The eunuchs outside stopped moving, not knowing what to do. They looked at the leading eunuch in embarrassment.

The eunuch lifted his dust whisk and glanced at Chu Jinyao with his sharp eyes, rather wantonly: "What do you mean, Crown Princess?"

"Why should I explain to a servant like you what I mean?" Chu Jinyao said and turned her head away. She was too lazy to look at the people outside, but smiled apologetically at Runing, "I'm sorry to have scared you. It's getting late. The palace gates will be locked soon. I'll take you out."

"No need." Princess Runing held Chu Jinyao's hand. She glanced back without saying a word. Even Princess Runing felt scared by this group of overbearing eunuchs. How could Runing let Chu Jinyao send her off at this juncture?

Runing forced herself to remain calm, and after saying a few goodbyes to Chu Jinyao, she pretended to be calm and walked out. Fortunately, this group of eunuchs knew the importance of the matter and did not dare to do anything to a princess like Runing. When Runing approached, the eunuchs silently made way for her and let her out.

After getting out of the encirclement, Princess Runing and her maids all breathed a sigh of relief. The maid's back was wet with fear. She quickly supported the exhausted Princess Runing and said fearfully, "Princess, how could this happen? What should we do?"

Runing was very scared and said quickly, "This is not a place to stay for long. Get out of the palace quickly."

The prince went to the Western Hills to train troops a few days ago. He had been fine during this period. The capital was calm. How come there were sudden rumors of rebellion?

Princess Runing did not dare to think about it. After she finally walked out of the palace, she lifted the curtain of the carriage and looked back. The sky in the west was red and scary. In the gloomy dusk, the Forbidden City was like a ferocious beast with its back facing the ground. Now it opened its eyes in the cover of the twilight, and its eyes like poisonous hooks were patrolling everywhere, wanting to devour something.

Runing had a vague premonition that the Forbidden City would change in these two days.

Outside the Ciqing Palace, after Princess Runing left, the confrontation between Chu Jinyao and the eunuch of Dongchang became more dangerous.

Chu Jinyao sent the people out, then turned around and walked back inside as if no one was around. Being ignored like this, the overbearing eunuch could not help but snorted coldly and screamed: "The Crown Princess is so arrogant. We came here today on the orders of the Emperor. Are you going to disobey the order?"

"Since you said you have the Emperor's order, then bring the imperial edict. Otherwise, you should raise your heads and take a good look at where you are. The East Palace is not a place where you can be so presumptuous. You can't search and leave as you please."

Chu Jinyao's firm attitude actually calmed down these eunuchs. They acted without restraint, but the one in front of them was the Crown Princess who was quite favored. She refused to let anyone in, and they didn't dare to force their way in. If they bump into this master, and the prince turns over in the future, none of them will be able to survive. The leading eunuch was cautious and delayed in issuing the order to search the palace. During this time, Chu Jinyao had already turned around with the help of Linglong, and his figure gradually disappeared into the palace gate. As soon as Chu Jinyao and his companions came in, the eunuchs in Ciqing Palace immediately pushed the door and quickly closed it and bolted it.

Cut off from the outside view, Chu Jinyao's expression quickly became worried, and Linglong and his companions were so scared that their hands and feet were cold. With such a big commotion outside, everyone in Ciqing Palace was panicking. Whether it was the maidservant brought by Chu Jinyao as a dowry or the palace ladies who originally served in the East Palace, they all surrounded Chu Jinyao, scared out of their wits: "What should we do? Crown Princess..."

Everyone looked at Chu Jinyao with a look of help. Chu Jinyao frowned and thought for a while, then said: "Immediately close all the side doors and corner doors of Ciqing Palace, and they are not allowed to be opened without my order. If anyone dares to go in and out without my knowledge, or even worse, let someone in..." Chu Jinyao's eyes slowly swept over the people in the courtyard, and everyone who was seen lowered their heads and held their breath. After Chu Jinyao swept around, she opened her red lips and said four words slowly but firmly: "All of them will be beaten to death."

The chief eunuch paced for a long time in front of the tightly closed gate of Ciqing Palace, and finally ordered the Ciqing Palace to be tightly surrounded, and he hurried back to report.

Chu Jinyao heard from the young eunuch who was guarding the gate that the Ciqing Palace was now tightly surrounded, let alone living people, I am afraid that even a fly cannot fly out. Chu Jinyao sighed and nodded, "I know, you can go down, and continue to watch outside carefully."

Chu Jinyao didn't know who the emperor listened to and suspected that Qin Yi had the intention of rebellion. Chu Jinyao found it ridiculous to hear this. Qin Yi was already the crown prince. His position had been stable for so many years and he was popular. Why would he rebel? Chu Jinyao was angry at the emperor's stupidity and the shamelessness of Prince Su. There was no need to ask. The rumors about Qin Yi's rebellion, including today's incident, must have been caused by Concubine Shu and Prince Su.

The only thing Chu Jinyao was thankful for now was that Qin Yi was in the Xishan military camp. Qin Yi had a very high reputation in the army, and now he was the chief commander of the reconstruction of the three armies. Even if Prince Su and the eunuchs had ten courage, they would not dare to enter Xishan and act recklessly. Therefore, as long as Qin Yi did not leave Xishan and the army, he would be fine.

Prince Su must have taken this into consideration, so he suddenly launched an attack and wanted to search the Eastern Palace on the false charge of rebellion. However, the Eastern Palace is the foundation of a country, and the significance of etiquette and law is so important. If someone were to search it easily, even if no evidence of rebellion was found, the reputation of the Eastern Palace would plummet and it would no longer be able to win the support of the people.

How could Chu Jinyao let Prince Su succeed? Anyway, she would not give in no matter what. If Prince Su and Concubine Shu were willing to save their face, they could break in and search by force, but in this way, they would never be able to take off the hat of bullying the weak. Chu Jinyao is their eldest sister-in-law, and now she is a pregnant woman. If Prince Su really dares to use force, then he will take advantage of his elder brother's absence to humiliate his pregnant sister-in-law and forcefully break into the house to search. With this pile of accusations, Prince Su's reputation will be completely ruined. He has been vigorously building his image as a virtuous prince some time ago. When public opinion backfires, his troubles will only get bigger. The

eunuchs in the East Factory are arrogant, and Chu Jinyao's attitude is even more arrogant. After hearing this, Concubine Shu had no choice but to bring her daughter-in-law, Princess Su, to the East Palace to gnaw on the hard bone.

Shufei was sitting on the guest seat with Zhao Lanhui standing behind her. She tried her best to force a gentle smile and called softly, "Crown Princess."

Chu Jinyao was sitting on the main seat without even looking in Shufei's direction. Concubine

Shu's face twitched, and she continued to smile and said, "It's been a while since we last met, but the Crown Princess's belly has already grown so big. The Crown Princess is in good spirits, so I guess the child will be healthy. By the way, the Crown Princess should be due in April, right?"

Chu Jinyao folded her hands on her knees and glanced at Concubine Shu lightly, "What does this have to do with you?"

Concubine Shu's smile froze and her face became tense, "As a member of the royal family, the Crown Princess speaks so rudely. If this gets out, it seems to be a loss of royal dignity."

"That depends on who is speaking. When I talk to a benevolent, righteous, polite and trustworthy person, I will naturally talk about benevolence, righteousness, courtesy and trustworthiness. But if the other person is not, why should I waste my breath talking to a duck with a duck?"

"You..." Zhao Lanhui glared at Chu Jinyao, and Concubine Shu waved her hand, indicating that Zhao Lanhui had no right to speak here. After everyone left, Concubine Shu looked at Chu Jinyao with a smile on her face, and even glanced at Chu Jinyao's belly: "I know that the Crown Princess has been very favored since entering the palace. The Crown Prince will respond to your requests and even vacate the Eastern Palace for you. Even the Emperor is willing to listen to your advice. Empress Mu Huai was so arrogant when she was alive, but she still fell because of the Crown Princess. But the Crown Princess is young after all, and as a person who has experienced it, I can't help but advise the Crown Princess. It is not necessarily a good thing to leave quickly. It is better to be humble. The Crown Princess is also pregnant now, so at least accumulate blessings for your child."

"Are you using the child to threaten me?" Chu Jinyao finally turned around and met Concubine Shu's eyes. Concubine Shu looked gentle and kind, but underneath her thin disguise, her eyes were full of viciousness and calculation. Chu Jinyao understood Concubine Shu's unfinished intention. Chu Jinyao was due in April, not much time left, and there were too many things to do when a woman gave birth. Concubine Shu was using her unborn child to threaten Chu Jinyao into submission.

Chu Jinyao looked at Concubine Shu coldly, and suddenly smiled softly. Concubine Shu was a little confused by her smile, frowning and asking, "What are you laughing at?"

"Nothing, I just think that Concubine Shu and the Empress who just passed away really have a connection."

Concubine Shu was actually very annoyed that Empress Xiao Qi was suppressed by Empress Da Qi when she was a concubine. Empress Da Qi was the wife and she was the concubine. Concubine Shu endured it, but then Empress Da Qi died. Concubine Shu was good in words, deeds, and appearance. Why did she continue to let Empress Da Qi's sister suppress her? A girl who was still wet behind the ears was fine, why did Concubine Shu kneel down to her? Later, Concubine Shu knew that Empress Xiao Qi secretly drugged them and killed Concubine Shu's offspring. Concubine Shu's hatred for Empress Xiao Qi became more and more intense, almost tearing out her heart and bones.

Concubine Shu had a gloomy face, and it was obvious that she hated having a connection with Empress Xiao Qi. But that was not the end. Chu Jinyao ignored Concubine Shu's disgusted expression and continued, "The Empress drugged everyone in the harem, which might have killed Concubine Shu's offspring. Concubine Shu also poisoned the Empress herself, and now she is using her unborn child to threaten others. Concubine Shu, tell me yourself, are you two the same and destined to be together?"

After Chu Jinyao finished speaking, he looked at Concubine Shu and spat coldly. "Although it is not a good thing to say this, I still want to tell Concubine Shu that you deserve it. A person who can use an unborn child as a threat deserves to have no children of his own in his lifetime."

As soon as these words came out, the few people left in the room could not even stand. Concubine Shu's maids were naturally furious. Zhao Lanhui seemed to share the same hatred, but in fact, she was secretly glancing at Concubine Shu. You know, Prince Su was just an adopted son. The maids on Chu Jinyao's side all frowned, but they were very happy in their hearts.

Concubine Shu herself clenched her fingers so tightly that you could almost see the pale knuckles. Her face was tense, but her shoulders were shaking slightly. It was obvious that she was very angry.

After all, Concubine Shu was an old lady in the palace. She paused for a long time, suppressed her anger, and smiled at Chu Jinyao: "The Crown Princess is eloquent, and this time it really opened my eyes. Since the Crown Princess doesn't care about dignity, then I don't have to save face for a young man like you. I might as well tell you the truth. The emperor is now very suspicious of the Crown Prince's original intention to go to the West Mountain, so he ordered people to search the East Palace. I didn't expect the Crown Princess to react so strongly."

At this point, Concubine Shu chuckled softly, and glanced at Chu Jinyao as if she was watching a good show: "Crown Princess, if you know what's good for you, you should cooperate now. If you insist on confronting His Majesty, then the hat of rebellion will probably be confirmed." Chu Jinyao

thought in her heart that she actually doubted Qin Yi's original intention of going to Xishan, and most of your guesses were true. But Chu Jinyao couldn't say this. She still had an attitude of not being afraid of her own shadow and said brazenly: "Since Concubine Shu is suspicious, then bring out the evidence and don't just spread rumors with your mouth. The innocent are innocent, and I believe that Your Highness also thinks so. If Concubine Shu and Princess Su are not satisfied, you can go to the emperor to complain. I have nothing to say."

Chu Jinyao picked up the tea, and the meaning of sending the guest was very obvious. Seeing that Chu Jinyao was not going to eat soft or hard, Concubine Shu was a little annoyed. After discussing with Prince Su, she felt that now that Qin Yi was not here, Chu Jinyao was the only woman in the East Palace. When she heard about the capital crime of rebellion, she would be scared and at a loss. It was not that Concubine Shu and others would agree to everything they said and let them manipulate her. Once they can really search, the East Palace is so big that just finding something will be enough.

Unfortunately, Chu Jinyao refused to take any soft or hard tactics. Not only did he dare to turn away the men from the East Palace, but he also put on an unyielding attitude. Concubine Shu and Prince Su were concerned about their reputations and could not really force them.

This was embarrassing. Concubine Shu sat here for a cup of tea with Chu Jinyao, and not only did she get nothing, but she also made herself furious. Concubine Shu has been dominating the harem for so many years, and it has been a long time since she has tasted such a humiliation.

Concubine Shu stood up with a sullen face, obviously furious, and she didn't even want to maintain her dignity. She said coldly: "Since the Crown Princess is so arrogant and stubborn, I can only report today's situation to His Majesty and let Him deal with it. Crown Princess, you take care of yourself. Oh, by the way, His Majesty has specifically instructed that the Crown Prince is now plotting evil, and it is not appropriate for the Crown Princess to keep the Phoenix Seal in the harem. Crown Princess, hand over the Phoenix Seal."

Chu Jinyao did not move her eyebrows, but waved her hand, motioning Linglong to take it. Her action was quick and decisive, which disappointed Zhao Lanhui, who wanted to see a good show.

That was the Phoenix Seal that all women in the world coveted. Zhao Lanhui thought that Chu Jinyao would be very reluctant and angry if the Phoenix Seal was taken away. Thinking of this, Zhao Lanhui was unwilling to let go of this good show easily. She deliberately lifted the silk and took a look at the Phoenix Seal, saying, "I remember the same situation when the Crown Princess took the Phoenix Seal out of Kunning Palace a few days ago. It hasn't been long since then, and it happened again. The world is so unpredictable."

Zhao Lanhui deliberately sighed that the world is unpredictable. Chu Jinyao looked at her and smiled slightly, "Isn't it true that the world is unpredictable? It is possible that Queen Mu Huai's seal is still on it. 's blood."

Zhao Lanhui's fingers covering the phoenix seal shrank suddenly. Chu Jinyao continued, "Empress Mu Huai was most obsessed with the palace all her life, but she died unwillingly. I heard that people who died unjustly have the heaviest resentment. Maybe the soul of the late empress is still lingering in the deep palace, trying to find the real murderer who killed her."

Now Shufei's face changed a little. If you stay in the deep palace for a long time, you will become superstitious, especially those who have guilty consciences, who are most afraid of ghosts and gods. Chu Jinyao looked into Concubine Shu's eyes and said softly, "My Lady Concubine Shu, aren't you afraid of putting this phoenix seal on the head of your bed?"

"Nonsense! It's really inappropriate for a Crown Princess to say such vulgar words." Concubine Shu stood up and waved her sleeves angrily. She didn't even bother to say goodbye to Chu Jinyao and walked out angrily. Zhao Lanhui hurried to catch up. Halfway through, Chu Jinyao's words came slowly from behind and penetrated into Zhao Lanhui's ears: "Princess Su, I heard that you donated incense oil to Huangjue Temple in the name of Queen Mu Huai a few days ago. Do you think that doing so will bring back something extraordinary?"

Zhao Lanhui's scalp was about to explode. She controlled herself hard not to listen or think, and quickly followed Concubine Shu to leave Ciqing Palace.

After everyone left, Chu Jinyao raised her hand and looked at her neatly trimmed nails, then stood up as if nothing had happened and said, "It's so boring. I've been sitting for too long, and my waist is uncomfortable. You guys accompany me for a walk outside."

Linglong and the others quickly agreed. They were amazed in their hearts. The words the Crown Princess just said made them feel cold on their backs. Look at how scared Concubine Shu and Princess Su were, while the Crown Princess herself was like nothing had happened, and she even complained that she was bored. Linglong thought of the gentle and quiet temperament of the Fifth Miss when she was first pointed out to her by Old Lady Chu. Comparing it with now, she was filled with emotion.

The harem is such a scary place.