Taking the opportunity to overturn the confession, as long as Emperor Xuanming forgave her and Imperial Concubine Qi Zhao Yi returned to the palace, it would be the first step toward victory.

Compared to the daughter of a concubine sent into the palace by the Qi family, Minister Qi naturally hoped more for Imperial Concubine Qi Zhao Yi to regain favor.

Beauty Qi’s tactics were too shallow, and she was not smart enough, too young. Her ability to stand in the palace was entirely reliant on the taels of silver provided by the Qi family, and she wasn’t really favored, entirely incomparable to Imperial Concubine Qi Zhao Yi.

Now, in the empty Imperial Harem, what could be more evocative for Emperor Xuanming than old feelings?

"Ready." The trusted aide hurriedly said.

Minister Qi pondered: "In that case, I will send someone into the palace."

"Yes."

Minister Qi, just released from house arrest, went into the palace to plead for Imperial Concubine Qi Zhao Yi.

At the same time, some gifts prepared by Imperial Concubine Qi Zhao Yi at the Imperial Temple these days were also sent to the palace.

The things Imperial Concubine Qi Zhao Yi sent were not valuable items but a pot of lotus she cultivated herself, the same as the item Emperor Xuanming gave when they sealed their love in the past. When she was once revered as a Noble Consort, there was a large, beautiful lotus pond renovated in the palace, and every summer, Emperor Xuanming would accompany her to the lake to pick lotus flowers.

Now she sends a pot of lotus into the palace, the meaning couldn’t be more obvious, hoping Emperor Xuanming would reminisce about their past relationship. As long as Emperor Xuanming is willing to nurture some nostalgia, she might be able to return to the palace once again!

Minister Qi met Emperor Xuanming in the Imperial Study. 𝒻𝘳ℯℯ𝑤ℯ𝒷𝘯ℴ𝓋ℯ𝘭.𝑐ℴ𝑚

Upon entering, he directly knelt down.

"Your Majesty, this guilty minister comes to ask for forgiveness," Minister Qi acted decisively, fully aware of what he needed, directly showing weakness.

Emperor Xuanming did not stop his movement, continuing to paint, "Oh? Why does Minister Qi say so?"

"Although I’ve reflected at the residence for three months, what my younger brother did was indeed due to my lack of strict discipline. Truly, I feel ashamed of failing to live up to Your Majesty’s great trust in me, feeling uneasy in my heart, and sorry for your cultivation."

"It is good that Minister Qi understands there must be discipline at home, thus not unworthy of being confined for three months."

"Yes, precisely because of this, I feel even more guilty. As a subject, I should alleviate Your Majesty’s worries and not trouble Your Majesty with personal matters. I have now disciplined the people at the residence, they will no longer bully others. I hope Your Majesty can give me another chance," Minister Qi spoke flatteringly, without any baseline.

Looking at Emperor Xuanming, full of respect, none of the previous deep and strong thoughts remained.

Emperor Xuanming looked up at him for a moment, unhurriedly saying, "Since Minister Qi understands my painstaking effort, consider this matter over. If I hear of the Qi household bullying others again, you’ll bear both punishments."

"Thank you, Your Majesty." Minister Qi hurriedly knelt down, his attitude sincere.

Emperor Xuanming nodded in satisfaction: "All right, rise."

"Yes," Minister Qi, with a hunched body and haggard face, appeared as if aged ten years.

Positioning himself low, making Emperor Xuanming increasingly satisfied.

"Your Majesty, this old minister takes his leave." Minister Qi slowly withdrew from the Imperial Study.

Not mentioning Qi Zhao Yi once.

But after leaving the Imperial Study, he silently sent a message to the Imperial Harem.

After exiting the palace, he immediately arranged for some people, who gradually disclosed to Emperor Xuanming the falsehood of Prince’s murder evidence involving Qi Zhao Yi, and privately went to see Grand Tutor Deng.

Grand Tutor Deng, ever since Consort Jie got into trouble, was like in mourning, unable to find a way to rescue Consort Jie.