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"No! Old Madam, save me!" Zhou Mier screamed, struggling. The Crown Princess remained silent, glaring coldly at Consort Xian.

Consort Xian picked up a sword from the ground and placed it against the Crown Princess's neck. "Old Madam, your granddaughter's life is in your hands now."

"Consort Xian, don't be so arrogant. The women of the Xu family do not fear death. If you want to kill, then kill," the Crown Princess's resolute tone momentarily made Consort Xian feel as if she were facing Old Madam Xu herself.

Consort Xian sneered, "Quite tough, aren't you?" She then turned her attention to Zhou Mier.

The flexible sword caressed Zhou Mier's face, moving back and forth. Unlike the Crown Princess's determination, Zhou Mier was terrified and frantically called out for help from her loved ones.

"Old Madam, save me! Save me! Mother, save me! Aunt, save me! Crown Princess, save me!"

"Consort Xian, I beg you to spare Mier," Madam Zhou stepped forward, pleading.

"I can spare her, but only if you declare your support for the Second Prince to ascend the throne," Consort Xian's words made Madam Zhou freeze. She was unwilling, but her daughter was in the enemy's hands.

After hesitating, Madam Zhou turned her gaze to Old Madam Xu. "Old Madam, Mier is a daughter-in-law of the Xu family. You can't just stand by and watch her die!"

Old Madam Xu seemed completely unconcerned as she poured herself a cup of wine. Madam Zhou secretly resented that Old Madam Xu had caused all this trouble, yet remained silent at the crucial moment.

Madam Zhou then looked towards her sister-in-law, Mrs. Zhou.

"Mother, save me! Aunt, save me!" Zhou Mier noticed Madam Zhou's glance towards Mrs. Zhou.

"Zhou family girls are not cowards who fear death," Mrs. Zhou's words disappointed Zhou Mier and Madam Zhou.

"Mother, save me, save me!" Zhou Mier was disappointed by Mrs. Zhou's words and placed all her hope on her birth mother. She didn't want to die.

As Consort Xian's sword was about to cut Zhou Mier, Madam Zhou hurriedly shouted, "I'll say it! I'll say it!"

"Sister-in-law, you can't say it!" Mrs. Zhou's voice was filled with urgency. If Madam Zhou spoke, the Zhou family would be finished.

"I'm not as cold-blooded as you to watch Mier die," Madam Zhou spat at Mrs. Zhou. She then turned to Consort Xian, "My Zhou family supports the Second Prince's ascension to the throne."

"Good. When my son ascends the throne, the Zhou family will be greatly rewarded, promoted to second-rank officials," Consort Xian was very pleased with Madam Zhou's ability to read the situation.

"Thank you, Your Highness," Madam Zhou bowed to Consort Xian in gratitude.

Before Consort Xian could speak, Madam Zhou turned to the other women in the room. "Ladies, the Second Prince's literary and martial skills are no less than the Crown Prince's, and he even surpasses the Crown Prince in literature. The Second Prince ascending to the throne is what the people want. If we don't support him now, when will we?"

Consort Xian was very satisfied with Madam Zhou's words and looked at the ladies in the hall. "Those who voluntarily stand out to support my son today will surely be greatly rewarded in the future." Consort Xian's words prompted some ladies who were already considering their options to stand up and move to Madam Zhou's side in support.

Other ladies took the opportunity to gather around the Empress. Mrs. Lu also managed to reach Li Xia's side under Qiu Chan's protection. Li Xia looked Mrs. Lu up and down, checking if she was injured. "With Qiu Chan shielding me, I'm fine," Mrs. Lu assured her.

"That's good. Mother, don't worry. Everything will be alright soon," Li Xia whispered in Mrs. Lu's ear as she pretended to fix a loose hairpin.

Mrs. Lu glanced at Li Xia, seeing her calm demeanor, and suppressed her urge to ask questions. If Li Xia said it was fine, then it must be fine. However, she was grateful that Li Xin hadn't come to the palace due to morning sickness. It wouldn't have been good if this scene had frightened her and the baby.

"It seems many people don't know what's good for them," Consort Xian sneered, seeing most of the women gathering around the Empress.

"Those who do too much evil will bring about their own downfall. Consort Xian, for the sake of our years together, I advise you once more to turn back while you still can," the Empress urged again.

Consort Xian was surprised by the Empress's magnanimity. "For that remark, rest assured I'll leave your corpse intact."

Seeing Consort Xian's stubbornness, the Empress said no more.

"I'll say it one last time: those who come with me will be guaranteed wealth and honor. Those who stay behind will only find death," Consort Xian's voice was icy. Two hesitant women finally stepped towards Consort Xian's side.

Among those now out of danger was Zhou Mier, her face filled with anger towards Old Madam Xu. The Crown Princess was disappointed by her friend's actions.

Seeing that the others wouldn't budge, Consort Xian said no more and left with her people. She personally locked the door and took a torch from a palace maid. "This is the fate of those who oppose me," she said, about to throw the torch when an arrow suddenly flew towards her.

"Ah!" Consort Xian screamed as the arrow struck her hand.

"The Second Prince's rebellion has been suppressed. Surrender immediately if you wish to live!" Cao Fugui shouted as he charged in with the Imperial Guard. Those who resisted were immediately cut down.

Cao Fugui opened the main door and entered, kneeling down. "Your Majesty, I, Cao Fugui, have come to your rescue, though late. Please punish me for my tardiness."

"You're not late at all. Your timing is perfect," the Empress stepped forward to help Cao Fugui up, her voice full of praise for her nephew.

"No, I don't believe it!" Consort Xian cried, clutching her wounded hand. She couldn't believe that all her careful planning had come to nothing so easily. Cao Fugui gestured for his subordinates to take Consort Xian away.

Madam Zhou fell to her knees with a thud. "Your Majesty, please spare me. I was forced to act against my will." Madam Zhou's action prompted those who had chosen to follow Consort Xian to kneel down in fear as well.

The Empress didn't even glance at these people as she left with her retinue.

Madam Zhou saw Old Madam Xu passing by and tried to grab her skirt, but was blocked by others. "Old Madam, Mier is your daughter-in-law. You can't abandon her!"

Old Madam Xu looked at Zhou Mier with disdain before leaving with her people.

Li Xia supported Old Madam Lu as they left. The area around the palace gates reeked of blood, evidence of the fierce battle that had taken place. Many women couldn't bear the smell of blood and started vomiting.

They boarded carriages and headed to the Beining Marquis Manor. Mrs. Zhou looked at Old Madam Lu, wanting to say something but not knowing how to begin.

Li Xia leaned back silently, surprised that Zhou Heng had deceived her. He had said it would take two months, but they had acted after only one month. And Lu XuanNing had dared to lie to her as well.

Upon returning to the Beining Marquis Manor, Lu Xuanyu and Lu Liucheng were playing happily, too young to understand what had happened outside. Seeing their mother return, they rushed over to her.

Li Xia picked up Lu Liucheng and returned to her quarters in the Beining Marquis Manor. Qiu Shui and Qiu Kui had prepared hot water. Li Xia enjoyed a comfortable hot bath.

Worried about potential incidents during the night, Li Xia slept with Lu Liucheng. The little one slept peacefully in Li Xia's arms.

Lu XuanNing returned the following afternoon. The Old Marquis Lu and Marquis Lu had not yet returned.

Li Xia carefully examined Lu XuanNing's legs, checking for any injuries.

"With Grandfather and Father there, I didn't even have a chance to fight," Lu XuanNing's words made Li Xia smile. She had never imagined Lu XuanNing would have a day when he relied on his father's influence.

"Young Master, the Madam is calling for you," a maid from Mrs. Zhou's side came to summon Lu XuanNing.