Qin Su then instructed Luo Zhi to take Tuoba Yan back and to be careful on the way.

Luo Zhi blinked. "Is there still danger in the capital?"

Qin Su could not guarantee it.

"It's always good to be more careful. Is Xiaozhi good at martial arts?" she asked her in a low voice.

Luo Zhi nodded. "Not bad! But I'm better at using poison."

If she wanted to, no one in the world could cure her poison!

Qin Su patted her shoulder, "Then I'll leave him to you! Also, if Xue Huai'an takes him out to play, keep an eye on him too."

"Don't worry, sister! I'm reliable!"

Qin Su nodded and got up to go to the Empress Dowager's palace.

Cining Palace.

Normally, the Empress Dowager would be out of the public eye at this time, probably playing cards.

However, she seemed a little tired today.

Granny Qin was somewhat surprised to see her arrive. "Is Princess Consort Chen looking for the Empress Dowager?"

Perhaps it was because she was already the Princess Consort of Prince Chen, or perhaps it was because of Yuanyuan, but in any case, Granny Qin's attitude towards her improved, and she was reluctantly included in her own circle.

Qin Su nodded slightly. "Has Mother fallen asleep?"

Granny Qin shook her head. "The Empress Dowager drank some tea and said she was in high spirits and wanted to play cards with people again."

Qin Su sighed and said, "Then it seems we won't be able to play cards today."

Seeing that her face had turned cold, Granny Qin realized something was wrong. "What's wrong?"

Why do we have to bring this up in the Cining Palace?

The Empress Dowager has never really been involved in affairs; even if there's something to discuss, she'd probably go to the Empress.

She wasn't sure what was going on, but she still obediently led Qin Su inside.