Quick Wear: The first person to love the host

Just as Qi Jinyu was overjoyed, the atmosphere in the capital suddenly turned gloomy.

When the urgent news of victory reached the capital, the people flocked to the streets, cheering and praising the eldest prince, Qi Jinyu, as a "war god descended to earth." With the eldest prince guarding the Xuanxi Dynasty's territory, there was no need to worry about unrest on the borders.

Meanwhile, inside the Second Prince's residence, Qi Haolian's face was so gloomy it could drip water. He had learned of the news long before it officially reached the capital.

"Useless! All of you are useless!" Qi Hao swept the blue-and-white porcelain vase off the table, the crisp sound of it shattering echoing in the hall. "What use is it for me to keep a bunch of good-for-nothings like you!"

He paced anxiously in the hall, his eyes filled with malice: "That bastard Qi Jinyu, how come he's so tough! Even this couldn't kill him!"

However, beneath the anger lay an overwhelming and uncontrollable terror.

If a crime like treason is proven true, even if he is a prince, he will not escape death. Even if he survives by chance, he will never be able to ascend the throne.

Thinking of this, Qi Haolian suddenly stopped in his tracks, a fierce glint flashing in his eyes: "Someone, send a message to the Empress Dowager."

He summoned his trusted aide, whispered a few words of advice, and only after watching the aide's hurried departure did he feel a little calmer.

In the Queen's Palace.

Just as Granny Jin finished reporting the message sent by the Second Prince, a crisp "crack" was heard, and the teacup in the Empress's hand shattered.

"What did you say? Say it again!" The Empress stood up abruptly, her phoenix eyes wide, hardly believing her ears. "This fool! How could I have given birth to such a fool!"

She was so angry that she trembled all over, her nails digging deep into her palms.

Cooperating with the Xiongnu is one thing, but failing to kill Qi Jinyu is practically suicide!

The servant who delivered the message was already kneeling on the ground in fear, cold sweat streaming down his forehead: "Your Majesty, please calm your anger. His Highness knows his mistake and has come here specifically to ask for Your Majesty's help."

"Help? I bet he wants me to clean up his mess!" The Empress sneered, her beautiful face covered in frost. "Back then, when he thought he was all grown up and did such a treasonous thing, he didn't consult me. Now that things have gone wrong, he suddenly remembers his mother!"

She waved her hand, her tone icy: "Get lost, tell him to wait."

After the servant scrambled away, the Empress took a deep breath and turned to her trusted nanny beside her: "What is Your Majesty doing now?"

Granny Jin bowed and replied, "Your Majesty, at this hour, His Majesty should be reviewing memorials in the Hall of Mental Cultivation. I heard that all the servants serving in the hall today were beaten to death, and His Majesty was furious."

The Empress's heart sank, and she almost immediately guessed the reason. She forced herself to remain calm and clenched the handkerchief in her hand, her fingertips turning white from the force.

No, we absolutely cannot afford to lose our composure now. Although the good news has been sent back, the Xiongnu delegation has not yet arrived in the capital, so there is still room for maneuver.

"Granny Jin, go to the Imperial Uncle's residence yourself," the Empress said in a low voice. "Tell your brother about Lian'er's matter and ask him to clean it up as soon as possible, before His Majesty punishes him."

---

Inside the Yangxin Hall.

The emperor sat on the dragon throne, his gaze fixed on the memorials before him with a sinister intensity. His anger was no less than Qi Haolian's.

Originally, he wanted to use his second son to get rid of his eldest son and take back his military power. Who knew that this good-for-nothing son was so incompetent that not only did he fail to succeed, but Qi Jinyu also seized the opportunity to use him against him.

Thinking of the news of the great victory on the frontier and the people of the capital's support for Qi Jinyu, the emperor's eyes grew increasingly cold.

What "God of War"? He's nothing but a rebellious son who wins people's hearts with his military achievements!

The atmosphere in the Golden Palace was exceptionally solemn during the morning court session the following day.

The court officials were arguing fiercely about how to best reward Qi Jinyu.

The eldest prince has already been granted the title of Prince, and there is practically no higher title to bestow upon him; the next step up would be the position of Crown Prince. However, judging from the emperor's expression, he is clearly unwilling to establish an heir at this moment.

However, this battle brought the Xiongnu to their knees, a feat that will be remembered for generations. If no reward is given, the people of the world will likely criticize the court for its unclear system of rewards and punishments.

Just as the dispute reached an impasse, Minister Wang of the Ministry of Rites stepped forward and bowed, saying, "Your Majesty, I have a plan."

The emperor coldly surveyed his ministers below, his anger growing even stronger. Most of these officials had already been won over by the second emperor, and now they were doing their utmost to prevent him from bestowing honors upon the eldest.

He suppressed the anger in his eyes and said calmly, "Please speak freely, my dear Wang."

This calm tone sent a chill down the spine of the Vice Minister of Rites. He had a feeling that His Majesty, though seemingly calm, was actually harboring murderous intent.

However, having already pledged allegiance to the Second Prince, he had no choice but to bite the bullet and suggest, "I recall that the First Prince has already married a principal wife. Why not bestow the rewards upon the First Princess Consort? This would both demonstrate the Emperor's favor and..."

Before he could finish speaking, a series of hurried footsteps sounded outside the hall. A guard rushed in, knelt down, and reported:

"Your Majesty, an urgent message! His Highness the First Prince has been attacked and is seriously injured on his way back to the capital!"

Full of uproar.

The emperor abruptly stood up, a barely perceptible glint of joy flashing in his eyes, which quickly turned into a furious expression: "What? Who dares to assassinate a prince!"

Just as the ministers were filled with doubt and uncertainty, another series of hurried footsteps approached, and another guard knelt down to report:

"Your Majesty, the Grand Princess Consort has suddenly fallen ill in the palace. The diagnosis is...poisoning!"

Two pieces of news exploded like thunderbolts in the imperial court. Some astute ministers had already sensed that the political landscape of the capital was about to change.

The emperor sat heavily back on the dragon throne, his gaze sweeping over the court officials below with their varied expressions, finally settling on the pale face of the Vice Minister of Rites.

"Minister Wang," the emperor's voice was as cold as ice, "you just said you wanted to bestow a reward upon the Grand Consort?"

The Vice Minister of Rites fell to his knees with a thud, trembling all over, unable to utter a single word.

With a stern face, the emperor ordered the imperial physicians to treat the eldest prince at his residence, then rose and left, leaving the court officials looking at each other in bewilderment.

The Grand Prince's Mansion.

Su Miaomiao leaned against the soft pillows, her face pale and her breath weak. The consultation by the Imperial Medical Bureau had just ended, confirming that she had been poisoned by a chronic and rare poison from Shu. The symptoms were dangerous, but she would not die in the short term.

As is widely known, the Second Prince's maternal clan originated from the Shu region.

The imperial physician dared not say much about matters of the royal family, only wrote down a prescription and gave a few instructions before quickly leaving to return to the palace to report.

After seeing the imperial physician off and closing the door, the personal maid Pu Ye whispered, "Your Highness, there are many more spies outside the mansion. They are from the palace, the Second Prince's residence, and even the Empress's family."

Su Miaomiao nodded weakly, but her eyes were unusually calm: "Let them watch."

After she finished speaking, she dismissed Pu Ye.

As soon as everyone left, a figure suddenly appeared in the room. It was Mo Junxun, who had been recuperating at the Prince's Mansion. He came in through the secret passage.

"Miaomiao, how are you feeling now? Are you still in pain?"

He strode forward, then stopped just a step away from the bed, looking at Su Miaomiao, whose face was pale, with a pained expression.

Su Miaomiao gave him a reassuring smile, "Brother Junxun, I'm fine. Is there any news from your brother?"

Mo Junxun nodded slightly, "Young Master Su and the Prince plan to stay in the Northern Frontier to build up their influence. They will find an opportunity to bring you there together in the future, and then you and your brother will be able to reunite."

Hearing this, Su Miaomiao felt relieved.

Ever since her elder brother and the eldest prince went to the frontier, she had been uneasy. She had finally received news of a victory, but she never expected that there was a sordid secret hidden inside.

She now only hopes for her brother's safety. As for seeing him again, she believes that as long as she lives long enough, she will be able to see him one day.