From cute to empress

Chapter 358: Seeking the Truth of Dark Powers

I glanced at everyone present, hoping to see trust and support in their eyes, but what I saw was suspicion, fear, and even a hint of...hostility.

Disappointment and anger surged in my heart like an icy tide. I took a deep breath and forced myself to calm down. I knew that words alone would not be enough to dispel their doubts. I needed to provide stronger evidence.

"Pass the order down and summon all ministers and generals. Hold an emergency meeting in the conference hall half an hour later!" I gave the order in a deep voice, with an unquestionable tone.

"Yes!" The guard took the order and left.

I turned to look at Youcai. His expression was equally solemn. "Don't worry, Mengmeng. I'm sure they'll understand." He held my hand, giving me strength.

Half an hour later, the lights in the meeting hall were on, and ministers and generals gathered with varying expressions. I sat on the dragon throne, gazing at them with a determined gaze, my mind already made up.

"My dear ministers, I have summoned you all here today to make a confession," I said straight to the point. "The Empire's disaster warnings have always been provided by a crystal with magical powers."

My words were like a stone dropped into calm waters, instantly causing a commotion. The ministers were whispering among themselves, their faces filled with suspicion, shock, fear, and a variety of other emotions.

"Your Majesty, this...how is this possible?" Finally, someone could no longer suppress the doubts in his heart and asked.

"I know this is hard to believe, but it's true." I gestured to Youcai to show the crystal to everyone and explained its origin and function in detail.

"We haven't made this public yet because this force is so powerful, and we're worried it might cause unnecessary panic," I said sincerely. "But I assure you, everyone, everything we do is for the empire and for the people!"

"Your Majesty, we appreciate your and the General's kindness," an old minister said. "However, the power of this crystal is too great. Can we truly control it? What if..."

Before he could finish his words, I interrupted him. "Nothing could happen!" I said firmly. "I believe that as long as we unite, we can harness this power and overcome all difficulties!"

I stood up and walked to the center of the hall, looking at everyone with a burning gaze. "Today, I am here to assure everyone that I, Niu Mengmeng, and my husband, Zhen Youcai, will do our utmost to protect the safety of the empire and the peace of the people!"

As soon as I finished speaking, Youcai stepped forward, walked over to my side, and firmly shook my hand. "I, Zhen Youcai, swear on my life to be forever loyal to Your Majesty, to the Empire, and to live and die with it!"

Our honesty and determination seemed to have touched some of the people present, and their eyes gradually regained their composure, but the suspicion still remained.

"I know that words alone won't dispel your doubts." I took a deep breath and made a decision. "To prove the usefulness and safety of the crystal, I've decided..."

"To prove the crystal's usefulness and safety," I took a deep breath, facing everyone's doubtful gazes, and said firmly, "I have decided that Youcai and I will use this crystal in front of everyone to eliminate the lingering dark force outside the city!"

My words once again stirred up a storm in the council hall. The dark force outside the city had only recently appeared. It obscured the sky, swallowed up the surrounding light, and even affected the empire's climate, causing a decline in food production and causing panic among the people. Though the ministers kept silent, they all knew in their hearts that this force was extraordinary and could even threaten the safety of the empire.

"Your Majesty, this is absolutely unacceptable!" An old minister stepped forward tremblingly. "This is too dangerous!"

"Yes, Your Majesty, think twice!" Other ministers also tried to dissuade him.

"I believe in Mengmeng!" Youcai, who had been silent all this time, suddenly spoke up. He held my hand tightly, his eyes determined, "We will definitely succeed!"

I gave him a grateful look, then turned to the crowd and said, "I know what you're worried about, but please trust me, trust Youcai. We won't joke with our lives, let alone the safety of the empire!"

The next day, we built a high platform in an open space outside the city. Youcai and I, dressed in our battle robes, stood side by side on the platform. The crystals emitted a soft glow, illuminating our resolute faces. Below, civil and military officials and the common people waited eagerly, their eyes filled with anticipation and worry.

I took a deep breath, putting all distracting thoughts behind me, and began to follow the monk's instructions, mobilizing the energy within me and channeling the power of the crystal. The crystal sensed my call, its light growing increasingly brighter, and a powerful wave of energy emanated from the crystal, soaring into the sky.

Suddenly, something strange happened! The crystal's light began to become unstable, flickering, as if struggling against some force. My body also felt a strong pressure, almost to the point of being shaken.

"Mengmeng, hold on!" Youcai's voice sounded in my ears. He held my hand tightly and continuously transferred his strength to me.

I gritted my teeth, concentrated, and tried to control the power of the crystal. Time seemed to stand still, only the light emitted by the crystal kept flickering, illuminating our anxious faces.

Finally, with our combined efforts, the crystal's light stabilized and gradually grew brighter. A powerful force gushed out from the crystal, like a beam of light, shooting straight towards the dark force in the sky.

The dark forces retreated step by step in front of the powerful forces of light, and finally disappeared without a trace. The sky became clear again, the sun shone on the earth, and the warm light shone on everyone.

"Success!" Cheers broke out in the crowd, and people looked up at the sky, their eyes filled with joy and hope.

I turned to look at Youcai, and he too had a pleased smile on his face. We succeeded. We proved ourselves and the value of crystals!

"Now, we can talk about our next plan..." I looked around at everyone with a firm gaze.

I looked at the cheering crowd, and a warm feeling welled up in my heart. It wasn't just the joy of victory, but also the touching power of unity. I turned to look at Youcai, and the joy in his eyes matched mine.

"Everyone!" I raised my voice, signaling for everyone to quiet down. "This victory belongs not only to Youcai and me, but to all of us! We have proven that even when facing a powerful dark force, as long as we unite as one, we can overcome everything!"

The crowd erupted again, the cheers deafening.

Taking advantage of this surge of morale, I turned my gaze to the civil and military officials. "My Lords, the power of this crystal is evident to all. I hope to harness its power to form a special team dedicated to combating the dark forces lurking in the shadows, safeguarding our empire and protecting our people!"

My proposal was unanimously approved by the ministers. They had witnessed the power of the crystals and felt the strength of unity. More importantly, they saw my courage and determination to risk my life for the safety of the empire.

"Your Majesty, we are willing to die for the empire!" The ministers responded in unison, their voices loud and full of power.

In the days that followed, Youcai and I began to assemble this special team. We selected some soldiers with strong martial arts skills, loyalty and bravery, and invited high monks to give them special training, teaching them how to use the power of crystals.

I was pleased to find a harmonious atmosphere within the team, with everyone filled with enthusiasm and a strong sense of responsibility. The soldiers trained diligently and sought advice with an open mind; the monks generously shared their knowledge and experience; and the ministers offered their full support.

"Mengmeng, look!" One day, Youcai excitedly ran up to me with some blueprints in his hand. "This was rushed out overnight by the Ministry of Industry. It can amplify the power of the crystal and emit it, just like..."

"Just like when we fought against the dark forces that day!" I took the blueprint and examined it carefully, my eyes full of anticipation. "This is fantastic! With these weapons, we will be able to fight against those dark forces even better!"

"Yes!" Youcai said excitedly, "I believe that as long as we unite as one, no difficulties can stop us from moving forward!"

Looking at this energetic and hopeful team, I am filled with confidence. I know we are ready to meet the upcoming challenges.

On a dark, windy night, we were ready to march. I mounted my horse, the crystal-clear night-light pearl illuminating my determined face. The troops were assembled, their eyes ablaze, awaiting my orders.

"Let's go!" I drew the sword from my waist and pointed it forward, "..."

"Let's go! Target - Misty Forest!" I drew the sword from my waist and pointed it straight ahead. The sword tip shone with a firm light under the light of the night pearl.

"Yes!" the soldiers answered in unison, their voices resounding through the night sky. They wore black uniforms made of special materials, wielding modified weapons, and their faces were filled with determination to face death.

I glanced back at Youcai. He was wearing the same silver armor as me, with the longsword that had accompanied him for so many years at his waist. He looked heroic and dignified. Sensing my gaze, he smiled slightly and nodded gently, his eyes filled with confidence and determination.

The team began to advance, and the well-trained soldiers moved silently in the night. The sound of horses' hooves stepping on fallen leaves was blown away by the night wind, without disturbing any birds or animals.

"Mengmeng, do you remember the first time we entered the Misty Forest?" Youcai rode his horse to my side and asked softly.

Of course I remember it, it was not long after I first arrived in this world. Back then, we were still full of unknowns and fears about this world, but now, we have grown into leaders who can stand on our own feet, shouldering the responsibility of protecting this land and its people.

"Of course I remember. Back then, we were still very weak. Facing unknown dangers, we could only rely on each other." I turned to look at Youcai, a hint of nostalgia in my eyes. "But now, we have great power. More importantly, we have partners who fight shoulder to shoulder with us, and the determination to protect our homeland!"

"Yes!" Youcai said with emotion, "We have been through so much together and overcome so many difficulties. I believe that as long as we unite as one, nothing can stop us!"

As we were talking, we had already reached the edge of the Misty Forest. The thick fog was like an invisible wall, blocking people's sight and adding a touch of mystery and danger to this ancient forest.

"Everyone dismount!" I dismounted and handed the reins to the soldier behind me.

The soldiers dismounted, took the special torches from their horses, and lit them. The dim flames dispelled the darkness around them and the fear in their hearts.

I took a deep breath, feeling the dampness and decay in the air, and my heart was filled with vigilance. I knew the real test had just begun.

"Mengmeng, what's wrong?" Youcai keenly noticed my abnormality and asked with concern.

I shook my head, indicating I was fine, and pointed ahead, saying, "The core area of ​​the Misty Forest is just ahead. According to the meteorologist, that's where the dark forces are most active. We must be extremely careful!"

"Don't worry, Mengmeng!" Youcai held my hand, and the warmth of his palm gave me infinite strength. "We will definitely succeed!"

I shook Youcai's hand and gave him a resolute look. At this moment, my personal guard, Qingluan, suddenly ran up to me with a pale face and said hurriedly, "Your Majesty, something bad has happened..."