Chen Yao, feeling uneasy, continued, "There are also rumors that the Emperor has been poisoned and is offering a reward for a miracle doctor. Several imperial physicians have died in the Imperial Hospital, causing widespread panic."

The princes were restless, each trying to curry favor with the emperor, waiting for him to announce the crown prince. Behind the scenes, they were also fiercely fighting amongst themselves.

"I understand. I'll go to the palace now and tell the people in the household not to have contact with others."

Mingyue went back to her room to wash up and change her clothes. She then boarded a carriage and went to the palace. Compared to her last visit, the number of palace guards had increased significantly this time, and the servants passing by were all very cautious.

The atmosphere in the entire palace was oppressive. Mingyue waited calmly for the eunuch's announcement before entering the Hall of Mental Cultivation.

The emperor, unable to conceal his illness, resembled a frail old man clinging to life. "Grand Preceptor, you've finally returned?"

He coughed three times in one sentence. Mingyue nodded slightly. "Is Your Majesty poisoned?"

The emperor was distressed. He was only in his early forties and was about to die. How could he bear to do that?

"Does the Imperial Advisor know who did this?"

"You can look up Su Linglong."

The emperor frowned. "Does the Imperial Advisor mean that the poison in my body was caused by Linglong?"

“Su Linglong is not clean; she may know about the poisoning.”

Anyway, he was destined to die young anyway, so it's good to have Su Linglong as a thorn in his side.

I hope the fake female lead won't thank her too much, hehe.

The emperor pondered, knowing full well that his princes had been eyeing the area beneath him for some time, but he hadn't expected Linglong's involvement.

"Your Majesty, I have a maidservant by my side who may be summoned to the palace to serve Your Majesty."

"Since this is the Imperial Advisor's wish, I will immediately send someone to the palace to bestow upon her the title of Consort Jin."

He now sees everyone as wanting to harm him, except for the Imperial Advisor, whose people he has sent are by his side, which makes him feel somewhat at ease.

Mingyue cupped her hands in thanks, saying, "Your Majesty, I thank you on behalf of Consort Jin."

Su Linglong was furious when she discovered that her hotel and cosmetics store had been shut down. Upon investigation, she found that the emperor was behind it all.

"What is that damned old man trying to do?"

Although Nangong Ming had lost his dantian, his mind was still sharp. His voice was deep as he said, "Since that's the case, let's rebel. The emperor has found out that Su Mian poisoned him, and Su Mian has already been secretly put to death."

"I understand. Are those muskets still there? The Imperial Advisor is back, and I'm a little worried."

Su Linglong knew, of course, that she would definitely avenge her third brother's death.

Upon hearing the words "Imperial Advisor," Nangong Ming's face darkened horribly, but he quickly suppressed the murderous intent in his eyes. "Don't worry, no one will find out."

"Alright, then let's do it tomorrow at midnight."

Su Linglong was no longer willing to endure it. She had never felt so humiliated before, and this time she was determined to avenge herself.

"Bang bang bang—"

There was a rapid knocking at the door. Su Linglong frowned and let him in. The servant said in a panic, "Master, the batch of goods built underground has been burned again."

"What?!"

Su Linglong and Nangong Ming stood up at the same time, staring at the servant in disbelief. "Are you sure?"

The servant nodded affirmatively.

Su Linglong sat down dejectedly, while Nangong Ming remained strong and composed. "It's alright. The private soldiers we've raised, plus the generals we've won over, are enough. Besides, I've received word that the other princes are eager to make their move, probably within the next couple of days. We can wait until they're both exhausted before taking them down in one fell swoop."

Su Linglong rubbed her temples. She wouldn't feel at ease unless she got rid of Mingyue, but what Nangong Ming said was indeed the only way. "I understand. I'll do as you say. Thank you for your hard work."

"It's alright."

Nangong Ming paused for a moment. If it were the original him, he might have had some flirtatious thoughts, but having lost his inner strength, he inevitably felt inferior and only wanted to do his best to prove himself.

The winds in the capital grew stronger, but the Imperial Preceptor's residence remained peaceful and serene. Ji Yong'an had once seen the bright moon, but the encounter ended in a bitter argument.

"My lord, what's wrong with General Ji?"

"My period is here, it's alright, men always have their period."

Chen Yao: ? ? ?

Forget it, it's an adult matter, why should someone as insignificant as her meddle so much?