Feng Miaojun further questioned him about the details of the crime, and Commander Qi was able to answer each question. Finally, he prostrated himself: “This subject deserves death, having been bewitched by an evil person and betrayed Your Majesty’s grace. However, my family knew nothing of this…”

He had participated in the conspiracy and knew his guilt could not be avoided.

Before he could finish speaking, Feng Miaojun beckoned to him with her finger: “Come here.”

Commander Qi approached cautiously, his body bent forward.

“Come closer.”

Commander Qi stopped when he was two chi away from her.

Chen Dachang, knowing her profound abilities, did not intervene.

“You spoke well, but—” Feng Miaojun said slowly, “I don’t believe you!”

Commander Qi’s face changed in horror. Just as he was about to defend himself, the Queen unexpectedly raised her jade-white wrist, with thumb and middle finger extended, pressing them against both sides of his temples!

A burst of intense pain struck him, followed by dizziness. Commander Qi looked up to see the world spinning, even the bright lamps on the wall seemed to have multiplied into several phantom images.

The Queen was speaking, but her voice seemed to come from an extremely distant place, becoming muffled, prolonged, and heavy.

Of course, this was only his personal experience. Chen Dachang only heard Feng Miaojun ask in a soft voice: “Think carefully, who was the real mastermind behind Miao Hansheng’s abduction?”

Commander Qi opened his mouth but didn’t speak, his body trembling slightly.

Feng Miaojun knew he was engaged in an internal struggle. On one hand, he was driven by her secret technique; on the other, his subconscious recognized the significance of the matter and instinctively wanted to keep the secret. So she repeated the question and then sternly commanded:

“Speak!”

This final word was like a knife or sword, piercing directly into Commander Qi’s mind, causing him to shudder involuntarily, instantly breaking through the defensive barrier in his heart.

He stopped trembling, his gaze gradually becoming unfocused, and finally stated a name in a flat voice.

Chen Dachang, standing aside to listen, showed a surprised expression.

Feng Miaojun’s face remained impassive. After pondering for quite a while, she snapped her fingers near Commander Qi’s ear.

“Click.”

He awakened immediately, his face full of bewilderment, not remembering what had happened during those brief moments.

Feng Miaojun waved her hand: “Go to prison in place of your son.”

After he was led away, Chen Dachang asked in a low voice: “Shall we go arrest him now?”

“No rush,” Feng Miaojun interlaced her fingers in front of her chest. “Even I find it surprising—do you think the common people would believe it? Even with Commander Qi as a witness.”

“As soon as the news of Miao Hansheng’s recovery was announced, he couldn’t sit still and sent Qi to confuse me, trying to frame Zhao Rushan. Heh!” She narrowed her eyes. “His roots here remain deep and strong. It’s not difficult to capture and kill him—what’s difficult is to make others accept it without question!”

Chen Dachang understood: “We need more evidence.”

“More than that,” she said indifferently. “We need ironclad proof!”

Princess Hanyue had just finished feeding her son when the maidservant who had gone out returned, carrying a tightly covered basket: “Princess, here are the jujube and Poria cakes you requested, still warm.”

The basket was uncovered to reveal a small warming box. The box was thick with three layers inside and out. When opened, a delicate fire talisman was found inside. Thus, despite being outdoors for nearly an hour, the Poria cakes inside were still steaming hot, as if just removed from the steamer.

Princess Hanyue had loved this treat since childhood. Moreover, with her recent unsettled mood, this food, known for strengthening the spleen, eliminating dampness, calming the mind, and soothing the spirit, was exactly what she needed. Poria cake was also a very special dessert that had to be eaten hot to enjoy its soft, sweet, and fragrant taste. Once cold, it would harden; it would crumble at the touch, and the texture would become unbearable.

Princess Hanyue pinched a piece and put it in her mouth, nodding with satisfaction before rewarding the maidservant who had gone out to buy the treats.

However, when she ate the third piece, she felt something unusual. Frowning, she removed a small note from her mouth, the size of a finger.

This note had been folded small and placed inside the Poria cake. The maidservant beside her was greatly alarmed and immediately knelt to ask for forgiveness. Princess Hanyue ignored her and unfolded the note to read.

There was only one line of small characters:

Your servant Lu Wenda requests an audience, waiting outside the Brocade Hall.

Princess Hanyue’s brow furrowed slightly in surprise: he had come to see her?

Who was Lu Wenda? None other than the former Grand Tutor Lu of the Yao court. He had taught countless famous generals and worthy ministers, and even the Yao Crown Princes Miao Fengyuan and Miao Fengxian had attended his lectures.

When Yao territory changed hands, old officials were variously promoted, but Grand Tutor Lu still lived in the Grand Tutor’s mansion. The Queen also respected him and had not stripped him of the title “Grand Tutor.”

Princess Hanyue had always respected this elder of the former court and without much thought said: “Please invite him in to speak.”

The attendant beside her quickly advised: “The Queen has ordered that former officials not disturb you and the young master.”

Princess Hanyue was visibly displeased: “Grand Tutor Lu is not an outsider. He is advanced in years, and it’s cold outside. How can we let him wait there?”

After all, the Queen truly treated her close friend well, so when she frowned, the attendants dared not obstruct her further and quickly led Grand Tutor Lu inside.

Princess Hanyue went out to meet him. Grand Tutor Lu was about to bow deeply, but she caught his arm: “No need for formalities, I am no longer the Crown Prince’s consort.”

Grand Tutor Lu then raised his head, examining her carefully before heaving a long sigh: “That’s good, that’s good.”

He was nearly ninety years old, but his back was still straight as a board. His spirit was alert, his complexion ruddy, and his voice still strong, faintly revealing traces of his commanding presence on the battlefield in his youth.

Princess Hanyue smiled: “Has something happened?”

Grand Tutor Lu shook his head, allowing her to support him as they walked into the hall: “Not having seen the Crown… not having seen the Princess appear for so long, we have been extremely worried.”

“Thank you for your concern, Grand Tutor.” Princess Hanyue’s face showed guilt. “Hanyue is doing well.”

Grand Tutor Lu had just observed her expression closely—her brow was relaxed, her complexion improved, and her lips often held a smile. Indeed, she no longer wore the worried look she had a month ago. “It seems the Princess and… and the young Prince are both safe and sound. This old minister can now rest easy.”

Hanyue asked curiously: “Why does the Grand Tutor say this?”

“The Princess doesn’t know.” Grand Tutor Lu sighed. “The Queen has issued strict orders forbidding us ministers from disturbing you. But since the young Prince was rescued, no outside officials have seen him, and we have all been somewhat… somewhat concerned.”

Princess Hanyue dismissed this: “An’an also means well, and I apologize to the Grand Tutor on her behalf. Alas, for the past month, Hanyue has been on tenterhooks. When the little one was brought back to me the other day, I slept for more than ten hours straight.” There were numerous former Yao officials; if they all came to congratulate and visit after hearing the news of the young Prince’s rescue, how could she handle so many people?

Therefore, Princess Hanyue appreciated Feng Miaojun’s thoughtfulness. Everyone else was concerned about Miao Hansheng’s safety, but only her friend An’an noticed that she was sick with worry and wanted to let her rest properly.