"Chu Hong, what's wrong?"

Chu Qingluan keenly noticed that something was wrong with Chu Hong and asked softly.

Duke Dingguo and Qin Jiuge also looked at him.

Chu Hong's cheeks flushed slightly as he explained, "I still don't remember the past, but I also know that I am a prince, and A Pan and Ling Xi are my nephews and nieces. I can't miss this courtesy, but... I really can't think of what to give them."

After Chu Hong finished speaking, the hall fell into a brief silence.

Duke Dingguo looked at the young man in front of him who looked embarrassed and was seriously considering giving a gift, and he couldn't help feeling a lot of emotions in his heart.

Who would have thought that the Prince Rui, who used to be so scheming and had done so many foolish things, would now be worried about choosing a gift for his nephew and niece?

Duke Dingguo stroked his beard, his tone no longer filled with alienation as before, but instead carried a hint of the leniency of an elder: "It's enough that you have this intention. Your situation is special now, so there's no need to be bound by these empty formalities. You have made an invaluable contribution to the safety and health of these two children."

There was already a hint of recognition and gratitude in his words.

Qin Jiuge was a straightforward person, and his heart softened. He patted Chu Hong's shoulder carelessly and said, "That's right, you are our great hero now. If it weren't for you, how hard would it be for Qingluan to take care of two children alone? Your friendship and care for us day and night is worth more than any gold and silver mountains! This is your best gift, don't think too much!"

Chu Qingluan nodded at the right moment: "Cousin, you are right, Chu Hong. The children and I have received your kindness. There is no need to rush about the gift. It will not be too late to make it up to you when everything is better in the future."

She paused, her gaze falling on Chu Hong's confused eyes, and added, "Also, don't worry too much about your memory. When the turmoil in the court calms down in the past few days, I will take you back to the Chu Palace and let you meet the old people in the palace and see the things you used to use. Perhaps when you come into contact with familiar people and things, you will be able to remember something."

Chu Hong raised his head upon hearing this, his eyes revealing dependence and trust at the right time, and he nodded obediently in response:

"Well, I'll follow my sister's arrangements."

The word "sister" was called naturally and intimately.

Qin Jiuge watched from the side and couldn't help but whisper to Duke Dingguo, "Grandfather, have you noticed that Chu Hong seems to have become a different person after losing his memory? He's much more... pleasing to the eye than before."

Duke Dingguo nodded slightly, his gaze lingering on Chu Hong for a moment, his heart filled with emotion.

Perhaps, this incident can be a kind of rebirth for Chu Hong.

——

At the same time, deep in the palace, in Chu Lang’s study.

Gu Yanran almost rushed in, her face still showing the residual anger and fear after being frustrated by Xie Yunqi.

She waved away the maid who was leading the way, and started questioning Chulang, who was drinking alone with an equally gloomy expression.

"Chu Lang! What's wrong with you? It's been three days! Three days! Are all the people under you useless? We haven't even found a piece of Chu Qingluan's clothes. Can she really fly away with wings?!"

Gu Yanran's voice was filled with undisguised anger.

Chu Lang was already upset because the search had made no progress and the people were complaining. He was also upset by the pile of memorials impeaching him at the morning court. Now, he was being scolded by a fake who was treated as a chess piece. His face suddenly became gloomy and looked like water could drip out of it.

"Bang!"

Chu Lang suddenly put the wine cup on the table, making a loud noise.

"Gu Yanran! What identity are you using to speak to me? Hmm? Do you really think you're the crown princess of a royal family?"

His voice was cold and full of sarcasm, and there was a sinister look in his eyes.

He stood up and approached Gu Yanran: "If you can't find her, isn't this Your Highness anxious? But Chu Qingluan is as cunning as a fox, and has the help of secret forces. How can she be found so easily? If you have the ability, why don't you go find her? Aren't you wearing her face?"

"Hmph! You're just a pawn in my hand, yet you dare to speak to me like that? And you dare to order me around?"

Gu Yanran heard this and laughed twice, her face grim: "Chess piece?"

"Chu Lang, stop flattering yourself. If I hadn't helped you contain Xie Yunqi and temporarily distracted him from dealing with you, do you think you could have easily sidelined your father and taken control of the government?"

"You despise me now? I tell you, as long as Chu Qingluan is not eliminated, my position will be unstable. When that happens, you will lose more than just a chess piece, but also the throne you have always dreamed of!"

Chu Lang was hit by the words and a hint of cruelty flashed in his eyes.

"It's not your turn to worry about my Highness's affairs. Just do what you should do, keep Xie Yunqi stable, and don't cause any trouble for my Highness. As for my good sister, I have my own way to find her. There's no need for you to interfere here."

Gu Yanran's anger dissipated a little, but her face was still tense. "Xie Yunqi is becoming increasingly cold towards me. He must have noticed something. Chu Lang, if you can't find Chu Qingluan and kill her before he does, our plan will be ruined. By then, you won't even be able to continue being the prince!"

Chu Lang's expression turned even uglier. He knew that what Gu Yanran said was true.

If Xie Yunqi finds Chu Qingluan before him, all his efforts will be in vain.

After thinking about it, a hint of murderous intent quickly flashed in Chu Lang's eyes.

"I have my own plans for this matter. Please go back and continue to play your role well. Just don't let anyone find out."

——

At the next morning court session, the atmosphere in the Golden Throne Hall was oppressive and subtle.

Because the King of Chu was seriously ill, Chu Lang had been the regent for several months. A dragon throne was suspended above him, and a carved sandalwood chair was placed next to it.

Chu Lang was dressed in a dragon robe, sitting upright, acting as regent.

His face was calm and his eyes swept across the ministers with dignity.

The proceedings were halfway through and the court was about to be dismissed. At this time, the Imperial Censor Chen stepped forward and made a request:

"Your Highness, I have a memorial to impeach Duke Dingguo Qin Zhen!"

As soon as these words were spoken, all the civil and military officials in the court were shocked, and their eyes all fell on the position of the head of the military officers in the front.

Duke Dingguo's face was as stern as steel, his eyes gleaming with sternness as he looked at Censor Chen: "Master Chen? What do you want to impeach me for?"

Censor Chen was intimidated by his aura and took a step back. However, thinking of Chu Lang's promise, he forced himself to remain calm. He pulled out a so-called "secret letter" from his sleeve, held it high above his head, and spoke in a voice filled with deliberate grief and indignation:

"Your Highness, I have received secret reports and solid evidence that Duke Dingguo Qin Zhen, despite his illustrious military achievements and command of a large army, has harbored rebellious intentions. He has secretly communicated with border commanders, privately mobilized troops, and stored food, fodder, and weapons in his villa. He deserves death!"

"This is a copy of the secret letter and a list of food and fodder transfers. Your Highness, please examine it carefully!"

His words were like a huge rock thrown into the lake, instantly stirring up a thousand waves!