Seeing Xiao Dezi's nervous expression, the Emperor shook his head, pushed him aside, and said, "It's just a carrier pigeon, there's no need to make a fuss."

The guards also tensed up and pretended to protect the emperor.

The Emperor said to them, "It's alright! It's been so long since we've seen Princess Wanguo. I really hope it's a letter from her."

Xiao Dezi hurriedly said, "Your Majesty, this servant will go and catch that carrier pigeon right away. Your Majesty's concern is evident; this carrier pigeon must be delivering a letter from the Princess of Wan Kingdom!"

The emperor looked at the carrier pigeon expectantly and said, "I hope so."

Xiao Dezi caught the carrier pigeon, carefully removed the letter from its leg, and then handed it to the Emperor.

The emperor slowly opened the letter, and a smile gradually spread across his face.

Seeing the Emperor's delighted expression, Xiao Dezi couldn't help but ask, "Your Majesty, it seems this is the letter from Princess Wan Guo. How is Princess Wan Guo?"

The Emperor beamed and said, "Good! Good! Excellent! Absolutely wonderful! Guards!"

Xiao Dezi bowed his head and walked up to the Emperor, saying, "This servant is here!"

The Emperor: "Summon Grand Tutor Xu to the palace immediately!"

Xiao Dezi: "Yes!"

The sky was already starting to darken.

At the Grand Tutor's residence, a birthday banquet is being held for the Grand Tutor.

The Grand Tutor held a high position and wielded great power, and the guests treated him with utmost respect.

Everyone brought valuable gifts to celebrate the Grand Tutor's birthday.

At this moment, Xiao Dezi rushed over, which startled all the guests.

Xiao Dezi: "By imperial decree, Grand Tutor Xu is summoned to the palace for an audience with the Emperor!"

Grand Tutor Xu looked at the already dark sky outside and asked in surprise, "Your Excellency, it's already late outside. His Majesty has summoned me to the palace. Is there something important?"

Xiao Dezi: "This servant does not know. Please, Grand Tutor, come to the palace with me as soon as possible. Do not keep His Majesty waiting."

Grand Tutor Xu hurriedly approached Xiao Dezi and said, "Good, good, I will go to the palace with you to meet the Emperor."

After Xiao Dezi and Grand Tutor Xu left, everyone whispered among themselves, and various speculations arose.

Someone spread a rumor: "I've heard that Grand Tutor Xu's family has become so powerful that His Majesty has long been wary of them. Will His Majesty detain or execute Grand Tutor Xu this time he enters the palace?"

Some people kept shaking their heads, saying, "Tsk tsk tsk, that's hard to say. I heard that the Grand Tutor's mansion was hiding evidence of treason not long ago. If the Emperor finds out, the Xu family, alas! They're probably finished!"

At this moment, some people put down their wine glasses and chopsticks, preparing to leave the table.

"Then shouldn't we leave quickly? We need to sever ties with the Xu family as soon as possible, otherwise we'll be the ones who suffer the consequences!"

Many of the banquet guests had already begun to chime in, saying, "Yes, yes, let's go, let's go!"

Madam Xu wiped away her tears anxiously and cried, "No, it's not what you're saying."

Xu Ruyun patted her mother's hand and comforted her, saying, "Mother, everything will be alright."

The others scoffed, "They'll be fine for now. Grand Tutor Xu has been taken away. It looks like he's in grave danger!"

Xu Ruyun stood up, walked to the guests, and said, "Where did you all hear these rumors? Our entire Grand Tutor's Mansion is loyal to the Emperor and the court, and has never harbored any rebellious intentions!"

But the guests, at this point, were no longer listening to the words of a mere woman, and scattered in all directions as if avoiding a plague.

The maidservant was so anxious that she kept stamping her feet: "Don't go! We haven't finished eating yet, don't rush off!"

At this point, no one listened to the maid's advice.

Soon, only a few guests remained at the table.