A few minutes earlier:
Outside the Imperial Palace:
A group of maidservants whispered among themselves.
They discussed Zhao Hongxiu, but even more, they discussed the Empress.
In their eyes:
The Empress stood high above all others. Even her foot-washing water would have countless men fighting over it.
If she so much as glanced at you, it would be the greatest happiness of your life.
And yet:
Such a noble Empress had actually knelt there just now, worshipping that man.
She had even addressed him as Young Master.
Chu Qing?
They vaguely recalled hearing someone mention him.
He should have been some Great Figure.
But:
A few days ago, when the people from the Bi Shui Sect had come, they had been so imposing and overbearing.
Their own Empress had not been this humble then.
"Who is this Chu Qing?"
"When the Empress knelt to worship him, she deliberately lowered her waist to show off the hem of her dress. She's trying to curry favor with this man?"
The maidservants racked their brains over Chu Qing's identity, but they simply could not remember.
One maidservant turned pale. "I clearly heard the name Chu Qing before. I should even know what he has done."
"But why can't I remember it? It feels as though a thin veil is covering my memories."
The maidservants panicked.
Ever since taking the secret medicine and breaking free from the Divine Court Law Net, this was the first time she had encountered such a situation. She was terrified.
Several maidservants who had reached the Third Limit vaguely sensed that something was covering their memories of Chu Qing.
It was as though someone did not want them to know of Chu Qing.
Just then, the Imperial Palace gates suddenly exploded.
Shattered wooden splinters shot everywhere like hidden weapons.