The queen is sober in the world, and she is winning every step of the palace fight.

Last night, a drizzling rain fell, and I suddenly dreamed of my childhood. Beneath the carved peony window, my mother bent her head, embroidering, guarding my sickbed. The sweet fragrance of magnolia dew mingled with the bitter aroma of medicine, and it was a long dream.

Since entering the palace, I have been blessed with Your Majesty's favor, frequently exchanging letters with my family and even meeting them in person. After ascending to the throne, I know I must set an example for the harem, refraining from frequent socializing with old relatives and dedicating my whole heart and soul to serving Your Majesty.

However, I have been ill for a long time and have not recovered yet. I am worried and sad in my illness, and I miss my family so much. I dare to ask my parents to come to the palace to talk to me and comfort them.

I will regroup and recover as soon as possible, so that I can serve Your Majesty wholeheartedly and repay Your Majesty's great grace and mercy."

Empress Yan wrote a heartfelt and humble letter to the emperor.

Order Linglong to send it to the emperor.

Linglong kowtowed three times at the emperor's feet and pleaded sadly, saying that the empress was too ill to come and see the emperor, so she presented the letter, hoping only to see her family for a while.

Also presented to the emperor was a medicinal tonic soup that Empress Yan had personally prepared for two hours.

"The Queen's illness is not getting better. Let the judge of the Academy of Literature take a look at her and take good care of her. Cao Bin, send a message to the Duke of Zhenguo's mansion, and have the Duke and his wife come to the palace to see the Queen early tomorrow morning."

The emperor agreed readily.

Because Yan Hou has been very docile these days, he doesn't have to worry much.

She had done this many times when she was a virtuous concubine, allowing her family to enter the palace. Now that she was the empress, the emperor wouldn't interfere too much if she wanted to see her family. Empress Yan had written such a serious letter, showing much more understanding than before, so how could the emperor refuse?

After sending Linglong back to serve her master well, the emperor also asked Cao Bin to go to the warehouse to get some precious medicines and supplements, and send them to Fengming Palace to nourish the queen.

So early the next morning, Duke Zhenguo and his wife Princess Qinghe entered the palace.

Queen Yan leaned against the head of the bed and chatted with her parents for a while.

"It's not a serious illness," she said with a smile. "It's just that I'm feeling lazy and irritable in the spring, and with a slight cold, I've become quite squeamish and want to cling to my parents like a child. It would be unfilial of me to have you come to the palace and worry for nothing."

Princess Qinghe's eyes were red, but she still forced a smile: "Your Highness, you are alone in the palace, it is normal for you to miss home. There is no way that is unfilial. Please don't say such nonsense. I miss your Highness all the time at home, but I can't come here often."

"Look, I'm responsible for making Mother sad. Linglong, please ask the princess to go to the side hall to freshen up and calm down before coming back."

Queen Yan suddenly wanted to send her mother away.

Princess Qinghe wiped her eyes with a handkerchief, about to decline, but met her daughter's clear eyes. The sharp edge hidden in the two deep pools shot towards the Duke of Zhenguo.

The princess was shocked.

I know that this visit to the palace is not just to visit a patient.

The sea vessels privately operated by the Duke's Mansion have been unstable recently. The Duke of Zhenguo said nothing, but Princess Qinghe secretly investigated on her own and learned that her daughter was fighting with her family for the inheritance.

It seems that today is the day for a showdown.

"Then I will take my leave for a moment. Your Majesty, please rest well and take care of yourself."

Princess Qinghe stood up and left space for the father and daughter.

She said the words "take care of yourself" very slowly, looking at her daughter with earnest eyes.

As soon as she left, Queen Yan's smiling face turned gloomy.

"My Lord, if you don't want others to know, then you must not do it yourself. I've discovered the reason for my lingering illness. Yesterday, the maid who washed my medicine bowls committed suicide by taking poison. This morning, Doctor Zhao, who was on duty at the Imperial Hospital, slipped and fell, breaking his head and unexpectedly died. And some of the others who cared for me have either died or been injured. Tell me, why is it so strange?"

The Duke of Zhenguo raised his eyes with a gloomy look.

"Your Majesty, I do not understand what you are saying."

Empress Yan sneered, "Then let Father understand better. I consulted a fortune teller and learned that these unlucky events are all due to a close relative of mine who has a bad fate and is in conflict with me. Duke, could this person be you?"

"You shouldn't believe the words of a sorcerer. Your Majesty, as the Queen, occupies the throne of the phoenix. You should be cautious in your words and actions, and set an example for all women in the world."

"Yan Chao!"

Empress Yan addressed her father by name, her face as cold as frost. "You rushed into the palace this morning. Didn't you notice that one of your trusted and loyal servants is missing?"

She took out two pieces of paper from under the pillow and threw them at the Duke of Zhenguo.

The Duke of Zhenguo picked it up and saw that it was a confession with fingerprints on it.

It turned out that his servant who suddenly disappeared was captured by Queen Yan, and was forced to confess that he had arranged for someone to drug Queen Yan.

The Duke of Zhenguo casually glanced through the two pages of paper and put them in his sleeve.

His expression remained calm as he spoke in a deep voice, "Your Majesty, I believe someone has framed me and is trying to sow discord between me and you. Their intentions are grave. I will investigate thoroughly after I leave the palace and give you an explanation."

Queen Yan closed her eyes.

"roll."

she says.

The Duke of Zhenguo looked at his daughter solemnly for a moment, then stood up calmly, bowed, and walked out.

Princess Qinghe came back soon.

"Rou'er, what's going on? Did you have a fight with your father? If you have anything to say, tell me. I'll always be on your side."

Queen Yan smiled slightly.

"He is not my father. I don't have such a father!"

He took out another confession from under his pillow, still with fingerprints on it, and handed it to his mother.

Since the person had been interrogated, the confession should of course be copied several times and kept ready for use. The Duke of Zhenguo shamelessly took the confession away, but she still had several copies.

Princess Qinghe took the confession and read it carefully from beginning to end, her expression becoming increasingly grim.

"Rou'er, is this true?"

"Yes, county lord."

Linglong told the whole story in detail.

Only Fei Wan's help was omitted.

Princess Qinghe dropped her confession, stepped forward, and grasped her daughter's hand, saying angrily, "Even a tiger won't eat its own cubs, yet he dares to do this! Rou'er, what are you going to do?"

Empress Yan said bluntly, "I want a boat. I originally wanted to leave a small boat for my family, but now it seems that it is not necessary. I want both the big boat and the small boat."

Princess Qinghe said, "Don't worry, Rou'er. I will definitely help you get the big ship. But you should leave the small boat at home for now. The expenses at the palace are high, and maintaining the dignity of the Duke's Mansion costs a huge amount of money every year. A wealthy family is not just a facade. You will feel more secure in the palace."

Empress Yan smiled and said, "You want to leave some wealth for your two legitimate sons, right?"

Princess Qinghe paused.

After a moment of silence, he slowly began to speak:

"Rou'er, blood is thicker than water. Even if you resent the Duke now, he is still your father. Falling out with each other will only affect your reputation. You can not forgive him, but he will eventually grow old, and the Duke's Mansion will belong to your brother from now on. You will be the queen, and they will be your loyal ministers. Only by supporting each other can we have a long-term relationship."

Queen Yan withdrew her mother's hand.