From cute to empress

Chapter 310 Orion C3's Loyalty and Transformation

"It's... it's Prince A and Marquis B!"

These words reverberated like thunder in my ears. My heart, my mind, felt hollowed out in an instant. Prince A, Marquis B—these two names were incredibly familiar to me. One was a member of the royal family, the other a powerful aristocrat. Why would they want me dead?

Zhen Youcai held my hand tightly, his palms covered in cold sweat, but it gave me infinite strength. I took a deep breath and forced myself to calm down.

"What evidence do you have?" I stared at the two assassins, my voice as cold as ice.

"We...we have this!" Assassin A took out a letter from his arms tremblingly and handed it to me nervously.

I took the letter and unfolded it to read it carefully. It was written in a special code. The content was that Prince A and Marquis B were plotting to create an accident during this hunting trip, get rid of me, and then support a puppet prince to ascend the throne and divide the government.

"This letter is fake!" Prince A suddenly flew into a rage, pointing at Assassin A and shouting, "How dare you, you lowly creature, slander me!"

"Slander? Humph!" I sneered and took out a list from Assassin B. "You should be familiar with this book, right?"

I threw the list in front of Prince A, which recorded in detail the names, official positions and the amount of bribes received of all the people involved in the conspiracy. Prince A and Marquis B were listed at the top.

Prince A's face turned pale, his lips trembled, but he could not utter a word. The evidence was irrefutable and he had no way to deny it.

"Someone come! Capture Prince A and Marquis B!" I gave an order, and the guards who had been lying in ambush around rushed forward and took the two of them under control.

I looked around. The nobles who had originally stood with Prince A and Marquis B now lowered their heads, not daring to look me in the eye. I knew there were definitely more than just them involved in this conspiracy.

"My dear ministers," I spoke slowly. Although my voice was not loud, it was full of majesty. "I think it's time to sort out some things..."

My gaze, like a sharp blade, swept across the panicked nobles. Did they think silence would save them from everything? I had to make them understand that some things must be paid for.

"I know this incident was definitely not the work of Prince A and Marquis B." My voice was low, but it carried undeniable authority. "I will thoroughly investigate this matter. All those involved, no matter who they are, will be severely punished! I will not tolerate it!"

My words made those nobles with ulterior motives feel as if they were plunged into an icy cave. They realized that the person standing before them was no longer the innocent Niu Mengmeng of the past, but a true emperor, an empress with absolute authority!

I turned to Hunter C, who had remained silent the entire time. He lowered his head, his rough hands twisted nervously together. I clearly remember that in the critical moment, it was he who stepped forward, risking his own life to rescue Zhen Youcai and me from danger. It was he who provided the crucial evidence that exposed the conspiracy.

"Hunter C," I said gently, "You have done a great service in rescuing the Emperor, and I will reward you handsomely. From today on, you will be the Royal Hunter, responsible for protecting the royal family. Are you willing?"

Hunter C suddenly raised his head, his eyes full of disbelief. He moved his lips, as if he wanted to say something, but he didn't dare to open his mouth.

"Why, you don't want to?" I asked in a feigned displeasure.

"No... no, I am willing! I thank the Lord for His grace!" Hunter C was so excited that he was incoherent. He fell to his knees with a plop and kowtowed to me repeatedly.

I smiled and helped him up. "Get up. Don't be so polite next time. What's your name?"

"Your Majesty, my name is Bing San."

"Bingsan," I patted his shoulder, "Do a good job, I believe in you."

Bingsan nodded excitedly, his dark face full of gratitude and excitement.

I turned to look at Zhen Youcai. He was smiling at me, his eyes filled with admiration and love. My heart, at that moment, felt incredibly at ease and warm. I extended my hand, and he took it without hesitation, interlocking our fingers.

I know the road ahead is long and there are many challenges waiting for us. But I believe that as long as we are together, nothing can stop us from moving forward...

Late at night, the crackling bonfire illuminated Zhen Youcai's resolute face. He was carefully wiping the scratches on my arm from the thorns, his movements as gentle as if he were handling a treasure.

"Does it hurt?" he asked in a low voice, his deep eyes full of heartache.

I shook my head, smiled, and grabbed his hand. "This little injury is nothing. Look at you, you're really bruised!"

The wounds on his body were all left to protect me. A warm feeling surged in my heart, which quickly turned into a sour feeling, and my eyes couldn't help but become moist.

"Youcai, thank you for always risking your life to protect me."

He held my hand in his, and the warmth from his palm dispelled the anxiety and fear in my heart. "Mengmeng, we are husband and wife. Protecting you is my responsibility, and I am willing to do it."

"Husband and wife..." I chewed on these two words over and over, my heart filled with sweetness and happiness. From our initial encounter, to our mutual understanding and love, to our current battles side by side, we've been through so much. These hardships haven't driven us apart; instead, they've made our bond even stronger.

"Mengmeng, no matter what challenges the future holds, I will be by your side and face them with you." He stared into my eyes, his tone firm and gentle, as if he had made a lifelong promise.

I nodded vigorously, returning his equally resolute gaze. "I believe in you, and I believe in us."

Yes, I believe in us. I believe in our love, I believe in our strength, and even more, I believe in our common ideals.

Suddenly, a gust of night wind blew by, bringing with it a subtle smell of blood. I stood up alertly and looked into the depths of the dark forest. An ominous premonition came over me.

"What's wrong?" Zhen Youcai also noticed my abnormality and immediately tightened his grip on the sword at his waist.

I shook my head, signaling him to calm down. "I feel... something is approaching..."

As soon as he finished speaking, Hunter Bingsan ran over in a hurry, a trace of panic on his face, and said in a hurried tone, "Your Majesty, this is bad! I found..."

Before he could finish his words, a deafening tiger roar echoed from afar, and the entire forest seemed to tremble. I was startled. Could it be...

"Follow me!" I grabbed my bow and arrow and ran towards the direction of the tiger's roar without hesitation...