Time Travel: He is My Dad!

Sweet Lies

Ever since her conversation with Lord Wei, He Qingqing had felt an invisible pressure weighing on her heart. The situation in the palace gradually became clearer, yet it was also filled with unpredictable complexity and danger. The forces behind Princess Shen and Zhao Han's injury intertwined into an impenetrable web, and she was being drawn inexorably into it, unable to escape.

That night, He Qingqing returned to the palace, her mind still swirling with thoughts. She sat at her desk, the teacup in her hands already cold, her gaze fixed on the darkness outside the window. Whenever she tried to clear her mind, she was interrupted by a sudden thought. She knew that every decision she made could affect the outcome, and that there was no real safety in the palace.

At this moment, light footsteps could be heard outside. He Qingqing looked up and saw Xiao Cui push open the door and walk in with a slightly yellowed piece of letter paper. Xiao Cui looked a little nervous. She whispered, "Miss, someone just brought a message. They say Princess Shen will hold a private banquet in Taohuayuan tonight and has invited many high-ranking officials from the palace. This banquet... may not be as simple as it seems."

"Peach Blossom Garden?" He Qingqing's heart moved, but she remained calm on the surface. "Are you sure Princess Shen will hold a banquet tonight?"

"Yes, Miss." Xiao Cui nodded. "Moreover, the source of the information is very reliable. According to rumors in the palace, Princess Shen seems to be preparing for something big."

He Qingqing's brow furrowed slightly. Peach Blossom Garden was one of the most private places in the palace, reserved for private banquets held by the royal family and princesses. If Princess Shen had indeed chosen to hold a banquet at this time, there must be some hidden purpose behind it. She nodded gently and said in a steady tone, "You go and make arrangements. I'll also go to Peach Blossom Garden tonight."

Xiao Cui's eyes widened. "Miss, are you going to Peach Blossom Garden? That's Princess Shen's private territory. If something happens—"

"It's okay." He Qingqing smiled indifferently, "I know my limits." She raised her head and looked into Xiao Cui's eyes, her tone filled with unquestionable firmness.

Xiao Cui hesitated for a moment, then finally nodded. "Miss, if that's the case, I'll go get ready right away."

That night, He Qingqing quietly changed into a dark palace dress, concealing her true appearance. She knew that tonight's banquet was more than just a superficial gathering; there must be some hidden purpose behind it. And she had to find her own foothold in this undercurrent.

Outside the gates of Peach Blossom Garden, the night was as dark as ink, a gentle breeze rustling through the stillness. As He Qingqing approached, she could discern from afar two guards standing guard at the gate, their faces wary. She smiled faintly, turned into a nearby alley, and quietly made her way to the back entrance of Peach Blossom Garden. She already knew that many of the palace's secrets were often passed through these hidden passages. She deftly slipped through a small door and vanished into the thick night.

He Qingqing's heartbeat quickened slightly upon entering the Peach Blossom Garden. She walked cautiously, keeping an eye on her surroundings. The scenery within the garden remained unchanged, the peach blossoms filling the garden like snow-white clouds, adorning the night sky. After crossing a quiet bridge, they arrived at the banquet venue—an exquisite little hall, ablaze with lights and flickering candlelight. High-ranking officials from the palace had already arrived.

He Qingqing's gaze swept across the familiar faces, finally landing on the main banquet table. Princess Shen sat at the head table, her demeanor elegant and graceful, a faint smile on her face. Beside her sat several prominent dignitaries, including several high-ranking ministers. She appeared to be conversing with Lord Wei. Both of them smiled, but their words betrayed an undisguised chill.

He Qingqing stood aside, observing secretly. She knew that Princess Shen's banquet was more than just entertainment. The gathering of high-ranking officials in the palace must mean that a larger plan was about to unfold. And was the clue she needed hidden behind this banquet?

She approached quietly, trying not to attract other people's attention. Suddenly, a soft voice came into her ears: "Miss He, you are finally here."

He Qingqing was slightly startled, then turned around to see Zhao Rulan slowly approaching from the other side of the banquet. She was dressed in a golden palace dress, with a beautiful face and a cool and elegant temperament. Although she was not at the main table, she still attracted a lot of attention.

"Zhao Rulan." He Qingqing's heart skipped a beat, and she secretly thought something was wrong. Zhao Rulan's appearance meant that the situation tonight had become more complicated. She instinctively felt that this woman must know something.

Zhao Rulan slowly walked up to her, smiled faintly, and spoke in a calm tone with a hint of threat that could not be ignored: "Miss He, long time no see. The situation in the palace seems to be getting more and more interesting."

"You know what I'm here for." He Qingqing said calmly. She did not try to hide her intentions.

Zhao Rulan smiled softly and nodded without hesitation: "Of course I know. Since you can come here, it must be for that mysterious banquet. I guess Princess Shen's plan tonight is not just for socializing."

He Qingqing's eyes narrowed slightly, and she had already guessed something in her mind: "You know that too?"

"Of course I know." Zhao Rulan raised her eyebrows slightly. "However, there are some things you may not understand." She paused and whispered, "Princess Shen plans to expose the secrets of several powerful people in the palace tonight, forcing the emperor to make a choice."

He Qingqing's heart trembled, and a hint of surprise flashed in her eyes. She hadn't expected Princess Shen to choose such a bold approach. If the secrets of the palace's high-ranking officials were exposed, the entire court would be shaken. And Princess Shen was clearly ready to use this opportunity to gain more power for herself.

"Are you here to help me or to observe me?" He Qingqing looked at Zhao Rulan coldly with a chilling tone.

Zhao Rulan didn't answer directly, but simply smiled faintly. "Help you? Why should I help you? However, tonight's situation may not be as simple as you think." She waved her hand gently, pointing to Princess Shen who was at the center of the banquet. "If you want to know more, go ask her. Tonight, something will happen in the palace that will make no one turn back."

He Qingqing frowned, as Zhao Rulan's words hinted at more and more things. She knew that tonight was destined to be extraordinary, and she had to be prepared to face the storm that was about to erupt.

She turned and walked towards the center of the banquet, her eyes fixed on Princess Shen. She knew that no matter how the storm unfolded, she couldn't stay out of it. Only by diving into it could she find her own opportunities and path to survival.

But just as she took a step forward, Zhao Rulan behind her suddenly whispered, "Miss He, remember, the situation in the palace is not as simple as you think."

You said:

Chapter 11: On the verge of breaking out