“Additionally, replace a batch of people in the palace.”

Shen Qianyu frowned. “Although today’s incident was sudden, there should not have been such a complete lack of reaction.”

Wan Xiao nodded, cursing those without discernment in his heart.

Since the Crown Prince’s position had stabilized, problems rarely occurred in the Eastern Palace. He also knew those people did not understand Qin Rao’s temperament and had not taken her seriously.

However, the Crown Prince had given orders. Dereliction of duty was disrespectful. These people truly could not remain in the palace.

Wan Xiao acknowledged and turned to go to Zhaoxia Hall.

Inside Zhaoxia Hall were displayed six corpses already beaten to a bloody pulp. Qin Rao looked expressionlessly at the Dong Chang people who had not yet dispersed before the hall, sneering endlessly.

“Acting today, how do you know their today is not your tomorrow?”

“How their tomorrow will be need not concern the Princess.”

Wan Xiao walked into the courtyard, followed by six palace maids with solemn expressions.

At Wan Xiao’s indication, the six walked to Qin Rao’s side and stood behind her.

“Palace maids this Director has carefully selected for the Princess. I hope the Princess will accept them with a smile.”

Qin Rao curved her lips in a faint smile. “This Princess has already sent word to the delegation. Tonight the delegation will petition the ruler of Dongning to let this Princess leave the palace. Do you think Dongning will release me?”

Seeing Wan Xiao did not answer, Qin Rao smiled. “This Princess guesses they will. Not only that, Dongning will respectfully escort this Princess to the delegation.”

Wan Xiao said nothing. Qin Rao entered Zhaoxia Hall, lifting her skirt to recline languidly on the huanghuali beauty couch.

Since Shen Qianyu would not take her bait, she would start with Emperor Wenhui.

Propping one hand beneath her ear and hooking the ends of her hair before her with the other, Qin Rao closed her eyes to rest and restore her spirit.

Wan Xiao had no intention of keeping her company here, so he went to wait for Shen Qianyu before Emperor Wenhui’s sleeping quarters.

“His Majesty still wants to release her?”

Seeing his master’s face was dark with anger, Wan Xiao’s expression also became unpleasant.

“Not only that, His Majesty also rewarded Qin Rao with many things as appeasement.”

Shen Qianyu’s face was ashen, his chest stifled with terrible frustration.

No matter how he and a host of ministers had blocked Emperor Wenhui for half a day, breaking apart and crushing the current situation of Nanqing to explain it, Emperor Wenhui only reduced the imperial gifts by thirty percent to stop their mouths. He even rebuked the ministers, saying if war broke out between the two countries because of this, they would be the chief culprits who made him reviled for eternity.

Emperor Wenhui’s fear of Nanqing from the depths of his bones could probably never be washed clean in this lifetime.

“Never mind. What does it matter if we let her have her way?”

Shen Qianyu’s expression was gloomy. “If she doesn’t cause trouble, this Prince’s backup moves won’t be easy to deploy either.”

“The people I asked you to find—have you found them?”

Wan Xiao nodded. Shen Qianyu waved his hand for him to proceed.

After handling this matter, Shen Qianyu returned to Laiyi Pavilion, only to be told by Heng Wu that Song Wan had gone to Shang Rong’s sleeping quarters.

“This Prince will wait for her here. You all go about your own business.”

Having sent people away, Shen Qianyu began handling official matters at Laiyi Pavilion. Song Wan sat beside Shang Rong, her expression grave.

Shang Rong had not suffered from her old illness for a long time. Today’s sudden fright had caused her to fall ill and be unable to rise. Song Wan was worried about her and also worried about Qi Qingling.

She had just come from Qi Qingling’s hall, her heart anxious.

Just as she was lowering her eyes in thought, Shang Rong quietly spoke. “I know what you’re thinking, but you cannot.”

Song Wan raised her head, slightly tightening her grip on the handkerchief.

Shang Rong said weakly, “Although Nanqing is in internal turmoil, the fact that its national strength exceeds Dongning’s by several times is indisputable. That Qin Rao dares to be so arrogant in Dongning relies not only on His Majesty’s fear of Nanqing, but also has the intention of deliberately provoking war between the two countries.”

Song Wan’s eyes narrowed slightly as she sighed softly. “She easily lost Feng Commandery, and the Crown Prince made Nanqing’s offering of Feng Commandery appear to be thanks for Qin Zhan’s patricide. If this rumor truly reaches Nanqing, Qin Zhan will certainly lose without doubt.”

“Qin Rao also knows this, which is why she made today’s probe.”

Shang Rong nodded. “Continue.”

“If His Majesty truly fears Nanqing as much as Qin Rao predicts, Wan’er guesses her next move should be to force His Majesty to send troops to assist Qin Zhan.”

“Feng Commandery is both a name and bait. His Majesty has both fear and obsession toward Nanqing. If one wants to manipulate him, it’s not difficult.”

Shang Rong stared at the bed curtains above, her gaze empty as she spoke. “Even if His Majesty did not fear Nanqing, she would still take action to deliberately provoke conflict between the two countries.”

“Qin Zhan cannot bear the name of colluding with foreign enemies and committing patricide, but if the two countries go to war, this charge would no longer stand.”

“If the two countries go to war, Nanqing will temporarily suspend internal turmoil to respond to external enemies. Thus Qin Zhan can rest and recuperate. If he then pushes Prince Ning forward to confront Dongning, he can gain even more as the fisherman who profits.”

Shang Rong grasped Song Wan’s hand, speaking in a low voice. “So no matter who it was, no one could escape today. Someone from the Eastern Palace was bound to suffer this. You need not feel guilty.”

Today Qin Rao had struck very quickly. No one could have anticipated it.

Because Qingling had been instructing Song Wan on qin techniques, standing before the qin was also the place closest to where Qin Rao entered the courtyard. Shang Rong saw Song Wan felt guilty and remorseful because of this, and couldn’t help but speak words of comfort.

“Dongning and Nanqing must have a battle. It cannot be avoided.”

Shang Rong continued, “If Qin Zhan wins, he will pursue the humiliation Qin Rao suffered in Dongning, so the Crown Prince will not let Qin Zhan win.”

“I guess the Crown Prince has already prepared to send troops against Nanqing when Qin Zhan and Prince Ning of Nanqing fight each other to mutual destruction.”

With Emperor Wenhui’s temperament, he would absolutely not agree to confront Nanqing, so Shang Rong guessed Shen Qianyu had other arrangements for Emperor Wenhui. However, such words she could not easily speak aloud.

Now seeing Song Wan’s expression was calm, without surprise, she knew the other party should also understand the Crown Prince’s intentions.

“So we cannot easily take action and must not ruin the Crown Prince’s great plan.”

Song Wan clutched the handkerchief, contemplating for a long while before slowly nodding.

“Qin Rao will not remain compliant.”

Shang Rong murmured. Song Wan pressed her lips together without speaking, but knew she spoke correctly.

If Qin Rao understood Emperor Wenhui’s thoughts, she would certainly press her advantage. And even if Emperor Wenhui dealt with her firmly, she would deliberately do things that could provoke conflict between the two countries.

So no matter what, some things could not be avoided.

Song Wan and Shang Rong were unwilling in their hearts, but they were powerless.

Never mind that the two of them in this rear palace held low positions that were truly insignificant—even if they held high positions, they still could not participate in front court matters.

“Wan’er understands.”

Speaking these words in a low voice, Song Wan saw Shang Rong’s face was full of exhaustion. She helped her arrange the pillows and bedding, then withdrew with light hands and feet.

After leaving Shang Rong’s sleeping quarters, she went to Tingyue Pavilion to visit Qi Qingling.

Wu Xixiang and Zhang Baozhen were also there. Lu Youjun had the smallest courage and had been frightened today to the point of high fever that would not abate. Zhao Nanzhang was caring for her, so the two were not here.

When Song Wan entered, Zhang Baozhen was pressing her eyes, secretly weeping.

The three had no words. They exchanged glances and sat silently to one side.

Song Wan lowered her eyes. Her gaze swept across the table and she saw the Nanqing secret medicine placed on top.

“This is the injury medicine Qin Rao carries on her person?”

Zhang Baozhen nodded. “I asked the Imperial Physician. He said it’s extremely good medicine. Using it on Qingling is harmless.”

Song Wan held the porcelain bottle, whose shape and appearance were both quite distinctive, slightly concentrating her attention.

After a long while, she had Heng Zhi pour out the medicine, leaving only a small amount in the bottle.

“This thing, I have some use for it.”

Seeing this, Zhang Baozhen suddenly said, “My maternal grandfather was the former Director of the Imperial Medical Bureau. Although I never studied medicine, there are many medical texts at home.”

Hearing this, Song Wan’s eyes turned red as she smiled faintly.