Although she knew Yun Jinnian’s capabilities, Mrs. Han still felt uneasy.
The Empress Dowager died under unclear circumstances, and Mrs. Han realized that the palace was likely in disorder.
"Mother, don’t worry. I will remember to be careful and cautious!" Yun Jinnian gently comforted, worried that Mrs. Han would be anxious.
"How about letting Bai Que accompany you into the palace?"
Bai Que was competent, knowledgeable, and skilled—having her accompany Yun Jinnian was the best choice.
"Mother, if Aunt Que follows me, it will arouse more suspicion. Let Hemei and Henuan accompany me instead; these two maids are reliable and loyal. I often have them by my side. Besides, you need to enter the palace too, so how could you be without Aunt Que!"
Mrs. Han had intended to say something but finally listened to Yun Jinnian.
"Then be cautious in everything you do!"
When Chu Yu heard of the Empress Dowager’s demise, he remained silent for a long time before saying, "In the end, he still couldn’t tolerate her!"
Even the Empress Dowager who raised him was poisoned to death, let alone his half-brother.
"Pass down the order to spread the cause of the Empress Dowager’s death!"
"Yes!" Luo Yi received the order and went to arrange it.
Chu Yu then said, "Luo’er, make preparations. I will enter the palace. Have the spies inside be vigilant, and ensure Jinnian’s safety!"
Yun Jinnian had entered the palace, and then the Empress Dowager passed away. Although unrelated to her, the fear was that someone might use this incident against her.
If anyone dared to harm his beloved even a little, he would ensure they face eternal torment and regret ever coming into this world.
Luo’er smiled, thinking to make a few jokes.
Chu Yu casually said, "It seems you’ve been quite idle lately, and in a good mood. Then, you take care of getting Jinfeng back."
The master’s tone did not feel right.
Luo’er dared not be careless and quickly said, "I’ll arrange it right away!"
Chu Yu let out a cold laugh.
Luo’er was so frightened that he ran out immediately.
The Empress Dowager’s passing spread through the Capital City with incredible speed, and numerous swift horses sent the news to other regions.
Additionally, there was an imperial edict stating that three months of mourning were to be observed following the Empress Dowager’s death, during which no celebrations could be held.
As for mournful events, they should not be overly ostentatious either.
All princesses, princes, and princely heirs, as well as all members of the royal family, were required to return to the Capital City for the funeral.
To ensure everyone was present, the body would be kept for an extended period.
Fortunately, the weather wasn’t hot, otherwise, it would be unbearable.
The Yu family’s members opened several chests but found no tokens among the precious jewels and jade artifacts, all of which were valuable.
"Who would have thought the Empress Dowager had so many treasures!"
Yu Huachong, the Princely Heir of Duke Yu and the Emperor’s cousin, couldn’t help but be a bit envious.
He became somewhat curious about the Commandery Princess Yijia, whom he had never met.
The Duke Yu cast a glance at his son, "If you have nothing to say, no one will think you’re mute!"
Having been the Empress Dowager for so many years, from a concubine to a Noble Consort, it was not surprising she possessed such treasures. What was surprising was that she bestowed them upon a Commandery Princess of a different surname rather than any of the princes or princesses.
Yu Huachong murmured softly.
Though he was over forty, with a married son and even a grandson, he wondered if his father could spare him some dignity.
"Alright, pack everything back up!"
The items themselves opened, and the palace maids would repack them.
But seeing so many treasures inevitably aroused greed.
Shaoyao spoke lightly from the side, "Keep your hands clean. If anything is missing, none of you will escape!"
The maids immediately grew silent, not daring to have any ill intentions.
These items were entrusted by the Empress Dowager to the Empress to give to Commandery Princess Yijia, and each one was listed. If anything was missing, it would be discovered.
Thankfully, Shaoyao reminded them; otherwise, they would have risked their lives.