Jiang Yingxue leaned closer and said to her, "When I was in the manor, I heard people say that before the emperor ascended the throne, he had more than one son, but on the eve of his ascension, the empress killed them all, which is why the empress and the emperor have such a bad relationship now."

Chang Lili was utterly astonished: "What?"

Jiang Yingxue said seriously, "It's a rumor that so many of the emperor's sons died suddenly overnight, supposedly killed by treacherous officials, but many people guessed it was the empress. Later, the emperor sent the crown prince to guard the imperial tombs, which was also because of this."

Chang Lili shuddered at the thought of that unfathomable and ruthless woman in the harem and said, "No way."

"Who knows?" Jiang Yingxue shrugged. "Anyway, this can't be talked about. I only overheard it. My parents are also very secretive about it. Don't tell anyone and get me in trouble."

While Chang Lili was still in shock and fear, she exchanged a glance with Jiang Yingxue, and they both shivered involuntarily.

That empress is such a terrifying woman.

Why could the emperor tolerate the empress?

Jiang Yingxue looked at her speechlessly: "It seems there is no evidence, and he only has one son, the Crown Prince, and the Empress's family were the meritorious officials who helped him ascend the throne."

Chang Lili ignored Jiang Yingxue's "You're so stupid" look and frowned, thinking about Xiao Lingshou's gloomy appearance.

Youyou said, "The most ruthless are those in the imperial family."

“That’s right, the palace is full of ruthless killers.” Jiang Yingxue added, “Back then, the palace coveted my family’s money and wanted to summon me to the palace. Fortunately, my parents loved me and sent me to the Qingji Department.”

Chang Lili pressed down on her shoulder, thinking that it was fortunate that Jiang Yingxue hadn't entered the palace, given her personality, and said, "Then you're really lucky."

Seeing that their conversation had gone completely off-topic, Chang Lili temporarily put aside the troubles her mother-in-law had caused her. Also, because she had inexplicably chatted with Jiang Yingxue for a while today, the two had become much closer.

Even Old Man Zhou exclaimed, "How strange! The sun has risen in the west!"

As for her mother-in-law, she was unmoved and Chang Lili had no way to deal with her, so she could only avoid talking about the previous topic and unconsciously reduced the number of times she went back.

That noon, she didn't want to go back.

He had been staying in the forbidden area for three days without going out, and the news of Meng Yuxiu's appointment as Grand Commander spread quickly. Once he finished arranging things in the capital, he could set off.

This only took three days.

For the past three days, he has been so busy that he has not been able to find out about the military camps in the capital. He has rarely even returned to the General's Mansion, and naturally, he has not been able to visit Chang Lili in the forbidden area.

Chang Lili pondered going to find her herself.

When Jiang Yingxue came to find her, she brought Jiang Yingxue along as well.

Although Jiang Yingxue was domineering, she was much more honest than Chang Lili. She rarely left the forbidden area. Today, she was dragged out by her. Although she looked unwilling, her eyes were bright and she looked around.

She's going back to her hometown in Jiangnan soon, and she'll bring back some local specialties from Beijing for her parents.

Chang Lili wanted to go to the military camp to find Meng Yuxiu, and she also needed Jiang Yingxue's help, so she first paid for Jiang Yingxue to book a table at the best restaurant.

Jiang Yingxue looked at the table full of dishes with suspicion: "You're clearly up to no good. Tell me, what are you planning to do?"

"Isn't this just to thank you for taking care of me these past few days? Don't think too much about it."

Jiang Yingxue was used to being waited on, so she didn't think much of it and picked up her chopsticks to eat without any politeness.

The food at the Light Machinery Division was neither particularly good nor bad, but it was still a bit of a stretch for Jiang Yingxue, who had been eating delicacies since childhood. The dishes at the restaurant were barely satisfactory to her.

Chang Lili poured her a glass of wine and said, "You're going back to Jiangnan soon, right?"

Jiang Yingxue nodded.

“The capital has been quite unsettled lately. I heard from Meng Yuxiu that the emperor may have some plans, and he may also be transferred out of the palace.”

Jiang Yingxue also noticed that there were many more guards patrolling the streets today, and she vaguely knew that something big was happening in the capital, otherwise her parents would not have urged her to go back.

She raised an eyebrow knowingly: "What? You want to come back with me?"

"No, no," Chang Lili said, "I don't need it. I'm worried about my mother-in-law."

"Hmm? You want her to come back with me?"

Chang Lili nodded and said, "She's getting old, and I wouldn't feel at ease if the capital was in chaos. She's never been to Jiangnan either, so it would be good for her to go with you. Just consider it as giving someone a ride along the way, and I'll pay for the travel expenses myself."

Jiang Yingxue said as if she had heard a joke, "Stop joking. Do you think I need you to pay for my travel expenses? It's just bringing one more person. It's not like my Jiang family doesn't have the money."

Knowing she would say something, Chang Lili didn't argue with her and said, "Then it's settled. I'll let my mother-in-law go south with you."

Would she agree?

“The situation in the capital is not peaceful. I’ll explain it to her and she’ll understand.” Chang Lili raised a glass to her. “I’ll have to trouble you to take care of my mother-in-law then.”

Jiang Yingxue was a little uncomfortable seeing her so formal and said, "Because of this, I've noticed you've been acting suspiciously these past few days. You can keep such a small thing bottled up for so long."

Chang Lili suppressed the urge to argue with her and decided to carefully serve this young lady today.

Who told her she needed help?

After a satisfying meal, Chang Lili planned to visit the military camp, while Jiang Yingxue intended to stroll around the streets. Just as they were about to part ways after agreeing on a meeting place, someone tapped Chang Lili on the shoulder.

As soon as she turned around, she saw Chu Moyu's devilishly handsome face, and she had only one thought in her mind: Why is this person everywhere?

Chu Moyu said, "What a coincidence, we've run into you again. What are you looking for this time?"

Chang Lili also said, "Why is it you again?"

Is this how you treat old friends?

Chang Lili gave a fake smile and said, "Hehe."

Jiang Yingxue pulled her back and whispered, "Who is this? Your friend? She's so good-looking!"

Chang Lili: "Don't be fooled by his face. He's a ruthless man who eats people without spitting out the bones."

Chu Moyu smiled and said, "I heard everything."

Chang Lili: I did it on purpose.

"Vice Envoy Chu, if there's nothing else, I'll be leaving now."

"Whoosh!" Chu Moyu casually opened his fan. "Go find Meng Yuxiu? Meng Yuxiu is not in the capital right now. He went to the outskirts of the capital to arrange military defenses."

Chang Lili looked disappointed and immediately said, "I'm going to accompany my friend. I won't go any further."

"I'm free anyway, let's go together."

Before Chang Lili could say anything more, Jiang Yingxue secretly pulled her aside and winked at her, clearly implying that she wanted this handsome man to accompany her.

First there was Lu Ming, and now there's Jiang Yingxue; they all seem to be powerless against Chu Moyu's face.

Chang Lili had no choice but to pretend that Chu Moyu didn't exist.