Regent, please maintain your aloof image.

For three consecutive days, there was still no news of Mu Jinchen, causing widespread panic and unease throughout the court.

Su Qianrou couldn't sit still any longer and summoned Mu Xinchen.

"Your Highness, I intend to go to the southwest to find Jin Chen, and I entrust the court to you."

"Fifth Sister-in-law is going to the Southwest."

"Ok".

"No..."

"My mind is made up, you don't need to persuade me."

“I know that Fifth Sister-in-law is worried about Fifth Brother, but the palace still needs Fifth Sister-in-law to be in charge. Fifth Sister-in-law may not know, but the Empress Dowager has not given up the idea of ​​ruling from behind the curtain. Today she summoned the Duke of Su and others, trying to persuade them. If it were before, the court officials would definitely not agree, but now that Fifth Brother’s whereabouts are unknown and his life or death is unknown, the court officials are bound to be swayed.”

"The prince is missing, and instead of thinking about how to find him, she's thinking about how to seize power," Su Qianrou said angrily. Then she asked, "How is the investigation going on with the spies that Prince Yu has hidden in the palace?"

"The basic facts have been investigated."

“Let’s go to the Longevity Palace. It’s time to lay our cards on the table,” Su Qianrou said, getting up and walking out.

Mu Xinchen followed closely behind.

Longevity Palace

At this moment, the Empress Dowager was drinking tea. Thinking that she was about to take charge of the court and hold great power, she was in a great mood and completely forgot that her son's life was still uncertain.

"The Empress Dowager seems to be in a very good mood," Su Qianrou said as she entered.

The Empress Dowager's expression changed. "Who let you in without announcing your arrival?"

Su Qianrou ignored her and said sternly, "Get out," clearly addressing the palace maids inside the room.

The palace maids were caught in a dilemma, unsure whether to leave or stay.

"It is not your place to issue orders in my Longevity Palace."

"If Mother doesn't mind the embarrassment, let them stay."

The Empress Dowager was furious, but fearing she might reveal some secret, she said, "Get out."

The palace maids breathed a sigh of relief and couldn't wait to leave.

Then, the Empress Dowager asked with a displeased expression, "What do you want to say?"

“I know that Mother has never cared about Jinchen, but I didn’t know she cared so little. Now that he is missing, Mother is not only not worried, but also very happy. People who don’t know might think that Jinchen is not Mother’s biological son.”

"You're being insolent."

"The Empress Dowager is unkind, and she won't even let people talk about it."

"Su Qianrou, I have tolerated you time and time again, but that's only because of Chen'er. Don't be ungrateful and push your luck."

"So, I should be grateful to Mother, is that right? Does Mother think she deserves it?"

"How dare you! Guards, drag her away and give her a good beating!"

"Please calm down, Your Highness," said Granny Xu, looking at Su Qianrou. "Princess, let's talk this out."

Su Qianrou did not speak.

After waiting for a while without anyone coming in, the Empress Dowager said angrily, "Are you all deaf? Why aren't you coming in?"

"Mother, save your energy. They can't get in without my order."

"I knew you were up to no good. Now that Chen'er has been missing for only three days, you've already shown your true colors."

"Is it me who has ulterior motives, or is it the Empress Dowager? Instead of thinking about how to find Jin Chen, the Empress Dowager is busy persuading the court officials to let you rule the court."

"I was thinking of the bigger picture."

Su Qianrou chuckled softly, "Now it seems that it is truly a blessing from heaven that Mother was able to survive in the palace all these years."

"What do you mean".

"Come in," Su Qianrou called out.

Then, Mu Xinchen carried Wang Bing in.

A hint of panic flashed in the Empress Dowager's eyes.

"Greetings to the Empress Dowager."

"Prince Ying, what do you mean by this?"

Mu Xinchen did not answer.

Su Qianrou said, "This eunuch should look very familiar to the Empress Dowager."

"He's just a lowly eunuch, how could I possibly know him?" the Empress Dowager said guiltily.

"The Empress Dowager is turning her back on you after she's done her work."

"Don't talk nonsense!" the Empress Dowager said, her anger rising with embarrassment.

"Am I wrong? This eunuch has served the Empress Dowager for so long, and he has been with her almost every night, yet now the Empress Dowager says she doesn't recognize him."

"Su Qianrou, how dare you frame me!"

"Whether it's a frame-up or not, Your Majesty knows in your heart. I understand that Your Majesty has been lonely for a long time and needs comfort. I don't want to interfere. However, I urge Your Majesty to keep your eyes open and not bring just anyone into the house, nor listen to slander and be used without even realizing it."

"Shut up!" The Empress Dowager was both ashamed and angry, and for a moment she really wanted to find a crack to crawl into.

"Don't worry, Mother. I'll shut up after I finish speaking. I'm not here today to interfere in your romantic affairs, but to make you see clearly what kind of person you've chosen," she said, looking at Mu Xinchen.

Mu Xinchen was still in shock. He probably couldn't find another person in the entire Yunyue who dared to speak to the Empress Dowager like that. Oh, no, there was one more person: his fifth brother.

“Prince Ying,” Su Qianrou called out.

Mu Xinchen then came to his senses and said, "Empress Dowager, this person is a remnant of Prince Yu's faction. He was instructed by someone to deliberately approach you."

"You say he is Prince Yu's man?" The Empress Dowager found it hard to believe.

"Yes".

The Empress Dowager was deeply affected.

"We have to thank Mother. If it weren't for Mother, we wouldn't have known that Prince Yu had planted so many people in the palace."

"You've come here to laugh at me."

"I have no interest in seeing Mother make a fool of herself. I'm just advising her to behave herself in the future and not to covet what doesn't belong to her. Otherwise, I can't guarantee that the news of Mother's affair with the eunuch won't get out."

"You are threatening me."

"If Mother thinks it is so, then so be it."

"Get out of here! I don't want to see you."

Su Qianrou walked out without looking back.

Mu Xinchen hurriedly said, "Your subject takes his leave," and didn't forget to drag Wang Bing out as well.

The Empress Dowager grabbed a teacup and smashed it on the ground, cursing, "You wretch!"

"Please calm down, my lady, don't upset yourself," said Granny Xu, trying to soothe her.

Qingxin Pavilion

Su Qianrou entered the house looking exhausted. Coupled with the fact that she hadn't rested well for the past few days, her complexion looked rather poor.

"Sister, you're back."

Su Qianrou then noticed Su Haoyu's presence and asked, "Why are you here?"

"Sis, are you alright? You don't look too good."

"I'm fine," Su Qianrou said, walking to the couch and sitting down.

Chunzhu thoughtfully poured her a cup of tea.

Su Qianrou took a sip before asking, "Why are you here? Is there something you need?"

"Do you want to go to the southwest?"

"How did you know?"

“I knew it right away. You must be getting restless after your brother-in-law has been missing for so many days.”

"So, you've come to persuade me."

“The capital needs you to stay and the Emperor needs you. You can’t leave. But I know you’re worried about your brother-in-law. So, I’ll go in your place. You stay in the palace. Don’t worry, I will bring him back safely.”

Su Qianrou was troubled because she knew very well that it was not the right time for her to leave, but she couldn't bear to leave Mu Jinchen and couldn't help but want to go to him. So she was caught in a dilemma. It has to be said that Su Haoyu's appearance gave her hope. "Have you discussed it with Xiaoyue and your parents?"

“I’ve already spoken to them, and they all agree that I should go.”

"Please sit down. I'll tell you what you need to pay attention to and where to look, so it will be easier for you to find it."

"it is good".

The two then talked for almost half an hour before they finished.

"Sister, I've remembered everything. Don't worry, I will definitely find your husband and bring him back. Wait for my good news."

"Xiaoyu, thank you."

"Sister, you're being too polite with me. Besides, I'm doing this not only for you, but also for His Majesty and Yunyue."

"The dense forest is fraught with danger, so please be careful."

"I know, I'm leaving now."

"it is good".

Su Haoyu strode out.

Su Qianrou watched his retreating figure, her heart filled with mixed emotions, before heading to the study.