Rebirth: Phoenix Riding the Ninth Heaven

Qiao Xinran's eyes sharpened as she watched the interaction between Emperor Qian and Ma Xiuxiu intently, anger rising within her. She had spent many years in the palace, possessing a strong desire for power and status. Now, this newcomer, Ma Xiuxiu, had suddenly appeared, threatening her position and favor. She couldn't tolerate this, knowing that if she lost Emperor Qian's favor, she would lose everything. So, she decided to take action to protect her position and rights. A sinister plan began to form within Qiao Xinran's mind.

Qiao Xinran stood on the path that Emperor Qian had to take before leaving court, waiting anxiously. Finally, she saw Qian Huang in a bright yellow dragon robe, slowly approaching from a distance. Delighted, she hurried over, gently taking Emperor Qian's hand and coquettishly saying, "Your Majesty, I haven't seen you for a long time. Why don't you come to my palace? Your son and I miss you!"

Emperor Qian smiled slightly, a hint of tenderness flashed in his eyes, he looked at Qiao Xinran and said: "I have been very busy with government affairs recently and I really can't spare the time." Qiao Xinran pouted and said dissatisfiedly: "Your Majesty, you are always so busy, but don't forget that we, mother and son, are waiting for you. I almost don't remember what my father looks like." After hearing this, Emperor Qian laughed, reached out and touched Qiao Xinran's hair, and comforted her: "Okay, I know, I will definitely visit you in a few days." After that, he turned and left, leaving Qiao Xinran there, looking at his receding back, his heart extremely angry, saying nicely that he was not in a hurry to see that little vixen, he secretly gritted his teeth, just wait for me, I will definitely let you see his ugly face clearly, and come back to me willingly,

The maidservant beside her was startled by Qiao Xinran's vicious expression and quickly lowered her head, not daring to look at her any more. She asked cautiously, "Your Majesty, are we going home or somewhere else?" Her tone was filled with anxiety and uneasiness.

Qiao Xinran turned around suddenly, her eyes flashing with anger, and slapped the maid fiercely. The crisp sound of the slap echoed in the air, shocking everyone around.

Qiao Xinran gritted her teeth and said, "Do I need to report to you about where I go? Who do you think you are!" Her voice was cold and sharp, like a sword piercing the air.

The maid was beaten to the ground, and five clear finger marks immediately appeared on her face. She looked at Qiao Xinran in horror, tears welling in her eyes, but she didn't dare cry out loud. The other maids were also frightened and pale, and they all lowered their heads, fearing that they would become the next victim.

Qiao Xinran looked at the maids lying on the ground with indifference, her heart filled with anger and dissatisfaction. She felt that these maids were useless and only caused trouble for her. She decided to teach them a lesson, to make them aware of their status and power. So, she said coldly, "If you dare to ask such stupid questions again, don't blame me for being rude!" With that, she strode forward, leaving the group of terrified maids in their place.

Of the several concubines taken into the Crown Prince's residence, only Meng Wanjun was unable to bear children. Despite her gentle, graceful, and captivating beauty, Emperor Qian lost interest after seeing so many similarly gentle women, feeling the sameness, and his visits to her gradually decreased. However, Ma Xiuxiu was different. Not only was she gentle and beautiful, but she also possessed a touch of quirkiness. She was at times gentle and gentle, at others lively and playful, unpredictable. When Emperor Qian was with her, he felt a constant sense of surprise, filled with curiosity and anticipation, eager to delve deeper into her secrets. This sense of novelty and mystery only deepened Yanhuang's fascination with Ma Xiuxiu, making her a special someone in his heart.

Emperor Qian hurried to Ma Xiuxiu's residence, his heart brimming with anticipation, eager to learn what surprise Ma Xiuxiu would bring him. Before even entering the shop, Emperor Qian heard the melodious sounds of stringed instruments and the clear, sweet voice of a woman singing. The singing was gentle and moving, and each call and longing seemed to penetrate the heart, captivating Emperor Qian's soul.

When Emperor Qian stepped into the shop, he was stunned by the sight. Ma Xiuxiu, adorned with vibrant attire and an exquisite hairpin, looked like a blossoming flower. Her voice was melodious and flowing, each note imbued with deep emotion, captivating the listener. Her every smile, every gesture, was filled with intense focus and devotion, as if the entire world revolved around her.

Emperor Qian was deeply moved by this beautiful scene. He stood quietly, listening to Ma Xiuxiu's singing and feeling her emotions. In that moment, time seemed to stand still, with only the music and Ma Xiuxiu's presence intertwined in the air. Intoxicated by this wonderful atmosphere, Emperor Qian felt an indescribable emotion well up in his heart.

When the song ended, Emperor Qian hurried forward and hugged Ma Xiuxiu tightly in his arms. He gently stroked her hair and wiped the tears from her eyes. He asked softly, "What happened? Why were you so moved by your own performance?" Ma Xiuxiu threw herself into Emperor Qian's arms and sobbed, "The person who wrote this play is a genius! He portrayed the love, hate, and difficulties of the young lady so vividly that I felt a deep connection with them. As I sang, I felt as if I was in the story, and tears came to my eyes without me noticing."

When Emperor Qian heard this, he laughed out loud. You little fool, this is just a story. Why do you take it seriously? There are so many unsatisfactory things and sufferings in the world. You cry every time you hear one, how can your body bear it?

When Xiuxiu heard this, she patted Qianhuang's chest gently and said coquettishly, "Qianhuang, you are making fun of me again. I am not paying attention to you anymore." She turned around and pretended to be angry.

Upon hearing this, Emperor Qian stopped teasing him. He straightened him up, took his hand, and walked into the house, saying as he walked, "Alright, alright, I won't tease you anymore. I'll make you happy then." Ma Xiuxiu asked in confusion, "What do you mean?" Emperor Qian smiled mysteriously and said, "We haven't finished discussing what we discussed yesterday. Let's have a deeper discussion today and finish what we didn't finish yesterday." Ma Xiuxiu blushed slightly upon hearing this, and looked at Emperor Qian with a reproachful look, saying coquettishly, "Qian Huang, you're annoying!" Emperor Qian laughed heartily, "Hahaha, don't be shy, this is just fun between us." With that, Emperor Qian took Ma Xiuxiu into the house and continued their unfinished topic and exploration. The room was filled with a warm and ambiguous atmosphere, and the laughter of the two echoed in the air.

On an auspicious day, I ride on a phoenix and a dragon; I soar on a dragon and a phoenix, soaring in the sky.

"The morning light shines through the gauze curtains, gently awakening the sleeping world. He whispers in her ear, his voice as gentle as the morning breeze, and his lips touch gently, like the first ray of light at sunrise, warm and full of hope."

Ma Xiuxiu slowly awoke, her eyes opening. The first thing she saw was the handsome face of the Emperor Qian. She gazed at him silently, her heart filled with a deep attachment. He slept peacefully beside her, his breathing steady and deep. Carefully, Ma Xiuxiu reached out and gently touched his eyebrows, nose, and mouth, as if exploring a precious treasure. Her fingers softly traced his features, feeling his warmth and authenticity.

Emperor Qian had actually been awakened by her movements, but he chose to patiently close his eyes and let Ma Xiuxiu carefully examine him. He enjoyed the tranquility of this moment, feeling a woman loving him wholeheartedly. This feeling of being surrounded by love made his heart feel full and satisfied, and his mood was particularly happy.

Ma Xiuxiu continued to gently caress the Emperor's face with her fingers, as if she wanted to engrave every inch of his skin in her heart. Her eyes were filled with tenderness and love, without the slightest concealment or affectation. The Emperor silently felt her tenderness, and a warm current surged in his heart.

Time seemed to freeze at this moment, as they immersed themselves in each other's world, enjoying this rare tranquility and warmth. Emperor Qian knew that Ma Xiuxiu's love for him was so pure and sincere, which made him feel extremely happy. He decided to cherish this relationship and create more beautiful memories with Ma Xiuxiu.

At this time, the eunuch who woke up the emperor called out softly outside the window, "Are you awake? It's time for the morning court." At this time, the eunuch who woke up the emperor called out softly outside the window, "Are you awake? It's time for the morning court." Shen Yuanzhang, listening to the urging voices, felt irritated, but he opened his eyes and got up helplessly. Looking at Ma Xiuxiu beside him, he kissed him on the cheek before getting out of bed, and asked the eunuch to dress him. After he put his clothes in order, he looked at Ma Xiuxiu who was staring at him intently on the bed with gentle eyes, and said softly, "Be good, go to sleep for a while, it's still early, I'll go down to the city later and have lunch with you." The emperor turned and left the bedroom, heading for the court. On the way, he couldn't help but recall the sweet time he had with Ma Xiuxiu last night, and his heart was filled with happiness and satisfaction.

However, when he arrived at the court, the ministers were in the midst of a heated discussion about state affairs. The Emperor immediately regained his serious demeanor. Urgent reports of flooding in the south had arrived, arriving 800 miles away. The ministers were arguing fiercely over how to deal with the flood, how to proceed, and how much money would be needed. The debate was so intense that the Emperor was giving himself a headache.

Severe floods are often accompanied by large-scale population migration. Residents of the affected areas are forced to flee their homes and flock to relatively safer areas. This large-scale population movement not only increases the living burden of the areas along the way, but may also exacerbate social tensions and even trigger local conflicts. In some extreme cases, continuous natural disasters (including floods) may intensify class contradictions and accelerate the change of regimes. If it weren't for the large-scale riots in the previous dynasty, his father would not have risen up and successfully proclaimed himself emperor.

If we cannot successfully resolve this flood and allow the farmers to transition safely and smoothly, this flood will be an unstable factor for the stability of the dynasty and the economic development.

After an hour of arguing, with no clear conclusion, Emperor Qian felt a sharp pain in his head, as if needles were piercing his brain. He slammed the table and angrily declared, "Prime Ministers, come up with a plan within one day and place it before my desk. Is the tide receding now? Let's discuss this matter thoroughly, and then don't come to see me if there's a conclusion." With that, he turned angrily and returned to the harem.