“I know that. My aunt’s brother-in-law’s cousin’s daughter works in the palace, so her information is more accurate.”

Another tall, thin man said, "His Majesty not only adopted a goddaughter, but this goddaughter is also the last disciple of Master Liaowu."

"So what if he is Master Liaowu's disciple? He's not his biological son. His Majesty has princesses too. How can they compare to Princess Jiayue?"

The tall, thin man retorted, "You know what, my aunt's brother-in-law's daughter said that Princess Anle is very favored by the Emperor, and he even gave her the white tiger that the Second Prince gave him, so that the white tiger could guard Princess Anle's courtyard."

"To have a white tiger guard the yard—what an honor! I've heard that white tiger has lived for a thousand years; it's an auspicious beast..."

"Really? Doesn't that mean Princess Anle's favor has surpassed that of Princess Jiayue...?"

"Definitely..."

Restaurant.

"Have you heard? Consort Hui has passed away."

"What? So sudden? Everything was fine at the banquet yesterday!"

These are all sons of officials, and they all attended the Emperor's birthday banquet yesterday, so they naturally saw Consort Hui.

"That's right, it came from within the palace, but it wasn't widely publicized."

"Then the Ninth Prince is pitiful. A child in the harem without a mother's protection, it's good enough that he can even grow up."

"His Majesty has already made up his mind and has adopted the Ninth Prince to the Imperial Concubine. I have another piece of news; would you like to hear it?"

The person speaking kept their voice very low, as if afraid of being discovered.

"What news? Tell us quickly!" the others urged.

"According to rumors, last night someone saw Consort Hui enter the Tianyuan Kingdom's post station and go straight to the Third Prince's room. There was quite a commotion inside; it's said that the bed could be heard creaking..."

The man's last sentence was extremely lewd. Everyone present was a man, and even if they didn't have wives, they all had maids who served them. How could they not know what he meant?

"The truth behind Consort Hui's passing may be this..."

Several people have figured out the truth.

The streets were bustling with activity that day, and gossip spread everywhere. From Princess Anle to Princess Jiayue, from Baihu to Consort Hui, one story after another kept the people of the city entertained.

...

The Prime Minister's Residence.

study.

The Prime Minister sat at his desk, opening the letters that the Empress had sent along with a family letter.

The prime minister quickly read the letter and burned it to ashes, leaving no evidence against it.

"It'll be soon. Once Gong Hongbo falls, the Gong family will have nothing to fear. That man in the palace will be like a broken-winged eagle, unable to fly anymore. This supreme position should be inherited by my son. From now on, this world will belong to the Mu family! Hahahaha..."

The more the prime minister thought about it, the happier he became. He had endured for more than a decade, and it was finally coming to an end.