After her mind was read, the spoiled brat became the darling of the whole group.

Chapter 427: The Situation in the DPRK

Xie Xing seemed thoughtful after hearing Song Qingyang's suggestion.

Song Qingyang's words made sense. After all, in the original text, Xie Xing was able to get ahead to the end and even do those outrageous things to Luo Hanfeng because of the power of the Gu family and the Xie family in the early stages.

After she transmigrated, she remained timid and still acted with her modern mindset.

They didn't even dare to do anything too outrageous to Luo Hanfeng, and the extent of their humiliation of Luo Hanfeng was even less than that of the original owner in the story.

Even when a woman without any power or authority is angry, she acts as if she's being coquettish with a man, giving Luo Hanfeng a chance to enjoy himself.

In Luo Hanfeng's eyes, she was probably no different from those domesticated kittens and puppies. When she got angry, the claws she brandished would only scratch Luo Hanfeng's skin.

This is why Luo Hanfeng dared to repeatedly break into her boudoir and even lay hands on her.

And now-

Xie Xing touched the bracelet on his wrist.

She has now been given power by Old Madam Gu, and the Xie family, feeling guilty towards her, is also willing to support her and give her power.

Furthermore, she had the support of the Empress Dowager and Consort Lin.

Does this mean that she is not as powerless as she imagines?

She can be not only someone else's pawn, but also the one who wields the pieces.

So, what should she do?

Xie Xing asked himself this question in his heart.

Hearing Xie Xing's question, Song Qingyang said, "Xing'er, perhaps you can use the power they gave you to accomplish what you want to do."

"Now, the Xie family's power has been divided in the court. Apart from Xie Yuhe, Xie Ansheng and Xie Tongchen are like swords that have been sheathed and are not very useful. The division of power in the Xie family has also made Xie Yuhe's situation in the court difficult."

"But your older brother is a smart man after all, and he would never sit idly by and wait for his death."

“In recent days, your elder brother has been building his own power base in the imperial court, relying on his previous influence.”

"This group represents a neutral faction in the court. They have not joined any other faction and only work for your elder brother."

Xie Xing was stunned for a moment.

Originally, it was thought that after the Xie family handed over their military power, the Xie family would decline drastically, but unexpectedly, Xie Yuhe was able to support the Xie family.

But then again, Xie Yuhe was the Xie family's only strategist, and with his death, the Xie family was bound to fall.

If he is not dead, then it is possible for the Xie family to make a comeback.

No wonder Xie Ansheng was willing to hand over military power so readily.

Therefore, it's reasonable that Xie Yuhe was the first to die after the Xie family's downfall.

Thinking of this, Xie Xing frowned.

She still felt a little strange. She still didn't know how Xie Mingzhu's identity had been discovered by the Xie family. It all seemed so inexplicable, but if you reasoned it out, it actually made sense.

According to the timeline, Xie Yu should indeed have been the first to die during that famine.

Unexpectedly, both Xie Yuze and Xie Tongchen encountered plot points that nearly led to their deaths.

So, is it Xie Yuhe's turn next?

As Xie Xing was thinking, Song Qingyang noticed her furrowed brows, smiled gently, reached out and rubbed her forehead, and said, "Just do what you want to do, your eldest brother and your second brother will help you."

Xie Xing snapped out of his daze.

She smiled at Song Qingyang, "Thank you, big brother. Could you tell me more about the current situation in the court?"

When this was mentioned, Song Qingyang's expression became serious again.

He sighed softly and said, "In the court today, His Majesty, for some reason, first killed a large number of officials, and then promoted new ones."

"Since His Majesty placed the Xie family's military power in his hands, His Majesty's power has become more centralized. All the officials in the court are terrified, fearing that the emperor's sword will be the next to strike them."

"The former crown prince's faction is now the most terrified."

After all, the emperor had just deposed the crown prince not long ago.

As for the Sixth Prince's faction, they have always been well-behaved.

Deposing the crown prince is no small matter.

With the crown prince deposed, various factions naturally began to stir.

However, the most promising candidate to become the crown prince is still the sixth prince, Luo Huaichuan.

After all, in front of him were the three idle kings and Luo Mian, who had been taught a lesson.

Neither of them poses a threat. As for the Seventh Prince, Luo Hanfeng, he is not qualified, at least not openly, in the imperial court.

Xie Xing overheard some court affairs from Song Qingyang, and afterwards, his mind was heavy with worry as he returned home.

As soon as he entered the palace, someone from the Empress Dowager's palace came to deliver a message.

"Miss Xie, the Empress Dowager is looking for you."

Xie Xing looked at the messenger with some surprise and asked, "Your Majesty, does Your Majesty have something important to discuss with me?"

The old woman looked up at Xie Xing and then said, "The Fifth Miss left the palace a couple of days ago. It wasn't anything important, but now it's become important."

Xie Xing: "..."

These words implied a strong sense of resentment towards her.

Xie Xing chuckled and said, "Please wait a moment, Granny. I'll get ready and go find the Empress Dowager."

The old woman said, "I'll wait here. Miss, you should go and pack your things. It would be best if you could pack a few sets of clothes to change into."

Upon hearing this, Xie Xing paused.

A change of clothes?

What is this for?

"Miss, please go ahead?" the nanny urged.

Helpless, Xie Xing could only turn around and walk into the palace.

Taking the opportunity, Luo Mengfei came to Xie Xing's side and glanced curiously at the old woman outside the palace. "These past two days, people from the Empress Dowager's palace have been coming to look for you. Is something the matter?"

Xie Xing shook his head blankly, "I don't know either."

She thought for a moment, her face becoming slightly somber. She reached out and grasped Luo Mengfei's hand, saying, "Fifth Princess, if there is no news of me within a day after I leave, please ask Consort Lin to search for me with the Empress Dowager."

Seeing Xie Xing's heavy expression, Luo Mengfei's heart tightened, and she asked nervously, "You haven't done anything wrong, have you?"

Xie Xing shook his head, "No, just ask the Fifth Princess to save me."

Luo Mengfei patted her chest and said, "Don't worry, I've got it covered."

Xie Xing was relieved.

She quickly packed a few clothes as instructed and then followed the maid outside the palace.

Upon seeing the two leave, Luo Mengfei immediately went out to find Consort Lin.

Soon, they arrived at the Empress Dowager's palace.

These past few days, the smell of medicine in the Empress Dowager's palace has become even stronger.

"Cough cough cough!" The Empress Dowager's heavy coughing could be heard.

"Your Majesty, the Fifth Miss has arrived," the nanny whispered in the Empress Dowager's ear.

The Empress Dowager had the curtains drawn back, revealing her reclining figure on the soft couch. Her gaze, stern, fell upon Xie Xing, a stark contrast to her previous kind and gentle demeanor.

"I have sent people to look for you these past few days, but I have not been able to find you. Why did you leave the palace?"