n such favor from the Empress Dowager.Feng Lingxi, as usual, learned etiquette from Nanny Liu, then sent bird's nest to the Empress Dowager, visited Consort Shu, and enjoyed flowers in the Imperial Ga...Feng Lingxi instructed Xiaoli to serve her mother well, then went to see her mother. Upon seeing her arrival, Shu Taifei's expression was very calm, as if she had expected it.

"The daughter-in-law pays her respects to the Empress Dowager."

"Come sit down."

The Empress Dowager motioned for her to sit down, and Feng Lingxi then told her mother about what had happened these days. It was also a way to report back to her mother about the past few days when she wasn't at the academy. She knew that her sudden departure had worried her mother, and she felt guilty.

"The day you left, your mother knew that you and Cheng'er went to suppress bandits. The news from the palace can also be heard here."

"Mother Consort, I presume you've heard about this recent bandits suppression campaign."

The Shutai gave a nod and poured her a cup of tea, asking softly, "What are your plans next Mother concubine heard that the Empress Dowager is ill, and the imperial physicians in the palace have been reprimanded. Many have suffered punishments."

“There was a red mark on her face. When the daughter-in-law went to see her, she prepared some medicine for her and applied it for a few days. It was fine, but Dugu Yan seemed to be unrelenting towards her daughter-in-law. The daughter-in-law was worried that he would find a way to get her into the palace, so she came to discuss with her mother first.”

"Are you afraid that the city lord won't agree to you entering the palace, and you're worried"

She had heard about this a long time ago. Now, Dugu Yan was eyeing Xier with predatory intent. Rumors were spreading that Dugu Yan intended to make Feng Lingxi her consort. This public attempt to take her brother's wife caused quite a stir among the officials below.

Feng Lingxi nodded, "Mother concubine, this kind of thing, any man would find it unacceptable. You know Dugu City's temperament, I am afraid he will be impulsive. Dugu Yan and Empress Cen are just waiting to catch his handle. If this happens to be pinned with a crime, he will bring trouble upon himself."

"Cheng'er is still quite sensible, but you should also tell him, while he might be confident in front of others, he lacks that same confidence when facing you."

Feng Lingxi heard her mother's words, her expression slightly awkward. She also knew that Dugucheng didn't feel safe here, perhaps she hadn't given him enough security

"Let me tell Mother first, just in case something like this happens suddenly, and ask her to speak up for me more, so he doesn't do anything rash."

Shutai nodded, “You can rest assured about this, Mother Concubine knows what to do.”

Wind Lingxi got up, "Then Xi'er won't disturb Empress."

Shutai looked at Feng Lingxi's departing figure and ordered, "You continue to watch the palace. Report any developments to this concubine immediately."

Xier is right, these rumors in the palace now are indeed something that Cheng'er should restrain his emotions and avoid being impulsive, lest they seize the opportunity.

As Feng Lingxi had guessed, news from the palace arrived quickly, asking Feng Lingxi to enter the palace to treat the Empress Dowager's illness and reside in Shou'an Palace. She would only be allowed to leave the palace after the Empress Dowager recovered. Feng Lingxi looked at her mother and maternal grandmother, saying a few words to them before following the palace attendants into the palace, with only her maidservant Xiao Li accompanying her.

Du Gucheng only learned about Feng Lingxi being brought into the palace when he returned from outside. He was furious and wanted to go to the palace to see the emperor, but Shu Taifei stopped him and told him what Feng Lingxi had said, advising him not to be rash.

"Since Xi'er already guessed that she would enter the palace, she must know Dugu Yan's intentions. Fortunately, she is staying in Shou'an Palace with Empress Cen. With her identity as the Yao tribe's Holy Master, it wouldn't be so easy for Dugu Yan to do anything to her."

Moreover, Xi'er is skilled in medicine. Even if Dugu Yan were capable, as long as Xi'er refused, she wouldn't be able to do anything about it.

The anger in Dugu Cheng's eyes flared. Thinking of Xi'er going into the palace alone to face Dugu Yan, his heart was filled with unease. Bai Mo Bai was right, this Dugu Yan was a tyrant, a cruel emperor who even coveted his own siblings. Such a man didn't deserve to be the emperor of Dayuan Dynasty.

The coldness in his eyes grew deeper and more penetrating. Shu Taifei watched as he was about to leave and called out to him, "Where are you going"

"Enter the palace, await your imperial decree."

He deserves a reward for his success in suppressing bandits.

"You are not allowed to go."

The Noble Consort Shu walked in front of him, looking at the cold intent in his eyes, "Is this how you entered the palace Do you want to let Du Gu Yan know what you're thinking"

Du Gucheng looked at his mother, clenching his fists tighter. "If you don't believe Xi’er, then go to the palace and ask for an imperial decree. Mother, I want to see, if you do this, will Xi’er be angry"

"Then let Xi'er face Dugu Yan and Empress Cen alone"

Shutai looked at the anger in her son's eyes and asked in a low voice, "Then you tell your mother, what can you do for Xi'er by entering the palace This Dugu Yan only asked Xi'er to enter the palace to see the Empress Dowager. Did she say that she would keep her in her harem Nothing at all, what is your intention by entering the palace"

Shu Taifei's words woke Dugu Cheng up. Looking at his mother concubine, the emotions in Dugu Cheng's heart gradually calmed down.

"My mother taught me that I shouldn't be so impulsive."

"There are people in the palace who will keep an eye on you. Just focus on your work, and my lady will let you know if anything happens."

"Thank you, Mother."

Shutai waved her hand, her face full of fatigue. Dugu Cheng came out from Shutai's side, his handsome face turning iron-blue. Ye Xi looked at the King in this way and hurriedly soothed him, "Your Highness, I also think that what Tai Fei said is right. Since the princess made you wait for her at home, she must be confident."

“This king doesn’t not believe in Xier, but worries about her, feels sorry for her. Xier told this king all about Du Gu Yan’s feelings for her. This king can’t see through Empress Cen’s thoughts, and neither can Xier. The fear is that while it sounds good to let Xier enter the palace to seek treatment, in reality, it's a form of house arrest, monitoring her whereabouts.”

"Otherwise, we can ask the Queen Mother for help. She definitely has a way."

Dugu Cheng shook his head. "Mother said that someone in the palace was keeping an eye on us, and Mother-in-law must have already sent people to watch Xi'er."

He was in danger, and Xi'er couldn't bear for him to take risks. She feared that Dugu Yan and Cen Taizi would use this against him, harming his reputation. He understood all of this.

"Your Highness need not worry too much. The Princess is exceptionally intelligent and will surely navigate the palace safely."

Ye Xi's comfort made Dugu Cheng's heart ache even more. It was because of her intelligence that she took on all the burdens, not letting him protect her. He felt useless, unable to protect even his own woman. This feeling was truly unbearable.

"I will have someone send a letter out for me later."

Dugu Cheng entered the study, and Ye Xi hurriedly followed.

Peace An Palace

Feng Lingxi looked at the dishes on the table. She had wanted to share dinner with her mother and Yu Mo, but now she had to dine here with Empress Cen. Looking at the bird droppings smeared on Cen's face, she lost all appetite.

"I greet the Empress Dowager."

Queen Cen raised her head and glanced at Feng Lingxi, then lay down on the couch, half-closing her eyes. The smell in the air made Feng Lingxi feel nauseous. She had brought this upon herself. Now she was suffering for it.

"In a while, the Emperor will join me for a meal. You probably haven't eaten yet, so let's have dinner together later."

When Feng Lingxi heard that Dugu Yan was coming, she thought of the last time Empress Cen had given her medicine. An unease arose in her heart. has been focusing all his attention on teasing Feng Lingxi.When Dugu Yan spoke, her eyes glanced at Dugu Cheng and Feng Lingxi before quickly shifting away. On the other hand, Mo Huilan, upon seeing...