“A fire? How could there be a fire out of nowhere?” The Empress Dowager rose in panic and alarm.

The Empress, Li Helan, and other female relatives were all greatly shocked.

They had truly been terrified by the previous palace coup, and now hearing this news so suddenly, they were all thrown into panic.

At this moment, guards from outside had already strode quickly into the main hall of Ci’an Palace, kneeling at the entrance and reporting, “Your Majesty, there’s a fire at Qianqing Palace. Unknown persons are spreading rumors everywhere saying that Your Majesty has already… The palace is in turmoil, and with the fierce flames, the current situation is extremely chaotic.”

Li Qitian’s face was dark as water. “I am perfectly fine right here. Who would spread such rumors!”

The nobles said, “Your Majesty, this is clearly a deliberate scheme by someone with ulterior motives, intending to use this opportunity for treacherous purposes. Ignorant people naturally don’t know Your Majesty’s whereabouts and cannot confirm Your Majesty’s safety, so they would naturally believe these rumors. The conspirators are probably waiting for Your Majesty to appear and refute the rumors, planning to take the opportunity to assassinate you!”

“Exactly so. The conspirators first spread rumors, then secretly surrounding Ci’an Palace is also possible. Your Majesty should quickly evacuate.”

Everyone spoke at once, and the more they analyzed, the graver their expressions became.

At this moment, there was another commotion outside the hall, with palace servants already shouting anxiously, “His Majesty has died! The inner palace is about to fall into chaos!”

Others were shouting, “Flee for your lives! His Majesty is dead, the rebels are about to break in!”

These palace servants who had experienced the military revolt still vividly remembered the palace seizure from before. Now with rumors spreading from one to ten to a hundred, everyone was so convinced the palace was about to change hands – who could remain steady?

The palace servants and eunuchs in Ci’an Palace didn’t dare breathe loudly. They knew His Majesty was sitting safely inside, so they wouldn’t be frightened into fleeing by such rumors. But if His Majesty heard these shouts from outside, would they still have their lives?

The palace servants had long been trembling as they knelt on the ground, fearing they might anger the imperial countenance.

Li Qitian listened to those shouts in the corridors outside Ci’an Palace and actually laughed coldly, “How strange – I’ve apparently died, and I didn’t even know it. Haha!”

“Your Majesty, please calm your anger.”

Everyone rose to pay their respects, trembling as they apologized, “We subjects are incompetent.”

Li Qitian waved his hand, “All sit down. Perhaps someone has grown impatient and wants to rebel.”

As he spoke, Li Qitian’s gaze fell on Qin Yining. He strongly suspected whether Pang Xiao, upon hearing that something had happened to Qin Yining, had rushed back to the capital at full speed and staged this scene.

If it really was Pang Xiao rebelling, with Qin Yining still in his hands, he would have one more bargaining chip and one more chance of victory.

Some of the female relatives were frightened pale, others had already begun wiping away tears. The Empress Dowager trembled all over in terror, never imagining that her Ci’an Palace would become a target.

“Emperor, what can we do about this!”

Li Qitian merely smiled faintly, “Mother need not worry.”

A noble had already advised, “Your Majesty should still leave this place. The palace servants don’t know Your Majesty’s whereabouts, but the rebels might know. If a group really comes charging into Ci’an Palace, wouldn’t Your Majesty be in danger? Your Majesty should quickly hide in a safe place.”

One person suggested it, and many others agreed.

Li Qitian looked toward Ji Zeyu, who had maintained silence throughout and whose expression remained unchanged, “Duke Dingguo, what do you say?”

“Your Majesty, this subject believes this is not the time to move,” Ji Zeyu replied concisely.

Li Qitian pressed further, “Why do you say so?”

Ji Zeyu said calmly, “If there truly are bandits intending harm to Ci’an Palace, strictly defending this position while awaiting rescue is the best strategy. Moving about randomly would make us easier targets and increase the danger.”

Li Qitian smiled and nodded, “Your words are reasonable.”

“Your Majesty, you must still prioritize your safety!” someone persisted.

But Li Qitian stubbornly sat up straight, saying decisively, “I will not leave. I want to see what rebels dare to be so bold as to set fire to Qianqing Palace and dare to come to Ci’an Palace to brazenly capture me!”

Li Qitian’s words were resolute and forceful, clearly showing he hadn’t panicked despite such events.

Ji Zeyu then rose and said, “This subject is willing to lead men to Qianqing Palace to capture the bandits and share Your Majesty’s concerns!”

Hearing this, Li Qitian nodded approvingly, “Capturing the bandits is urgent, but you stay here. Others will naturally go to Qianqing Palace.”

Ji Zeyu was a talented general with supreme martial arts skills. Having him nearby was an additional guarantee – only a fool would send him to Qianqing Palace to catch bandits. Observing and waiting was the best strategy at this time.

Ji Zeyu immediately understood Li Qitian’s meaning and bowed, “This subject swears to defend Your Majesty’s safety with his life.”

“Very good.” Li Qitian nodded with a smile.

Ji Zeyu was like a stabilizing pillar. Hearing he wouldn’t leave, everyone secretly breathed a sigh of relief, as if his presence guaranteed Ci’an Palace would be safe.

Li Qitian ordered people to go check the situation at Qianqing Palace and had Ji Zeyu command the guards to strictly defend Ci’an Palace.

The rest remained in place, quietly listening to the sounds outside.

The commotion was even louder than before. In the mouths of those palace servants, Li Qitian the emperor had already died, and the dynasty was about to change.

No one present wasn’t nervous, especially the Empress.

Little Hao was still in Kunning Palace! If something happened to the prince, how could she, as his mother, continue living?

The other noble family members frowned with worry. If there really was a palace coup, being beside Li Qitian would be the most dangerous place. If rebels truly came charging in, wouldn’t they all become targets together?

Though they thought this way, not one person dared leave at this time. If they really left, wouldn’t that clearly tell Li Qitian they weren’t going to accompany him and he could die by himself?

Qin Yining’s beautiful eyes turned, observing everyone’s reactions. She still somewhat admired Li Qitian’s composure in the face of events. Perhaps founding emperors who had experienced years of warfare were mostly like Li Qitian, not lacking in courage?

The group sat in the oppressive atmosphere of Ci’an Palace for half an hour before Ji Zeyu returned quickly to report.

“Your Majesty, the guards have investigated the situation and come to report.”

“Speak.”

“Yes.” The guard stepped forward and kowtowed, “Your Majesty, the fire at Qianqing Palace has been controlled. Fortunately, the fire was controlled in time and the damage isn’t extensive. However, several palace servants from Qianqing Palace perished in the blaze. After investigation, it can be confirmed that the fire started in the southern wing of Qianqing Palace, in a small side room near the imperial study. Moreover, traces of lamp oil usage were found there.”

Li Qitian nodded, “So someone deliberately set the fire.”

“Exactly so. Additionally, the source of those spreading rumors and causing trouble hasn’t been found, but fortunately the palace has been brought under control.”

Li Qitian’s tense posture relaxed. Everyone in the hall breathed a sigh of relief.

Li Qitian pondered, “If we can’t find the source of the matter, this stability is only temporary. Investigate – investigate thoroughly for me!”

“Yes!”

The guard bowed respectfully and withdrew.

Everyone breathed a sigh of relief.

At least the situation had stabilized now, and their lives could be preserved.

But Qin Yining’s heart felt heavy.

Because she thought of Jiang Yuan, who had helped her pass messages out recently and who served tea in the imperial study. She couldn’t be certain whether today’s fire was related to Jiang Yuan, nor could she confirm whether this person was still alive.

She wanted to know about Jiang Yuan’s situation, because he was someone arranged by Pang Xiao and Ji Zeyu. To arrange someone in the imperial study who could personally handle what Li Qitian consumed – this was a rare planted agent. But now his fate was uncertain.

Qin Yining’s complexion was already poor, and with matters weighing on her heart, her slightly furrowed brow made her appear even more frail.

Bingtang and Ji Yun both feared Qin Yining might faint and commit a breach of etiquette before the emperor, resulting in charges. They nervously supported her shoulders from left and right, as if afraid she might slide from her chair.

At this time, the Imperial Guards had completely brought the palace situation under control.

Li Qitian also ordered people to restore order in the palace, appease the panicked palace servants, and continue investigating the source of the rumors.

“In the end, it was more fear than actual danger,” Li Qitian said with a smile to those around him. “I never expected that summoning everyone to the palace would result in such events. However, today’s matter can be considered satisfactorily resolved. Princess Consort Zhongshun has cleared her name – this is also a good thing.”

“Your Majesty is wise.”

Everyone rose to pay their respects, and Qin Yining rose with them.

Li Qitian looked toward Qin Yining, his smile warm as winter sunshine, but his words made Qin Yining’s stomach turn.

“This time, you were truly wronged. You’re someone of standing with the forces of the Azure Sky Alliance under your command. It’s only because you’re a woman – if you were a man, I would have long kept you by my side for important use.”

Li Qitian’s words prompted the nobles present to cooperatively laugh heartily, livening the atmosphere.

Li Qitian nodded with satisfaction and continued, “But fortunately you’re Pang Zhixi’s wife, making you one of our own family. This matter wronged you, but we’re all family, so you won’t mind, will you?”

What could Qin Yining say? Li Qitian could shamelessly say “you won’t mind, will you?” – could she publicly say “I mind very much”?

Today she had been able to escape with her life was already extremely fortunate. She didn’t know why Li Qitian had changed his attitude after hearing someone’s report and given her the opportunity to defend herself. She couldn’t create more trouble now – she understood the principle of quitting while ahead.

Seeing Qin Yining’s silence, Li Qitian nodded with satisfaction, “You may return to your quarters in Chuxiu Palace to rest and recover.”

Even after things had developed this far, he still wouldn’t let her leave the palace?

Qin Yining had originally hoped Li Qitian might directly release her to return to her residence, but now that hope was dashed. She understood in her heart that Li Qitian feared she would have too much freedom of movement outside and might do something to affect his plans. He probably also had designs on her Azure Sky Alliance, otherwise Li Qitian wouldn’t have mentioned it in front of everyone.

Those present were also surprised by Li Qitian’s instruction, with the nobles inevitably exchanging glances.

But not one person dared to inquire openly, much less show any surprise or suspicion.

Circumstances were stronger than people. Qin Yining could only rise and bow, “This subject’s wife thanks Your Majesty.”

Li Qitian nodded and told everyone they could disperse, then called to Princess Tana, “Consort Shun, properly arrange for people to serve your guest.”

Princess Tana nodded obediently, “This subject knows.”