Although this old woman initially disregarded the etiquette and disturbed many concubines, she was very strict and meticulous when performing rituals, without making any mistakes.

The Imperial Consort Wen couldn't help but take a few more glances at the old woman. The more she looked at her, the more familiar she seemed, but she couldn't recall where they had met before. The clothes the old woman was wearing resembled those of the laundry department. The laundry department was in a remote location, and the Imperial Consort Wen acknowledged that she had never been to such a place. However, the more she looked at the old woman's appearance, the clearer the sense of familiarity grew in the Imperial Consort Wen's heart.

Not only Concubine Wen Gui, but many other imperial concubines present were slightly stunned when they saw the old woman. Even Chu Qitong felt as though she had seen this person somewhere before.

"You were doing something furtive earlier. Where were you stationed? And what are you holding in your arms?" Empress Wen, having served as the proxy holder of the Phoenix Seal for many years, was indeed perceptive. Although she was puzzled inside, she did not show it on her face. With an air of authority, she spoke up, her phoenix-like eyes slightly raised, adding a touch of arrogance.

After hearing Empress Wen's words, the old woman took a few steps back. Inadvertently, she glanced up and saw Chu Qitong leaning against a pillar. She didn't know what came over her, but she ran towards Chu Qitong like a madwoman.

The sudden action of the old woman surprised everyone. Just as she was about to collide with Chu Qitong, Ning Zhuangyan reached out and pulled Chu Qitong behind her. She then stood like a wall between Chu Qitong and the old woman.

"Princess, are you the princess?" The old woman was blocked by Ning Zhuangyan, but her gaze remained fixed on Chu Qitong. Although she phrased it as a question, her tone was unusually certain. Her eyes didn't blink, as if she would only stop staring at Chu Qitong until she found a hole in her face.

At this moment, Empress Wen had already regained her composure. She gave a signal to Zhijin, who quickly brought two servants forward and dragged the old woman back in front of Empress Wen. They pressed down on her shoulders, making her bow respectfully to Empress Wen.

As they tugged at each other, something in the old woman's arms came into view, appearing furry, like some kind of animal.

Empress Wen grew suspicious and stood up. She commanded in a stern voice, "Zhijin, pull out whatever precious item this servant girl is protecting in her embrace. This palace wants to see what treasure is worthy of her devotion."

After hearing Empress Wen's words, Zhi Jin reached out to grab the old woman's arm. However, at that moment the old woman struggled fiercely, nearly managing to break free from the two maids restraining her.

Upon seeing this, Noble Consort Ning hastily called for Wan Yin, who was beside her, to come forward and help. The old woman was ultimately alone, and despite her fierce resistance, she was still overpowered by Zhi Jin and Wan Yin, who jointly twisted her arm.

After the old woman revealed what was in her arms, Zhi Jin's face showed fear, and she took a few steps back in a panic. Wan Yin even sat directly on the ground.

The old woman, upon seeing this, hurriedly tightened her arms and covered up the thing in her arms again.

"What's the matter, Zhi Jin?" Empress Wen frowned slightly, her expression showing some displeasure. Zhi Jin had been following her for many years and was usually very steady. This was the first time she had behaved so improperly. Empress Wen had a strong intuition that whatever Zhi Jin was holding in her old lady's embrace was not something simple.

"Your... Your Highness, she..." Zhijin turned her head to face Empress Wengui. Her face had already lost its color, and her voice was trembling. She only managed to utter three words before falling silent. Snowflakes continued to flutter down, while perspiration formed at the corners of Zhijin's temples.