What follows should be a battle over grain prices.

They engaged in a silent battle with the wealthy merchants in the capital who hoarded goods and manipulated grain prices.

Su Wanwan took a deep breath.

Hopefully, the people she hired are capable enough.

Confined to the deep palace, cut off from all communication, she truly had no power to exert herself.

He Ying kept looking anxiously towards the entrance of the banquet hall.

Since the last argument at Kunning Palace, the Emperor has not visited the Empress.

There was no indication of anything even for the Autumn Festival.

To those with ulterior motives, it would appear as if my lady had fallen out of favor.

Meanwhile, people kept coming and going from Yongshou Palace, saying they were acting on the Emperor's orders to take care of the sick Consort Ma.

The emperor even went to see it himself several times.

This favoritism made even her, a maid, feel extremely heartbroken.

When Madam Qiu came over to offer a toast, Su Wanwan asked, "Why didn't Madam Yu come over?"

Madam Qiu sighed softly:

"This imperial examination has brought joy to some and sorrow to others. The eldest son of the Yang family had his examination paper burned, and Madam Yu has also fallen ill from worry. She even asked me to apologize to Your Majesty for not being able to come and congratulate you on your birthday."

Su Wanwan smiled faintly and said, "Sister Yu, you're so kind. It's important to take good care of yourself; there's still a long life ahead of you."

But in his heart he thought that Madam Yu probably wanted to avoid suspicion.

This unexpected disaster has affected more than just Su Wanwan.

Madam Qiu's eyes flickered. It seemed that Su Wanwan had not come to hate Madam Yu and the Yang family because of the rumors.

As the banquet drew to a close, Su Wanwan stood up to leave, and everyone who looked at her was shocked.

"Why is Her Majesty the Empress bleeding?!"