Feng Qihe arrived with two retinues, their imposing presence suggesting an unknown purpose.
Fu Ning hurried after her, "Miss, King He seems very anxious this time, and… also very angry."
Given King He's usual demeanor towards their young lady, anger was a rare occurrence. At most, he’d be annoyed if she refused his advances or resisted him. But to be angry the moment he arrived was truly unusual.
Chu Qianli felt a touch of helplessness. She still had much to discuss with Long Xinghe. However, with King He arriving with his men, if she didn't address the situation promptly, it might alarm Wuya, leading to unforeseen conflicts. Although Feng Wuya was gentle, he could be quite stubborn at times, especially when his friends were being oppressed. Moreover, with Uncle Jiu present today, it was best to avoid unnecessary trouble.
"I'll leave these raw materials here. You handle them."
Placing the items in a corner, Chu Qianli, without even a moment to properly enjoy her tea, followed Fu Ning out. Feng Qihe's arrival with two retinues clearly indicated his intention to take Chu Qianli away.
"Li'er, I don't wish to cause you trouble today, but the Empress is gravely unwell and requires you to make a visit." Feng Qihe stepped forward, fixing his gaze on Chu Qianli, and reiterated, "The imperial physicians are helpless. You must go! I do not wish to resort to force."
"Your Highness, our young lady just..."
Fu Ning's words were cut short by a wave of Chu Qianli's hand.
"I will accompany you to the palace." She turned to Fu Ning, nodding, "It's alright, I understand the situation." The Empress's medicine was something she had left behind before her departure; she was well aware of the potential consequences after its administration.
"Your Highness, please!" She led the way towards the carriage.
Feng Qihe seemed surprised by her compliance, pausing for a moment before reacting. He immediately leaped onto his horse, "Set off, return to the palace!"
Fu Ning remained somewhat uneasy, but their young lady had instructed her to appease Prince Xiaoyao, so she had to resolve the immediate matter first. As expected, shortly after King He's retinue departed the courtyard, Feng Wuya arrived in a hurry.
"Where is Ah Li? Was she taken by my elder brother?" Feng Wuya was about to give chase.
Fu Ning quickly intercepted him, blocking his path. "Your Highness, the young lady said that the Empress is unwell because she took her medicine. This is a necessary process, and she will be fine. The young lady has it under control."
Feng Wuya looked in the direction of the courtyard entrance. Despite his trust in Chu Qianli's medical skills, the fact that his elder brother had personally brought men to forcibly take her was no trivial matter. Should he inform the Fourth Prince? He had little influence in the palace and might not be able to protect Ah Li, but the Fourth Prince could!
"Your Highness, the young lady also said she hopes Your Highness will remain calm and not alarm anyone else." The implication of "anyone else" was quite clear: Chu Qianli did not want to involve Feng Yexuan.
Feng Wuya looked hesitant. Then, a gentle voice drifted on the wind, "The chess game is not yet finished. Why are you standing there?"
Feng Wuya paused briefly, then turned and walked away. Since Ninth Uncle was so at ease, it should be alright. He had to trust Ah Li.
...Upon entering the palace, Chu Qianli was immediately taken to the Empress's chambers. The Empress, clutching her abdomen, was writhing on the bed, moaning in pain. The imperial physicians had examined her, stating she had stagnant qi in her abdomen, and prescribed medicine, but there was no improvement. Stagnant qi, what nonsense! She was in excruciating pain! Wasn't she poisoned? Seeing Chu Qianli, the Empress, without a second thought, jumped up and seized her wrist, "Did you poison me? How cruel you are!"