After the death of the host: the tyrant cried red eyes

Lu Zhong responded and retreated swiftly.

"Then take a good rest, madam. I will take my leave now."

Although Xu Qingyou tried hard to conceal her feelings, she still couldn't hide a hint of relief and joy in her voice. She knew that in this contest, at least on the surface, she had already lost.

Shen Bingning snorted softly, the sound was as thin as a thread, but it carried an imperceptible chill.

Xu Qingyou, ah Xu Qingyou, the name rolled gently on the tip of her tongue, as if containing a hint of helplessness and sarcasm.

The same mistake could be repeated twice by the same person. Is this extreme innocence or a shockingly poor memory? Shen Bingning pondered secretly, with a playful smile on her lips.

When the hurried and slightly panicked footsteps gradually disappeared at the end of the corridor, Shen Bingning slowly poked her head out from behind the screen, her movements as light as a vigilant cat.

She looked around the familiar yet unfamiliar room. Wherever her eyes fell, whether it was a ray of sunlight on the carved window lattice or the four treasures of the study neatly arranged on the desk, everything seemed to be the same as usual, yet there seemed to be a mystery hidden.

Shen Bingning knew in her heart that if she wanted to uncover the mystery left by Xu Qingyou, she had to be meticulous and not miss any clues.

The hall is spacious and solemn, with sunlight shining through the high-hanging glazed tiles, casting mottled shadows.

Eunuch Li was thin but agile. He bent over and walked quickly to the table. His lowered eyebrows were full of respect. He reported in a low voice: "Your Majesty, the daughter of the Shangshu Mansion, Xu Qingyou, wants to see you."

At this time, Xiao Yi had just finished a heavy round of government affairs discussions and was closing his eyes to rest, trying to find a moment of respite in the quiet.

Hearing this, he frowned unhappily, and that brow seemed to be able to catch the finest rain in autumn. As he waved his hand, an unquestionable majesty spread out: "You go and deal with it for me."

"As ordered."

Eunuch Li stepped back in response, his figure quickly disappearing into the shadows of the hall.

However, he hurried back after only a cup of tea, unable to hide his embarrassment, "Your Majesty, Xu Qingyou spoke earnestly and insisted on meeting the emperor in person, saying that this was a matter of national importance and he had to speak in person."

Hearing this, Xiao Yi slowly opened his eyes, a hint of impatience flashed in his eyes, but he finally waved his hand, with an irrefutable decision in his tone: "Send her in."

"Yes, Your Majesty!"

As soon as Eunuch Li finished speaking, Xu Qingyou, who was guarding outside the door, walked into the hall gracefully. Although she did not have the pearls and jade that Shen Bingning had taken away on her head, she was obviously well prepared and put on the spare jewelry one by one. Although not as luxurious as her original ones, each piece was also exquisite, making her look even more charming.

Xiao Yi looked at her hair full of gold, silver, pearls and jade. The brilliance was flowing, like a walking luxurious potted plant. He couldn't help but frowning even more.

"I, the humble lady Xu Qingyou, pay my respects to Your Majesty."

Xu Qingyou's voice was clear and pleasant, and her posture when she saluted was elegant, like a newly blooming lily.

Xiao Yi simply responded: "Get up."

Xu Qingyou stood up straight and obediently, her concern evident in her words: "I heard that Your Majesty has been feeling unwell recently, and I am very concerned about you, so I came here to visit you."

After she finished speaking, she gently glanced at the maid behind her. The maid understood, took a few steps forward, and carefully opened the brocade box in her hand.

Xiao Yi's eyes swept over and saw a palm-sized ginseng lying quietly in the box. It was shaped like a snake coming out of a cave, with fine texture and warm color. It was obviously a rare and high-quality wild ginseng.

His expression softened slightly because of this sudden concern. He raised his hand and tapped the table lightly, accepting the kindness: "You are thoughtful."

Xu Qingyou was overjoyed and quickly agreed: "These are what I should do. I just hope that Your Majesty will be healthy and I am willing to do my best."

Xiao Yi nodded slightly, with a barely perceptible coldness in his tone: "Anything else?"

Xu Qingyou was stunned. He didn't expect the other party's attitude to change so quickly. It was almost like he was ordering him to leave.

Although she felt unwilling, she also knew what to do. After all, there were more important things that needed her time and energy allocated.

"In that case, I will take my leave first."

Xu Qingyou tried hard to force a bright smile, bowed again, and then turned and left gracefully.

When her figure disappeared outside the door, Xiao Yi called out softly, "Li Quan."

Eunuch Li hurried forward, smiling: "Your Majesty, what do you want?"

Xiao Yi's slender fingers gently touched the tightly closed wild ginseng, his eyes deep, as if he could see through people's hearts: "The queen has been in a bad mood recently, send this ginseng to her."

Eunuch Li was surprised when he heard this, and a trace of confusion flashed in his eyes: "Yes, Your Majesty."

This sudden decision caused ripples in Eunuch Li's heart, but he had no choice but to obey.

However, Xiao Yi's mind had already drifted to the complicated court and harem, thinking about how to make his next move on the chessboard of power.

Shen Bingning smiled slightly and patted the back of Lu Zhong's hand to comfort him: "Don't worry, I have a clear purpose for this trip and I won't be delayed for too long. When I return, I may be able to bring you some rare things from outside the palace."

There was a hint of playfulness in her words, trying to further ease Lu Zhong's worries.

Afterwards, Shen Bingning turned and walked into the inner room and began to carefully choose her clothes for going out.

She did not choose a gorgeous phoenix coronet and bridal robe, but picked a plain yet elegant light blue dress, paired with a simple pearl hairpin. It was neither ostentatious nor ingenious enough to blend in with the folk and avoid unnecessary attention.

She looked carefully in the bronze mirror, and after confirming that everything was correct, she nodded with satisfaction.

"Luzhong, go and prepare some silver and daily necessities. We will try to keep a low profile."

Shen Bingning gave the order, her tone revealing a barely perceptible nervousness and anticipation.

She knew very well that this trip was not only a return to the plot, but also an attempt for her to take control of her destiny.

Lu Zhong took the order and left, while Shen Bingning sat quietly in front of the window, gazing at the lush garden outside, with mixed feelings in her heart.

She imagined her upcoming encounter with Song Yu and how to guide him along the original plot without arousing suspicion.

This is a gamble, the stakes are whether she can quietly change the trajectory of her own destiny while maintaining the status quo.

Not long after, Lu Zhong hurried back with a small package in her hand, which contained the things they needed.

"My lady, everything is ready."

Lu Zhong's voice was a little hurried. It was obvious that she was both excited and nervous about this sudden move out of the palace.

Shen Bingning stood up and took a deep breath, as if to cheer herself up.

"Let's go, it's getting late."

She said softly, a determined gleam in her eyes.

The two of them walked one in front and one behind, silently passing through the palace and slowly moving towards the palace gate.

On the way, Shen Bingning looked back from time to time to make sure she didn't attract anyone's attention.