This time when leaving the palace, Shen Wei only brought her two most trusted confidantes, Cai Lian and Ji Xiang. Cai Ping and Nanny Rong remained in the palace to maintain order in the rear court.
Cai Lian answered, "Mistress, it will take another half an hour. Please have some fruit to tide you over." She presented a plate of candied fruits.
Shen Wei had just finished half the plate when she suddenly heard the urgent call of Eunuch Deshun: "Imperial Consort! Imperial Consort!"
Deshun stumbled over, his face drenched in sweat, and gasped, "Mistress! His Majesty orders you to return to the imperial villa immediately—assassins have appeared during the Plowing Ceremony, and the guards are holding them off."
Shen Wei asked, "Is His Majesty in danger?"
Deshun replied, "The Tiger Guards, Imperial Guards, and City Defense Army are all present. His Majesty will be safe."
