If Qin Xiangyang returns to the princess's residence, he will no longer be able to visit Pei Zhi there.

Qin Xiangyang is still at sea; let him drift for a few more days.

Pei Zhi was unaware of the two people's scheme; however, she did receive a letter from Qin Xiangyang.

Qin Xiangyang has completed all the tasks that Pei Zhi entrusted to him.

However, problems arose during the journey, forcing Qin Xiangyang to return by water.

After reading the letter, Pei Zhi seemed lost in thought. Chunhua came in to report that the Empress had summoned her to the palace.

Pei Zhi put down the letter, tidied up a bit, and then went to the palace.

The journey was smooth and unobstructed, and we arrived at Changqiu Palace.

After Pei Zhi performed the rites, the Empress had someone offer him a seat.

"Your Majesty looks unwell. Is something troubling you?"

The Empress picked up her teacup, took a sip of water, and then sighed, "There is indeed something."

"I plan to adopt your thirteenth brother. He is still young, and I am currently considering how to select a tutor for him."

Pei Zhi was an extremely intelligent person. The Empress had barely started when Pei Zhi already knew what the Empress was planning.

"What does Mother mean?"

"I believe you have a good relationship with the young master of the Xie family. If your thirteenth brother could become a disciple of Chief Minister Xie, it would be quite good."

The Chief Minister Xie mentioned by the Empress was Xie Qi's father.

The Empress pointed out first that Pei Zhi and Xie Qi had a good relationship.

It was simply a hint to Pei Zhi that she had heard about what had happened between Pei Zhi and Xie Qi in the palace.

The Empress did not expose him because she did not have any deep-seated hatred for Pei Zhi.