Although the Empress Dowager has become much more restrained in recent years, An Honghan knows that she is constantly making underhanded moves. Perhaps, the still missing orphan of the seventh prince is someone she has hidden away.

An Honghan always liked to eliminate any potential threats completely. If this matter was indeed the work of the Empress Dowager, once she lost power, her subsequent factions would gradually abandon their support for the orphaned seventh prince.

Previously, we thought they couldn't cause any big trouble, so we let them be. But now it's different. The problem is that the Empress Dowager didn't realize her own limitations.

In her previous life, Xi Xi lived a carefree life with her master in a secluded mountain forest, a place free from deceit and treachery, where she didn't have to be constantly on guard against anyone. Therefore, she always believed that human nature is inherently kind. If you treat others well, they will reciprocate with care and love…

Suddenly, Xi Xizhi found it difficult to adapt to her new living environment.

Even biological mothers and sons can turn against each other like this; just how terrifying is the imperial palace?

Xi Xizhi's misty eyes revealed a deep sorrow. Was it worth losing family for power and status? Perhaps, they had no choice. Anyone born into royalty was destined to be caught in the power struggles. Even if you didn't fight or vie for power, it didn't mean others would spare your life. The only way to survive was to join the fight and win the final victory.

Otherwise... they are destined to be seen as stumbling blocks and ruthlessly eliminated.

Xi Xizhi had no right to criticize An Honghan's actions. Even if he murdered his father and brother, it was for survival.

If... An Honghan must bear the guilt of matricide, Xi Xizhi is willing to share it with him. Ultimately, this whole affair was caused by it, and it bears some responsibility.

No longer trying to persuade An Honghan to forgive the Empress Dowager, Xi Xizhi was dejected and slumped into her little room.

The warm little nest temporarily dispelled the chill in her heart, giving her a glimmer of hope again. No matter how filthy or corrupt the royal family was, as long as she had a clear conscience, there was nothing to fear!

Seeing that Xiao Diao had regained his spirits, An Honghan felt relieved, took off his clothes, and went to rest on the dragon bed.

In truth, An Honghan was also conflicted. On one hand, he wanted Xiao Diao to understand the filth of the palace and to recognize the environment she was in; on the other hand, he worried that Xiao Diao would become corrupt and heartless like himself.

It would be such a pity if those deep blue eyes were stained with filth.

It must be a real shame.

Insisting on her daily morning cultivation, Xi Xizhi, still half-asleep, accurately located the canna lily and lay down beneath it to absorb the spiritual energy of heaven and earth.

After several days of cultivation, Xi Xizhi could feel some spiritual energy accumulating within her body. Having just embarked on the path of cultivation, she wasn't seeking speed, but rather stability. Her master often taught her that the key to success in anything was 'stability.' If one's foundation wasn't solid, it would be impossible to make further breakthroughs once one reached a certain stage of cultivation.

"Have you heard? The Empress Dowager has contracted a strange illness. She woke up this morning unable to speak and her whole body is incredibly itchy." Two palace maids carrying trays whispered to each other as they walked towards the Panlong Hall.

Perhaps because of what happened last night, Xi Xizhi was extremely concerned about matters concerning the Empress Dowager. She parted the banana leaf in front of her, peeked out, and looked towards the palace maids.

"Isn't that right? The Fengxiang Palace is in an uproar. The imperial physicians are scrambling to find out what illness the Empress Dowager is suffering from." Another voice replied. Because this was the Emperor's residence, the two spoke very softly, for fear of being overheard and accused of gossiping.

Fortunately, the little ferret had excellent hearing and heard their conversation without missing a single detail.

That drug is probably a slow-acting poison; we don't know its expiration date, how many days.

As the two palace maids walked away, Xi Xizhi, wanting to gather more information, emerged from behind a banana leaf.

Every day, Xi Xizhi absorbed the spiritual energy of heaven and earth here at the exact same time. The two palace maids who were responsible for following the little sable at all times blinked in surprise when they saw it come out early, and then followed in the little sable's footsteps.

With these two followers, Xi Xizhi was constantly being watched, no matter what she did. Not daring to do anything too out of the ordinary, Xi Xizhi strolled leisurely through the palace with small steps. The palace was enormous, like a maze.

Xi Xizhi had only been there a short time, so she couldn't tell which road led where and which road led where.

I was just wandering around aimlessly...

It's necessary to ask An Honghan for a map first, otherwise it will get lost one day.

She didn't know where she had wandered off to, but a magnificent palace appeared before Xi Xizhi's eyes. Because Xi Xizhi couldn't read the local characters, she didn't know what was written on the plaque.

Laughter and cheerful voices emanated from inside, all of them the nightingale-like laughter of women.

Having learned from the Empress Dowager's example, Xi Xizhi dared not provoke the women in the harem again. Hearing the laughter, her first thought was to leave as quickly as possible to avoid further trouble.

Just as he was about to turn and leave, a childish voice suddenly came, "It's the Phoenix Cloud Sable that my royal brother keeps. It's so beautiful."

A little girl, around ten years old, stared longingly at the adorable little white ball. Her clear, bright eyes evoked pity in anyone who saw her.

Seeing that the other person was just a child, Xi Xizhi stopped confidently. An Honghan couldn't possibly have such a young concubine, and judging from the clothes the little girl was wearing, they were all made of the finest materials, so she couldn't be a palace maid.

Therefore, there is only one possibility. This little girl is An Honghan's younger sister...

The little girl walked over timidly, squatted down, and looked at the ferret with her big, bright eyes. She wanted to touch the ferret, but when her little hand reached out halfway, she withdrew it.

A number of women gradually gathered around, all dressed in fine clothes, each with heavy or light makeup, looking very beautiful.

The Empress Dowager alone was already a huge headache for Xi Xizhi; if another group came, she didn't know if she would survive. Living in the palace, it was best to avoid trouble as much as possible. She couldn't afford to offend them, but she could at least avoid them. Turning around, she prepared to sprint through the group of women at top speed.

"Fourteenth Sister is still so timid, always hesitant and fearful in everything she does. She doesn't even have the guts to touch the Phoenix Cloud Sable." A melodious voice came from the woman in the lead.

She was exceptionally beautiful, the most dazzling among all the women.

Judging from her tone, this little girl must be her younger sister. But why do they always talk at once? Could it be that the sisters don't get along?

Fearing the little girl would be bullied, Xi Xizhi raised her front leg and slowly lowered it again. It seemed she was becoming increasingly nosy lately? But there was nothing she could do; she simply couldn't stand seeing the weak being bullied.

"Sixth...Sixth Sister." The little girl raised her head timidly, her voice hesitant. "But it's my brother's pet. How can I touch it without his permission?"

Xi Xizhi disliked the little girl's timid and cowardly personality, but she couldn't bear to let her be bullied. It turned out that she wasn't the only one who couldn't adapt to the dark palace; this little girl was also a victim.

Although the other princesses remained silent, the disdain in their eyes clearly showed that they also disliked the little girl.

"As expected of a child born to a servant, lacking any royal bearing." Among the dozen or so princesses, someone cursed.

The little girl bit her lip, her eyes glistening with tears.