It was indeed a difficult matter. The Empress Dowager pondered for a long time but could not come up with a foolproof plan. Fortunately, Feng Jin's next words offered her some solace.
"Your Majesty, I have just tied my earring to a carrier pigeon and sent it out of the palace. Ling Mohan should have received it by now. He will surely understand its meaning and will be finding a way to rescue us."
Feng Jin was utterly confident that Ling Mohan would understand. With Ling Mohan's capabilities, he would certainly defeat Chu Yanxi and then rescue them.
"You truly sent the message out?" The Empress Dowager was also surprised, not expecting Feng Jin to act so swiftly.
If Ling Mohan already knew the situation in the palace, she wouldn't have to worry. She naturally trusted Ling Mohan, and their safety would be guaranteed.
Feng Jin nodded and continued to explain, "When Chu Yanxi broke in, I sensed something was amiss. I took the opportunity to send out the token. Your Majesty, please rest assured, Ling Mohan will surely come to save us."
She was very confident that Ling Mohan would come to her rescue. All she could do now was protect herself and the Empress Dowager, quietly waiting for Ling Mohan's arrival.
"That's good... that's good. Ling Mohan is a capable child. Since he knows about this, I can also rest easy."
With Ling Mohan around, their group would surely be fine. She could finally relax for a moment.
"Since Your Majesty is at ease, please drink this calming tea and rest for a while. I am here, so Your Majesty can rest assured."
Feng Jin was also concerned about the Empress Dowager's health. When she was brewing medicine for Emperor Xuanwen, she had also brewed a bowl of calming tea. It wasn't hot anymore, perfect for the Empress Dowager to drink and rest.
"You... I feel like I've fallen into your trap. You cunning girl, you are truly full of schemes. I'll have to be careful when I speak with you from now on."
A faint smile appeared on Feng Jin's lips. "I just want Your Majesty to pay more attention to your health. Moreover, Princess Jing is already pregnant, so Your Majesty must take good care of yourself and wait to hold your great-grandchild. With Prince Jing being so thoughtless, you wouldn't be at ease leaving your great-grandchild for him to raise."
The Empress Dowager's lips also curved into a smile, her previously heavy heart gradually lifting. "Chenyi was raised by me since he was young. This child has an upright character, though he can be impulsive. It's also because I've always protected him under my wing, causing him to lack experience. Fortunately, he has Ling Mohan to assist him, so I can rest easy."
"Your Majesty, you know about their collusion. Don't you detest it when princes and ministers collude in secret? Now that you know about their dealings, aren't you angry?"
Upon hearing Feng Jin's words, the Empress Dowager laughed heartily. "I detest it when princes and ministers collude in secret because their intentions are not pure, and they seek to usurp the state. This leads to chaos in the court and causes the consequences that Chu Yanxi has brought about today. However, Chu Chenyi and Ling Mohan are different. I have already decided that Chu Chenyi is the imperial heir, and I must make all arrangements for him."
"And Ling Mohan is the best choice. It is most appropriate for him to assist Chenyi, and I can rest assured!"
From the moment he decided to make Chu Chenyi the imperial heir, she had been making arrangements for him.
Feng Jin said nothing. It seemed everyone had their own selfish motives, and the Empress Dowager was no exception. It appeared the Empress Dowager had long decided to make Chu Chenyi the imperial heir and had been making arrangements for him all along.
Having such a grandmother to protect him was truly Chu Chenyi's good fortune.
"Your Majesty, please rest well. I will go inside to check on His Majesty's condition."
As she finished speaking, Feng Jin rose and walked into the inner chamber. The most important thing now was Emperor Xuanwen's safety. They had to first placate Emperor Xuanwen, which was the most crucial task.
...
"Reporting, Young General. The Black Armored Army has assembled outside and awaits only the Young General's command to depart."
Lu Shi knelt respectfully behind Ling Mohan, reporting all the details.
The Black Armored Army had gathered overnight, waiting for Ling Mohan's single command to storm the palace and capture Chu Yanxi.
Ling Mohan stroked the sword in his hand, his eyes instantly filling with killing intent. He exerted sudden force, and the sword flew out, embedding itself into the pillar behind Lu Shi. This startled Gu Beichen, who had followed closely behind, causing him to freeze in place.
He watched as the sharp sword pierced the pillar next to him. Had it been even a fraction higher, he would have been dead by now.
"Are you trying to kill me!" Gu Beichen's voice was filled with fear, his voice trembling slightly.
At this moment, no one else could understand his feelings. Brushing past death, this was truly an experience he would remember for a lifetime.
Ling Mohan glanced coldly at Gu Beichen, saying nothing further, as if Gu Beichen's presence was completely disregarded.
After a long pause, Gu Beichen finally reacted and walked up to Ling Mohan. "All exits within and outside the capital have been secured. Once Chu Yanxi is defeated, he will be captured, and not even a bird will be allowed to escape!"
"My Lord, there shouldn't be any birds within the rebel army, right?"
Lu Shi uttered this ill-timed remark, very fortunately earning a few glares from Gu Beichen.
"If you said one less word, I wouldn't have thought you were mute. Why are you saying such brainless things now!"
Gu Beichen was already furious, and Lu Shi had directly walked into the line of fire. He didn't dare to vent his anger at Ling Mohan, but he could scold Lu Shi severely.
"I'm just stating the truth..." Lu Shi mumbled softly, not feeling that he had said anything wrong. There were indeed no birds within the rebel army.
"You..."
Gu Beichen pointed fiercely at Lu Shi, panting heavily. He shouldn't have come today; he was almost angered to death by the master and servant duo.
He constantly told himself not to get angry. If he truly died of anger, the one who would gloat would be Ling Mohan. He absolutely could not let Ling Mohan succeed and laugh at him.
"Stop with the nonsense. Lu Shi, take your men and push directly into the palace!"