Before confiscating their property, they emptied the imperial city and exiled them!

Lin Xiaoxiao frowned and said, "Your Majesty must have misunderstood. I am just an ordinary person."

The Imperial Noble Consort sat up straight and moved closer to Lin Xiaoxiao: "Don't be afraid, sister. I'm just reminding you that there are many rules in the palace, so don't make a mistake by accident."

Lin Xiaoxiao took a step back without leaving a trace and said calmly, "This humble woman understands, thank you for your guidance, Your Highness."

Lin Wan suddenly looked at her with a half-smile: "You look very familiar to me. Do you know Lin Wanwan?"

Upon hearing this, Lin Xiaoxiao's heart clenched, her expression changed slightly, and she parted her lips slightly, saying, "This name is the same as my half-sister's, but I wonder if she is the person Your Highness is referring to."

Besides... she has long since passed away and is no longer alive.

After saying that, Lin Xiaoxiao couldn't help but sigh softly, a hint of regret showing in her eyes.

It seems he truly has a deep affection for this half-sister.

Lin Wan, standing to the side, smiled slightly, revealing a faint, gentle smile.

She replied softly, "Even though she is no longer in this world, she still tugs at His Majesty's heartstrings like a shadow."

As soon as she finished speaking, Lin Wan turned around gracefully and slowly walked towards the soft chaise lounge.

Approaching the couch, Lin Wan seemed to let out a soft chuckle before sitting down leisurely.

She continued, "I am well aware that the favor I enjoy today is all thanks to the legacy of your half-sister."

But so what? At this moment, the one who can ultimately stand by His Majesty's side is still me.

Seeing Lin Xiaoxiao remain silent, Lin Wan narrowed her beautiful eyes slightly, her gaze like two sharp arrows shooting straight at Lin Xiaoxiao.

With a hint of sarcasm in his tone, he said, "Although your appearance is not exactly the same as Lin Wanwan's, you are still more radiant and beautiful."

It seems that all the trials and tribulations you've endured haven't diminished your inherent charm. No wonder even His Majesty often gazes at you with undiminished admiration!

Faced with Lin Wan's sharp words, Lin Xiaoxiao simply replied, "Your Majesty is overthinking it!"

Lin Wan stared at her for a while, then chuckled softly: "Perhaps so! I just care too much about the Emperor."

"Alright, it's getting late, so I won't keep you any longer."

Lin Xiaoxiao respectfully agreed and breathed a sigh of relief after leaving the palace.

Upon seeing this, Song Wenjing quickly walked over: "Are you alright?"

Lin Xiaoxiao briefly recounted what had happened, and Song Wenjing said worriedly, "This Imperial Noble Consort probably has ill intentions."

Lin Xiaoxiao shook her head with a wry smile.

She knew that life in the palace was unlikely to be peaceful.

Despite their request to go to Youzhou, Chu Junze still bestowed upon them the mansion where they now reside.

However, just when they were overjoyed, thinking they had finally escaped danger and could live a happy and peaceful life,

A sudden imperial edict, like a bolt from the blue, ruthlessly shattered all peace.

"Qing'er, don't be afraid. Your father has already gone to the palace to plead with the Emperor. As long as you are determined not to marry, no one can force you to marry!" Madam Su comforted her daughter with heartache.

Lin Xiaoxiao stood anxiously in the room, her eyes fixed on the bright yellow imperial edict beside Song Wanqing.

She knew full well the conspiracy hidden behind this imperial edict by Chu Junze.

He simply wanted to use Song Wanqing as a hostage to firmly control the Song family's every move in Youzhou.

It is likely that Song Huai'an's attempt to plead for mercy at the palace this time will be unlikely to achieve his desired outcome.

Upon learning that Song Wanqing had been betrothed, Song Wenjing was furious and slammed his fist on the table.

He roared, "If Chu Junze still refuses to let our Song family go, then we'll just rebel! We're going to die anyway, so instead of waiting to die, we might as well fight back and maybe we'll have a chance to survive!"

Song Wenjing clenched his fists, his eyes filled with determination.

Lin Xiaoxiao quickly grabbed him and advised, "Don't act rashly, we have other ways."

Chu Junze is, after all, the male protagonist in the book, and Lin Xiaoxiao still had some concerns.

She dared not gamble if the male and female protagonists in the book both died.

So, does this world still exist?

At this moment, Song Wanqing, who had been silent all along, raised her head, a resolute glint in her eyes: "Mother, I am willing to enter the palace."

"Qing'er, have you gone mad?" Madam Su exclaimed.

“Mother, if my sacrifice can ensure the safety of the family, then it is worthwhile. Besides, even if I enter the palace, I may still have a way out,” Song Wanqing said, trying to appear calm.

Lin Xiaoxiao was about to persuade him again when Song Wanqing continued, "After I go in, I can look for opportunities to gain His Majesty's trust and then find a way to dispel his suspicions about the Song family."

Song Wenjing sighed deeply: "Does sister think we would offer you up in exchange for the peace of our family?"

Song Wanqing wanted to say something more, but Lin Xiaoxiao stopped her.

Lin Xiaoxiao: "Dad hasn't come back yet, so let's not panic."

Just as Wen Jing said, we would never trade your lifelong happiness for our own safety.

Song Wanqing looked at Lin Xiaoxiao with gratitude in her eyes.

Just then, footsteps sounded outside. Everyone looked over and saw that Song Huai'an had returned.

His face looked tired and gloomy, and everyone's hearts sank.

Song Huai'an shook his head: "His Majesty's mind is made up, and it is difficult to change it."

The room fell into a deathly silence.

Lin Xiaoxiao gritted her teeth, inwardly sighing at Chu Junze's despicable nature.

Suddenly, Lin Xiaoxiao's eyes lit up, and she suggested, "Perhaps we can ask the Empress Dowager for help. His Majesty has always been filial, and if the Empress Dowager intervenes, there might still be a chance for things to turn around."

Everyone's eyes lit up upon hearing this.

Indeed, although Chu Junze was not born to the current Empress Dowager, the two had a very close relationship.

It can be said that Chu Junze's word is law to the current Empress Dowager.

"But will the Empress Dowager speak up for our Song family?" Madam Su asked with a worried expression.

Lin Xiaoxiao: "We have to give it a try, what if the Empress Dowager agrees!"

So, Lin Xiaoxiao and Song Wanqing went to the Empress Dowager's palace with generous gifts.

After hearing the purpose of the visit, the Empress Dowager pondered for a moment and said, "I know your difficulties, but the Emperor has his reasons for doing this."

Therefore, I'm afraid it's in my best interest to intervene in this matter.

Lin Xiaoxiao had already expected the Empress Dowager's refusal.

Under Song Wanqing's almost desperate gaze, Lin Xiaoxiao took out a purple glass bead from her sleeve.

The moment the beads were taken out, the Empress Dowager's eyes lit up.

A few days later, news came from the palace that Chu Junze was reconsidering the matter of bestowing a marriage upon the Song family and ordered them to await the imperial decree.

The Song family breathed a sigh of relief for the time being.