the wheel. He knew the Empress's command was his only creed. "Yes!" he roared, throwing his entire weight into the turn.

The ship lurched, carving a dangerous arc through the waves like an arrow released from its string, charging straight toward Hu Dahai’s flagship. "Madwoman! She’s insane!" Hu Dahai watched in terror as the vessel bore down on them like an enraged beast, too stunned to even order his men to evade.

"Crash!" The two ships collided. The violent impact sent pirates sprawling. Seizing the moment, Feng Ruqing leaped onto the enemy deck, her dagger flashing like the scythe of death. Miss Lin and Chen followed close behind. Miss Lin wielded her whip like a venomous snake, dragging pirates into the sea, while Chen, inspired by Feng Ruqing, fought with a desperate, surprising courage.

Seeing the battle lost, Hu Dahai attempted to flee, only to find his path blocked by Feng Ruqing. "Trying to run? Too late!" She lunged, her blade aimed at his throat. Hu Dahai fell to his knees, begging for mercy, but Feng Ruqing offered none, driving her dagger into his heart. He collapsed, eyes wide with disbelief.

With their leader dead, the remaining pirates surrendered. The crew fell to their knees in unison, cheering, "Long live the Empress!"

Though victorious, their ship was badly damaged. They needed a place to repair. Consulting the charts, Miss Lin found a nearby town called "Jinghai Town."

"Jinghai Town?" Feng Ruqing studied the obscure mark on the map, a ripple of unease stirring in her heart.

As they approached the dock, the sight before them made their spirits sink. The town was eerily silent. No one walked the streets; only the wind whipped through tattered banners, the "snap-snap" sound echoing like a ghost town.

"This place... it doesn't feel right," Chen whispered, trembling as he clutched Miss Lin’s sleeve.

Miss Lin, too, felt the chill. She gripped her compass and whispered, "Be careful."

Feng Ruqing stepped onto the pier, an inexplicable coldness creeping from her heels to her crown. "Let’s go. Let’s see what’s inside." Her voice was calm, yet carried an undeniable authority.

A deathly stillness hung over the streets, their footsteps echoing in the void. Suddenly, a cold wind gusted, sending dead leaves skittering with a dry, rustling sound. Feng Ruqing stopped, her sharp gaze sweeping the surroundings as an ominous premonition took hold. "Who’s there?"