First, the palace maids who had bribed Empress Xu turned against her, and the matter of the Western Regions' Illusionary Beauty became murky. Now, the Heartless Powder personally prepared by her master has been neutralized.

She never understood why her master, with his superb medical skills, had no antidote for the Heartbreak Powder. It was only when Consort Rou was poisoned that her master gave her the antidote.

Where did Princess Jia Hua get her antidote?

I really can't figure it out.

She thought she was like the mantis stalking the cicada, unaware of the oriole behind; as long as she caused Empress Dowager Xu and Princess Jiahua to fight, she could reap the benefits.

I never imagined I'd get myself involved.

In the end, we shouldn't have given Consort Rou the antidote!

All the flaws lie with Consort Rou.

It's too late to say anything now.

"Is there any news from Mantangyuan?"

"The kitchen sent some food over this afternoon. I sent someone to inquire, but His Highness ordered that no one be allowed to approach." Huamei's voice grew softer as she spoke.

Xu Lingqing sneered, thinking that everything would be fine just because the prince was protecting her?

She refused to believe that Prince Guangjia would abandon Song Yue and ignore her. Others might not know, but she knew that Prince Guangjia had been devoted to Song Yue for two lifetimes.

He was willing to risk his life for Song Yue.

This is also why she wanted Song Yue as a hostage.

The next morning, Xu Lingqing went to pay her respects to Consort Rou, but Consort Rou was angry and insisted that she stand outside the door for two hours before she would meet her.

Xu Lingqing lowered her stance and obediently admitted her mistake. With a few words, she calmed down Consort Rou's anger by more than half. Xu Lingqing then explained her purpose again.

“The Prince of Guangjia is the late emperor’s eldest son and has been the crown prince. How could he not be interested in the throne? Detaining Song Yue is just a temporary measure. If she changes her mind and marries someone else later, I’m worried that Your Highness will suffer a loss.”

Consort Rou agreed, "That's true. How many men are truly affectionate? What do you want?"

"Take this opportunity to reclaim military power and have Song Yue write a letter to Prince Guangjia himself. The couple has only been married a short time, so there is still some affection between them."

"That's true." Consort Rou believed her and sent someone to invite Song Yue over.

Xu Lingqing stood aside, waiting for news.

Soon a maid came to report: "Your Highness, the Prince has ordered that no one is allowed to approach the Mantang Courtyard."

"Nonsense! I am the Prince's own mother, how can I not get close to him?" Consort Rou lost her temper and decided to go there herself.