After being reborn, I went on a killing spree in the imperial court.

As soon as Fan Qingli entered the Ministry of War's office, the courtyard was filled with soldiers who did not belong to the Ministry of War.

He sensed something was wrong and walked inside, where he found several other colleagues gathered in the courtyard, talking about something.

"Lord Fan, you've finally arrived." His colleague waved to him.

"What's going on? Why are there so many people?" Fan Qingli was still unaware of what had happened.

"The Second Prince has arrived, saying he wants to check our Ministry of War's accounts! Previously, they were managed by His Highness Prince Shuo, but now they are under the Second Prince's temporary management."

"Everyone should go and report to the Second Prince about their department's situation. If there are any problems in your department, you should also report them as soon as possible."

Fan Qingli stood still and looked inside. Cao Ji was surrounded by several ministers and vice ministers.

Not long after, Cao Ji came out.

People outside also gathered around.

"Does Your Highness have any questions?"

"I'm sorry to trouble you, Second Prince, to make this trip! Please send us a message so we can deliver the account books directly to your residence."

Apart from Fan Qingli, everyone else fawned over Cao Ji.

"No need! I'm just doing a routine check. After looking at your accounts, it seems that my sister managed them very well before."

Cao Ji looked up and met Fan Qingli's eyes.

Fan Qingli bowed respectfully, avoiding eye contact, and said, "Your humble servant greets Your Highness the Second Prince!"

Cao Ji didn't say anything and walked out.

The attendant following behind Cao Ji handed Fan Qingli an invitation.

"For me?"

"Lord Fan, His Highness the Second Prince is hosting a banquet tonight. You must come before dark."

As soon as the attendant left, his colleagues rushed over.

Fan Qingli's colleagues all looked at him with envy. "Lord Fan went to Liucheng and even gained the Second Prince's favor. Lord Fan should cherish this opportunity!"

"That's right! His Majesty is seriously ill, and the court is now entirely in the hands of the Second Prince."

Fan Qingli felt no joy listening to his colleague's words; instead, it made him uneasy.

He went to the banquet at the time indicated on the invitation, thinking that this was what his father wanted him to do.

Fan Qingli sat with a group of officials, including Xue Xinian.

While Xue Xinian and the other officials fawned over each other at the dinner table, Fan Qingli felt like an outsider, making this occasion truly agonizing for him.

The banquet finally came to an end, and everyone bowed to Cao Ji to say goodbye.

Fan Qingli also went over to bow, "Thank you for your hospitality, Your Highness. I will take my leave now."

Fan Qingli turned around and immediately breathed a sigh of relief.

"Lord Fan, why are you so quiet today? Is it because this table full of delicacies has not suited your taste?" Cao Ji smiled, took a step forward, and stared intently at Fan Qingli.

Fan Qingli quickly stood up and bowed, saying, "Your Highness is truly joking! I am deeply honored that Your Highness has invited me here!"

Cao Ji chuckled softly, waved his hand, and said, "Lord Fan, why be so polite? Back then, I also had dealings with your father, Minister Fan, but in my opinion, he was quite different from you."

At this point, Cao Ji paused slightly, then continued thoughtfully, "A few days ago, I happened to see you lingering outside my residence for a long time. At the time, I wondered if you and Minister Fan..." He didn't finish his sentence, but the implication was clear.

Upon hearing this, Fan Qingli's heart tightened, and he clenched his fists inwardly, but he still forced a relaxed expression on his face and quickly replied, "Your Highness, please don't misunderstand! My father and I are naturally of one mind and share the same fate. I am truly honored to receive Your Highness's kind invitation!"

"Lord Fan is a talented young man who has just returned from Liucheng. Although this battle was not won, Lord Fan's military achievements should not be limited to the Ministry of War's Department of Military Affairs."

"I was just doing my duty."

"There is still a vacancy for the position of Vice Minister of War. I wonder what Lord Fan thinks?"

Fan Qingli's eyes sharpened. After a moment's thought, he bowed and said, "Then this humble subject thanks Your Highness in advance."

"Your Highnesses, I am willing to follow your lead."

After Fan Qingli left, Cao Ji's attendant stepped forward and handed him a handkerchief.

Cao Ji took the handkerchief and carefully wiped his hands.

"Your Highness, can we really believe that Minister Fan's eldest son and Princess Huayang, who is being sent for a political marriage, are on such good terms?"

Cao Ji said confidently, "We have dirt on his father. How could he possibly report him?"

-

It seems like I haven't seen Chu Yan for a while since our last argument.

Cao Yuan has been taking good care of herself these past few days and is in much better condition than before. She opened the palace door, and Xuan Feng was guarding the door.

"Your Highness, you look much better today!"

"What about him?" Cao Yuan licked her lips, reluctant to speak out of politeness.

Are you referring to the Crown Prince?

Cao Yuan rolled her eyes at him. Who else could she blame?

He hasn't come these past few days. Is he still blaming me?

"The Crown Prince is handling state affairs, and His Majesty is also ill; they may not be able to spare time recently!"

"Has he not come to the East Palace for so long?" Cao Yuan thought he had just gone to another room.

Upon hearing that the princess wished to see the crown prince, Xuanfeng's face immediately lit up with a joyful smile. He rubbed his hands excitedly and said, "The princess is finally not angry with the crown prince anymore! I'll go and invite him back to the palace right away!"

As he spoke, he excitedly prepared to run out the door.

Just then, Cao Yuan, who had been silent all along, suddenly called out to him, "Wait! There's no need for such trouble. Actually... I was just asking casually, I didn't really want to see the Crown Prince."

"Did he say when I could leave the East Palace?" Her voice was not loud, but the urgency and helplessness in it were clearly audible.

"The Crown Prince didn't say. Are you feeling better? The imperial physician said you must avoid exposure to wind until at least full term!"

Full term?

We have to stay in this room forever!

Upon hearing this, Cao Yuan's anger, which had subsided, flared up again, and she slammed the door shut with a bang.

After finishing her dinner, Cao Yuan went to bed early.

When Cao Yuan woke up in the middle of the night, she felt as if something was pressing down on her.

Looking down, she saw the man's thick arm pressing against her chest.

"Chu Yan, what are you doing!"

Cao Yuan tried to kick him off, but Chu Yan pulled her into his arms.

"Ah Yuan, don't move! I'm so tired!"

Chu Yan buried his head in her neck and sighed softly.

Cao Yuan swallowed hard and blinked forcefully.

After a long while, Chu Yan finally came to his senses and gently touched her lower abdomen. "Does it still hurt?"

His question made Cao Yuan feel extremely depressed. She hit her abdomen again and again with the stick, causing them to lose their child. How could it not hurt?

"I will make her die with our child! But not now!" Chu Yan said firmly.

"Once you've recovered, shall I send you out of the palace?"

Cao Yuan gave a soft "hmm," her emotions remaining completely unchanged.

Chu Yan repeated, "I'll send you out of the palace and back to Wei!"