Xiao Jinghan's memorial was still on the way to the capital, but at this time, the entire capital was already in an uproar, and the secret in the memorial had already become known to everyone.

In the capital, everyone from high-ranking officials to commoners, from court officials to street vendors, learned shocking news: it was Empress Dowager Xue who had poisoned Xiao Qichen with the Biluo poison and instructed Xiao Jingyi to kill Xiao Qichen, the Prince of Wu'an. Even more infuriating was that, in order to successfully murder Xiao Qichen, Empress Dowager Xue had tacitly approved Xiao Jingyi's treasonous behavior!

However, this is not all. The most heartbreaking thing is that even Xiao Qichen's father, the founding father of the Great Zhao Kingdom, could not escape the clutches of Queen Mother Xue and was also killed by the Biluo poison!

You must know that the Wu'an Palace has been inhabited by war-god-like figures of Dazhao for generations. It can be said that without the Xiao family, Dazhao would have been destroyed by Yuewu long ago.

The god of war who had protected Dazhao for generations was actually murdered by the vicious woman in the harem!

"Your Majesty! Something bad has happened!" Eunuch Gao shouted and ran into the imperial study.

The imperial study was dark, and Emperor Wen was sitting on the dragon throne, motionless!

Eunuch Gao's heart skipped a beat. He hurriedly said, "Your Majesty! I'll have someone light the lamp right away!"

Emperor Wen licked his dry lips and asked in a somewhat hoarse voice: "Has it spread throughout the capital? I..."

Emperor Wen's voice echoed in the darkness, carrying a hint of sadness and helplessness. He knew in his heart that this matter was irreversible and the reputation of the imperial family would be severely damaged.

Eunuch Gao looked at Emperor Wen with heartache, tears in his eyes. He knew the deep affection between Emperor Wen and the Empress Dowager, and now such a tragedy had happened, which made him feel extremely sad.

Emperor Wen slowly stood up and walked heavily to the window. He looked out at the night, his heart filled with regret and self-blame. If he had decisively stopped his mother, perhaps the situation today would not have happened.

Eunuch Gao stood silently by, unsure how to comfort Emperor Wen. He could only accompany him quietly, hoping that time would slowly heal the pain in Emperor Wen's heart.

Emperor Wen sighed deeply and returned to his throne. He closed his eyes and tried to calm himself. He needed to think about how to respond to this crisis and ensure the stability and peace of the country.

Eunuch Gao looked at Emperor Wen cautiously and said softly, "Your Majesty, the Prime Minister has sent people to quell the matter, but the current situation is not optimistic..." His voice was full of worry and uneasiness.

Emperor Wen frowned, slammed the table in anger, and shouted, "Settle it? How can this matter be settled so easily? The people need the royal family's attitude! They want to see our respect for Prince Wu'an and our fair treatment! Oh! Make Li Mingfu stop!"

Emperor Wen took a breath, calmed himself down, then turned to Eunuch Gao and asked, "What did you want to say just now?" His eyes were sharp, as if he could see through Eunuch Gao's inner thoughts.

Eunuch Gao lowered his head and whispered, "The students in the capital are kneeling outside the palace, begging Your Majesty to clear the names of the two generations of King Wu'an! Your Majesty, this matter has spread throughout Dazhao, and has attracted widespread attention and discussion." There was a hint of worry in his voice, worried that the matter would escalate.

Emperor Wen's hands trembled slightly, a trace of pain flashed in his eyes, and he slowly lowered his eyelids. He said in a low voice, "Gao Rui, quickly prepare a cup of poisoned wine. I need to go to the Cining Palace to visit my mother."

Hearing this, Gao Rui's face changed drastically. He fell to his knees with a plop, tears welling up in his eyes. He choked and said, "Your Majesty! That's your biological mother! How could you have the heart to kill her?"

At that moment, a figure emerged from the darkness. It was Kong Boda. His face was solemn, and after a moment's hesitation, he said, "Your Majesty, I just received word that the Youli Emperor has sent a message, saying he wants justice for his brother-in-law, Xiao Qichen, and his father-in-law. If they are not satisfied, the Youli Imperial Family will no longer provide medicine to the Dazhao Kingdom. Furthermore, he also said..."

Emperor Wen's heart instantly sank, his eyes became somewhat dazed, and he muttered to himself, "What else did he say?"

Kong Boda lowered his head and answered cautiously, "He also said that if Dazhao cannot avenge the Xiao family father and son, he will end his alliance with Dazhao. Your Majesty, if Youli Kingdom forms an alliance with either Yuewu or Beiliu, it will be a huge threat to us Dazhao!"

Emperor Wen frowned, held his forehead with his hand, and let out a long sigh: "Gao Rui! Which is more important, my mother or my country? My mother, how could she be so confused! Oh, let's go to the Cining Palace!"

Eunuch Gao couldn't help but sigh, then stood up and followed Emperor Wen to the Cining Palace.

Kong Boda, who was standing aside, had his eyes flickering, as if he was thinking about something, and then he disappeared into the darkness without a trace.

As night fell, the sky darkened, and stars twinkled faintly. The Cining Palace was illuminated by lights, resplendent and magnificent, yet strangely quiet, without a single palace maid or eunuch in sight. This stillness made one feel uneasy, as if something was about to happen.

Emperor Wen walked slowly into the palace, feeling confused and uneasy. When he entered, he found that only Empress Dowager Xue was sitting quietly at the table, which was filled with all her favorite dishes.

Queen Mother Xue stared at the delicacies on the table, the corners of her mouth slightly raised, revealing a faint smile: "Xiao'er, you're here."

When Emperor Wen heard this address, his heart trembled, and his eyes froze for a moment. Since he ascended the throne, Empress Dowager Xue had never addressed him in such a familiar way. This sudden address made him feel both unfamiliar and familiar, and his thoughts drifted back to the past.

He waved his hand, signaling Eunuch Gao to withdraw. Eunuch Gao quickly put down the wine jug in his hand, knelt respectfully in front of Empress Dowager Xue, and said with a choked voice: "Your Majesty, I will do my best to take good care of Your Majesty, please rest assured!"

Empress Dowager Xue was deeply moved by these words, but her expression remained calm. She nodded slightly, the corners of her mouth twitching slightly, trying to smile, but in the end, she only managed an ugly smile. She looked at Eunuch Gao, a flicker of gratitude in her eyes, and said softly, "I believe in you."

Eunuch Gao was in tears and said in a trembling voice, "May the Empress Dowager rest in peace!" After that, he turned and left, gently closing the door.

After Eunuch Gao left, Emperor Wen slowly walked over to Empress Dowager Xue and sat down next to her. He picked up a pair of chopsticks, selected a few of Empress Dowager Xue's favorite dishes, and placed them in the bowl before her. Emperor Wen lowered his head and said softly, "Mother, these are your favorite dishes. I have specially asked the Imperial Kitchen to prepare them for you."

Queen Mother Xue's cloudy eyes were misty, as if she was reminiscing about the past, but also lamenting the present. She sighed and said firmly, "I don't regret anything I've done! As long as my son Xiao'er's throne is secure, I can give up anything and anyone!"