Yi Ling knew that Xue Lengong's 'female' was the emperor's secret investigator, so he also understood the meaning behind his words. He then said: "Maybe so, Yan Cairen is still alive in this world, who knows if she has already escaped from the palace."

  "Uh, this is a big deal. The fact that Yan Cairen is still alive must be kept strictly confidential. Don't let it leak out. Understand?" Chu Yixuan replaced him. If those who harmed her knew she was still alive, they would definitely not let her go. In order to keep her safe, it's better to keep it secret for the time being.

  "I understand." Yi Ling nodded and said.

  "There is still someone who knows about this matter."

  "No. Only you and the Emperor know."

  "Alright, I order you to dispatch a few trusted bodyguards to search for talented individuals among the people. This must be done discreetly and not publicly announced, so as not to let the world know. Do you understand?"

  "I understand. I will obey." Yi Ling cupped his hands in respect.

  "Alright, go." After Chu Yixuan waved his hand to let Yi Ling retreat, he stood up and walked to the window, gazing at the bright moon in the sky. His heart was filled with uncontrollable excitement and agitation. He muttered to himself: "Jun'er, you must still be alive, right?"

  He stood at the window for a long time. After a long while, he left the imperial study and walked towards that palace.

  "Your Majesty, it's already late at night and the weather is cold. Going to Ganquan Palace at this time might not be suitable." Luo Zhong pleaded: "Your Majesty, let's return."

  "Less nonsense. Just follow me." Chu Yixuan remained unmoved, striding forward with large steps. Luo Zhong sighed inwardly and could only follow after him.

  He also didn't understand why after Yiling left, the Emperor was in such a hurry to go to Ganquan Palace. Did Yiling tell the Emperor something about Yan Cairen? That's why the Emperor rushed there. Since Ganquan Palace was burned down, the Emperor often went there and stayed for several hours. It seems that the Emperor also had feelings for Yan Cairen.

  The two of them soon arrived at Ganquan Palace. Chu Yixuan stood at the entrance, gazing out at the dark and tumbled ruins. The main hall had long since been destroyed beyond recognition.

  "Lu Zhong, you wait here for me. I'll go in and have a few cups of wine and then come out." Chu Yixuan took the jar of fine wine from Lu Zhong's hands and went straight into Ganquan Palace.

  He had his orders. Luo Zhong was worried, but he couldn't follow him in either. He could only wait outside the 'door'.

  Entering the courtyard, Chu Yixuan found a stone bench and sat down. He opened the wine jar and took a full mouthful of the fine wine.

  In the past, I came here to drink and missed her. Drowning my sorrows in wine. But tonight he's happy. So he wanted to come here to drink.

  Learning that she was still alive from Yiling's mouth made him excitedly unbelievable. However, he had a persistent and clear thought in his heart. He believed that she would soon return to his side.

  These days without her are really unbearable. She's not here, and it always feels like something is missing. My heart also feels empty.

  Even going to Xue Er's place can't muster up any enthusiasm, let alone going to other concubines' places.

  Xue Er also told him that he had changed and was no longer the carefree person he used to be, and even he himself felt that his heart was gone, so how could he still be carefree?

  That night, he watched with his eyes wide open as the big fire burned in front of him. He watched as the big fire swallowed everything. He watched as the flames took her away. At that time, his heart also disappeared with her departure.

  At that moment, he finally understood. He loved her so deeply. It wasn't until she was gone that he truly understood his own heart. Unbeknownst to him, she had entered his heart and taken root. At the time, he wasn't even clear who it was that he loved.

  All along, he thought he loved Xue Er, but when she left, he finally understood that he loved her. His feelings for Xue Er were just a guilty compensation, and he no longer had any love for her.

  But with Jun Er, it's different. At first, I really did use her. Later on, I also liked her. Now, I thoroughly love her.

  "My dear son, where are you now? Can you hear my call? Hurry back to my side quickly. I cannot be without you."

  Chu Yixuan took a sip of the bitter wine, and her heart was filled with a similar bitterness. She had never spoken a sweet word to herself. She really wanted to know if she existed in her own heart.

  For over a decade of being in power, there's nothing he can't get. He has confidence in grasping everything, except for her heart, which always slips through his fingers.

  "Dear, come back. I've done many wrong things to you in the past. I know I was wrong. If you're willing to come back, I'll definitely treat you well."

  Chu Yixuan now only silently prayed in her heart for her forgiveness and regretted the wrong things she had done before.

  He stayed in the Ganquan Palace for a long time, indulging in melancholic drinking. Originally, his purpose of coming here tonight was to drink happily. However, as he thought back on those past events, that excitement disappeared. The meaning of drinking also became different.

  Until midnight, Chu Yixuan finally left Ganquan Palace and returned to his own Zhengyang Palace with the support of Luo Zhong.

  The next day, Chu Yixuan returned to Zhengyang Palace after finishing the morning court and hadn't even had breakfast when he heard Luo Zhong report: "Your Majesty, Minister of War Li Zehao requests an audience."

  Chu Yixuan had just changed out of his court attire. Upon hearing the arrival of someone, he said to Luo Zhong: "See him and have him wait for me in the main hall."

  After changing into a bright yellow casual attire, Chu Yixuan hastily made his way to the main hall. Li Zehao would be seeking an audience at this time, it must mean that there's been some progress on that matter.

  Li Zehao is the talent he personally promoted, also the leader of a group of young officials, completely loyal to himself, can be said to be his own confidant.

  "The Emperor has arrived."

  That sharp, fine voice brought Li Zehao's thoughts back. Originally, his gaze was on a painting. The person in the painting was someone he knew, also his younger cousin Yan Xijun.

  Last month, the ruthless fire took her away. When he heard the news, he was indeed saddened for a while. Such a lively and beautiful little girl was buried in the fire.

  Li Ze Hao, who had regained his composure, hastily bowed to the yellow-robed figure and called out: "Your humble subject Li Ze Hao pays homage to Your Majesty. Long live Your Majesty, long live Your Majesty, forever and ever."

  "Li Ai Qing dispenses with the formalities." Chu Yi Xuan helped him up and said: "Please take a seat."

  "Thank you, Your Majesty." Li Ze Hao stood up and sat down respectfully in front of the Emperor.

  "Li Ai Qing, you came to see me without even changing out of your morning clothes today. Is there something urgent?" Chu Yi Xuan asked with a smile.

  "It's true. I have an urgent matter to discuss with Your Majesty. It's about that thing." Li Ze looked at the palace maids and slaves in the main hall, intentionally lowering his voice as he spoke.

  After Chu Yixuan waved his hand and dismissed a group of servants, he kept Luo Zhong to attend to him. Only then did he ask: "Ze Hao, what about the matter I sent you to investigate? How is it going?"

  "Your Majesty's guess is correct. The General indeed colluded with someone, intending to plot something treacherous. This is the evidence." Li Zehao took out a letter from his pocket and placed it on the table.