The next day, Zhao Zhang Wei and Xi Ying attended the Imperial Court assembly as usual.
They didn't talk to each other in the Imperial Court. Nothing was unusual that could make anyone or Zhao Wang Lei doubt that there was something going in behind his back.
Zhao Zhuang Chen again didn't attend the Imperial Court.
After the assembly ended, the Emperor first left the Imperial Court.
After him, one by one every minister left the Imperial Court. Xi Ying too reached Xi Manor soon on his horse. After handing the reins of the horse to An Shing he asked Shui Cao
"Is everything ready?"
"Yes, My Lord."
Shui Cao responded respectfully.
Xi Ying then walked towards the Plum Courtyard. His pace increased when he was at the entrance and he reached Li Rui's room in just a few moments.
Xi Ying stopped just when his hand had reached out to open the door.
He suddenly turned and went out of the courtyard again.
