It was indeed a difficult matter. The Empress Dowager pondered for a long time but could not come up with a foolproof plan. Fortunately, Feng Jin's subsequent words brought her some solace.
"Your Majesty, I have already tied my earring to a carrier pigeon and sent it out of the palace. I believe Ling Mo Han must have received it by now. He will surely understand its meaning and should be devising a way to rescue us."
Feng Jin was very confident that Ling Mo Han would understand the message. With Ling Mo Han's capabilities, he would surely defeat Chu Yan Xi and then rescue them.
"You truly sent out the message?" The Empress Dowager was also surprised. She hadn't expected Feng Jin to act so quickly and send the message out so swiftly.
If Ling Mo Han already knew the situation inside the palace, then she would not have to worry. She naturally trusted Ling Mo Han, and their safety would be guaranteed.
Feng Jin nodded and continued to explain, "When Chu Yan Xi barged in, I sensed something was amiss. I took the opportunity to send out the token. Your Majesty, please rest assured, Ling Mo Han will definitely come to save us."
She firmly believed Ling Mo Han would come to save her. All she could do now was protect herself and the Empress Dowager, and quietly await Ling Mo Han's arrival.
"That's good... that's good. Ling Mo Han is a capable child. Since he knows about this matter, I can also be at ease."
With Ling Mo Han around, their group would surely be fine, and she could finally relax for a moment.
"Since Your Majesty is at ease, please drink this calming tea and get some rest. You can rest assured with me here."
Feng Jin was also worried about the Empress Dowager's health. When she was brewing medicine for Emperor Xuan Wen, she had also brewed a bowl of calming tea. It was no longer hot, so it was just right for the Empress Dowager to drink and get some rest.
"You... I feel like I've fallen into your trap. You wicked girl, you are truly cunning. I'll even have to be careful when I speak to you from now on."
A faint smile appeared on Feng Jin's lips. "I just want Your Majesty to pay more attention to your health. Moreover, the Princess of Jing is already pregnant, so Your Majesty must take good care of herself and wait to embrace your great-grandchild. With Prince Jing being so thoughtless, you wouldn't feel at ease entrusting your great-grandchild's upbringing to him."
The Empress Dowager's lips also gradually curved into a smile, and her previously heavy heart gradually lightened. "Chen Yi was tutored by me since he was young. This child is upright, though a bit impulsive in his actions. It's also because I've always shielded him under my wings, causing him to lack experience. However, it's good that he has Ling Mo Han to assist him. I can rest assured."
"Your Majesty, you know about their collusion. Doesn't Your Majesty, who dislikes princes and officials colluding in private the most, get angry knowing about their matters?"
Upon hearing Feng Jin's words, the Empress Dowager laughed heartily. "I dislike princes and officials colluding in private because their intentions are not pure and they seek to usurp state affairs. This would lead to chaos in the imperial court and cause the consequences that Chu Yan Xi has brought about today. However, Chu Chen Yi and Ling Mo Han are different. I have already decided that Chu Chen Yi will be the Crown Prince, so I must make all arrangements for him."
"And Ling Mo Han is the best choice. Having him assist Chen Yi is the most suitable. I can rest assured!"
From the moment he decided to establish Chu Chen Yi as the Crown Prince, she had been making arrangements for him.
Feng Jin remained silent. It seemed everyone had their own selfish motives, even the Empress Dowager. It appeared the Empress Dowager had long decided to establish Chu Chen Yi as the Crown Prince and had been making arrangements for him.
Having a grandmother like the Empress Dowager to protect him was truly Chu Chen Yi's good fortune.
"Your Majesty, please rest well. I'll go inside to check on His Majesty's condition."
As soon as she finished speaking, Feng Jin rose and walked towards the inner chamber. The most important thing now was Emperor Xuan Wen's safety. They had to first manage to deceive Emperor Xuan Wen, which was the most crucial.
...
"Reporting to Young General, the Black Armored Army has fully assembled outside. We await only the Young General's command to depart."
Lu Shi knelt respectfully behind Ling Mo Han, reporting all the circumstances.
The Black Armored Army had gathered overnight, waiting only for Ling Mo Han's command to storm the palace and capture Chu Yan Xi.
Ling Mo Han stroked the sword in his hand, his eyes instantly filled with killing intent. He exerted force, and the sword flew out, piercing the pillar behind Lu Shi. This startled Gu Bei Chen, who had followed him in, causing him to freeze on the spot.
He watched as the sharp sword plunged into the pillar beside him. Had it been even a millimeter higher, he would have already lost his life.
"Are you trying to kill me?" Gu Bei Chen's voice was filled with fear, his voice trembling slightly.
At this moment, no one else could understand his feelings. To have brushed shoulders with death was an experience he would remember for a lifetime.
Ling Mo Han cast a cold glance at Gu Bei Chen, saying nothing, as if Gu Bei Chen's appearance was of no consequence to him.
After a long pause, Gu Bei Chen finally recovered and walked up to Ling Mo Han. "All exits in and out of the capital have been guarded. After Chu Yan Xi's defeat, he will be apprehended in one fell swoop. Not even a bird will be allowed to escape!"
"Young Master, there shouldn't be any birds within the rebel ranks, should there?"
Lu Shi uttered this ill-timed remark, fortunately earning a few glares from Gu Bei Chen.
"If you said one less sentence, I wouldn't think you were mute. Why are you speaking such foolish words now!"
Gu Bei Chen was already in a bad mood, and Lu Shi had now directly run into his line of fire. He dared not vent his anger at Ling Mo Han, but he could scold Lu Shi fiercely.
"I'm just stating the facts..." Lu Shi mumbled softly, not believing he had said anything wrong. There were indeed no birds within the rebel ranks.
"You..."
Gu Bei Chen pointed at Lu Shi fiercely, panting heavily. He shouldn't have come today. He was almost angered to death by this pair of master and servant.
He continuously told himself not to get angry. If he were to die of anger, Ling Mo Han would be the one to gloat. He absolutely would not let Ling Mo Han succeed and laugh at him.
"Stop the nonsense, Lu Shi. Take your men and directly advance into the palace!"