Xu Ruyun then noticed the jade pendant hanging around Qiuqiu's neck, which was decorated with dragon patterns. Such jade pendants were symbols of royalty, usually bestowed by the emperor upon meritorious ministers, allowing them to enter and leave the palace without needing to be announced, thus facilitating their audience with the emperor.

Unexpectedly, Qiuqiu obtained such a precious jade pendant today.

Xu Ruyun quickly hugged Qiuqiu and said, "My good daughter, this time your mother is counting on you!"

Xu Ruyun and Qiuqiu rode in a carriage and hurried to the palace.

The guards stopped the carriage: "Who dares to trespass into the palace?!"

Chiu Chiu poked half her head out and showed off her jade pendant.

The guards quickly bowed: "So it's the special envoy. His Majesty has ordered that no one may obstruct the special envoy. Please—"

The other guards hurriedly opened the palace gates for Qiuqiu so that she could pass through more easily and quickly.

Xu Ruyun gave Qiuqiu a thumbs up and said, "Qiuqiu is great!"

The carriage arrived at the Meridian Gate just as someone was being executed.

Two executioners held down a man.

With a swift stroke, the man's head fell to the ground.

Someone shouted, "Lord Xu is dead!"

Xu Ruyun let out a heart-wrenching cry: "No—brother! I'm too late!"

[Did my uncle die so soon? Waaah, poor uncle, he's even worse off than in his original fate. At least in his original fate he was exiled for a while.]

[But at least my uncle suffers less this way. Waaah.]

Xu Ruyun was even more heartbroken after hearing what Qiuqiu said.

After getting off the carriage and taking a few steps, she fainted.

"Mother, Mother—"

A strong, large hand steadily supported Xu Ruyun.

Chiu Chiu turned around and saw that it was actually Grand Tutor Chen.

Chirping excitedly, "Grand Tutor Chen—"

Grand Tutor Chen, holding Xu Ruyun, cried out, "Imperial Physician! Someone come quickly, find the Imperial Physician!"