Rebirth: Phoenix Riding the Ninth Heaven

The Four Emperors feigned composure as they returned to the banquet, but their hearts were filled with turmoil. However, the perceptive Second Prince observed all of this. A sly smile played across the Second Prince's face, and he decided not to miss this opportunity to taunt his younger brother.

"Fourth brother, why did it take you so long to come back? Are you hiding something from us?" The second prince deliberately spoke in a sarcastic tone, with a hint of provocation in his eyes.

The Four Emperors' hearts tightened, but they pretended to be calm and replied, "Nothing, just going out for some fresh air."

The Second Prince sneered and continued to ask, "Oh? Really? Then why do you look unhappy? Did something go wrong?"

The Fourth Emperor felt a little annoyed, but he knew he couldn't let the Second Prince see his true emotions, so he said calmly, "Maybe he's a little tired. He didn't get enough rest yesterday."

Seeing the Fourth Emperor so calm, the Second Prince stopped pestering him and changed the subject. The Fourth Emperor was secretly thankful that the Second Prince hadn't noticed his abnormality.

Emperor Qian enjoyed a lively conversation with his ministers, covering topics such as the peaceful and prosperous times, the dynamics of the local princes, and the living conditions of the people. They also discussed suggestions for improving people's livelihoods and explored how to better promote national prosperity and the well-being of the people. However, Emperor Qian did not notice the strange look on the Fourth Prince's face when he returned from his absence.

The Second Prince was confident that his plan was flawless and would not go awry. He scanned the crowd, secretly pleased with himself. Then, a thought struck him: he decided to let the Fourth Prince speak first, steering the conversation in his desired direction. So, he stood up and respectfully addressed the Emperor, "Your Majesty, I feel that Fourth Prince's recent field trip has been incredibly tiring. Why not take this opportunity to share his observations and discoveries about Liang Province?" He smiled at the Fourth Prince, a sly glint in his eyes.

The Fourth Prince's heart sank upon hearing this. He knew the Second Prince's action must have deeper meaning, but he couldn't refute it in public. So, he stood up and said slowly, "Father, I have indeed gained something from my trip to Liang Province. The people there live in poverty, lack resources, and urgently need the court's assistance. However, I have also discovered that local officials are severely corrupt, and oppressing the people is common." At this point, he couldn't help but sigh.

The emperor frowned slightly upon hearing this. He turned to the Second Prince and asked, "Second Prince, what are your thoughts on this?" The Second Prince, secretly delighted, quickly replied, "Father, I believe we should immediately dispatch capable officials to Liangzhou to thoroughly investigate this matter. At the same time, we should increase aid to the local people to help them overcome this difficult time."

The emperor nodded in agreement. He then asked the other princes and ministers for their opinions. Everyone expressed their views, and the court was abuzz with discussion. Meanwhile, the Second Prince, secretly congratulating himself on the success of his plan, wore a smug smile.

He secretly rejoiced, thinking that in just a moment, the drug would take effect and he would surely make a fool of himself in front of the palace. By then, he would be guilty of disrespect and would be imprisoned in the palace until his death.

Watching the Fourth Prince speak so eloquently before his father, his concern for various civil affairs, the frontier, and the management of people's livelihoods, he couldn't help but secretly resent him: Why is the Fourth Prince so outstanding? Father only has eyes for him, and can't see me at all! Damn it! Could it be that the medicine I gave him has lost its effect? ​​This shouldn't be the case! I clearly arranged everything perfectly, how could I fail? Absolutely not! There must be something wrong...

The Second Prince thought about this while observing the Fourth Prince silently. He saw that the Fourth Prince had a rosy complexion and was chatting and laughing happily with the Emperor.

"Could it be that the dosage is not enough?" The Second Prince thought to himself, "That's impossible. I gave him double the dosage..."

Just as the Second Prince was pondering, the Emperor suddenly spoke, "I think the Fourth Prince is absolutely right. The affairs of Liang Province concern the people's livelihood and cannot be ignored. Second Prince, I order you to be the chief judge. Set off for Liang Province today and thoroughly investigate this matter. Do not delay in the slightest!"

"Your son obeys!" The Second Prince quickly agreed. He was secretly delighted. Although he didn't know why the Fourth Prince hadn't been tricked, this trip to Liangzhou was a rare opportunity to make a name for himself.

After the court session, the Second Prince immediately summoned his confidants and prepared to investigate the corruption of officials in Liang Province. At the same time, he also sent people to secretly investigate why the Fourth Prince had not been poisoned...

The Fourth Prince walked out of the palace, feeling relieved. He hadn't expected the Second Prince to take advantage of the situation to cause trouble. If it weren't for that girl treating him and sending him the antidote, he would have been unemployed and doomed.

"It seems I have to be more careful with my second brother in the future." The fourth prince thought.

Meanwhile, the Second Prince was also wondering why the Fourth Prince hadn't been poisoned. The more he thought about it, the more puzzled he found it, so he decided to consult his advisors about countermeasures.

"Your Highness, in my opinion, the Fourth Prince may have already seen through your plan." said the strategist.

"Impossible! How could he know?" said the second prince in surprise.

"Your Highness, don't forget that the Fourth Prince is no ordinary person. He may have spies around you, or he may have learned of your plan through other channels." The strategist analyzed.

The second prince pondered for a moment and felt that the counselor's words made sense.

"Then what should we do next?" asked the second prince.

"Your Highness, we cannot sit and wait for death. Since the Fourth Prince has taken precautions, we must come up with a more comprehensive plan." said the strategist.

"Call that little eunuch quickly!" The second prince frowned, his tone filled with anxiety and anger.

Soon, the young eunuch was brought before the Second Prince. He stood there trembling, not daring to look up at the Second Prince.

"This prince is asking you, did you order the palace maid to drug the fourth prince?" The second prince asked with his eyes wide open.

The young eunuch was so frightened that he trembled all over and nodded quickly: "Yes... yes, Your Highness."

"Then why wasn't the Fourth Prince poisoned?" the Second Prince shouted angrily.

The young eunuch stammered, "Your Highness, the medicine had already been administered, but a young lady suddenly appeared midway through. I don't know how she managed to detoxify the Fourth Prince."

"What? Is this really happening?" The Second Prince was extremely surprised. He had never imagined that a strange woman would appear and ruin his plans.

The Second Prince frowned, wondering, "Who is this woman? Why is she helping the Fourth Prince detoxify? Is there some connection between her and the Fourth Prince?" The thought of this made the Second Prince increasingly uneasy.

"Send someone immediately to find out the identity of this young lady!" the second prince gave the order decisively.

He had to find out the origins of this woman, otherwise she might become a variable in his plan. Moreover, if this woman was really related to the Fourth Prince, then he would have to reconsider his next move.

After the dinner, everyone left and went their separate ways. Empress Defei, as the host, didn't cause any disturbances; everything seemed harmonious. Li Ruoliu and Madam Hua also behaved appropriately, not doing anything out of the ordinary. The entire scene was orderly and comfortable.

When everyone walked out of the palace, Liu Ruyan suddenly grabbed Li Ruoyue's hand, with a reluctant glint in her eyes, and said softly: "Ms. Li, you must come and play with me when you are free!" Her tone was full of sincerity and enthusiasm, which made Li Ruoyue feel her sincerity.

Li Ruoyue smiled and replied, "Okay, Sister Liu, I'll definitely come see you." She also took a keen interest in this new friend and felt that they hit it off very well. It felt like reuniting with a long-lost friend, and she was particularly happy.

On the way back to the palace, Li Ruoyue secretly sighed in her heart: "Today is such a wonderful day. Not only did I meet a lot of interesting people, but I also helped the Fourth Prince change his destiny." She looks forward to more such opportunities in the future to get together with these friends.

Li Ruoyue knew that she could change the fate of one person, and that person was none other than the Fourth Prince.

The Fourth Prince is a smart and ambitious man, but he has always been ignored and marginalized. Li Ruoyue decides to help him and make him a stronger competitor. So she begins to build a relationship with the Fourth Prince and provide him with some useful advice and information.

As time went on, the Fourth Prince gradually became more powerful, and his influence continued to expand. At the same time, Li Ruoyue also won the support and trust of many people through her own efforts. This enabled her to better influence the situation and create more opportunities for the Fourth Prince.

In the end, the Fourth Prince successfully ascended the throne and realized his ambition. All this was due to Li Ruoyue's help and support. Although she could not change history, she brought new hope and possibilities to the world in her own way.

For Li Ruoyue, this was a successful attempt. She proved that even in the face of difficulties and challenges, as long as there is determination and courage, miracles can be created. As for the Fourth Prince, he will never forget Li Ruoyue's help and support. Their friendship will last forever. Li Ruoyue didn't know that she was now happily sitting in the carriage returning to the mansion. Little did she know that the Fourth Prince was his greatest helper on his road to revenge.