If An Lingrong was reborn before the draft

"Your Majesty, the Emperor is in his prime, and the blood he vomited is just blood clots. You don't need to worry too much." Aunt Zhuxi said softly, her eyes falling on the Empress Dowager's furrowed brows and worried face.

After the Queen Mother returned, she sat on the chaise longue without saying a word. Seeing this, Aunt Zhuxi secretly guessed that the Queen Mother must be worried about the Emperor's condition.

"It's precisely because the Emperor is still in his prime that he shouldn't be vomiting blood," the Empress Dowager suddenly spoke in a serious tone. "Furthermore, according to the Imperial Physician, the Emperor's health is not without problems. It's just that the specific cause hasn't been identified yet."

The Queen Mother had experienced many ups and downs in the harem, and was well aware of the various intrigues and schemes within it. Her keen insight often allowed her to pinpoint the key points of issues that others were still confused about or afraid to consider.

The Queen Mother's words made Aunt Zhuxi's heart tighten. She realized that the Queen Mother's concerns were far more complicated than they seemed. Aunt Zhuxi fell silent and stood aside, thinking quietly, trying to follow the Queen Mother's train of thought.

If there was a conspiracy behind the Emperor's illness, it would undoubtedly be a case of treason, a crime of epic proportions. But who on earth would be so bold as to attack the ruler of a nation? Aunt Zhuxi pondered the matter, but could not comprehend it. The question was too heavy for her to comprehend, and she dared not even think about it.

.......

"The Emperor's illness?"

"I'm afraid his foundation has been depleted." Ever since Ling Rong learned that the emperor started taking the golden elixir, she knew that his death was approaching.

Sister Mei looked at Lingrong in confusion. How did she know that the emperor had lost his foundation? But the less she knew about these things, the better. She would not be too clever.

Lingrong did not explain. In this life, Sister Mei was living well under her protection, and she did not need to know this.

"Juqing, accompany me to the Yangxin Palace."

Outer Hall of the Hall of Mental Cultivation

When Lingrong entered the hall, the queen was sitting elegantly beside the couch, holding a cup of tea in her hand, the fragrance of tea lingering in the air. Lingrong did not bow as usual, but walked directly to the other side of the queen and sat down without any hesitation.

The Queen showed no sign of displeasure or surprise, as if she was already accustomed to Lingrong's rudeness. She smiled slightly, motioned to Jianqiu beside her to serve Lingrong a cup of tea, and then waved her hand gently, forcing everyone in the hall to quietly withdraw.

When they were the only two left in the hall, the Queen put down the teacup in her hand, her eyes fell on Lingrong, and she slowly asked, "Why did you come to see me? What do you want to know?" Her voice was calm and gentle, but it contained a majesty that could not be ignored.

"It's not that I know anything, but I have some guesses," Ling Rong looked towards the inner hall and said softly, "I'm afraid he won't be able to hold on for much longer."

"Any suggestions?" The queen's face was as gloomy as water, and she looked at Lingrong sharply, as if she was scrutinizing her every word.

Ling Rong replied calmly, "It's better to be still than to move."

She nodded slightly, indicating her agreement with Lingrong's opinion. The Queen thought to herself that Lingrong's idea coincided with hers.

The Queen motioned Lingrong to continue, and Lingrong did not hesitate at all, and immediately asked, "Did you do this?"

Her voice was calm, yet it held a power that could not be ignored. The Queen stared at Ling Rong, and after a moment's silence, she slowly shook her head and said, "No."

It makes sense. The Queen wouldn't be so stupid. Doing something like this would only end up shooting herself in the foot. After all, the Fourth Prince was the Queen's adopted son. Among the adult princes, the Third Prince was too stupid, and the Fifth Prince could be ignored. As long as the Queen didn't commit suicide, the Fourth Prince would undoubtedly be the first in line for the throne.

"Then just clean up your hands and feet to avoid being smeared. No one can take away the Fourth Prince's position." Ling Rong's tone was firm and confident.

The Queen also knew that the most important thing was to secure the Fourth Prince's position, but Consort Xian was her biggest threat. "What about you?"

Seeing this, Lingrong's lips curled up slightly, revealing a barely perceptible smile. She cleverly avoided the Queen's question and said, "The Fourth Prince is very cunning, so you should be careful."

The Queen was shocked. Lingrong's reminder made her realize that although the Fourth Prince was her adopted son, he was not her biological son after all, and there was no guarantee that he would not have other thoughts.