Shen Bingning took advantage of her familiarity with the terrain of the palace and chose a deserted path to escape. However, just as she quickened her pace, she heard the faint sounds of the Jinyiwei gathering behind her.

Xiao Yi obviously had no intention of letting her go.

It is certainly possible to start over, as long as she consumes points, but the cost is too high, not to mention that her mind is empty at the moment and she can't find a quick solution, so she might as well give it a try.

Looking at the sun in the sky, it was almost time for the court meeting to end.

Shen Bingning raced against time and rushed straight to the outside of the council hall, where she happened to run into a group of officials filing out.

She quickly bowed her head, turned her eyes and looked around secretly, and finally caught a very familiar figure.

Unfortunately, that person was busy dealing with other important officials and didn't even glance at the appearance of a lowly maid like her.

Shen Bingning cleared her throat, mustered up her courage and took a few steps closer, imitating the birds and making a series of clear chirps.

The originally slightly hunched figure suddenly straightened up at the sound of the bird. Tao Ming immediately interrupted the conversation, as if searching for something. He looked around and finally fixed his eyes on Shen Bingning who lowered her head.

As if she had noticed his gaze, Shen Bingning raised her head at the right time, and their eyes met. Tao Ming's originally calm face was immediately filled with turbulent waves.

But he had experienced many ups and downs after all, so he immediately recovered and said to the people around him with a smile:

"I left in a hurry and forgot to pick up something. Please go ahead."

After his colleagues left and confirmed that there were no strangers around, Tao Ming strode towards Shen Bingning and said in a deep voice:

"Lift your head and let me see."

Shen Bingning raised her head obediently.

He had stared at this face thousands of times and it was extremely familiar to him. But now it appeared so suddenly. Tao Ming's eyes widened and he couldn't help but murmured:

"How... is this possible? Are you——"

Shen Bingning raised her lips slightly and said softly:

"The moon is setting and the wild geese are flying south, and the frost is coming with the wind."

This is their unique secret language.

Tao Ming's lips trembled slightly, and his beard swayed with it. After a while, he seemed to wake up from a dream, and leaned over and said:

"Your humble servant greets Queen Hejia!"

Queen Hejia?

Is that my title?

Shen Bingning thought for a moment and waved her hand hastily:

"No need to be polite. It's not appropriate to stay here for long. Follow me."

The two of them quickly entered a hidden corner of the council hall. The officials had just finished their meeting and no one would disturb them for a while, so it was a perfect hiding place.

Tao Ming was filled with doubts, and finally couldn't help asking:

"Where has the Queen been in these years? Why is there no news from her?"

"I am out on important business, so I cannot elaborate."

Shen Bingning answered perfunctorily, lowered her voice and asked:

"Tell me first, what has happened in these years since I left the palace?"

Tao Ming hesitated, slightly opened his lips, and finally swallowed the question and answered:

"After the queen disappeared, the late emperor sent people to search for her for several months without success. He originally planned to appoint the prime minister's daughter as the new queen, but was opposed by many ministers, so the plan was dropped. Afterwards, the late emperor took in dozens of beauties from prominent families to enrich his harem."

"Hehe, the late emperor is still as charming as ever. He is really... full of energy."

Shen Bingning raised her eyebrows sarcastically.

She was not surprised by this. After all, when Xiao Qian was the crown prince, he had many concubines and was well-known for his romantic life.

Tao Ming sighed deeply and said with great sorrow:

"The late emperor was extravagant and indulged himself in wine and women day and night. Within a year, his health began to deteriorate. At first, he just caught a cold, but it gradually got worse. In the twelfth month, his old illness recurred... and he passed away."

"Death..."

Shen Bingning exhaled lightly, but ripples appeared in her heart.

According to the original story line, one year after she disappeared, Xiao Yi seized military power with his extraordinary wisdom, forcibly usurped the throne, and beheaded Xiao Qian in public, announcing the emperor's death to the world.

Since he had complete control over the court affairs, his words were the law, and no matter whether Xiao Qian was true or false, he would have to die.

But now, Xiao Qian died of illness?

No, she vaguely felt that all this might be secretly manipulated by Xiao Yi.

Tao Ming naturally couldn't read her mind, and he just kept talking to himself:

"The previous emperor passed away, and the second prince was unable to show up due to a long-term illness. The throne naturally falls to the fourth prince, the current emperor."

"In the past two years since His Majesty ascended the throne, he has been sending people to look for you, the Queen. Unfortunately, there has been no news. If he knew that you had reappeared in the world, he would be very happy."

"Ha ha……"

Shen Bingning forced her mouth to move, her smile bitter.

Very happy?

I'm afraid he would rather end her life with his own hands.

"I understand the general situation in the palace. I am here to ask you for a favor."

"Just give your orders, Queen."

Shen Bingning smiled slightly, with an unquestionable light flashing in her eyes:

"I hope you can spread the news of my reappearance to every corner. The louder the better, and the more people know the better."

A hint of confusion flashed across Tao Ming's eyes:

"What is the Queen's plan?"

"In the past three years, the court has undergone many changes, and many people may no longer recognize me. After all, I am the legitimate empress of the late emperor, and I must have the dignity and status I deserve."

Shen Bingning said confidently:

"At the same time, I need you to come up with a suitable reason. Just saying you disappeared for three years is probably hard to convince people."

Tao Ming was quick-witted and immediately realized that the other party must have some difficulties that were inconvenient to be made public, so he quickly leaned forward and agreed:

"I will do my best."

Shen Bingning nodded in understanding.

If she were to leave such a matter to someone else, she would inevitably feel uneasy, but Tao Ming was an old friend of many years and she could trust him.

"Thank you for your hard work, Minister Tao. Once I have established myself in this palace, your contribution will certainly not be forgotten."

"Wei Chen is very grateful."

After a brief discussion, Tao Ming hurried away and began to arrange a series of matters.

In accordance with Shen Bingning's wishes, he specially assigned a palace maid to lead her to the relatively secluded Baohe Hall to rest.

Baohedian is a palace where various books are stored. Shen Bingning found an excuse to let the palace maid leave first, and hid behind the bookshelf, quietly waiting for Tao Ming to properly handle everything and show up after ensuring safety.

[System! Appear!]

Shen Bingning, hiding behind a pile of books, whispered in her heart.

【Master, I am here. 】

[How much deviation does the plot have now? ]

Speaking of this, Shen Bingning felt a headache. Not only did the male protagonist tamper with the plot to kill the original female protagonist, but even the way of seizing power became completely unrecognizable.

So, how can she set things right?

【According to analysis, the current plot deviation is 50%.】

It is still within controllable range.

Shen Bingning let out a long sigh.

The road ahead is long and difficult.

However, before he could completely relax, a series of faint footsteps were heard outside the door.

"You guys, search the Baohedian Hall carefully!"

Finished!

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