Attentive observers noticed that since the Queen announced Miao Hansheng’s rescue, Princess Hanyue had not made any public appearances.

“She fell ill from accumulated depression earlier, and has been recuperating these days,” Feng Miaojun said indifferently. “Why?”

“We have requested to see her multiple times but have been unsuccessful.”

“Oh?” Feng Miaojun smiled. “Does Master Xun have urgent business with her? I can relay it on your behalf.”

The man was dumbfounded: “There’s… there’s no urgent matter, just wished to extend our greetings.”

“Very well, she will know of your concern,” Feng Miaojun waved her hand casually. “If there’s nothing else, don’t keep running to the former Crown Prince’s consort’s chambers. It’s not good to invite gossip.”

Such a sensitive topic was bluntly spoken by her, causing all the Yao officials present to tense up. The Queen was formidable—a single phrase about “avoiding suspicion” shut down everyone’s questions.

However, according to the traditions of the former Yao court, there were always officials who wouldn’t rest until they achieved their goals.

Left Minister of War Zuo Guangqi stepped forward and declared loudly: “These days, public discussions have been rampant. Has Your Majesty heard?”

Feng Miaojun’s expression remained unchanged: “What are they saying?”

“The common people are saying…” Having already stepped forward, Zuo Guangqi steeled his heart. “They say the child you returned to Princess Hanyue is not the former Prince’s son, Miao Hansheng!”

“Not Miao Hansheng?” Feng Miaojun dragged out her tone. “Then who could it be?”

No one dared to speak.

Feng Miaojun gave a cold laugh: “Interesting. Do you gentlemen think Princess Hanyue cannot recognize her son?” How could a mother not recognize her child at first glance?

The officials grumbled inwardly, but only Zuo Guangqi spoke out: “Princess Hanyue no longer appears in public, so others don’t know if she has recognized…”

“How dare you!” Feng Miaojun slammed the armrest heavily. “You dare suggest that I forced someone else’s child upon her?”

Her anger flared, and everyone felt immense pressure, with Zuo Guangqi bearing the brunt of it. He had to clench his teeth to continue stubbornly: “This subject… this subject only wishes to invite Princess Hanyue to come out and clarify for Your Majesty, to prevent misunderstanding among the common people.”

“Common people? What common people?” Feng Miaojun’s eyes emanated murderous intent. “I only see malicious intentions!”

General Hong also stepped forward and declared in a loud voice: “Princess Hanyue has reunited with her son. The innocent are naturally innocent—why care about rumors!”

Zuo Guangqi immediately changed tack: “Since Miao Hansheng has been rescued, may I ask if the kidnappers have been apprehended, and when their identities will be revealed?”

Indeed, if the child had truly been rescued, then who were the kidnappers, and how had they been dealt with?

Feng Miaojun smiled instead of showing anger: “It seems Minister Zuo is even more anxious than I am.”

Zuo Guangqi declared passionately: “Such rebellion and disorder should be punished by death!”

Before Feng Miaojun could speak, General Hong had already said grimly: “Although the kidnappers are despicable for abducting a child, what ‘rebellion’ have they committed?”

Everyone was shocked, and Zuo Guangqi’s face turned pale.

They had unconsciously continued to regard Miao Hansheng as the original “Yao Prince’s son,” forgetting that the ruler had changed. Princess Hanyue no longer held any imperial title, and Miao Hansheng was no longer a “Prince’s son.” At most, he was the adopted son of the Queen of New Xia, and too young to be appointed to any official position.

Zuo Guangqi was not wrong to say the kidnappers had caused “disorder,” but mentioning “rebellion” was a great disrespect to the current sovereign!

Feng Miaojun said carelessly: “Minister Zuo is exhausted from worry and toil. I permit you to rest at home for one month. After one month, I hope your fatigue will be gone, and you can again share my burdens.”

It sounded nice, but she was essentially ordering him to stay home and reflect for a month. Zuo Guangqi swallowed and had no choice but to bow and express gratitude.

The officials looked at each other, all showing signs of displeasure. Feng Miaojun observed their expressions and said unhurriedly: “The case of Miao Hansheng has not yet been closed. Gentlemen, please be patient—there will be an explanation later.”

An explanation later? Your Honorable self is about to return to New Xia, and take the Crown Prince’s consort and her son with you! The officials secretly complained. That was the Queen’s territory—even if she liked to call a deer a horse, no one would dare utter half a word of “no.”

But with Zuo Guangqi silenced and confined as an example, even if her words lacked sincerity, no one dared to oppose her for now.

Any wind that blew through the royal court quickly spread throughout the noble circles of Yao territory.

Among the kidnappers, several people could not contain their restlessness and laughed coldly: “The Queen of New Xia has imprisoned the Crown Prince’s consort and won’t let anyone see her. Does she think we can’t find a way?”

It was already night, and they had changed into their outfits ready to leave when a cold shout came from behind: “Stop! Where are you going?”

These men turned and bowed first, then respectfully said: “We’re going to find the Crown Prince’s consort. Surely you also want to know if that child is real or fake?”

“It’s a trap,” the newcomer sneered. “They’re just waiting for you to sneak in so they can catch you in the act. What’s wrong with you? Are you afraid they won’t be able to catch everyone at once?”

“But…” It wasn’t just them—wasn’t the entire Yinzi City curious about whether the child with Princess Hanyue was Miao Hansheng? If that child was the true Prince’s son, then wasn’t the one in their hands a counterfeit?

If even the child was fake, then the actions these people were plotting would be a joke!

“Change back into your clothes and do what you’re supposed to do. Don’t alert them!” the newcomer commanded sternly. “I’ll handle everything!”

Everyone immediately responded with a “Yes” and scattered like birds and beasts.

Miao Hansheng’s disappearance was a major incident, so of course there had to be a massive search for suspects in Yinzi City. After more than a month, Feng Miaojun had traced some clues but was unwilling to alert the snake by beating the grass. To capture all those people at once, she needed a legitimate reason. Even better, Feng Miaojun’s target might not be the suspect group but their families.

Which ruler would take the saying “Don’t implicate the family” seriously? She believed many principled former Yao officials were prepared to die, but their families were not.

These days, suspects in prison suffer severe torture, and yesterday someone was even been tortured to death. So tonight, a former Yao official came to surrender, and through tears revealed the name of the mastermind:

Zhao Rushan.

Even Chen Dachang’s brow twitched slightly, but Feng Miaojun remained composed: “Accusing Zhao Rushan? Bring him to me.”

The man brought before her had been a commander under Zhao Rushan, surnamed Qi. Among the prisoners to be executed tomorrow was his most beloved youngest son.

Feng Miaojun dismissed everyone except Chen Dachang: “So, you want to expose your former superior?”

Under the imperial pressure, Commander Qi was covered in sweat: “I am devoted to the Queen!”

Feng Miaojun’s fingertips tapped lightly on the table twice: “Zhao Rushan is not in Yinzi City, and is even a hundred li away from here. How could he have kidnapped Miao Hansheng?”

“After Yao territory changed hands, Zhao Rushan harbored dissatisfaction towards New Xia, so he secretly planned to take away the young Prince’s son for future use in establishing a new nation,” Commander Qi said cautiously. “His partisans are spread throughout the old court, and even the wet nurse came from his household.”