While waiting for news, Consort De felt uneasy and decided to personally visit the Punishment Bureau to inspect those guarding the detainees. Midway, she saw a hurried group passing by, among whom seemed to be the Emperor, surrounded by attendants. From a distance, the figures were indistinct, making it hard to see clearly.
Before she could comprehend what was happening, a young eunuch from Star Palace soon arrived at the Punishment Bureau to gather people, intending to seal off the entire Harem.
Following the young eunuch out in haste, she saw Zhang Qing conveying the decree throughout the Harem, "Effective immediately, the Harem is to be sealed off. All masters of each palace and hall are to return to their chambers immediately and must not wander about. Those who disobey will face unpredictable consequences." His smiling face couldn't mask the chilling cold of his words, which were crystal clear.
