Yuanyu continued: "The case of Empress Qi is indeed strange, it originated from the palace, but also involves two major officials, it's really not a trivial matter... Since Chen 'Lu' is willing to assist with palace affairs, this matter will still fall on your shoulders."

  "Your Majesty, this is such a big matter, I'm afraid it can't be done..."

  Chen 'Lu' smiled, but it was a gentle refusal. The emperor was taken aback for a moment before he understood the implication of her words.

  He summoned the eunuch who held the imperial pen and slowly said ---

  "By imperial decree...the sacred sword Ta-A is hereby bestowed upon Empress Chen. Whoever sees it shall be as if beholding Myself in person!"

  This sentence sounds light and casual, but it's like a thunderbolt on the ground, startling the indifferent queen sitting beside him, making her complexion change slightly.

  "Tai E" sword was forged by the ancient divine craftsman, Yuan Qi had always regarded it as a treasure, and it was not easy to see it, but today he actually wanted to give it to his new wife!

  "A gentleman does not take away what others love."

  Chen 'Lu' politely declined with a gentle expression. She glanced at the white 'jade' nine-dragon belt on the emperor's waist, indicating that it could be used as a token of proof.

  "No matter... A precious sword is for a worthy friend, rouge for a lovely woman; it can only be truly used when in your hands."

  The emperor recalled the crisis before him and involuntarily revealed a sharp edge in his voice.

  After Chen "Luo" took over the case, he first summoned Zhou Qi's two concubines' maids.

  Looking at the row of palace maids standing with their hands hanging down, she didn't examine them carefully, but asked directly: "Who is Cai Yi?"

  A petite figure emerged timidly, with a slight tremble of tension: "I'm the servant."

  "How long have you been in the palace of Imperial Noble Consort Zhou?"

  "More than two years."

  "Is it you who saw Lier secretly going to the relay station to inquire about the military envoy beside Concubine Zhou?"

  It is...

  "You've been living in the palace for so long, how can you see these things?!"

  Wearing a pale dress and a pale face, dumb mouthed and speechless, after a long time, she finally burst into sobs.

  "Beg for mercy... That day, I secretly went to visit and bring food to those who were doing hard labor in the relay station..."

  At dawn, 'Lù' heard and suddenly understood: the so-called "matching food" refers to the eunuchs in the palace and *** who, unable to bear loneliness, formed fake couples, among whom there were many lewd affairs. This little *** secretly met with people, but unexpectedly discovered their secrets.

  She slightly nodded and ordered Qin Xi who had been summoned to listen: "The envoy is currently at

  "Report back to Her Ladyship, he refused to confess even in death and has been thrown into the imperial prison."

  "Bring him over, I have something to ask."

  Qin Xi's face revealed a difficult expression, and he hesitated for a moment before saying: "This is the imperial edict of the Empress Dowager..."

  Chen 'Lu' smiled slightly and said leisurely, "The Empress Dowager had him imprisoned in the first place to get to the bottom of the case... You go bring him over, don't worry about it."

  A moment later, a young man with iron shackles on his hands and feet was brought over by two guards.

  He looked haggard and worn out, his clothes were tattered and stained with blood, obviously he had been subjected to severe torture.

  "Take off his iron fetters."

  Morning dew path.

  "The guards were in a difficult situation: 'This man has martial arts skills, if he startles the imperial carriage...'"

  "With his cultivation, he's still no match for me."

  Chen 'Lu' said faintly, indicating that he should do so.

  She ordered everyone else to withdraw, leaving only two people facing each other alone.

  The hall was quiet, with only the sound of birds chirping outside the window, and a gentle breeze that made one feel carefree and relaxed.

  "What do you want to ask, princess?"

  The man's voice was weak, but still had a hint of divine light in it. He didn't look up, only asked with a slightly mocking tone.

  "I've heard everything from Imperial Concubine Zhou," said Chen Lu calmly, disregarding his astonished expression. "You fell into someone else's trap without even realizing it. Even if you were really used as a scapegoat, there's nothing to complain about."

  Her eyes flickered slightly, and under the clear and cold demeanor, another layer of cunning was added.

  "How about we make an exchange?"

  "I can save this pair of mandarin ducks, on one condition---"

  She glanced at the man and slightly opened her lips: "I want to know all of Zhou Jun's secrets."

  The man's face turned red with rage and he shouted: "You want me to betray my own commander?!"

  Chen 'Lu' smiled coldly: "I bear no hostility towards your family's master, I just want to know what he is really after."

  "You're out of your mind!!"

  "Before you spout nonsense, think about Empress Zhou, she's still in the Cold Palace!"

  Chen 'Lu' did not get angry, but calmly revealed Zhou Guifei's miserable situation.

  The man was momentarily disheartened and thought of the woman who had been imprisoned, he weakly lowered his head.

  "What makes you think I should believe you?"

  "Except for believing in me, you... ...you also know that the Emperor does not 'wish' to put Concubine Zhou to death. He sent me to handle this case, it's giving you a thread of life."

  The man hesitated for a moment before whispering in an almost inaudible voice: "Is... she okay?"

  (I had an interview today and just got back at night, this chapter is a bit short, I'll make up for it with two chapters tomorrow, please check them out on time)