The one who came from the palace was still the same eunuch Lai Xi who had previously delivered the Empress Dowager’s edict.

Ever since his last visit to deliver the edict, when the First Madam of the Li family’s West Residence had given him a bundle of silver, Lai Xi had a deep impression of this family.

Riding on the prestige of that bundle of silver, Lai Xi’s attitude was quite good: “The Empress Dowager learned that Third Miss Li has returned from her long journey and is very concerned about her. She specially summons Third Miss Li to the palace for a conversation.”

When the Empress Dowager summoned someone, naturally, no one dared to obstruct. Old Madam Deng quickly instructed Qing Yun to prepare a hand warmer for Qiao Zhao to hold, reminding her to be careful.

He Shi, with her protruding belly, came before Lai Xi and slipped him a purse: “My daughter is still young. Please take extra care of her, Eunuch.”

Lai Xi felt the purse. Though it was somewhat smaller compared to last time, he thought this was more normal, so he showed a smile: “Madam, rest assured. The Empress Dowager truly cares about Third Miss Li.”

He Shi secretly pursed her lips. After Lai Xi left with Qiao Zhao, she said indignantly: “What concern for Zhaozhao? She’s impatient to see whether the medicine Zhaozhao brought back is effective. Zhaozhao just returned and isn’t even allowed to catch her breath. You can see what those people are like—”

“Enough, don’t say such things. Have Third Girl’s room properly tidied up and aired out, so it’s ready for her to rest when she returns.” Old Madam Deng knew He Shi had no filter on her mouth and quickly interrupted her.

He Shi was indeed distracted, saying excitedly: “Old Madam, don’t worry. There’s no need for special tidying. I have people clean Zhaozhao’s room twice daily. The bed curtains and door hangings have all been changed to seasonal ones, and the bedding is made with freshly fluffed new cotton…”

Li Jiǎo listened silently, her heart full of desolation.

Qiao Zhao walked to the Li residence gate and bent down to board the small sedan chair waiting outside.

Lai Xi walked beside the sedan chair, taking the opportunity to peek into the purse. His eyes widened at what he saw.

It was a purse full of gold leaves!

Well, the Li family’s West Residence was truly a good place.

Lai Xi tucked away the purse securely and looked at the palace sedan with warm enthusiasm.

Qiao Zhao alighted from the sedan at the palace gate and was led inside by Lai Xi.

She paused briefly, instinctively glancing toward the direction of Qianqing Palace.

Originally, looking around curiously upon entering the palace was quite improper, but considering the bag of gold leaves, Lai Xi’s attitude was very amiable as he softly reminded: “Third Miss Li, the Empress Dowager is waiting.”

Qiao Zhao nodded, smoothed the hair at her forehead, and followed Lai Xi toward Cining Palace.

At this moment, was Shao Mingyuan in Qianqing Palace? What reaction did the Emperor have upon seeing that evidence?

Though Qiao Zhao was composed, since this concerned the great matter of overturning the Qiao family’s case, she couldn’t remain truly calm in her heart.

“Empress Dowager, Third Miss Li has arrived.”

Qiao Zhao paid respects to Empress Dowager Yang, who was resting with her eyes closed against a heating cage: “This subject’s daughter greets the Empress Dowager.”

Empress Dowager Yang opened her eyes and studied the young girl below.

The girl had grown thinner compared to months ago, looking even more delicate and pitiful. She couldn’t imagine how this girl had experienced numerous hardships before returning safely.

Thinking of Yang Houcheng’s endless praise when mentioning this girl, Empress Dowager Yang instinctively frowned.

A young lady spending months in close company with numerous men—no matter how well-spoken of this girl was, she couldn’t be considered as a daughter-in-law.

Her grand-nephew had a carefree personality and had never paid attention to young ladies before, yet he spoke of this Third Miss Li with endless praise. Could it be that he had developed inappropriate feelings?

Or perhaps this was the deliberate result of the young girl before her?

A mere daughter of a Hanlin compiler, and one with a ruined reputation at that—catching any of those men who traveled with her would be a tremendous fortune.

Empress Dowager Yang pondered for quite a while. Qiao Zhao maintained her respectful posture without moving, growing puzzled.

The Empress Dowager seemed to have an opinion of her? But she hadn’t done anything.

“Rise.” The aged voice finally came from above.

Qiao Zhao rose with lowered eyes and waited quietly for the Empress Dowager to speak.

Seeing her calm and composed manner, Empress Dowager Yang felt even more uncomfortable.

Despite her humble status, she showed neither servility nor arrogance when meeting her. Who gave this girl such confidence?

As the woman of highest status in the world, she disliked all words and actions that didn’t match her station.

Empress Dowager Yang picked up her hot tea and took a sip, speaking unhurriedly: “This old woman heard that Third Miss Li had quite a difficult journey south.”

Qiao Zhao didn’t understand where the Empress Dowager’s subtle hostility came from and replied respectfully: “Serving the Empress Dowager is this subject’s daughter’s honor. How could I find it difficult?”

“You do know how to speak.” Empress Dowager Yang chuckled lightly, placing her teacup on the nearby kang table. “Come, come to this old woman’s side.”

Qiao Zhao walked to Empress Dowager Yang’s side.

Empress Dowager Yang watched coldly as the girl in plain dress approached gracefully, each step seeming measured perfectly with no deviation, the pearl earrings not swaying in the slightest. She couldn’t help but narrow her eyes.

Such upbringing was even less like that of a Hanlin compiler’s daughter.

When one person harbors prejudice against another, everything the other person does is wrong—crying is wrong, laughing is wrong, sitting, lying, and walking are all wrong. This was precisely Empress Dowager Yang’s mindset at the moment.

She wasn’t pleased by Qiao Zhao’s proper and appropriate demeanor; instead, she increasingly felt the girl before her had ulterior motives and impure intentions.

Meanwhile, outside the palace gate, Chi Can viciously kicked Yang Houcheng.

Yang Houcheng looked aggrieved: “Shixi, why are you kicking me for no reason?”

Chi Can’s face was ashen with anger: “Kick you? I want to slap you silly!”

“What’s wrong exactly?” Yang Houcheng was completely confused.

“I’m asking you, why did you praise Li San in front of the Empress Dowager?”

“Ah, didn’t I want the Empress Dowager to know how hard Miss Li worked? Miss Li is different from us. If she gained the Empress Dowager’s favor, her future would be better—”

Chi Can coldly interrupted Yang Houcheng: “Yang Er, are you stupid? I’ve never seen anyone create trouble like you do!”

“How did I create trouble?”

“Use your brain and think. Li San spent months in close company with us, and after you returned, you said nothing but good things about her. What do you think the Empress Dowager would think?”

Yang Houcheng blinked, his expression gradually changing: “No way, would the Empress Dowager think of such nonsense?”

“What else?”

“Then, then what should we do?”

“How would I know what to do? With your big mouth, forget about the Empress Dowager looking favorably upon Li San—it would be good if she doesn’t find Li San annoying.”

Yang Houcheng wrung his hands: “Oh no, oh no, doesn’t that mean I’ve harmed Miss Li? I originally wanted Miss Li to win the Empress Dowager’s favor so she could smoothly marry Tingquan in the future—”

Chi Can rolled his eyes: “Worry about yourself.”

“What about me?”

“The Empress Dowager suspects you’ve developed feelings for Li San. Think about what the Empress Dowager will do.”

Yang Houcheng slowly covered his forehead: “I’m doomed, I’m doomed. Is the Empress Dowager going to find me a wife?”

“Yes, you’re old enough that you should get married.” Chi Can said coolly.

“Hey, where’s your sympathy?”

“You ate it.”

In Cining Palace, Empress Dowager Yang pointed to a small stool beside the bed: “Sit.”