Rebirth: Phoenix Riding the Ninth Heaven

Emperor Qian's illness was like the ever-changing sky, sometimes clear, sometimes gloomy, never settling down. This caused subtle changes to the previously orderly situation at court.

The various affairs of the court had to be temporarily handed over to the various ministers. Each shouldered a weighty responsibility, facing both favorable and unfavorable circumstances. Some ministers dealt with domestic issues, such as agricultural harvests and tax reforms; others tackled the challenges of foreign relations, maintaining friendly relations with neighboring countries or resolving territorial disputes. Still others oversaw military defense, ensuring national security and border peace.

Despite the complexity of these events, the ministers were able to fulfill their respective duties with dedication and dedication. Drawing on their wisdom and experience, they diligently maintained the normal functioning of the court. While minor frictions occasionally arose due to disagreements, overall the court remained relatively calm. However, everyone knew that this tranquility was only superficial. If the Emperor Qian's condition worsened or persisted for an extended period, this stability would likely be unsustainable.

In this seemingly calm, yet turbulent situation, the two factions, like ghosts in the night, quietly distanced themselves from each other. Like sharks lurking beneath the deep sea, they appeared calm on the surface, but within their hearts, a raging fire of desire had already been ignited, each vying to seize the supreme throne of Crown Prince.

On one side stood the camp of the eldest prince, led by the legitimate son, Wang Yuyan. Born to Empress Kun, this eldest prince held an unparalleled status. He had received the strictest and most orthodox education since childhood, and his every gesture exuded an innate aura of kingship. He also had the support of a vast and powerful entourage of relatives from the imperial court. These individuals held significant power within the court, and a single stomp of their foot could shake the entire court.

On the other side was the power group led by the Third Prince, born to Qi Zhenzhu. While his background was somewhat inferior to the First Prince's, his maternal family, through their exceptional wisdom and strategy, as well as their ability to win over the hearts and minds of the people, successfully secured the services of a large number of civil and military officials. Furthermore, the Third Prince enjoyed considerable favor from Emperor Qian, often summoned to his study to inquire about his schoolwork. His prestige even surpassed that of the First Prince.

It's strange to say, people are such hypocritical creatures. No matter how fiercely they fight each other in private, they are still politely greeting each other with greetings of "hello, hello, hello everyone" when they meet. Alas, this world is really too complicated. The eldest prince looked at the two people who were fighting like black-eyed chickens in private, but on the surface they were still respectfully answering questions and chatting happily. He thought they were good friends who hadn't seen each other for many years.

The eldest prince was still young, but he was by no means ignorant or worldly-wise. After returning from his outing today, he couldn't wait to report everything he had seen and heard to his mother.

"Mother, I witnessed a shocking scene in the back garden today!" The eldest prince's childish face was filled with confusion and bewilderment. "Why are those who seem to get along so harmoniously on a daily basis actually fighting so fiercely behind the scenes? Especially your relationship with some people. It's clearly a life-or-death struggle, yet on the surface you're still able to chat and laugh happily. Why is that?"

The Queen listened to her son's words, a wave of emotion welling up in her heart. She gently stroked the eldest prince's head and said slowly, "My child, the complexity of the palace is far greater than you can imagine. Sometimes, people have to wear false masks to protect themselves, to hide their true feelings and intentions. This is not hypocrisy, but a way of survival."

The eldest prince nodded, half understanding, his eyes gleaming with thought. "Then, mother, is there no one who truly treats me with sincerity?" He raised his little face and looked at the queen expectantly.

Queen Kun smiled slightly and said earnestly, "Of course there are, but such people are too rare. In this deep palace, conflicts of interest are everywhere, and it is not easy to find someone who is sincere. But no matter what, we must not give up the pursuit of truth, goodness and beauty."

The eldest prince was silent for a moment, as if thinking deeply. Then he said firmly, "Don't worry, mother. I will definitely learn to distinguish right from wrong, good from evil, and will not be deceived by appearances. In the future, I will become an upright and kind person!"

Queen Kun looked at her sensible son with satisfaction, her heart filled with hope and expectation.

Wang Yuyan took her son's hand and said softly, "Come on, Hua'er, let's go to your royal grandmother to pay our respects to her. Haven't you seen your royal grandmother today? Let's go around there." The eldest prince said obediently, "It's the Queen Mother. I miss the royal grandmother a little too."

Like a skilled painter, the setting sun, with its golden brushstrokes, painted a brilliant sunset across the sky. Light filtered through the interlaced foliage, dappling the delicate pavilion where the Empress, the First Prince, and the Empress Dowager met. Surrounded by meticulously manicured trees and flowers, the air was filled with a delicate fragrance, a breathtaking sight.

Smoke curled from the nearby kitchen as the palace maids busily prepared for the upcoming dinner. Unlike the usual lavish feasts, tonight's menu emphasized a homely feel. There were dishes like the Empress Dowager's favorite glutinous rice and lotus root, Empress Kun's hand-pickled sour plum soup, and the osmanthus cake the eldest prince often requested as a child. The aroma of food blended with the family's anticipation, creating a heartwarming scene.

The Empress Dowager sat upright in the center of the exquisite and elegant pavilion, like the protagonist in a tranquil and peaceful painting. The setting sun, like a blazing flame, dyed the entire sky orange-red. Its afterglow shone upon the Empress Dowager, making her figure appear even more amiable and kind against this magnificent backdrop.

She was dressed in a soft, comfortable handwoven cotton robe, its delicate texture conveying an endless warmth and care. Though time had left traces of gray in her hair, each strand was meticulously combed. This neat hairstyle not only demonstrated her dedication to her image but also revealed a calmness and composure honed through the trials and tribulations of life.

When she lifted her head slightly, her deep, luminous eyes revealed a deep love for her descendants. That gaze was like the spring sun, gentle and warm; like the summer breeze, soothing the soul. And whenever the eldest prince approached her with a brisk stride, the Empress Dowager would smile, reach out her wrinkled yet gentle hand, and gently stroke the crown of her grandson's head. This simple gesture held boundless doting, as if there were no deeper, richer emotion in the world. This doting came not from power or wealth, but from the most sincere and pure affection deep within her heart.

Queen Kun was like a busy bee, shuttling between the pavilion and the kitchen, meticulously preparing for the family gathering. Dressed in elegant, simple clothes, her movements were graceful yet efficient. Queen Kun not only cared about everyone's preferences but also prepared easy-to-digest food for the Empress Dowager, ensuring her health. Her presence was like an invisible thread, tightly connecting the happiness and well-being of the entire family.

The eldest prince, however, was the vibrant voice of this small world. A young man, he was full of energy and inquisitive. He would circle around the Empress Dowager, asking her questions and listening to her recount ancient legends and family histories. His eyes sparkled with a thirst for knowledge, and whenever he grasped something, he excitedly shared it with everyone, his pure joy infectious. He was the future of the family, carrying boundless hope.

As the bright moon quietly climbed above the treetops, hanging in the sky like a silver disk, the twinkling stars, as if receiving some mysterious call, began to adorn the vast night sky. At this moment, in a magnificent palace, a family sat around a carefully set dining table.

The table was filled with delicious dishes, all presented on exquisite porcelain. The color combination was just right, making one's mouth water. Queen Kun and the eldest prince smiled and politely took turns helping the Empress Dowager with her favorite dishes. Every chopstick they took was filled with love and care.

The entire table was filled with cheerful laughter and heartwarming conversation, with topics ranging from diverse to all-encompassing. Sometimes, they recounted anecdotes from daily life, making everyone laugh out loud; sometimes, they envisioned a bright future, their eyes gleaming with anticipation. Here, distinctions between high and low seemed to vanish completely, leaving only the intimate, harmonious atmosphere of family members.

After dinner, the happy family of three did not immediately return to their chambers to rest, but instead chose to stroll leisurely along the garden paths. The watery moonlight, like a veil, gently fell upon the ground, illuminating the path beneath their feet with a bright and clear light. The Empress Dowager walked slowly but with remarkable grace, quietly walking in the center, flanked by Empress Kun and the First Prince.

On this peaceful and tranquil evening, they strolled, chatting softly. The conversation drifted unnoticed to their respective childhood memories, and those amusing and unforgettable memories were recalled one by one, transforming into vivid, lively stories that lingered in the air. At the same time, they shared their deepest dreams and aspirations, listening to each other's hearts and feeling the support and encouragement from their families. In such a wonderful moment, the distance between people was drawn closer, and the warmth of home flowed gently through everyone's heart like a spring breeze.

Suddenly, the Empress Dowager suggested singing a nursery rhyme she had learned as a child. Her voice, though a little hoarse, was filled with power and emotion. The Empress and the First Prince joined in the chorus, and the song echoed through the night sky like a heavenly sound. In that moment, time seemed to freeze, and everyone was immersed in this simple yet pure beauty.