At this time, Qin Yining still kept watch on the mountaintop.

The sky was somewhat overcast, with dark clouds obscuring the bright moon and stars, making the entire capital seem shrouded under a huge shadow. Only the great fire at the prince’s mansion burned fiercely, with thick smoke billowing up into the night sky. The orange-red firelight had dimmed compared to earlier but still showed signs of reigniting at any moment.

Liao Zhibing said in a low voice: “Alliance Leader, we’ve waited so long, yet there’s still no news from the palace. Could it be that Prince Li won’t come out?”

Hearing this, Qin Yining smiled: “Don’t worry. From Prince Li’s style of conduct these past days, he must be a cautious and suspicious person. Otherwise, he wouldn’t have waited until all doubts were resolved before revealing his true face. The prince’s mansion affair was arranged by him. After his subordinates report back, he will definitely come out to see for himself. Only by seeing His Majesty’s corpse with his own eyes can he feel completely at ease.”

Liao Zhibing nodded: “This prince is quite a character too.”

Qin Yining only smiled without speaking.

Was Prince Li a character? Perhaps he counted as one.

But when all was said and done, he was merely a short-sighted petty person.

Tatar’s Khan Wutejin was no pushover—his forces had already attacked Tianmen Pass, and in the south there was Southern Yan rising. Yet the Empress Dowager, Prince Li, and these people only focused on immediate benefits. Didn’t they think that once Tatar’s iron hooves trampled into the capital, even if they ascended to the throne, what would it matter?

Facing Khan Wutejin, the higher the position they sat in, the faster they would probably die.

These people didn’t think about properly confronting the enemy but started internal strife first, making even her, a woman of the inner chambers, find it laughable.

Everyone waited a while longer when suddenly a Qingtian Alliance brother came up the mountain.

“Alliance Leader, Master Liao, Prince Li has left the palace and is heading toward the prince’s mansion.”

Hearing this, everyone breathed a sigh of relief. No matter what, as long as Prince Li was willing to leave the palace, that was good.

Qin Yining stood up, supporting herself on Bingtang and Ji Yun’s hands to move her legs. Now not only was her body cumbersome, but because her belly was so large it compressed the organs in her abdomen, she needed to relieve herself every short while, and now she needed to go again.

Liao Zhibing continued watching below the mountain with the alliance members.

When Qin Yining returned after resolving her needs with the two maids’ assistance, she saw Xie Yue with two familiar guards standing with Liao Zhibing, conversing.

“Master Xie.” Qin Yining slowly walked over. “How did you come up the mountain?”

Xie Yue smiled and bowed: “Princess Consort. The Prince was worried about you and had me bring people to definitely escort you back. With the late hour, the Prince is truly uneasy about you being on the mountain.”

Qin Yining smiled: “There are so many brothers on the mountain—my safety can be guaranteed.”

“But your condition is still inconvenient.” Xie Yue persuaded: “Now that matters are mostly resolved, the Qingtian Alliance brothers should also go back to rest and reorganize properly. The Princess Consort also needs a good night’s sleep. Even if you don’t consider the Prince, you must think of the two little ones in your belly.”

Qin Yining instinctively caressed her abdomen. Thinking again, what Xie Yue said made sense. Leaving just two people to take turns observing the situation would suffice—there was no need for everyone to stay up.

“Alright.” Qin Yining nodded in agreement, turning to Liao Zhibing: “I’ll trouble Master Liao to select two brothers to stay and observe the situation.”

Liao Zhibing nodded: “That’s easy. Alliance Leader, go with the Prince’s people. I’ll make arrangements and then take the other brothers to rest.”

Qin Yining nodded, gave some more instructions, then took a sedan chair down the mountain and transferred to a carriage.

The great fire at the prince’s mansion was too sensational, making the city patrol guards more lax than before. Xie Yue and two guards, protecting Qin Yining’s carriage, quickly arrived at a private residence not far from the imperial palace.

Looking from outside the wall, the residence appeared no different from other households—all pitch black, showing the master was fast asleep.

Xie Yue rhythmically knocked gently on the door knocker. Soon someone came to answer the door.

Qin Yining followed Xie Yue with her two maids through the dark courtyard, carefully approaching the house door.

Someone opened the door and lifted a dark-colored door curtain. A strand of bright lamplight projected out, and Qin Yining understood that the windows and doors inside were hung with curtains to block light.

“Your Majesty, Princess Consort Zhongshun has returned.”

As Qin Yining entered, someone reported inside.

She turned around the standing screen and saw in the side hall that Li Qitian sat in the main seat, with Pang Xiao and Ji Zeyu standing at his sides.

Seeing Qin Yining enter, Li Qitian immediately stood up.

Qin Yining curtsied to Li Qitian: “Long live Your Majesty.”

Li Qitian had already approached, offering virtual support with both hands in extremely courteous manner: “Please rise quickly. You’ve truly worked hard this time.”

Li Qitian’s courtesy toward Qin Yining made her quite uncomfortable. Since this plan, when faced with insufficient personnel, Qin Yining had to reveal the Qingtian Alliance trump card, Li Qitian showed her unprecedented respect and politeness. His attitude toward her wasn’t like treating a minister’s family member, but more like treating his own capable lieutenant.

In this regard, Qin Yining found Li Qitian quite admirable. In employing people, he truly had his own set of methods.

These thoughts flashed through her mind in an instant. Qin Yining rose naturally, lowering her gaze: “Your Majesty is too kind. This subject’s wife dare not accept such praise.”

“You’re being too modest. In this matter, thanks to your alliance members’ efforts, otherwise it wouldn’t have gone so smoothly. When this succeeds, We will definitely reward you generously.”

“Serving Your Majesty is serving the country—how dare we seek rewards? Please don’t speak so, Your Majesty.”

After mutual courtesies, the personal guards of Pang Xiao and Ji Zeyu beside them were left dumbstruck. Everyone couldn’t help thinking that Princess Consort Zhongshun was truly a formidable figure—no wonder she could enchant Prince Zhongshun so completely.

“Please sit and talk.” Li Qitian smiled and gestured.

Only then did Pang Xiao speak, having Qin Yining sit beside him.

Li Qitian asked: “How did things go? What’s the situation outside?”

Qin Yining respectfully replied: “Reporting to Your Majesty, outside affairs went as expected. The prince’s mansion fire has attracted sufficient attention, and Prince Li has already left the palace with his people.”

At this point, Qin Yining looked toward Pang Xiao and Ji Zeyu: “How are your arrangements going?”

Pang Xiao smiled: “With His Majesty presiding, nothing can fail. Don’t worry—everything has been arranged. Good news should come soon.”

Ji Zeyu also nodded in agreement.

Li Qitian’s face bore genuine smiles. Though the situation was tense, he had never lost his fighting spirit.

“Now everything is ready except the east wind. We’ll see what news comes from that side.”

Everyone nodded in agreement.

Pang Xiao stood up: “Your Majesty, this subject will first take my wife to wash and rest.”

Li Qitian smiled warmly: “Go ahead. The Princess Consort has worked hard today too.”

Qin Yining stood up and bowed, following behind Pang Xiao as they withdrew.