Jing Shu stayed here to continue disguising herself as if she had been captured, accompanied by a few Imperial Guards who remained to assist and protect her.
Jun Ning returned to the banquet with an Imperial Guard.
The banquet hadn't ended yet. However, there were significantly fewer people than at the beginning.
Crucially, it wasn't just minor figures missing, but key figures like Emperor Yongning, the Empress Dowager, the Crown Prince, and the Crown Princess Consort.
Even Jun Ning's mother, Qiong Hua, wasn't present.
Jun Ning felt puzzled but did not dwell on it. She sat down in her seat, feeling her sleeve.
She confirmed she had the rat poison with her and ensured she was fully prepared to face the schemes of Yao Yao and Jun Yang.
Yao Yao and Jun Yang saw Jun Ning return, and a flicker of barely noticeable delight flashed in their eyes.
Jun Ning noticed it but pretended not to see.
