Three Kingdoms: Domination of the World

The North Palace of the Luoyang Imperial City.

A woman dressed in lavish attire, her features cold and majestic, paced the palace. Her brows sometimes furrowed, like the surface of a calm lake brushed by a gentle breeze; sometimes relaxed, like a bright crescent moon hanging high in a parasol tree. Her dark eyes and captivating face exuded an air of elegance and allure.

Just now, the eunuch came to report that her father would be coming to the North Palace. She was very happy; she hadn't seen her father in a long time. However, she was a little nervous. She had just found out that her aunt's family was plotting a rebellion, and the King of Bohai was likely framed by Wang Fu. Wang Fu and his people were extremely powerful, and she didn't want her father to be implicated.

"Is father here? I haven't been back to my mother's house for a long time."

"Xiaohong, quickly prepare the refreshments."

"Okay, Your Highness."

Empress Song's real name was Song Zhen. She and her younger brother Song Qi were siblings from the same father and mother. Song Feng loved his wife very much and did not take other concubines.

Empress Song had endured a tormenting past few years. Emperor Ling of Han had been reclusive, rarely intervening in state affairs. The three ministers repeatedly approached the empress, hoping she could offer advice to the emperor.

Empress Song was also a wise and virtuous empress, understanding that the emperor should prioritize national affairs. She repeatedly urged the emperor to be diligent in his administration and care for the people, which displeased Liu Hong, who gradually ignored her. In a fit of anger, Emperor Ling even recalled his father-in-law and assigned him to the Prefectural Guards.

Today, she heard her father was coming. She couldn't show her unhappiness. She dressed up carefully, fearing her father would see her in such an embarrassing state.

The queen's bedroom.

While she was hesitating, Song Feng had already arrived at Nangong. Seeing his haggard daughter, he spoke with a feeling of pity. He suppressed his anxiety and sorrow and greeted her respectfully.

"Greetings to Her Majesty the Queen!"

"Father, there's no need to be so polite."

Song Zhen gently raised her lotus-like hand, signaling Xiaohong to arrange for her father to sit down. The palace had already prepared snacks and drinks, all of which were her father's favorites.

"Father! How is things at home lately?"

"Oh! Everything is fine at home."

"Daughter! How about you?"

"The child is fine. I am an unfilial daughter and cannot serve my parents by their side."

"Don't say that. Your Highness has sacrificed too much for this family."

Song Feng had served in the palace for many years and was aware of his daughter's predicament. For years, His Majesty had been neglecting his daughter, a fact Song Feng saw clearly but remained silent. Though anxious, he knew nothing could be done. Whenever he woke in the middle of the night, he would burst into tears as he recalled this incident.

"My daughter! You have worked hard over the years."

"Father, I'm not tired. How are you and mother doing?"

"Your mother and I are both in good health. It's you, on the other hand, who should take better care of yourself."

"My daughter! I'm not here to chat about family matters today, but I have something urgent to talk to you about."

Song Feng glanced at the maids and eunuchs in the palace. Empress Song understood, knowing her father had something important to tell her. She dismissed the attendants. Seeing only father and daughter left, Song Feng spoke solemnly.

"My daughter! I'm afraid you're going to get into big trouble soon!"

"Dad, what are you talking about?"

"Have you offended the champion marquis Wang Fu?"

"Ah? How did you know that, father?"

"A master told me this. I heard you were investigating your aunt, Princess Song. Wang Fu was worried that this would be exposed, so he prepared a vicious plan to take revenge on you."

"Father, I'm almost done investigating my aunt's affairs. The Prince of Bohai didn't really rebel. It was Wang Fu and his gang who fabricated the rumors and slander."

"Daughter! Don't worry about this for now!"

"You are almost unable to protect yourself. His Majesty has no time to pay attention to you."

"Ah? How could this happen?"

"Wang Fu has joined forces with the concubines in the palace. They are planning to work together to frame you."

"How do you frame me?"

"They bribed the Grand Secretary Cheng A and hid the evidence in your palace. They agreed on a date and will jointly accuse you of witchcraft."

Queen Song's face suddenly changed and her body kept shaking.

"These thieves are so bold! How dare they be so arrogant?"

"My daughter! The situation is stronger than people. We must protect ourselves first if we can. Some people have been coveting your position as queen for a long time."

"Okay, father! I will be careful. I will carefully check the items in the palace. I will not let go of those who have ulterior motives."

"Daughter! Actually, I have something else urgent to discuss with you."

"Father, please speak. We are one family and should not have different opinions."

"The master I just mentioned wants to meet you."

"Ah? Father, this is inconvenient, isn't it? Strangers are not allowed into the palace."

"In three days, it will be my father's 40th birthday. Could you please ask His Majesty to find a time to go back and celebrate my birthday?"

"Oh! Father. If that's the case, I should be able to go home."

"It's settled then. My daughter! Please take good care of yourself."

"Okay, father. You should take care of yourself too."

Seeing his father leaving so quickly, Song Zhen felt very lonely. He was out of favor, and his father's family was not having a good time either.

Song Feng said goodbye to his daughter and returned to his duty. He had been out for a long time. He was afraid that someone would report him to His Majesty again because he had met with his daughter in private today. However, for his daughter's safety, he could not care less.

That evening, Song Feng returned home and informed Suo Chao of what had happened three days later. Suo Chao thought this was a good excuse, as it wouldn't alert anyone. So, the Song family began preparing for the birthday banquet.

Three days later, at the Song Mansion.

On this day, the Song Mansion was decorated with lanterns and filled with distinguished guests. The sound of singing and celebrating rites echoed in the hall.

"The Yuan family of Runan came to congratulate us and presented us with a Fire Ganoderma lucidum."

"The Yang family of Hongnong came to congratulate us and presented us with fruit and a horse."

"Eunuch Zhang Gong came to congratulate and presented me with a set of chain mail."

......

Song Feng was all smiles as he warmly entertained the guests. Delicacies, fine wines, fresh fruits and vegetables filled the tables in front of the guests.

"Everyone, I appreciate your kindness in taking time out of your busy schedule to attend my birthday party!"

"Please drink this cup to the full. Let's eat and drink well today."

"Father-in-law, you are too polite."

"Yes! The father-in-law invited us, which shows that he thinks highly of us."

Although Song Feng didn't hold much power, he was still the emperor's father-in-law. Many people wanted to curry favor with this royal relative; even a broken ship still has three thousand nails. The banquet was in full swing when a servant suddenly arrived to report.

"A thousand years have passed since the Queen arrived."

The guests in the Song Mansion all stood up and looked at the arriving Queen. They hadn't expected to have the good fortune to see the Queen today; it was well worth the trip. They all bowed and greeted her.

"Greetings to Her Majesty the Queen."

"Long live the Queen."

Empress Song nodded in greeting and walked towards her father, who was seated at the center of the main table. She was flanked by a group of palace maids and eunuchs.

"A daughter is here to wish her father a happy birthday. I wish her a long and healthy life!"

"The Queen has come to congratulate you and has given you a gift of five thousand gold coins."

Emperor Ling of Han approved her return to her parents' home to celebrate her birthday. Although Liu Hong loved money, he couldn't be stingy this time. He gave her a gift of 5,000 gold coins.

......

After Queen Song finished celebrating her father's birthday, she excused herself from feeling unwell and returned to the inner room to greet her mother. Suo Chao understood and followed her in a moment later. The Song Feng family had made thorough preparations for this meeting; those with ulterior motives wouldn't focus on a child.