A maidservant took a lantern and opened the huge doors to Princess Lingling's courtyard, peering out through the gap.
"The Emperor's guards have arrived!" she called quickly, as a large number of armed guards swarmed into the courtyard, almost knocking her down in their hurry.
This was an unusual event. Normally only eunuchs were allowed in the inner courtyards.
The Crown Prince and his sister exchanged a concerned look. It seemed their Father was going to pull rank. And he hadn't wasted any time finding out where Yicai had taken Meili…
"I'm sorry to interrupt, Crown Prince, Princess," said the Commander of the guards. "I have orders from the Emperor to find Court Lady Mei and return her to his chambers immediately."
"She needs a physician urgently, and we have one coming already," said the Crown Prince sternly.
"Crown Prince," his sister laid a calming hand on his arm. "I am certain our Emperor Father also plans to have Miss Mei treated straight away."
