Upon entering the main hall, the system prompted again, "Host, the incense in the hall has a hypnotic effect."
Gu Chaoxi's expression hardened. Fortunately, she had given herself and Xiangzhu antidote pills before entering the palace.
Lu Zhao was afraid that she might be ambushed, so he prepared several kinds of antidotes for her, which could cure common poisons and sleeping pills.
This came in handy just in time.
Gu Chaoxi had a vague feeling that today's performance was not only aimed at her, but also a scheme to deal with Lu Zhao.
In one corner of the main hall, a faint fragrance rose from an incense burner decorated with red gold flowers and birds, spreading throughout the hall.
Gu Ruiyun seemed to have been waiting for a long time. "Sister is here."
Gu Chaoxi sat down and looked around Zhongcui Palace, then commented, "It seems you haven't had a very good time since you entered the palace. Luckily, I didn't go, or I would have regretted it to death."
"Your maid said you know there's more to the story than meets the eye regarding my mother's death. What is it? I'd love to hear it!"
Before Gu Ruiyun could say anything, she was already furious. "Sister's mouth is as sharp as ever. I don't have any sisters to keep me company in the palace. I'm the only high-ranking concubine here, so I had to find an excuse to invite you in for a chat."
“I was only a few days old when your mother passed away, what could I possibly know? I only made up this excuse because I really wanted to see you, please forgive me, sister.”
"Green Rong serves tea."
Green Rong brought up a pot of freshly brewed tea and poured a cup for each person.
Gu Chaoxi glanced at it and said bluntly, "I dare not drink it, I'm afraid it will be poisoned."
Gu Ruiyun forced a smile, "How could that be? My cup was poured out at the same time."
"Oh, so there's medicine on the cup. Why don't you drink mine?"
Gu Ruiyun, enraged and embarrassed, retorted, "Gu Chaoxi, you... drink it or don't, it's up to you!"
Okay, so there really was medicine smeared on the cup.
"Get to the point, I'm leaving after that." Gu Chaoxi didn't want to waste any more time talking to her.
Gu Ruiyun cursed inwardly that Gu Chaoxi was even more difficult to deal with than before.
"I called you here just to know if the child in your womb is the Regent's? You weren't kidnapped by bandits at all, but hidden by the Regent! Sister, am I right?" Gu Ruiyun's gaze moved from Gu Chaoxi's belly to her face, not missing a single expression on her face.
Gu Chaoxi's face showed just the right amount of confusion and bewilderment. "Gu Ruiyun, what nonsense are you spouting?"
Gu Ruiyun didn't believe her. "Do you dare to swear?"
Seeing that Gu Chaoxi didn't respond, Gu Ruiyun stood up and took two steps forward. "Are you feeling guilty?"
But then Gu Chaoxi suddenly clutched her head and collapsed softly to the ground.
Xiangzhu was shocked and exclaimed, "Miss!"
Xiangzhu immediately helped her up, but suddenly felt Gu Chaoxi scratch her palm, indicating that she was alright.
Xiangzhu felt a little relieved, but after she came to her senses, she anxiously questioned Gu Ruiyun about why she had harmed her young lady. Finally, she pretended to be exhausted and fainted.
"Your Majesty, they've fainted," Green Rong whispered.
Gu Ruiyun stared at Gu Chaoxi's unconscious face for a long time, then raised her chin as if talking to herself, "Gu Chaoxi, why are you born with the status of a legitimate daughter and are also so likable? Even if you are unreasonable and act arrogantly, your grandmother always tolerates you."
"Zhao Mingxu wanted to get engaged to you at first sight, the Emperor couldn't forget you after just one meeting, and even Lu Zhao chose you."
"This time, I'm going to prove to everyone that I, Gu Ruiyun, am better than you!"
"Lvrong, carry them to the side hall!"
...
Just as Gu Chaoxi's carriage entered the palace, a man who looked like a secret guard rode a horse and galloped quickly towards the military camp on the outskirts of the city.
Today, Lu Zhao was inspecting the soldiers' daily training at the military camp when he suddenly saw a royal guard rushing towards him.
"What happened?"
The guard hurriedly said, "Your Highness, Miss Gu was summoned to the palace today and offended Consort Yun at Zhongcui Palace. The Consort seems to be very angry and says she wants to execute Miss Gu!"
Lu Zhao's face turned cold. "Where is Jinyang?"
"Guard Jin is protecting Miss Gu and can only try to buy her some time. He has ordered his subordinate to come and report to the Prince immediately!"
Lu Zhao felt a surge of panic and anxiety. Without thinking twice, he rushed forward, snatched the reins from the guard, mounted his horse, and galloped towards the palace gate like the wind.
Lu Zhao rode into the palace, his face cold and aloof, like a demon god. The guards at the palace gate dared not stop him, and could only watch helplessly as Lu Zhao rode his horse towards the inner palace.
Not long after entering the palace, Lu Zhao encountered Jin Yang, who was also in a hurry to leave the palace.
Jin Yang was extremely surprised. "Your Highness, what are you doing here? I was just about to leave the palace to look for you!"
Jin Yang also guessed that today's situation was somewhat unusual, and before Lu Zhao could ask, he briefly explained what had happened.
"As you instructed, I was protecting Miss Gu in the shadows. Today, Miss Gu was summoned to the palace by Consort Yun. I followed her all the way, but I discovered that there were many Imperial Guards hiding outside Zhongcui Palace. I was unable to get close, so I thought I would leave the palace to report this to you."
In just a few words, Lu Zhao realized that this was a trap set up for him by the emperor.
However, Xi'er was unaware of what he was going through in the palace. Even if he knew it was a trap, he had no choice but to enter the palace.
After a moment of silence, Lu Zhao immediately ordered, "Jinyang, you must return to the palace immediately. There is a hidden compartment on the shelf in my study. Open it and take out the imperial edict."
Jin Yang's eyes widened. "Does Your Highness intend to move the plan forward?"
Lu Zhao only said two words, "Go."
Jin Yang accepted the order, "Yes!"
Lu Zhao arrived at the entrance of Zhongcui Palace and saw a woman kneeling in the courtyard who resembled Gu Chaoxi, her back to him, swaying precariously.
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