Inside Zichen Palace, all the guards of the Third Prince had been taken under control.
Having beaten the Third Prince until he was full of injuries, the Empress was now having him under her foot.
"Stop! Let Third Prince go, or I'll kill the Empress Dowager!" demanded Chang Guiren in a loud voice. It was the first time in her life that she spoke so loudly. For a moment, everyone was at a loss - they didn't know who was yelling.
The emperor turned his gaze towards Chang Guiren, who had taken the Empress Dowager hostage, his expression darkening as he ordered, word by word: "Release my mother!"
As she looked at the Emperor, Chang Guiren felt a sense of melancholy. It was the first time he had regarded her seriously, but under such circumstances. She lowered her eyes to hide her emotions, looked back up and firmly stated: "Free the Third Prince! As soon as we safely leave the Capital, I will release the Empress Dowager!"