Could it be that the crown prince had left with the crown prince consort that day to seek treatment?
A spark of inspiration flashed through Eunuch Hu's mind, but he dared not dwell upon it. He quickly knelt down and saluted the crown prince consort respectfully. "This old servant Hu Dequan greets the crown prince consort."
Even if the emperor didn't recognize this daughter-in-law, it was obvious from the crown prince's attitude that he was very protective of her!
It was light punishment to be beaten for anyone who dared to even slight the crown prince consort. It was possible that anyone who held the crown prince consort in contempt, thus provoking His Highness the Crown Prince's wrath, would immediately get slain.
After all, those foolish palace maids' example was still fresh in their memory.
Hu Dequan was a shrewd person. Even though he still had doubts, he did not show it on his face at all. He was as courteous as could be to Qiao Mu.