The emperor was in great spirits during the trip to Lushan. After several days of hunting, he finally had a great time and issued an edict to return home.

Capital city, Zhaoren Palace.

Concubine Lin looked at the maid in front of her in shock: "What did you say? Yan Xiwan was sold to a brothel by King Ye!"

After the emperor returned to the capital, the spy sent by Concubine Lin to Prince Ye's mansion came back to report that Yan Xiwan did not return to the capital with Prince Ye, and no trace of her was found in the mansion of Marquis Zhenbei. Concubine Lin found it strange and asked someone to investigate privately, only to find out that Yan Xiwan was actually sold to a brothel by Chu Xuan!

Concubine Lin was immediately a little angry. She raised her hand to her aching forehead and said viciously, "Asshole! This Lu Yanluo is really beyond my expectations. She is so difficult to deal with. I can't get rid of her even after doing this!"

An exquisite teacup fell to the ground with a thud, so loud that one could hear a pin drop in the palace.

"No, I can't just let it go. As long as Lu Yanluo is helping Chu Xuan, I won't be able to rest easy. I must think of a solution."

The maid knelt down beside Concubine Lin, served her the newly served tea, and said softly, "Your Majesty, why are you so worried? Even without Yan Xiwan, there are still others. Have you forgotten Princess Zhaohe who just returned to the palace recently?"

Princess Showa Zhongxiu was originally the niece of the Empress Dowager's mother's family. When she first entered the palace as a child, she won the Empress Dowager's favor at first sight. Since then, she was adopted by the Empress Dowager and given the title Showa. Although she has been raised outside the palace in recent years, she is an extremely dignified and generous woman.

When Zhong Xiu was mentioned, Concubine Lin's eyes immediately lit up and she smiled meaningfully: "Yes, how could I forget Zhong Xiu? I remember that girl has been in love with Chu Xuan since she was a child. It has not been easy for her for so many years. In this case, I will do a good deed and help her..."

Concubine Lin lowered her head and gently put on the armor cover, with a wicked smile on her lips.

At lunch time the next day, Concubine Lin sent someone to Princess Showa's bedroom to invite her over.

At the dining table, Zhong Xiu was graceful and elegant in her every move.

Concubine Lin saw this and nodded secretly in her heart. She was indeed a princess. Her demeanor was definitely not comparable to Yan Xiwan's. She didn't believe that Chu Xuan could still refuse such a beauty.

Thinking of this, Concubine Lin looked even kinder. She kept serving food to Zhong Xiu and started chatting about daily life, mentioning Chu Xuan intentionally or unintentionally.

"Come to think of it, I still remember that when you were a child you seemed to like sticking to King Ye very much, and you even said that you would not marry anyone but Chu Xuan." Concubine Lin said in a gentle tone, secretly observing Zhong Xiu's reaction.

Zhong Xiu lived up to expectations and quickly lowered her head without saying a word, her face shy: "You are joking, Madam. At that time... I was young and arrogant, and I didn't take it seriously."

Concubine Lin smiled with satisfaction and eagerly pulled Zhong Xiu's hand: "Girl, why are you hiding from me? Why are you so shy? If I like you, then I like you. You are a princess of our dynasty. You can have anything you want. As long as you ask, I will agree. Tomorrow I will ask His Majesty for permission to marry you to the Night King as a concubine!"

Zhong Xiu heard this and shook her head unexpectedly, her voice full of disappointment: "No, I will never be inferior to others in my life. He already has a princess, so this concubine is meaningless to me. I will not marry him."

Concubine Lin secretly rolled her eyes, disdainful of Zhong Xiu's remarks: "Silly girl, what can I say about you! You are just too naive."

Then she picked up the tea in front of her, took a sip, glanced at Zhong Xiu, and raised a hint of ambiguous smile at the corner of her mouth: "Since the princess is unwilling to be inferior to others, why not take her place? As long as Lu Yanluo dies, I will ask for your permission. With the princess's dignity and generosity and the queen mother's face, it will not be difficult to make you the principal wife!"

Zhong Xiu raised his eyes and looked at Concubine Lin with some interest: "Your Majesty means..."

"Princess, I think you understand what I mean." Concubine Lin put down the cup slowly, with a meaningful look in her eyes.

Zhong Xiu naturally understood that although she was raised outside the palace, her mind was no less intelligent than those in the palace.

Today, Concubine Lin suddenly summoned her to a banquet. Zhong Xiu was a little surprised, but after this conversation, she had a general idea in her mind.

Concubine Lin wanted to use him to get rid of Princess Ye, but Zhong Xiu was happy to see it happen.

Moreover, Zhong Xiu is confident in herself. With her beauty and means, as well as her childhood friendship with Chu Xuan, it will be easy for her to win Chu Xuan's heart.

"Okay." Zhong Xiu looked at Concubine Lin solemnly: "Then I'll have to trouble you to plan for me."

The two hit it off immediately. Concubine Lin sent Zhong Xiu away with great satisfaction and asked someone to look for Chu Xuan.

Now Zhong Xiu has agreed to the marriage, and all that’s missing is Chu Xuan’s nod. Concubine Lin is also confident about Chu Xuan.

Chu Xuan felt strange about Concubine Lin's sudden summons, as if Concubine Lin saw through his confusion. Concubine Lin did not keep him in suspense and went straight to the point.

"I know that in recent years, Prince Ye has been secretly investigating what happened to Concubine Yun."

Chu Xuan's eyes flashed with anger, and he looked at Concubine Lin with a gloomy face: "What are you talking about, Madam? How come I don't know when you investigated my mother's affairs?"

Chu Xuan had been investigating the case of Concubine Yun in secret and had never made it public. But now Concubine Lin told it without any error. If his actions had not been exposed, then Concubine Lin was deceiving him.

Concubine Lin smiled calmly, "Your Highness, why do you have to hide things from me? It is human nature to speak up for your mother. I understand. I called you here today because I just happened to get a piece of evidence recently. It is the confession of the Prince of Jin. I wonder if your Highness is interested?"

Chu Xuan suddenly raised his eyes, shocked.

He had been looking for Prince Jin's confession for a long time. It was the most crucial link in the case of Concubine Yun back then. He didn't expect that it had already fallen into Concubine Lin's hands.

Chu Xuan hesitated for a moment and said, "If you are too attentive to others for no reason, you are either a traitor or a thief. Your Majesty, please tell me what you want."

Chu Xuan knew that Concubine Lin must have some ulterior motive this time, otherwise why would she be so kind as to bring out the confession at this very moment.

Hearing this, Concubine Lin smiled lightly and praised, "The Night King is indeed a transparent person. In this case, I will not beat around the bush with you. As long as you take Zhong Xiu as your concubine as a dowry, I can give this confession to the prince."

Chu Xuan looked at Concubine Lin in silence, and after a moment he said decisively: "I'm afraid I have to disappoint your Majesty. I already have a wife, and I don't want to do anything to make her sad. I can only let your Majesty down."

After taking a final glance at Concubine Lin's incredulous face, Chu Xuan sneered, turned around and walked straight out of Zhaoren Palace.