The queen is sober in the world, and she is winning every step of the palace fight.

Fei Wan recalled that when the empress dowager had just returned to the palace, Nanny Shixiang sent someone to deliver gifts as a gesture of goodwill.

Then he asked, "What did Aunt Shixiang say to you? Was there anything unusual in her words or actions?"

Zhishu recalled carefully, then shook her head. "There was nothing unusual. It was just a normal visit. She exchanged a few polite words and then left. She stood at the door of my inner room, not even stepping through the threshold. She stood a long way away from me, as if she didn't want to see me. She's just as annoying as her master!"

"Did she say anything about the Queen Mother's condition?"

"It was said that the Empress Dowager was ill. Although she was thinking about me and the little grandson in her womb, she couldn't come in person, which was a pity." Zhishu's face was even more sarcastic. Naturally, she didn't believe that the person who sent her back to the cold palace would think about her. "I just casually said something about my concern, saying that Madam has worked hard and I hope the Empress Dowager will recover soon."

Who can't say a few polite words?

When Zhishu wanted to scold someone, she would scold him; when she wanted to put on a good show, she could do it.

"Madam Shixiang smiled insincerely, thanking me for my concern for the Empress Dowager. She said that although she was ill, she was in good spirits and often played chess with herself, one hand black and the other white, which could entertain her for a long time. She enjoyed the game and her chess skills were as good as ever. So she advised me not to worry and to take care of myself and the child first."

"'The Empress Dowager was chatting with this old servant the other day, saying that Prince Rui already has several healthy sons, but Your Majesty only has two princesses. It's really worrying.' - These are Tohka's exact words."

Zhishu looked at Feiwan and said, "Sister, look, is this a visit or a protest? Could it be that you're hoping I'll tell His Majesty this so you can indirectly annoy him? Given how much the Queen Mother resents His Majesty, I strongly suspect it was the Queen Mother who got me 'pregnant.'"

Before and after the birthday banquet, the empress dowager used her and Sister Zhao to challenge the emperor.

At this time, she was forced to recuperate and could not come out publicly to stir up trouble. It made sense that the empress dowager took action against them secretly. This allowed her to vent her anger and punish them for their previous disrespect, while also indirectly targeting the emperor.

Fei Wan pondered silently.

After a moment, she said softly, "The Queen Mother is indeed suspicious. Furthermore, she didn't send anyone to visit you when you announced your pregnancy, and only came after you had your 'spotting' on Tohka, which is a bit strange. However, without any concrete evidence, our speculation is unfounded."

Zhishu nodded.

Although he hated the Queen Mother, he also understood: "Before we find evidence, the Queen Mother is suspicious, and so are others."

At this time, the imperial maid came in to report that the sedan chair was ready and the accompanying palace servants were waiting outside.

Fei Wan stopped whispering, helped Zhishu up, and everyone left Chenqian Palace together.

The afternoon sun shone obliquely on the sedan chair, warm and bright. Zhishu rested one hand on the armrest and the other on her abdomen, her wide brocade sleeves concealing the nonexistent imperial heir within her belly, as if subconsciously protecting him.

The sedan bearers and the palace maids who followed them were extremely careful and moved very slowly, for fear of shaking the most delicate lady, Lady Sakura.

But who knew that Zhishu's pregnancy was fake?

When the truth comes out one day, it will definitely shock many people, and no one knows who will suffer.

"Your Highness is overjoyed. Your servant greets you. Greetings to Lady Ying. Your complexion has improved considerably today. I believe the heir is in good health and that Lady Ying is blessed with great fortune."

Halfway through the journey, I suddenly met Cao Bin who was running from another road.

He was jogging along with a few young eunuchs, seemingly doing some important errand. He turned around only when he saw Fei Wan and Zhi Shu.

Fei Wan sat in the sedan chair with a kind smile on her face.

"No need to be so polite. Where are you from, Eunuch Cao?"

Judging from the direction he was coming from, it seemed to be towards Fengyi Palace.

As expected, Cao Bin bowed and said, "I was ordered to go to the Empress's place. I was delayed for some time and was not able to see you the first time when the Noble Concubine returned to the palace to congratulate you on your promotion. I really deserve a beating!"

"Eunuch Cao is so polite." Fei Wan smiled. "Come to think of it, I haven't seen the Queen for a few days. I wonder how she's doing? Eunuch, you went to see her today. Do you think she's almost recovered?"

She was secretly wondering.

News of the great victory came today, and the emperor had so many things to do that he shouldn't have time to take care of the empress. So why did he suddenly let Cao Bin go to Fengyi Palace?

Could it be that the Queen is up to something strange again?