The Legend of Zhen Huan: Rebirth of Ling Rong

After I returned, I wrote a letter and asked Baojuan to send it out of the palace so that my mother could receive the news as soon as possible and set off for Beijing earlier.

"Don't worry, my lady. Concubine Wan has always been the best to you. She will definitely take care of this matter. You just need to wait for the lady to come to Beijing." Baojuan comforted me.

I nodded, feeling a little more at ease.

"You're right. My sister has always been kind to me, and I understand that. It's a pity that even if my mother comes to Beijing, I won't be able to see her." I sighed, a trace of sadness flashing in my eyes.

Since entering the palace, I have been separated from my family, never to see them again. Although there is hope now, it remains unrealized. This kind of helplessness and pain can only be truly understood by those who have experienced it firsthand.

Baojuan looked at me, her eyes filled with sympathy and heartache. She gently held my hand and said, "Don't be sad, my lady. When Madam arrives in Beijing, you can learn more about her from Concubine Wan. And, as long as you're well, you'll be able to see Madam when you give birth."

I glanced at Baojuan with gratitude; her words brought me a touch of warmth and comfort. Although I couldn't see my mother in person, at least knowing that she was safe was a comfort.

Ever since the emperor dealt with the Guwalgiya clan incident, he has set out to deal with Longkodo. Even the empress dowager could not stop the emperor.

Late one night, the emperor went to Shoukang Palace to meet the empress dowager.

"Emperor, you are here so late? What's the matter?" The Queen Mother was a little surprised.

The emperor glanced at the empress dowager and said nothing.

The Queen Mother understood and asked Zhu Xi, who was beside her, to leave.

"Empress Dowager, the matter between Nian Gengyao and Prince Dun has been resolved, and the Guwalja clan has been exiled to Ningguta."

"What does the emperor mean?" asked the empress dowager.

"My son knows that Longkodo and the Empress Dowager are childhood sweethearts. The Emperor doesn't know, but my son knows. I'm sure the Empress Dowager has also heard about what Longkodo did in private." The Emperor said to the Empress Dowager with a serious face.

The Queen Mother frowned slightly. She certainly knew what Longkodo had done recently, but after all, they had a deep relationship, which made it difficult for her to make a decision.

The emperor looked at the empress dowager and continued, "Longkodo is an important official in the court, but he colluded with officials in an attempt to overthrow the government. I can no longer tolerate this." His eyes were firm and resolute.

The Queen Mother sighed, her heart filled with contradictions and helplessness. She knew Longkodo's mistakes, but she couldn't bear to see him being severely punished.

The Emperor saw the Empress Dowager's hesitation and reiterated, "My Lady, I am acting for the peace of the court and the well-being of the people. If Longkodo is not punished, other ministers will follow suit, and the consequences will be disastrous."

For the sake of her son's reputation and the royal family's reputation, the Queen Mother had no choice but to acquiesce.

After a moment's silence, she slowly nodded in agreement.

The emperor felt a little relieved when he saw that the empress dowager agreed.

He continued, "I will leave this matter to the Empress Dowager to handle personally. This will also be a token of my gratitude to Uncle Longkodo for his cultivation and support for me over the years."

The Queen Mother nodded. She understood what the Emperor meant. This was also the Emperor giving her face by giving her the opportunity to handle the matter personally.

"My son, take your leave!" After saying this, the emperor left Shoukang Palace.

The Queen Mother was left alone in deep thought, not knowing how to face Longkodo, her childhood sweetheart.

"Empress Dowager, the emperor has left." Zhu Xi came in and said.

"The emperor is now determined to get rid of Longkodo! Before him, there was Nian Gengyao and Prince Dun, and later there was Emin, and now it is finally Longkodo's turn." The empress dowager murmured to herself, with a trace of helplessness and worry on her face.

She knew that this series of actions were all means taken by the emperor to consolidate his power, but as a mother, she still hoped to protect her son, and more importantly, for the sake of the royal family's reputation.

"Zhuxi, please accompany me." The Queen Mother said helplessly.

She turned around and went in to change her clothes, put on a cloak, and decided to meet Longkodo in person one last time to see him off.

Zhuxi silently followed the Queen Mother out of the bedroom.

They walked slowly along the corridor, silent all the way, no one spoke.

When the empress dowager arrived at a house outside the palace, she stopped, straightened her clothes, sighed deeply, and then walked in.

At this time, Longkodo was sitting at the desk, reading a book attentively. When he saw the empress dowager come in, he was very surprised and obviously frightened, but he still stood up and saluted.

The Queen Mother raised her hand slightly, motioning him to sit down, and then she said straight to the point, "I came here today just to see you. These dishes are all your favorites, and I made them all myself."

Upon hearing this, Longkodo frowned slightly. He had already guessed the Queen Mother's intention, but his face remained calm. He just replied softly: "Thank you for your concern, Queen Mother. You remember my preferences. I am deeply honored."

The Queen Mother sighed, her eyes softened, and her tone became more cordial: "It has been several years since we parted after the selection. Time flies, and you are no longer the Longkodo of the past, and I am no longer the Wuya Chengbi of the past."

She spoke slowly, with a barely perceptible sadness in her eyes.

Longkodo was silent for a moment, then said firmly: "Chengbi, I have failed you in the end for what happened back then."

The empress dowager felt sad when she saw Longkodo's resolute attitude.

She couldn't help but ask, "Back then, when I entered the palace to participate in the selection, you said that the late emperor didn't like powder blue and asked me to wear powder blue to participate in the selection. If I failed, you would marry me."

"Who would have thought that I would be chosen and become a noble lady of the late emperor."

"What happened back then was not what I wanted. Although it was not my intention, I did harm you. At that time, I only wanted to marry you. I was also deceived by my father. It turned out that they never thought of letting me marry you. When I found out, it was too late..." After saying this, Longkodo fell into deep self-blame.

When the empress dowager learned the truth of that year, she looked at Longkodo and felt relieved at that moment.

"So that's how it is. It seems I have wronged you all these years..." The Queen Mother felt a little guilty.

"No, this is all my fault. I have ruined your life. I should be the one who atones and repents." Longkodo said a little excitedly.

After saying that, he poured a glass of wine, and as if he had made up his mind, he picked up the glass and drank it all in one gulp.

The Queen Mother watched and tried to stop it but it was too late.

After a while, blood came out from the corner of Longkodo's mouth.

"Chengbi, I know I've let you down, but it's fine like this now. I understand the emperor's intentions and don't want to embarrass you anymore. If there's an afterlife, I will definitely marry you..."

Longkodo drank the poisoned wine and left after saying these words.

The Queen Mother sighed deeply: "You have ruined my life. Now I am here to see you off. If there is an afterlife..."

Then she turned and left, and Zhuxi still followed behind her without saying a word.