took the Purple Star into her arms, "The Empress Dowager likely can't answer my questions now. Perhaps we should wait until the Empress Dowager has thought things through, and when she has, we can con..."This Xi Gui Fei has come, she's probably here to confirm your identity."

Huangpu Qingyun said in a low voice, "Now that I see you like this, it's actually a big help to us."

"She's probably here on Cen Taihou's orders."

Feng Lingxi was thinking about all the questions she had asked her about herself, wanting to confirm the relationship between them. She wanted to make sure that, after confirmation, whether Aohua would really hand Feng Lingxi over.

"No matter who it is, as long as your identity remains hidden, they won't know our purpose."

Feng Lingxi responded, which was also why she constantly instilled in Feng Yu Xi Yao Hua Princess's dislike for Feng Lingxi. In their eyes, it was enough to know that Princess Yao Hua didn't like Feng Lingxi and wanted to take her place and marry Dugu City.

"By the way, it will be a few days before we reach Duolun City. I want to take some time to visit my mother. There are some things I need her help with."

"Princess, General's Manor wishes to see you."

Feng Lingxi heard the words of the General's Mansion, and glanced at Huangfu Qingyun. She got up and walked out. Seeing the arrival, Feng Lingxi was slightly surprised, and Yao Wan Ying also froze for a moment, looking at the strange woman in front of her, "Are you the princess of Huangxia Dynasty"

Feng Lingxi responded, "My lady, please come inside and speak."

At this point of uncertainty, Huangfu Qingyun appeared, nodding at Yao Wan'ying. Only then did she enter.

"Your Highness, where is Xi'er"

Yao Wanyi had some doubts, but she still asked.

"Mother, it's me."

Feng Lingxi opened her mouth, peeled off the human skin mask, and put on a veil. Yao Wan'ying nodded and said in short sentences, "Feng Aotian is reinstated as an official. The Empress Dowager said she doesn't blame him. You be careful, Mother will come to find you when she has time."

"Xier, remember this: when the wind and rain come this evening, go to the post house and find me. They want to confirm my identity. Mother will follow Feng Aotian's wishes for now and first figure out their intentions before making a decision."

Yao Wan Ying nodded and stood up, "Mother will go back first, can't stay long."

Huangfu Qingyun sent Yao Wan'ying out, and at the same time gave her a package. This scene fell into the eyes of others and spread to the palace.

Dugu City returned to the capital, and Dugu Yan specially set a banquet to welcome him. The lineup was impressive, but Dugu City didn't give him face and didn't attend. The Empress Dowager was furious, but she was stopped by Dugu Yan. However, she learned that Dugu City went to the imperial mausoleum to pay respects to the late emperor.

Even when angered, because his family was present, he did not punish Dugu City. Furthermore, upon Dugu City's return this time, he brought with him 300,000 troops, all stationed outside the city. The forces were mighty. If he truly acted forcefully, they would gain nothing but trouble.

"My Lord, if we don't attend the Cleansing Banquet, we will have offended the Emperor. I estimate that matters of marriage will become even more difficult, and the Empress Dowager will find new ways to retaliate against you."

Ye Xi reminded, arriving in the capital with such a grand display right away, the Wang Ye's return this time was practically slapping the Empress Dowager and the Emperor in the face. Although it was disrespectful, it did vent some ill feelings.

"Matters concerning family cannot be left to their whims. This scorching summer, it's not like the court has any other choice but for this king to marry Princess Yaohua, is it If there were no benefits, why would this king even agree to marry her"

Although both of them are his beloved Xier, he can't let go of the opportunity to give Xier a chance to clear her name. Furthermore, his father was poisoned by them and his mother was framed, none of these have been investigated and understood. If he were to just surrender, how could that be so easy.

"Cheng'er, you need to be careful."

Shufei reminded, “This Empress Cen now just wants you to come back. Listen obediently and marry Yao Hua Princess, who was promised in marriage, so she can get the Purple Star.”

"My mother's meaning, I understand it well. It wouldn't be so easy to agree."

"I miss that little Xi'er. If not for all these things happening, Xi'er would have a baby by now, and we wouldn't be going through so much trouble. I still haven't even held my grandson."

Shufeng let out a long sigh, returning to the capital city. Her mind was filled with memories of the past, making it difficult for her even to get a good night's sleep.

Du Gucheng hummed in response. He was indeed thinking of Xi'er, but there were more important matters at hand right now.

"The Emperor has decreed, summon the Fourth Prince and allow him entrance to the palace. There must be no mistakes."

The father-in-law of the speaker arrived. Dugu City looked at the unfamiliar face, his sword eyebrows slightly furrowed, very displeased.

Zhang Gonggong, the eunuch in charge of delivering messages, saw Shu Fei standing at Dugu City and hurried forward to greet her. "This servant greets Taifei Shu," he said.

"Shù Taifēi" Let me know if you'd like me to translate anything else!

Upon hearing this title, Shu Fei let out a cold snort. "There is no such thing as Shu Taifei here. This eunuch must have made a mistake."

"Imperial Noble Consort Shu, you aren't…"

"There is no Empress Shu here, Your Majesty. Have you understood"

Dugu Cheng's eyes narrowed in warning. "Grandfather, you can't even see through people, what use are these eyes"

Master Zhang's face turned pale, and he hurriedly slapped himself repeatedly. "Fourth Prince, please spare my life! I was mistaken, please forgive me."

Dugu Cheng let out a cold snort, clearly displeased. Zhang Gonggong hastily said, “This servant saw nothing at all. I beg the Fourth Prince to forgive me and spare this servant’s life this once.”

Since nothing was seen, what crime could there be

Zhang Gonggong suddenly realized, hurriedly said, "Thank you, Fourth Lord, I will take my leave."

Looking at Zhang Gonggong leaving in a hurry, Shufei finally spoke to Dugu City, “Cheng’er, this Zhang Gonggong is Dugu Yan’s person. After returning, Mother concubine’s message will certainly be leaked by him. When Dugu Yan summons you, just go and see what he has to say.”

"My son was indeed thinking along those lines. My mother is waiting at the residence. We will discuss it further upon my return."

Shu Fei responded, "These past few months, I haven't returned. Now this Si Wangfu is much more deserted than before. Most of the servants from the mansion have been dismissed, and the maids serving me are no longer here. For a moment, Shu Fei felt downcast, remembering the past days, she couldn't help but sigh.

The Imperial Study

Du Gu Cheng entered the palace by imperial decree. Du Gu Yan, watching his appearance, was somewhat surprised.

I thought he would refuse to enter the palace again this time, but unexpectedly, he actually did.

"Younger brother, I haven't seen you in months. I miss you greatly."

Dugu Yan moved to appeal to familial bonds, wanting to step forward, but Dugu Cheng retreated two steps, his voice calm and steady, "This minister has yet to congratulate Your Majesty on your ascension. Please forgive this minister."

"Fourth brother, are you blaming me"

Dugu Cheng raised an eyebrow, meeting Dugu Yan's gaze and seeing the furrow in her brow. He had no idea what he was up to this time.

The emperor passed away suddenly. Everything happened so quickly that I myself couldn't understand. The imperial physician said the emperor died from poisoning, using the same pills that Xi’er had given him before…

“Your Majesty, I dare to ask a question. What medicine did Xi'er give to the Emperor If my memory serves me right, Xi'er only treated the Emperor that one time. Moreover, after Xi'er and I went on campaign, the Emperor remained healthy. How could he have been poisoned days after we left”

Dugu Yan frowned, her eyes filled with suspicion as she looked at Dugu Cheng.

"Fourth Brother means someone framed Xier"

Listening to Dugu Yan call him "Xier" one by one, Dugu Cheng only felt disgusted.

What qualifications does he have to call Xier like that, a fake and insincere person, he doesn't even deserve to say Xier's name., seeing his expression grave. "How about it You don't want to separate from her"Dugu Cheng's expression was solemn, "Forcing her out of the house like this, she must be resentful towards this king. S...