May this scumbag husband, who favored his concubine over his wife, rest in peace.

Although she hadn't expected the King of Chu to have come this far, now that things had come to this point, the Empress Dowager had no reason to hold him back.

The Empress Dowager did not speak, nor did the Emperor press him for details.

He came only to appease the Empress Dowager. Seeing that she had calmed down, the Emperor got up and left.

As she watched his figure disappear from sight, the Empress Dowager sighed again.

The old nanny Sulan said, "Your Majesty, His Majesty has taken a liking to Prince Chu. Isn't this a joyous occasion? Why are you sighing?"

"A happy occasion?" The Empress Dowager scoffed. "You've been by my side for years, can't you see that the second son is all-powerful in the court, the fourth son is married and about to enter the court, and the third son? That child has been away from the capital for years, how could he possibly be a match for these two?"

Whether it's a joy or a sorrow, it's really hard to say.

Following the Empress Dowager's words, Granny Sulan thought for a moment, and her expression immediately became serious.

That's right.

She sighed and said, "But Your Majesty, His Majesty values ​​Prince Chu."

As long as the emperor stands on the side of the King of Chu, no matter how intimidating the external forces of those people may be, it's all for naught.

Upon hearing this, the Empress Dowager breathed a sigh of relief.

That's it.

Let's wait and see.

-

The news of the King of Chu leaving the capital caused a great uproar in Changxin Palace, but it did not attract much attention outside.

A prince leaving the capital so easily shows that the emperor doesn't take him seriously.

No one was interested in discussing it; at most, they would mention it briefly over tea or after a meal.

However, Lu Chengyuan did not think so.

"You mean, His Majesty actually values ​​the Prince of Chu, which is why he went with him?"

Lu Chengyuan nodded slightly: "His Majesty doesn't have many sons. How could he just watch the Prince of Chu, a living, breathing person, pass away?"

“But…” Wen Yuanshu’s eyes suddenly became complicated, “But you seem to have a pretty good relationship with the Prince of Chu?”

If the King of Chu were to seize the throne in the future, wouldn't Lu Chengyuan have to choose sides?

Lu Chengyuan nodded slightly: "Don't worry, I know my place in front of His Majesty, and I will no longer have any dealings with the Prince of Chu."

Wen Yuanshu was finally relieved.

Although the reward for following the emperor is indeed tempting, Lu Chengyuan's position is too important. If he chooses sides in advance, he may not live to see the day when he receives the reward.

However, seeing how clear-headed he was, Wen Yuanshu had nothing to worry about.

"Bai Tong and the others are off tomorrow, so I'm planning to go out with them."

Since their last parting at the den of iniquity, she had wanted to thank Bai Tong in person, but Bai Tong was busy with the girls' school and hadn't found the opportunity yet.

"Alright, be careful when you're out and about, and tell those two bodyguards to stick close to you."

Although he had sent gifts to Bai Tong and the others after returning from the Gold Pit, it was only proper etiquette for Wen Yuanshu to express her gratitude in person.

However, this person is too prone to getting into trouble; he always manages to surprise you when you're not watching him closely enough, so I still have to say something.

"I know."

-

Now that Qi Rong has left the capital with the delegation, the affairs of the government office have fallen back on Lu Chengyuan's shoulders.

Fortunately, Lu Chengyuan now has someone by his side who, although sarcastic, is hardworking and doesn't complain, so he's not as busy as before.

The next day, around noon, Wen Yuanshu finally left home and headed to the restaurant.

When she arrived, Bai Tong and the others had just arrived as well. Accompanying her was a woman who was wrapped up from head to toe, and could only be barely identified as such by her figure.

Upon entering the private room, Wen Yuanshu's gaze fell upon the person: "And this is..."

Bai Tong turned his head and glanced at the man, who nodded slightly and finally took off his heavy clothes.

Upon seeing it, Wen Yuanshu recognized it immediately.

Isn't that the girl named Cuiyu?

Wen Yuanshu frowned slightly: "Didn't you... leave the capital?"

Cuiyu gave a bitter smile: "I did leave the capital, but I was targeted not far away."

Even before leaving the capital, Cuiyu already sensed that she was being watched.

It's obvious without even thinking that the person watching her is a thug from a notorious den of iniquity.

Although those people followed her without doing anything, Cuiyu still felt uneasy.

Although the fire at the brothel was devastating and her indenture must have been burned to ashes, it also meant she had to be extra careful when she was out in the world. Otherwise, if she attracted the attention of others and they found out that she was of lowly status, her future would certainly be worse than when she was in the brothel.

Cuiyu wandered around outside, trying several times but failing to shake off those people. Finally, she simply returned to the capital, hoping Baitong could give her some advice.

So Bai Tong took advantage of today and brought her over.

Cuiyu, with tears streaming down her face, recounted how difficult her time away from home had been. Wen Yuanshu's lips twitched slightly, but her expression remained unmoved.

Seeing this, Bai Tong and Cui Yu felt their hearts sink.

As Cuiyu's sobs subsided, Baitong spoke up: "Madam, she has helped you before, so this time... could you help her too?"

"Cuiyu was implicated; she's innocent!"