The Prime Minister's wife spoke reasonably and logically, without being aggressive or obsequious. She was neither servile nor arrogant, and her speech was well-organized.
This made the princess think highly of her, but it was a pity that such a person would eventually become her enemy.
After all, her good daughter-in-law had done her a huge favor!
Thinking of this, the princess smiled, but to Xie Changling, this smile made him feel uneasy and restless.
"Don't worry, I will send someone to search for it. Errui, please wait a moment."
The eldest princess wasn't actually sending someone to search; she was using this as a delaying tactic. What could be more convincing than her being there in person?
The princess leisurely ascended to the main seat, then winked at the maids beside her, signaling them to prepare fresh tea, adding a little something extra to it would be even better.
The Prime Minister's wife and Xie Changling exchanged glances, both sensing something unusual in each other's eyes.
Xie Changling was extremely anxious. He wanted to lead the search himself, worried that he might miss the best time to save Xi'er.
But the Prime Minister's wife stopped him, grabbed his sleeve, and shook her head at him.
The Prime Minister's wife thought that since they had neither evidence nor status, breaking off relations was not a good option for them at this point.
Even though Xie Changling was still unwilling, he restrained his temper after being looked at by the Prime Minister's wife and was pulled back to his seat.
The eldest princess saw all of this, a knowing smile playing on her lips. Then, seeing the maid carrying a tray in, she said casually.
"This is a fine tea newly presented to the palace, the top-grade Snow Top Green Tea, a gift from the Emperor. Please have a taste."
"Thank you, Your Highness."
The Prime Minister's wife was the first to express her gratitude. Seeing that Xie Changling had no reaction, she sighed silently and then ignored him.
"What's wrong, Young Master Xie? Is this tea not to your liking?"
The Prime Minister's wife might not care, but the Eldest Princess wouldn't tolerate it. She had drugged the tea, which would at least buy her an hour or two. If Xie Changling refused to drink it, wouldn't that give her away?
"Your Highness, I am not thirsty. Thank you for your kindness."
Xie Changling was extremely anxious at this moment, constantly looking outside, and didn't care about tea at all.
Therefore, he retorted with words that were neither too harsh nor too mild, and the princess was at a loss for what to do with him for the time being.
For a moment, the entire hall fell silent; no one spoke, and the atmosphere became tense.
The medicine worked quickly, and the Prime Minister's wife began to yawn uncontrollably, one yawn after another.
"Mother, what's wrong with you?"
Xie Changling quickly noticed the Prime Minister's wife's unusual behavior. He asked her with concern, his eyes flashing with an unreadable expression, as if he was trying to figure out what was wrong.
"It's nothing, I just got up a little early today and I'm a bit tired, but it's nothing."
As the Prime Minister's wife spoke, she gradually closed her eyes and fell asleep on the back of her chair.
Xie Changling was startled and immediately slammed his hand on the table, standing up without any fear of the Princess's power, and questioned her, "Your Highness, what did you feed my mother?"
The princess snorted coldly. How dare a mere young boy be so arrogant in front of her? She wasn't afraid of powerful and influential people like the imperial son-in-law, let alone Xie Changling, who held no official position.
"Guards! This man dares to disregard the majesty of the royal family, shows no respect for me, and has repeatedly offended me with his words. Seize him!"
Before the princess could finish speaking and before her servants could act, an even more noble and authoritative voice came from outside the door.
"stop--"
Upon hearing that familiar voice, the eldest princess hurriedly stood up and went to the door to greet him: "Your Majesty, I pay my respects—"
"Greetings, Your Majesty!"
Everyone looked towards the entrance and, sure enough, saw the bright yellow dragon robe. They all knelt down to pay their respects.
"Your Majesty, you must not use your power to oppress others."
The emperor gave a stern order, then ignored the eldest princess and went straight to Xie Changling, who was kneeling.
Xie Changling looked up at the face that was extremely similar to the one he had seen in his childhood, and his expression was slightly excited, because it was his childhood playmate - Emperor Xiao Jin.
Xiao Jin stopped in front of him, staring intently at him, her eyes revealing no emotion.
When the emperor is enraged, millions will die; the emperor's imposing aura caused cold sweat to break out on Xie Changling's forehead.
Only then did he realize that Xiao Jin might no longer be the same Xiao Jin he knew. He had been too naive; things had changed beyond recognition.
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