Upon hearing Hai Ling's voice, the three people rushed over and surrounded her, asking with concern, "Your Highness, are you alright? Are you alright?"
Hai Ling shook her head, turned to look at Xi Lingfeng, wanting to thank him. If it weren't for Xi Lingfeng, she really didn't know if she would have fallen into Sima Yuan's trap tonight. She didn't expect Sima Yuan to be such a petty person. She must be careful of this person next time.
However, when she turned around, she found that Xi Lingfeng was gone. He had left silently, which showed just how profound his inner strength was.
However, the thought that he could appear by her side at any time and protect her filled Hailing with a warm feeling like the rising sun. She was no longer panicked, but at the same time, she felt a little sad. Why was the Left Prime Minister gay? Why?
Otherwise, otherwise? Otherwise what? She really couldn't think of anything. Did she dare to fall in love with the Left Prime Minister?
Hai Ling first inwardly berated herself. She didn't know what the Left Prime Minister looked like. He was a beauty that could topple kingdoms. Not to mention her, even the most beautiful woman in the world probably wouldn't be worthy of him. What's more, she had to know her own limitations. This wasn't a matter of being inferior, but rather that the Left Prime Minister was simply not a good match for her.
Hai Ling was lost in thought when Yan Zhi, Xiao Ke, and Lian Yi urged her on.
"It's late, let's go back."
"Yes, let's go back quickly. It's gloomy and scary here."
Lianyi muttered to herself, feeling uneasy as the surroundings were a bit chilly.
"Walk."
Hai Ling regained her senses and quickly led the group back. It seemed she was also feeling the stirrings of first love. Perhaps she should find someone to date? But with the current situation, how could she even think about it? She'd wait until they were out of danger. If she escaped unscathed, she would definitely find someone to have a proper romance. Oh, right, didn't Shen Ruoxuan say she was poisoned? That might mean she lost weight, and perhaps she would become an incomparably beautiful woman then. Hai Ling indulged in a little daydream.
The group quickly made their way to Zhengyi Palace, sneaking in from the back without disturbing anyone, and then washed and rested.
The next day, news came from the palace that Ye Xiuying, the daughter of Grand Tutor Ye, had suddenly died of an illness the night before. Many people in the palace were puzzled, wondering how a perfectly healthy person could suddenly fall ill and die.
In Zhengyi Palace, Hailing naturally knew that Ye Xiuying's death was not due to illness, but rather that she had been executed by order of the Empress Dowager. Ye Xiuying was originally the Emperor's concubine, but now that she had been defiled by Sima Zhuo, the royal family could no longer keep her, nor could they allow her to leave the palace, so they had no choice but to execute her. Thinking about how this woman had always been fighting with her, and now she was dead in the blink of an eye, it was truly unpredictable what would happen to people in the next moment.
Furthermore, news has spread that Sima Zhuo, the son of the Right Chancellor Sima Yuan, died in a carriage accident on his way home from a banquet in the palace last night.
When Sima Zhuo died, many people in and around the capital applauded and welcomed him. Apart from the Sima Mansion being dressed in white, the capital was filled with excitement.
As for whether Sima Zhuo is dead or not, outsiders have no idea, but Hai Ling is 100% certain that Sima Zhuo is still being hidden. She believes that the net of heaven is vast and its meshes are wide, yet nothing escapes it. One day, Sima Zhuo will show his face again, and then it will be his time to die.
"Your Majesty, Your Majesty, I heard that Sima Zhuo is dead! It's truly gratifying!"
Rouge clapped her hands in delight, her face beaming with excitement. Hailing glanced at her indifferently. If she knew that Sima Zhuo was not dead at all, she wondered how annoyed she would be. Oh well, let this girl be happy for now.
At the morning court session in the Golden Phoenix Hall, the emperor ordered the Ministry of War to transfer a portion of troops to garrison the northwest. In addition, he ordered a full investigation into Bai Ye's whereabouts, wondering if this person had somehow sprouted wings and flown away.
The air inside and outside the capital was thick with the smell of gunpowder. Bai Ye and his men had disappeared, and many people were speculating whether he was plotting a rebellion or about to storm the capital.
At this moment, everyone's attention was focused on General Jiang. As long as he and his son were there, they believed that Bai Ye's 20,000 cavalrymen were no threat at all. The Jiang family army had nearly 200,000 men, and they would not lose to those 20,000 cavalrymen no matter what. Although everyone knew this, they were still panicked and uneasy.
The palace was also deeply affected; the new emperor spent all his time in the study, never stepping out and refusing to see anyone.
The people in the harem naturally behaved themselves; at such a time, anyone who caused trouble was simply courting death.
Jiang Feixue was well aware of this, and with Ye Xiuying's sudden and inexplicable illness, the woman settled down, spending her days either visiting Consort Yu's Chunwan Palace or the Empress Dowager's Qingxin Palace, running between the two and flattering them—it was exhausting for her.
The Empress Dowager was very gentle with Jiang Feixue, and always had a smile on her face whenever she saw her.
The events at court in the past two days had made the Empress Dowager very anxious, but seeing Jiang Feixue put her at ease.
"Feixue, I only feel a little better when I see you. Although the affairs of the court are none of our business, I am still very anxious. If you can share the burden with the Emperor more often, he will naturally become closer to you."
Sima Lan had ulterior motives; while offering advice to Jiang Feixue, she was also making pointed remarks.
Upon hearing this, Jiang Feixue's mind immediately began to race. Did the Empress Dowager mean that if she became closer to the Emperor, it wouldn't be impossible for her to eventually replace Jiang Hailing? Secretly overjoyed, she maintained a gentle and elegant demeanor: "Feixue will remember this. Thank you for your guidance, Empress Dowager. I will find a way to share the burden with the Emperor."
The Empress Dowager's words reminded Jiang Feixue that if she wanted to maintain her position in the palace, she needed to get the Emperor's favor. With her beauty, the Emperor had no reason not to be close to her. However, Jiang Feixue was not stupid. She knew that the Emperor and her father had a rift, so naturally he wouldn't be close to her. It seemed that she would have to use her own brain to figure this out.
The Empress Dowager, having spent many years in the palace, could tell from Jiang Feixue's expression that she had taken her words to heart. She yawned and said, "I'm old, I'll go and rest for a while."
"Your Majesty, go to sleep. Fei Xue should also go back."
Go back and think about how to win over the emperor.
Ever since her mother was poisoned by the Thousand-Day Red, she had been disappointed in her father. It turned out that he was such a selfish person. It was impossible for her and her mother to rely on him. If one day the two of them hindered him, would he abandon them as well, just like he abandoned Jiang Hailing?
Therefore, she believed that everyone should look out for themselves and that she should strive to become empress through her own efforts. If she defeated Jiang Hailing and obtained the position of empress, and with the support of her elder brother, she did not believe that her father would dare to rebel.
After thinking it over, Jiang Feixue was very excited and led her maid back to her residence.
Inside the Zhengyi Palace.
The five days that Hai Ling and Shen Ruoxuan had agreed upon had arrived, so Shen Ruoxuan slipped into Zhengyi Palace early.
This time he did not enter through the main gate because he knew that Hailing did not want people to know that she was a doctor.
Therefore, as an apprentice, he must always share the thoughts and concerns of his master.
Hai Ling was having her meal in a side hall. There were few people in the hall except for Yan Zhi and Xiao Ke, who were serving her. Everyone else had left.
While serving the dishes, Rouge spoke up, "Miss, why did General Bai disappear? It's so strange."
"Well, let's ignore him. He won't march on the capital anyway."
Hai Ling ate her breakfast calmly, showing no interest in the topic. Lately, the palace was on edge. With the emperor unwell, none of the concubines dared to show any joy. They all had to watch the emperor's expression. It was truly exhausting to live like this.
Upon hearing her mistress's words, Rouge looked on with curiosity: "Miss, how do you know General Bai won't rebel?"
The entire capital was filled with fear, lest General Bai invade the city.
Hai Ling shook her head, reached out and took the silk handkerchief from Xiao Ke's hand, wiped her mouth, and said with a smile: "If he were planning a rebellion, there would have been some activity already, not no activity at all. Besides, Bai Ye shouldn't be the kind of person who doesn't care about anything. So his disappearance must mean he has his concerns or something to do."
"oh."