Story of Yanxi Palace: Fu Ying's banner will never fall

Empress Fucha sat quietly in the chair, her eyes revealing endless sadness and disappointment.

She looked at Er Qing silently, her eyes that were originally as clear as water now became dull and lifeless.

After a long while, the Queen sighed softly and said in a calm and sad tone: "Er Qing, when did you start to have such thoughts? I was totally unaware of it."

Er Qing shook her head desperately, tears streaming down her face even more violently. She explained in tears:

"Empress, I really have no intention of currying favor with the rich and powerful! What happened yesterday was purely an accident, and I know very well that this will bring great shame to Changchun Palace and you, the Empress. I am willing to die to apologize, please grant my wish, Empress!"

Her tone was firm and resolute, as if she was ready to die.

However, after she finished speaking, she found that Empress Fucha had no intention of forgiving or stopping her.

The Queen looked at Er Qing helplessly, with mixed feelings in her heart. In fact, Wei Yingluo had already warned her that Er Qing might use a self-torture trick to force her to soften her heart.

But after all, the years of relationship between master and servant were there, and the queen couldn't bear to do it.

She sighed deeply and said to Er Qing: "Forget it, go now. Considering that you have served me for many years, I will spare you this time. But from now on, you are no longer a member of Changchun Palace..."

Er Qing's heart sank, realizing that she had no way out. If the Queen didn't help her from now on, she would not be able to gain a foothold in the palace.

She gritted her teeth, closed her eyes, and rushed towards the pillar beside her without hesitation.

Empress Fucha still couldn't bear to watch the maid who had accompanied her for many years hurt herself in front of her, so when Er Qing was about to hit the pillar, the queen couldn't help but shout, "Stop her!"

Hearing the sound, Zhang Jianyi quickly stepped forward, grabbed Er Qing tightly, and prevented a tragedy from happening.

But when Zhang Jianyi learned of Er Qing's sinister intentions, he felt deeply disgusted with her, so he deliberately did not use all his strength to pull her.

There was only a loud "bang" sound. Er Qing never expected that her carefully planned strategy would fail. She felt dizzy and the world was spinning.

She fainted instantly and a huge lump immediately appeared on her forehead.

Empress Fucha looked at Er Qing's miserable appearance, shook her head slightly, and signaled Zhang Jianyi to take the person away.

However, Zhang Jianyi said, "Empress, do you want to splash water on her to wake her up?"

"No need, take her away and don't let her run around. After today's ancestor worship ceremony is over, I will ask the emperor to confer her the title of concubine."

Empress Fucha smiled slightly and spoke softly, but her eyes revealed deep fatigue.

"Yes, I obey your command." Zhang Jianyi nodded.

But in the end, he couldn't help but say, "Your Majesty, I dare to say that you are too kind-hearted. It would be better to... take action now to prevent future troubles."

Empress Fucha smiled lightly, shook her head gently, and said calmly: "Well, don't worry, the selection will be held in the spring, so what difference does it make if there is one more or one less person?"

"I understand." After hearing this, Zhang Jianyi couldn't help but feel indignant.

He secretly thought that the Queen was too kind, soft-hearted, and loyal. In the future, he would have to help her discipline the palace maids and eunuchs in Changchun Palace and act like a bad guy.

A moment later, Mingyu walked carefully to Empress Fucha with breakfast in her hand and gently placed the food on the table.

The queen ate a few bites in a hurry and immediately asked the palace maids to start dressing up.

After all, we still need to worship gods and ancestors today and offer devout sacrifices to the ancestral tablets.

"Empress, please eat more. It's rare that your health has improved a little during this period. Today's ancestor worship will take a long time, and I am worried that you can't bear it..."

Mingyu looked at the queen who was unusually silent today, her heart filled with bitterness and sadness.

She knew very well that Empress Fucha must be unhappy about Erqing's affairs, and her inner pain was far greater than her own, but she still had to force herself to smile and be a dignified and generous queen.

At this moment, Zhang Jianyi hurried over and reported respectfully: "Eunuch Li Yu has arrived."

Empress Fucha took a deep breath, trying to calm her inner emotions, restore her expression to calmness, and put on a gentle smile again.

Li Yu walked cautiously in front of the queen, with a flattering smile on his face, and said in a very humble tone: "Queen, I am here on the orders of the emperor to deliver a message. The emperor is still in the ceremony of offering sacrifices to the heaven, and he cannot get away to see you."

Empress Fucha nodded slightly to show that she understood, and then signaled Li Yu to continue with her eyes.

After receiving the instructions, Li Yu hurriedly continued, "The emperor intends to announce the appointment of the second prince as the crown prince in public today when he receives the congratulations of the ministers in the Hall of Supreme Harmony."

Upon hearing the news, Empress Fucha's face instantly became extremely solemn. She was not at all ecstatic as Li Yu had expected. Instead, she was deeply worried and uneasy.

She was silent for a long time, as if she was thinking about something important.

After a long time, she shook her head gently and said to Li Yu seriously:

"Eunuch Li, please convey my intention to the emperor. Yonglian is only nine years old, and I don't want him to become the target of public criticism. He should not bear the huge pressure of the position of crown prince at such a young age. I beg the emperor to take my face and revoke his order."

There was a hint of earnestness and determination in her voice; she was trying hard to defend her son's happiness.

"This..." Li Yu stuttered, with a look of astonishment on his face.

The emperor had never "taken back his decision" before, and this time he appointed the crown prince so early in order to appease the empress and calm the disturbance caused by the Erqing incident.

However, Empress Fucha actually refused... Li Yu knew very well that the emperor would probably be angry about this.

Empress Fucha sighed softly, and the sadness in her eyes grew deeper.

She slowly said, "Eunuch Li, everyone in the palace knows that my son Yonglian has been weak and sickly since childhood, and it is difficult for him to take on important responsibilities. Let him live a relaxed and comfortable life for a few more years."

Li Yu secretly groaned in his heart. He knew that he would probably be kicked by the emperor again this time, but there was nothing he could do.

He could only retreat silently, praying in his heart that his "butt" would be safe.

Mingyu, who was standing by, asked with a puzzled look on her face: "Empress, why do you refuse? This is such a happy event! And the Emperor is apologizing to you and expressing his feelings."