At this moment, Xiao Yanyi and the Grand Dowager should have already received news of her stay in the palace, as well as her father and elder brother. On the surface, the Empress’s action seems harmless. With the Emperor away, keeping a friendly lady in the palace to rest does not seem out of place. Even if Xiao Yanyi and First Master come to demand her return, they could not do so righteously.

And as for Min, though she did not believe in his death, the injury seemed real. Therefore, she couldn’t help but worry about his condition now.

She stood up and poured herself a cup of tea, walking softly to the window. She saw seven or eight nannies and female officials guarding the hall’s entrance tightly...

Xiqiu stood quietly by the window; the night grew deeper with every moment, and the palace lights at the corners dimmed gradually. Suddenly, in the silent room, there came faint, almost imperceptible footsteps growing closer.

Xiqiu quietly awaited the visitor.

"Fourth Madam," a gentle voice called. Finally, a woman’s figure appeared in the room, approaching Xiqiu. Under the light, Xiqiu recognized the woman in dark purple palace attire, she stood and greeted, "Consort Wen."

Consort Wen looked around, ensured safety, then sat beside Xiqiu, exhaling and looking at Xiqiu, "The place was crowded all the way here. I barely managed to send those people away. Fourth Madam, let’s keep it brief."

Xiqiu nodded. When she initially heard of Shen Ji’s passing, Madam Ruan mentioned Consort Wen in the palace, so she reached out to connect with her. Since Shen Ji’s death exposed Min’s origins, Old Madam Shen and the Empress would surely act, so she was prepared.

She didn’t expect it to become relevant now.

Looking at Consort Wen, she smiled and said, "Though it’s the first time I meet you, I often hear Consort Le speak of you, lauding your gentle and serene nature, even surpassing her in the Emperor’s eyes. Seeing your grace today, I understand Consort Le’s admiration."

Consort Wen glanced at Xiqiu, seeing her sincerity without a hint of flattery, smiled slightly. Xiqiu then changed the topic, saying, "I suppose you’ve heard of the Eldest Prince and my family’s son’s incidents."

"Fourth Madam, please accept my condolences," Consort Wen said sincerely. Since Xiqiu was close to Consort Le, and she herself was currently in the same situation as Consort Le, her guard against Xiqiu lessened.

Xiqiu showed sadness, sighed, and said, "I’m not here to discuss that matter with you. Have you considered what the Eldest Prince’s injury signifies?"

Consort Wen’s heart skipped a beat, her expression turned serious, "What does it signify?"

"Please think carefully," Xiqiu stepped closer and whispered, "Why did the Eldest Prince and Second Prince travel together, yet only the Eldest Prince got injured, and even my son suffered needless disaster while the Second Prince remained unharmed?"

The implication weighed heavily, so much that Consort Wen stood up defensively, "What do you mean?"

"I mean no harm," Xiqiu said calmly, "Rumors can be frightening. I’m merely prompting you to stay vigilant. Please think it over!"

Consort Wen was taken aback, at a loss for words. Earlier, she was pleased, hoping the Eldest Prince might perish. Even if he didn’t die, it would still give the Empress a fright, perhaps yielding unexpected benefits. However, after Xiqiu’s words, cold sweat broke out all over her. The accusation of plotting against a prince was unbearable to even imagine, let alone take responsibility for.

She knew Fourth Madam might harbor resentment due to her son’s untimely death, even have personal motives. But she had to admit, Fourth Madam’s words held truth. Others might hesitate, but Old Madam Shen and the Empress were capable of such schemes. If the Eldest Prince truly met misfortune, the Second Prince would be the first scapegoat.

Consort Wen felt so unsteady that she trembled uncontrollably, suddenly feeling a hand grasp her arm. Jolted back to focus, she looked at the woman before her, hearing, "Don’t be afraid. This matter is uncertain, only my conjecture. Ultimately, the final decision lies with the Emperor."

Seeing this, Consort Wen gradually calmed, though inwardly shaking her head. She held no power comparable to the Empress. Regardless of whether the Emperor punished or doubted them, life in the palace would not be easy...

She couldn’t gamble!

"What should I do?" Consort Wen asked anxiously. With the Second Prince still outside, should anything happen with the Empress... the Second Prince would be in grave danger!

Xiqiu gently pulled her to sit on the bed’s edge. Consort Wen wasn’t foolish. Xiqiu couldn’t demand her to act, merely approached her with cooperation in mind!

"What you needed." Consort Wen seemed to have remembered something, taking an item from her sleeve and placing it in Xiqiu’s hand.

After thanking her, Xiqiu spoke softly. Consort Wen, accompanied by her attendants, silently left the Glazed Hall the same way. Sitting on the bedside, Xiqiu sighed, while worry over Min’s health and fear of the Grand Dowager’s reaction should she hear of Min’s death, prevented any sleep...

She lay down fully dressed, listening to the faint footsteps outside, as the night drum tolled near the third watch. Dawn would break in just over an hour.

Suddenly, there came a soft knock at the door, subtle yet starkly piercing the quiet. She rose and moved to the door, spotting a letter slipped beneath. Without rushing to pick it up, she swiftly went to the window. The courtyard lay empty, void of any shadow.

Puzzled, she picked up the letter and opened it. The handwriting was crooked, as if deliberately obscured. The letter contained only brief lines: "The Marquis will find a way, rest assured, the family is safe, do not worry!"

Indeed, it was sent by Xiao Yanyi.

Xiqiu folded the letter, lit it on fire, then lay down again fully dressed.

Certainly, Xiao Yanyi and First Master had more pressing matters to attend to. She couldn’t disrupt their plans over her issues. The rear court and the court never intersect. Without the Emperor, the Empress keeping a friendly lady in the palace stands unimpeded. Now, she could only broaden the incident’s impact, pressuring Old Madam Shen and the Empress into chaos for a complete resolution and eliminating future threats.

This was a contest. If she chose kindness, what awaited would be certain death for her entire family.

The following morning, First Master and Tong Shenzhi arrived early at the government office. Soon, several cabinet ministers including Xiao Yanyi, Zhou Bohan, and Pang Guibin gathered. After discussion, they intended to approach the palace gates when an eunuch entered. Without speaking, he addressed Xiao Yanyi and First Master, "Marquis, Lord Tong, may I have a word with you?" After speaking, he stood aside with lowered eyes.