When Yuanyuan saw Xiaoxin, she almost didn't recognize him.

In the past six months, he has been training at the Xie family's intelligence camp arranged by Xie Yu, and with the Xie family supporting him, Xiao Xin has grown a lot taller.

"Shin-chan, how's your studying going?"

"Sister Yuanyuan, I'm definitely much better than before."

Xiao Xin went to the Xie family's intelligence training camp. Because of his cleverness, perseverance, and skill in disguise, his master liked him very much and taught him everything he knew.

After learning the system, Xiaoxin's ability to acquire intelligence improved by leaps and bounds.

"Xiaoxin, today I'm taking you to see the master."

"good."

Upon entering Qingpu Garden, Xiaoxin realized that the most beautiful Moon Lake Garden in Kyoto was actually the residence of Grand Secretary Gu!

When he was led to Xie Zhaozhao, Xiao Xin was both excited and nervous as he met his real master for the first time.

Kneel down respectfully and address him as "Master".

Xie Zhaozhao woke him up and looked at the clever boy. She felt sorry that he hadn't studied enough. Otherwise, given time, he might become the next Dongqin!

She smiled faintly and said, "Xiao Xin, there's a task I need you to assign."

"Yes, Master."

Xie Zhaozhao gave him some instructions, and Xiao Xin asked for clarification, accepted the task, and left.

Soon a new rumor began to circulate in Kyoto.

Rumor has it that the two bodyguards of the Empress in the Daqingshan secret guard camp betrayed the Empress. These two bodyguards, acting on orders, stole from the Earl's residence, were captured by the Imperial City Guard, and confessed under torture…

The troubles that befell the Wei family were ultimately caused by the Empress.

The Duke of Chengen doted on his son. Even if his son was a good-for-nothing, he was still his own son. After being beheaded, he fell seriously ill.

Wei Shixun was in a coma with a high fever for five or six days, and the Chengen Duke's Mansion gathered all the famous doctors in the country to treat him.

The doctors all said that Wei Shixun might be like Wei Shining, never able to stand up again.

The Duke of Cheng'en was struck again and fell into a coma.

Having weathered the storms of three dynasties, the matriarch now oversees five generations of her family, supporting the entire clan despite her advanced age.

Rumors quickly spread to the Chengen Duke's mansion, infuriating the Chengen Duke, the Dowager Lady, and Wei Anlu's wives, concubines, and children.

The Duke of Chengen sent a message to the Empress, saying that the Dowager was dying. The Empress went to the Duke of Chengen's residence under the pretext of visiting her.

Upon meeting, the Duke of Chengen angrily asked the Empress: "Are the rumors on the street true?"

Haven't I given you enough money from the Duke of Cheng'en's mansion? How could you be so shallow as to steal the Xie family's dowry?

"We were captured alive, couldn't withstand the beating, and confessed our entire family's secrets! Your Majesty, why don't you just take a rope and strangle the entire Wei clan!"

The Empress was both angry and aggrieved, and had no way to defend herself.

She had people investigate the situation, and the rumors on the street were not unfounded. The Wei Clan's secret guard base was indeed revealed by those two lackeys, Liu Feng and Wan Daohe.

Otherwise, the Imperial City Guards wouldn't have only discovered this now, given their cunning and maneuvering.

Wei Anlu's wife burst into tears, saying meaningfully, "My husband is the Crown Prince, and even if he were torn to pieces, he would not dare to complain. But the people in front of Her Majesty have betrayed the Wei family so thoroughly; it is too chilling."

The Empress could hear her sister-in-law complaining about herself. She said in a sinister tone, "Grandmother, Father, sister-in-law, rest assured, the blood of the Wei family will not be shed in vain. Someone will surely be buried with them."

Upon returning to the palace, the Empress ordered Jingge: "Go to the Crown Prince's residence and tell Consort Xie to bring her mother into the palace to keep me company."

The Crown Prince is under house arrest, heavily guarded, and both he and his concubines are confined to the Crown Prince's residence and cannot enter or leave at will.

Jin Ge, holding the Empress's token, granted Consort Xie special permission to leave the residence for questioning. The guards consulted their superiors, who granted the request.

Xie Tingting has been in the household for almost two months. She is only fourteen years old, but she is already a woman and looks very tired.

Jin Ge released her from the mansion, and she was very happy, saying, "What are your orders, Your Majesty?"

Jin Ge smiled and said, "The concubine has been in the Crown Prince's residence for two months. Her Majesty the Empress misses her and would like to ask her to invite Madam Xie to the palace for a chat, and also to take her pulse."

Xie Tingting looked embarrassed. She was beautiful, young and resourceful. Wei Chuchu was pregnant and could not serve the Crown Prince, so the Crown Prince stayed in Xie Tingting's room almost every day.

Among all the concubines, she was even more favored than Wei Chuchu.

When Xie Tingting suddenly returned to the Xie residence in a royal carriage, the old lady of the Xie family was not agitated. She said, "The Crown Prince is under house arrest. You should abide by the rules. What are you doing back here?"

Xie Tingting was displeased, but she was still young and had to keep a low profile.

She said gently, "Replying to Grandmother, Her Majesty the Empress has asked the imperial physician to take my pulse and also invited Mother to the palace for a chat."

"Oh, then go to your mother's place, but be sure to be careful with your words and actions."

Xie Tingting thanked her grandmother and went to Xu's courtyard.

"Why has the Consort returned?" Madam Xu immediately greeted her daughter according to etiquette, for when meeting a royal lady, proper etiquette must not be disregarded.

“Mother, please get up,” Xie Tingting helped her up, and the two sat down. Xie Tingting explained her purpose, “The Crown Prince is currently under house arrest, and my time outside is also limited. I would be grateful if Mother could accompany me to the palace.”

When Madam Xu heard that it was the Empress who had ordered Xie Tingting to bring her into the palace, she immediately became wary and questioned her repeatedly.

Xie Tingting, growing impatient with her question, frowned and said, "Her Majesty the Empress wants the imperial physician to take my pulse to determine if I'm pregnant. Besides, can we refuse a summons from Her Majesty the Empress?"

Madam Xu's eyelids twitched rapidly, and she said, "Mother, please inform the Old Madam before you go."

Xie Tingting waited impatiently. Xu went to the old lady Xie's courtyard, knelt down and explained Xie Tingting's purpose.

Madam Xie said calmly, "Mrs. Xu, there are some things I don't want to repeat myself. Since you have such big ideas, then you should handle them carefully yourselves. I am willing but unable to do so. Besides, the reason I let you out of the family temple was for Xie Tingting's marriage. Now that Tingting's marriage is settled, you should go back to the temple to pray for blessings!"

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