Not only did Qiao Xuan accompany them, but she also took control of the harem and began to clean house.
Yang Mu knew this was serious. He couldn't afford to be careless in the palace, especially if someone with ulterior motives was hiding there.
Her Majesty entrusted this search to me. That means she trusts me. I can't let her down…
As the search progressed, He Zhiqing started to panic, her behavior growing more suspicious by the moment.
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 hurriedly pleaded, claiming to be an old acquaintance of the new emperor and insisted on seeing him.
Afraid Yang Mu wouldn't believe her, she brought up her cousin, Xie Jingrong, hoping this would convince him.
No one would dare lie about something like that; the consequences would be severe if the truth came out.
