From cute to empress

In the magnificent hall, Zhen Youcai and I stood side by side, accepting the congratulations of the civil and military officials. My heart was pounding, not from fear, but from excitement. After enduring hardships, Youcai and I had finally cleared our grievances and earned the respect we deserved.

The Emperor, clad in his dragon robes today, looked particularly majestic. He approached us and personally placed two medals etched with golden flying dragons on our chests. He said in a deep voice, "Empress and Commander Zhen, you have made invaluable contributions in uncovering this palace secret. I commend you with this commendation!"

"Your Majesty, I thank you for your grace!" Youcai and I both knelt down and kowtowed to thank the emperor for his grace.

"Everyone, get up." The emperor gave them a light support, his tone filled with relief. "I'm very pleased. I'm hosting a banquet today to celebrate the success of the Empress and Commander Zhen!"

As soon as he finished speaking, melodious music began to play, and the palace maids filed in, setting out a feast of delicacies. As I drank and chatted, I looked at the lively scene before me, but my heart was incomparably calm.

"Mengmeng, what's wrong?" Youcai asked softly when he saw that I was a little absent-minded.

I shook my head and smiled slightly: "Nothing, I just feel like this is all a dream."

"Yeah..." Youcai also sighed, "From the initial misunderstanding to the subsequent fighting side by side, we have been through so much. Fortunately, the final result is good."

I gently held his hand, interlocking our fingers. Yes, as long as we are together, what difficulties can't be overcome?

"Empress Dowager, Commander Zhen, congratulations!"

"You two are truly a match made in heaven. How enviable!"

……

Civil and military officials came forward to toast us and congratulate us. I responded to each toast, always with a proper smile on my face.

"Your Majesty, I offer you a toast!" A young official spoke, his eyes gleaming with a strange light as he held a wine glass. I frowned slightly, a sense of alarm rising in my heart. Just as I was about to speak, I heard Youcai beside me say, "Your Excellency, Your Majesty is feeling unwell today. I will serve you this glass of wine."

After saying that, he took the wine glass from my hand and drank it all in one gulp. Seeing this, the young official's eyes flashed with disappointment, but then returned to normal, and he said with a smile, "Thank you very much, Commander Zhen!"

I looked at Youcai and my heart was filled with gratitude. He always protected me silently and never let me get hurt.

"The Emperor has arrived——"

The eunuch's shrill voice echoed again, and the hall suddenly fell silent. The Emperor, with a swift and graceful gait, approached us, a meaningful smile on his face. "Empress, Commander Zhen, follow me. I have something important to discuss with you..."

Youcai and I exchanged glances, each with a foreboding feeling. Inside the magnificent hall, the atmosphere was bustling with activity, filled with the sounds of stringed instruments, singing and dancing. Youcai and I were surrounded by the crowd, receiving congratulations from all sides.

"Empress, you are truly as brave as any man! Thanks to you, the traitor's conspiracy was exposed!" An old minister raised his glass to toast, his words full of admiration.

"Yes, Commander Zhen is also wise and brave, and he has turned the tide. He is truly a pillar of the empire!" Another official echoed, looking at Youcai with eyes full of admiration.

Youcai and I exchanged a smile and raised our glasses in return. As we drank, I felt no smugness in my heart, but rather a clearer mind. While Youcai and I had earned the emperor's trust and the respect of the officials, this incident had also opened my eyes to the problems within the palace.

"Your Majesty," I put down my wine glass and turned to the emperor who was chatting and laughing with several ministers, "I have a favor to ask."

My voice wasn't loud, but it was enough to silence the hall. The Emperor turned to look at me, his eyes probing. "What's the matter, Queen? Feel free to speak."

I took a deep breath and said in a deep voice, "I believe this incident has exposed some oversights in palace management. To prevent such incidents from happening again, I implore Your Majesty to strengthen palace management, increase transparency, and put an end to all forms of favoritism and corruption!"

As soon as I finished speaking, a burst of discussion broke out in the hall. The emperor was silent for a moment, then asked, "What specific ideas does the queen have?"

I was well prepared, so I laid out the thoughts I'd been gathering over the past few days. I proposed establishing a more comprehensive supervisory mechanism, strengthening the management of palace personnel, regularly reviewing accounts, and eliminating corruption.

Some ministers agreed with my proposal, believing that it could effectively rectify the atmosphere in the palace, but some ministers looked hesitant, as if their interests were touched upon, and they whispered to each other.

The Emperor listened to my words and remained silent. I understand that any reform will affect the interests of some people, and it will not be easy to implement.

"Your Majesty," Youcai, who had been silent all this time, suddenly spoke up, "I also have something to report."

His voice was steady and powerful, his eyes were firm. I turned to look at him, and a premonition suddenly surged in my heart...

Everyone's eyes turned to Youcai. He remained upright, his expression composed, as if he didn't feel the immense pressure. I squeezed his hand, offering him silent encouragement.

"I believe that the safety of the palace is of paramount importance, and the Imperial Guards, as the last line of defense protecting the palace, are of undeniable importance." A talented voice echoed in the hall, resounding. "However, this incident also exposed the problems of the Imperial Guards' inadequate training and outdated equipment. I implore Your Majesty to increase investment in the Imperial Guards, improve training intensity, and update weaponry and equipment to ensure that they can better protect the palace and your Majesty!"

His words were sonorous and powerful, echoing through the hall for a long time. I noticed that some ministers who had originally opposed the idea began to nod in agreement. Indeed, strengthening the Imperial Guards is not only for the stability of imperial power, but also for the security of the entire country.

The emperor, upon hearing Youcai's words, smiled with satisfaction. "My dear minister, you are absolutely right. This is exactly what I was thinking." He glanced around and said firmly, "I have decided to strengthen palace management and the development of the imperial guards from today on! The suggestions put forward by the Empress and Commander Niu are both insightful. You two will be fully responsible and must ensure that they produce results!"

"Your Majesty, I obey your command!" Youcai and I answered in unison, our hearts filled with excitement and anticipation.

I know this isn't just the Emperor's trust; it's a heavy responsibility on our shoulders. Youcai and I exchanged glances, each one filled with determination. We will do our utmost to live up to the Emperor's trust and make this country even more prosperous!

Seeing our confidence, the Emperor laughed heartily, raised his glass, and said, "Today, let us toast together and celebrate..."

Before he could finish his words, he was interrupted by the sound of hurried footsteps coming from outside the hall...

The emperor ultimately failed to raise his glass in celebration. A young eunuch arrived, pale and tumbling before him, trembling as he reported, "Your Majesty, Concubine Feng... has passed away!"

These words, like a huge rock dropped into a calm lake, instantly stirred up a turbulent wave. The laughter and joy in the hall suddenly stopped, and everyone looked at each other, stunned by this sudden news.

I was stunned for a moment, subconsciously looking at Youcai, only to see that he was also frowning slightly, with a hint of doubt in his eyes. Although Concubine Feng was old, she had always been in good health. How could she suddenly...

The emperor had no time to celebrate and hurriedly left the table, leading everyone to Shou'an Palace. Youcai and I exchanged a glance and silently followed the procession.

A faint atmosphere of sadness permeated Shou'an Palace. Concubine Feng lay quietly on her bed, pale and lifeless. The imperial physicians knelt on the ground, shaking their heads and sighing, saying that she had died of old age.

The Emperor, with a mournful expression, personally covered Concubine Feng with a white cloth. I noticed that besides the sadness in his eyes, there seemed to be a subtle hint of relief. Perhaps the Emperor feared this once powerful Concubine more than he respected her.

News of Concubine Feng's death spread quickly throughout the palace. For a time, mourning music filled the air, and mourning clothes fluttered everywhere. Youcai and I were ordered to assist with the funeral arrangements, and we were kept busy for several days.

After the funeral of Concubine Feng was finally over, Youcai and I finally had the opportunity to take a walk in the Imperial Garden and enjoy this moment of tranquility.

"Youcai, you think Concubine Feng passed away so suddenly, would it be..." I hesitated to speak, feeling a little uneasy in my heart.

"Do you think there's something fishy going on?" Youcai spoke for me, his tone calm, yet with a barely perceptible chill. "Things in the palace are always complicated. Although Concubine Feng has fallen from power, she's been operating in the palace for many years and has many followers. There's no guarantee that someone won't..."

He didn't finish his words, but I understood what he meant. Concubine Feng's death might not be as simple as it seemed.

As we were talking, we heard the sound of footsteps not far away. Youcai and I stopped at the same time and turned to look.

Two eunuchs came out stealthily from behind the rockery, one of them was Eunuch Xu who was beside Concubine Feng.