Chapter 2413: Old Friend

Now, she could only bide her time in the palace, waiting for the day when her beauty would fade.

Later, news of the defeat at the front lines reached her. She was overjoyed and secretly wished for the Fourth Prince’s downfall.

Only if the Fourth Prince were defeated would she have a chance to reclaim her position!

The eldest cousin of the Xie Family was close with Shao Yunduan and Qiao Xuan, and she planned to use this connection to her advantage.

She hadn’t anticipated Shao Yunduan’s swift advance on the capital! But this was excellent news for her.

While others panicked and despaired, she quietly rejoiced.

As they fled, she remained hidden.

Acting quickly, she took her trusted palace maid and concealed herself in a remote, empty house within the imperial garden.

She had no desire to be among the Fourth Prince’s concubines.

Nothing good could come from staying with them.

She knew her best chance to see Shao Yunduan was to remain well-hidden within the palace.

She had stockpiled enough food to last for several days, planning to stay concealed for four or five days before emerging.

Her thoughts began to wander to dangerous places—what if Shao Yunduan took a liking to her?

It wasn’t entirely impossible. After all, once Shao Yunduan became Emperor, he would need many women. He would likely be in high spirits, full of confidence, and maybe even a bit arrogant. After all, wouldn’t any man be a bit full of himself after taking over a kingdom?

Men at times like these were easiest to flatter and please.

All she needed to do was show a bit of vulnerability, praise him, and speak to him with respect. He would feel pleased and proud, and then… things would fall into place!

Of course, she wasn’t foolish. She would try her luck, and if she succeeded, great. If not, she could always cry and beg him to send her back to the Xie Family.

He Zhiqing had a well-laid plan and a hopeful dream, but what she didn’t anticipate was that Qiao Xuan would accompany Shao Yunduan to the capital!

This was something almost no one had expected. Who brought their wives and children along when conquering a country? Most new emperors only summoned their families after establishing their rule, sometimes even after having new consorts and children in the capital.

Not only did Qiao Xuan accompany them, but she also took control of the harem and began cleaning house.

Yang Mu knew this was no small matter. He couldn’t afford to be careless in the palace, especially if someone with ulterior motives was hiding there.

Her Majesty entrusted the search to me. That means she trusts me. I can’t let her down…

As the search intensified, He Zhiqing panicked. Her behavior became increasingly suspicious.

A few sharp words from Yang Mu frightened her into revealing her identity. She then requested to be taken to her rightful place in the palace, but He Zhiqing wasn’t willing to comply. She hastily pleaded, claiming to be an old acquaintance of the new emperor and insisting on seeing him.

Worried that Yang Mu might not believe her, she mentioned Xie Jingrong, her cousin, hoping this would convince him.

No one would dare lie about something like that; otherwise, the consequences would be severe when the truth came out.

But Yang Mu had no intention of troubling Shao Yunduan over a concubine of the Fourth Prince. He ordered two of his men, “Take her to Her Majesty!”

“Her Majesty?”

He Zhiqing was momentarily stunned but quickly recovered and asked eagerly, “Has the Emperor already appointed an Empress? I… I should pay my respects…”

Back then, He Zhiqing was bursting with joy.

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