As soon as Empress Dowager Liu and Empress Zhao Mingxi stepped through the grand palace gates, a flurry of movement surrounded them. Eunuchs and palace maids bowed in deep respect, but the tense atmosphere was undeniable.
Before they could take another step forward, a voice boomed through the courtyard.
"Mother! Mingxi!"
Emperor Xu Tianguan rushed toward them, his imperial robes flowing behind him. His usually composed expression was clouded with worry as he reached his mother's side.
"Are you hurt? I received word that you were ambushed!" His sharp gaze flickered between the two women, scanning them for any sign of injury.
Empress Dowager Liu, ever composed, gave him a reassuring nod. "We are unharmed, thanks to the Crown Prince's timely intervention."
Zhao Mingxi sighed, exhaustion visible in her eyes. "It was a well-planned attack, Your Majesty. Whoever orchestrated it intended for us not to return."