Leidensin hesitated at the door, not daring to go forward. After hesitating for several minutes, he finally stepped inside.

"Father."

Leidenhong's authoritative voice rang out, "Kneel down!"

Leidenxin knelt down reflexively, and Zhuyue, who had been by her side, knelt down with her.

"Please, may I ask what important matter Father has summoned me for?" Leidensin asked, feigning composure.

Leidenhong remained silent, only able to judge what the person was doing based on the sounds coming from above.

There were sounds of ceramic touching and swallowing, so it must be someone drinking water.

“You two are truly useless,” Leidenhong admonished. “Not only did you fail to bring Helian Jue down, but you also lost yourselves in the process.”

"Useless things should only be thrown away!"

Leidensin's fear of Leidenhong reached its peak in an instant, so much so that he didn't even understand what Leidenhong meant.

"What does Father mean by this?"

Leidenhong stood up and looked at Leidenxin kneeling in front of him. "Xin'er, the family has spent a lot of effort and time raising you, but you have not repaid us."

"We finally got a prince, and we thought we had everything under control, but it turns out he's another brainless one."

Leidenhong slowly walked down the path. "From now on, you don't need to think about these things anymore. Your father has other plans."

Hearing this, Leidensin thought that she would no longer be caught in a dilemma between her family and herself, and sincerely thanked him: "Thank you, Father!"

"Thank you, Father!"

"Tu'er was just confused for a moment, could you..."

Before Leidensin could finish speaking, Leidenhong grabbed his neck.

"Father...Father..."

Leidenhong's face was ruthless, and he did not lessen the force in his hands.

Leidensin's face was contorted with rage, and he felt a strong sense of suffocation as he struggled with his hands.

Zhu Yue was also startled by this sudden action. Remembering her mission, she rushed forward, "Master, please reconsider!"

"The Second Prince has just been banished from the palace. If something were to happen to the Empress at this time, the people would certainly start speculating wildly..."

Leidenhong didn't want to kill Leidenxin today, but looking at his useless daughter, he was so angry that he lost control of his emotions.

The maid's words were somewhat palatable and pulled him back from his loss of control.

"Bang!"

Leidensin was thrown to the floor by Leidenhong and cowered in fear.

"What's your name?" Leidenhong pointed at Zhuyue.

Zhu Yue knelt respectfully and replied, "My name is Zhu Yue."

Leidenhong sized up Zhu Yue, "How long have you been serving the Empress?"

"This servant was chosen by Steward Nian two years ago and sent to serve Your Highness," Zhu Yue said, neither humble nor arrogant, with her head bowed.

Leidenhong stroked the beaded string in his hand. "Years of prosperity?"

"yes!"

Nian Sheng is the head butler of the Leiden family, in charge of all personnel transfers, and is also someone Leiden Hong trusts.

Leidenhong then withdrew his scrutinizing gaze and raised his hand to order, "Someone, escort the Empress back to the palace!"

"Zhu Yue, serve her well."

Zhu Yue, who had been on edge, finally relaxed a little. "Yes!"

After the two left, Leidenhong immediately summoned Niansheng and inquired about Zhuyue.

Only after learning that Zhu Yue could indeed be trusted did he feel relieved.

"Instruct Zhu Yue to slowly infuse Manluo into Leidenxin's diet." Leidenhong's eyes and tone showed no trace of lingering affection or reluctance. "Six months later, Leidenxin must die of natural causes."

The word "nature" is emphasized.

Nian Sheng understood what Leidenhong meant, "Yes!"