After sending Ji Mingzhu back to the mansion, he accompanied her for a meal.
As night fell, Xie Yunzhen was urgently summoned to the palace.
He didn't return for several days.
Rumors were that the Emperor's condition was worsening, and various factions were stirring.
Even being in the Duke Mansion, Ji Mingzhu could feel the tense atmosphere.
The scandal involving the Imperial Concubine was spreading amongst the noble circles.
Young women from ordinary families needed to keep a good reputation, and the Imperial Concubine was no exception.
Everyone knew that even if the Imperial Concubine was lucky enough to escape this crisis,
it would be almost impossible to regain favor in the future.
Du Peifang knew in her heart what she had done.
Out of nowhere, the Imperial Concubine had gotten involved with a stranger and was caught red-handed by the Empress.
There were too many eyewitnesses for any plausible denial.
