Feng Jin was still trapped within the imperial palace. He could not wait a single moment longer. He had to charge into the palace immediately, kill Chu Yanxi on the spot, and rescue Feng Jin.
"The entire palace is now filled with Chu Yanxi's men. Furthermore, His Majesty, the Empress Dowager, Prince Jing, and Feng Jin are all within the palace. They must have been controlled by Chu Yanxi. If you rashly charge in like this, you'll corner Chu Yanxi. A cornered dog will bite. He'll naturally use Feng Jin as a hostage to threaten you..."
Gu Beichen rushed in front of Ling Mo Han, earnestly advising him. He wasn't trying to stop Ling Mo Han from going, but the current situation was too delicate and required careful planning.
Rushing in headlong would surely provoke Chu Yanxi. If he became desperate, it would only put Feng Jin and the others in greater danger, proving counterproductive.
"Feng Jin is trapped in the palace and is in danger every moment. I cannot wait a second longer. Lu Shi, lead your men in. Anyone who dares to obstruct them will be killed without mercy."
Ling Mo Han ignored Gu Beichen's words. He had to see Feng Jin as quickly as possible. Every second he delayed meant Feng Jin would remain in danger for another second.
"As ordered!" Upon receiving the command, Lu Shi did not hesitate and immediately strode out.
"It's not you... why aren't you listening to any advice now..."
Before Gu Beichen could finish speaking, Ling Mo Han was long gone. He sighed helplessly, then quickly followed.
After all, he held no real power and had to act according to Ling Mo Han's orders.
...
"Madam, you've been busy all day. Why don't you go rest for a while?" Granny Qin, after ensuring the Empress Dowager had fallen asleep, hurried to find Feng Jin. She draped a cloak over Feng Jin's shoulders.
The day's events had been exhausting for Feng Jin, especially having to test medicine for His Majesty. She had worked hard.
"Thank you, Granny. I'm fine. How is Her Ladyship the Empress Dowager? Has she slept?"
"The Empress Dowager took a calming tea and has already fallen asleep. Madam, there's no need to worry."
Hearing that the Empress Dowager had slept soundly, Feng Jin slowly breathed a sigh of relief. "It's good that she's asleep. His Majesty's severe illness must be hard on Her Ladyship the Empress Dowager. At her age, she still has to toil so much."
"Granny, you've also worked hard for so long. Take this time to go and sleep. I'll keep watch here, and nothing will go wrong."
Granny Qin shook her head and sighed softly. "No... the Third Prince's temperament is exactly like the Empress's. I worry what he might do. I'll only feel at ease if I stay here."
For many years, the Empress Dowager had disliked the Empress, always saying that the Third Prince's character was the same as the Empress's. He had been poorly raised by the Empress over the years.
Unexpectedly, after His Majesty had only been ill for a short time, these mother and son could not wait any longer and resorted to such treasonous acts as a coup. Their wolfish ambition could no longer be concealed so quickly.
"Fortunately, the Empress Dowager saw through the character of the Empress and her son long ago. For years, His Majesty has intended to make the Third Prince the Crown Prince, but the Empress Dowager has forcefully opposed it. The Empress Dowager has also been secretly cultivating Prince Jing. Now it seems the Empress Dowager's worries were all justified."
Granny Qin felt even more that the Empress Dowager's actions were extremely far-sighted. If the Empress Dowager had not intervened, the Third Prince would have already been made Crown Prince.
If such a treasonous person were to become Crown Prince and later Emperor, the entire Eastern Chu would be ruined. The Empress Dowager's years of effort would all be in vain.
"Her Ladyship the Empress Dowager's foresight is truly admirable," Feng Jin said sincerely. The Empress Dowager was indeed worthy of admiration, a true heroine. Eastern Chu could do without Emperor Xuanwen, but it could not do without the Empress Dowager.
"The hardship Her Ladyship the Empress Dowager has endured all these years... it's truly difficult! She experienced a similar coup thirty years ago, not long after the former Emperor passed away. His Majesty was still young, and all matters of the court rested solely on the Empress Dowager's shoulders. Naturally, there were those dissatisfied in court..."
"The most powerful contender at the time was the former Emperor's brother, Prince Qi. Prince Qi was always known for his virtue outside the palace. When the former Emperor passed away, some used His Majesty's youth as an excuse, arguing that a woman could not be in charge of state affairs and that Prince Qi should be made the new Emperor. If it hadn't been for the loyal protection of a group of old officials, Prince Qi would have succeeded."
"Prince Qi narrowly missed the throne, how could he be at peace? Before long, Prince Qi raised an army to rebel and directly forced his way into the palace, holding a sword to the Empress Dowager's throat, demanding she abdicate the throne to him. In the end, it was General Ling who led troops into the palace and killed Prince Qi, thus quelling the turmoil."
The coup by Chu Yanxi reminded her of this long-forgotten past. Thinking back now sent a shiver down her spine. The situation then was tens of times more dangerous than today.
At that time, Prince Qi was already bloodthirsty. If it weren't for his desire to have the Empress Dowager write a decree of abdication, to make his claim to the throne more legitimate, he would have already killed the Empress Dowager.
"The Empress Dowager is a heroine. When facing Prince Qi back then, she must have shown no fear. Facing Chu Yanxi again today, she will surely turn misfortune into good fortune. The Empress Dowager has toiled her entire life, and it's time for her to enjoy her blessings. Heaven will no longer bear to make the Empress Dowager suffer this hardship."
Feng Jin smiled faintly, her gaze drifting out the window. She believed Ling Mo Han would come to rescue her, he definitely would.
They would overcome this incident safely. After this, the matter of who to make Crown Prince would be settled. She thought no one would be able to stop Chu Chenyi anymore.
"Let's hope so. Let's hope we can get through this safely."
After the previous turmoil, Granny Qin was not as flustered as before. However, she was still worried about the Empress Dowager's safety. As long as the Empress Dowager was safe, she would be happy even if she lost her own life.
"Fortune relies on misfortune. While the Third Prince's rebellion is a misfortune, who knows if there might not be some fortune within it."
Feng Jin said this while her gaze fell on Chu Chenyi. This incident was a great opportunity for him. She hoped Chu Chenyi, this brainless fellow, would become smart now.
Granny Qin followed Feng Jin's gaze and her heart instantly understood what Feng Jin meant. "You mean... Prince Jing..."
"Granny is an intelligent person. Since you understand some things in your heart, there's no need to say them aloud. Just keep them within your heart."