The Rebirth of Li Fei: The Strongest Palace Fighting System

Xiao Tao's eyes lit up when she heard this, and she playfully stuck out her tongue. Then she scurried off to the inner room, and soon returned with an exquisite scroll in her hands, her face brimming with excitement.

"My lady, Xiaotao will unfold it for you right away."

......

In the afternoon, the sun lazily sprinkled on the bluestone slabs of Yanqing Hall. Outside the hall, several old plum trees were sprouting new green leaves, which contrasted beautifully with the mottled red walls. However, the hall seemed exceptionally quiet, with only the occasional sound of one or two wind chimes adding a bit of loneliness.

The Emperor walked briskly into the Yanqing Palace. Noble Concubine Duan, dressed in elegant palace attire, slowly stood up and saluted:

"May the Emperor be blessed with good health. How could the Emperor come so suddenly without anyone notifying us in advance? I apologize for failing to welcome you."

The Emperor smiled warmly, took a few steps forward, and personally helped Concubine Duan up:

"Get up, get up. Didn't I tell you not to be polite? How's your health lately?"

"My body is just like the Yanqing Palace. It's the same as always, calm as water, lacking some vitality."

The emperor looked around, frowning slightly:

"Yes, it's cold and deserted here. If it were more lively, I'm sure your health would be much better. The weather is getting warmer, so you might as well go out for a walk and interact more with the young concubines, such as Concubine Wan and Concubine Chun. Young people will always bring you a youthful atmosphere, and maybe they can also make you feel more cheerful."

"Looking at those young concubines, I feel both envy and pity."

"how you said that?"

Concubine Duan smiled gently, with a hint of sadness and indifference in her smile. She slowly spoke:

"Your Majesty, you may not know this, but these past few days I've watched the young concubines in the palace blossom like flowers, full of life, and this has filled me with endless emotion. Especially the newly promoted concubines, each with a graceful figure and a delicate face, like the most gorgeous flowers in spring. I recall that when I was young, I also had such a time, but now time is unforgiving, and I can no longer give birth to new life. I can't help but feel a little regretful, so I envy them very much."

Concubine Duan coughed twice, gently covered her mouth with a handkerchief, and then continued:

"But those young concubines, I see those young mothers, although they gave birth to princes and princesses, but due to the limitations of palace rules, they are unable to raise them personally, and my heart is really sad. Children left behind at a young age is not only a regret for the mother, but also a great loss in the child's growth process. I think if there is a chance, how wonderful it would be to let these mothers spend more time with their children. Therefore, I also feel pity."

There was a hint of helplessness in the emperor's eyes:

"Noble Consort Duan, I've been quite troubled by this matter lately. After Bi Chang gave birth to Princess Lu Yin, I worried that due to her low status, I wouldn't be able to provide adequate care for her, so I asked Consort Li to raise her at Sui Yu Xuan. Unexpectedly, this move triggered a chain reaction among the other concubines. Noble Consort Xia, Noble Consort Xin, and others came to me and cried, describing the pain of separation from their child. I felt deeply moved when I heard them."

Concubine Duan's eyes revealed deep thought:

"I have also heard of the emperor's concerns. I believe that while palace rules are the cornerstone of maintaining order in the harem, they must also conform to the laws of nature and human nature. Princess Luyin's case has opened a window, giving everyone a glimpse of hope. If it were suddenly closed at this time, I am afraid it would cause panic among the people and add to the unrest in the harem. Therefore, I dare to suggest that Princess Zhiqiu, Princess Baji, and others be allowed to return to their mothers and be raised by the mistress. This would firstly alleviate the concubines' longing for their children, and secondly, it would demonstrate the emperor's compassion for the people and his benevolent heart that complies with the will of heaven. Furthermore, with the precedent set by Princess Luyin, the other palaces will have little reason to say anything. This way, we can both uphold the dignity of palace rules and take into account the warmth of human nature. Why not do it?"

The emperor nodded slightly, but seemed to have some concerns:

"My beloved concubine, you are absolutely right. I also think this plan is brilliant. However, matters in the harem are always interconnected. While this move can solve the immediate problem, it may also trigger many subsequent disputes. I need to carefully consider how to meet the wishes of the concubines without violating palace rules."

Concubine Duan gently stroked the exquisite tea set in her hand, her eyes revealing an indescribable tenderness and worry. She spoke slowly, with a hint of sadness in her voice:

"Your Majesty is wise, but there's something I can't quite let go of. Besides the two princesses who enjoy the royal family's protection in Xiefang Palace, I'm also constantly concerned about the two lonely young princes outside the palace. Far from the palace, far from their biological mother, their daily ups and downs, their every detail, I'm afraid as their parents, we can't possibly keep up with. Whenever the night is quiet, I think of them, and my heart aches like a knife."

"Are you talking about the Fourth and Fifth Princes? Their mothers died when they were young. Even if they were brought into the palace, they would lack the care of their biological mothers. Their situations are indeed different from those of Princess Zhiqiu, Princess Luyin, and Princess Baji."

Concubine Duan nodded gently, with a maternal light in her eyes:

"Your Majesty is absolutely right. But I think that even without their biological mothers, children still need a warm home and the care of their elders. The princesses of Xiefang Palace, although not with their biological mothers, are at least under the protection of the palace and have a worry-free life. But the lives of the two young princes raised outside the palace are full of unknowns and variables, and the situation in the palace is unpredictable."

The Emperor sighed softly, his eyes revealing determination and resolve:

"I understand your concerns, my beloved concubine. However, this matter requires caution. We must consider both the children's feelings and the stability of the harem."

Upon hearing this, Concubine Duan showed a relieved smile on her face:

"Your Majesty is wise, and this comforts me deeply. I believe that there are many concubines in the palace who do not have children, and they will surely be willing to provide a warm home for these two children. This way, the children can receive maternal love and have a stable living environment. And those concubines without children can also find spiritual sustenance, and the harem will be more harmonious and warm."

The Emperor leaned forward slightly, looking at Concubine Duan with a hint of tentativeness and tenderness in his eyes, and spoke slowly:

"When I saw you mention the Fifth Prince, your eyes were filled with concern. Could it be that you are determined to raise him yourself?"

Upon hearing this, Concubine Duan's eyes flashed with a hint of surprise, which then turned into deep worry and anticipation. She spoke softly, her voice filled with maternal tenderness:

"Your Majesty is truly perceptive. I truly miss the Fifth Prince. Although Yanqing Palace is large, it often seems deserted. It would be wonderful to see a child playing here. Moreover, the Fifth Prince has been frail and sickly since childhood. I know very well that the skills of doctors outside the palace are limited, and how can they compare to the expertise of the imperial physicians within? Due to my health, my Yanqing Palace is often visited by imperial physicians. If the Fifth Prince could be placed here, it would be convenient for the imperial physicians to provide care at all times, which would definitely aid his recovery."