The Rebirth of Li Fei: The Strongest Palace Fighting System

After hearing this, the emperor frowned slightly, as if thinking about something. He said slowly:

"The Fifth Prince's health is indeed worrying. However, this matter requires careful consideration. If the Fifth Prince is brought back to the palace, what should be done with the Fourth Prince? They are both of royal blood. I cannot favor one over the other, lest it cause unnecessary disputes."

Concubine Duan nodded gently, her eyes gleaming with understanding and respect:

"Your Majesty is so thoughtful, and I deeply admire you. I know this matter is of great importance and cannot be handled solely based on personal interests. I am willing to await your decision, and I believe you will make the most appropriate arrangements. However, I still have a glimmer of hope in my heart, hoping that the Fifth Prince can return to the palace soon and receive better care."

"I understand. I will discuss this matter with the Empress and the Queen as soon as possible."

Upon hearing this, Concubine Duan smiled with relief and bowed slightly.

The emperor smiled and nodded:

"Then I will be leaving first. There are still many matters to be dealt with in the court. Please make yourself at your leisure, my beloved concubine. If you need anything, you can always send someone to find me."

Concubine Duan smiled as she saw the emperor off. After his figure completely disappeared from her sight, she slowly turned around and whispered to the empty Yanqing Palace:

"I hope the Fifth Prince will recover soon, and I also hope the Emperor can make a decision soon, so that there will be more laughter and joy in the harem. I will be here, waiting silently, looking forward to that day."

......

"Your Majesty, look, the Emperor has agreed to let the princesses return to their own palaces to be raised by the Empress, but he hasn't made any clear statement regarding the Fourth and Fifth Princes."

I looked away, sighed softly, and looked at Xiaotao:

"Yes, this matter is indeed of great importance, and there are many aspects that need to be considered. Moreover, you and I both know the Emperor's attitude towards the Fourth Prince, and he will certainly consider this matter more carefully. We must not act hastily and can only patiently await the Emperor's decision."

Xiao Tao nodded slightly after hearing this. A trace of worry flashed across her eyes, but was quickly replaced by determination.

"Your Majesty is right. Xiao Tao understands. Then, young lady, please get some rest. Xiao Tao will leave now. After the nap, the wet nurse will take Princess Zhiqiu back to the main hall. Xiao Tao will come over then and play with the little princess together with Your Majesty."

I smiled and nodded:

"I guess you're going to look for something delicious again. Okay, go ahead then."

Xiaotao responded with a smile and quietly retreated. The sound of the door closing was like a gentle breeze, blowing through my heart.

......

The afternoon sun shines through the exquisite window lattices and onto the bluestone floor of my main hall, adding a touch of tenderness to this quiet time.

I woke up from a nap feeling refreshed. Just as I was enjoying the tranquility, Baoque walked in gently with her wet nurse. The Princess Zhiqiu in her arms seemed like the most moving color in spring.

Princess Zhiqiu's clear eyes sparkled with curiosity, her pink face wore an innocent smile, and there were two shallow dimples at the corners of her mouth, which looked very much like Xia Dongchun's pretty face, making people feel pity for her.

Her little hands waved around randomly, and occasionally she would grab a strand of hair and put it into her mouth curiously. Her childishness and innocence made the entire palace seem to be infected by this innocence and become lively.

I gently took her little hand out of her mouth, wiped it clean with a handkerchief, and teased her:

"Zhiqiu, you smile so sweetly, did you have a sweet dream?"

The princess seemed to understand what I said and started to giggle. Her laughter was clear and pleasant, like a mountain stream, which made people feel relaxed and happy.

Just as I was immersed in the happy time with Princess Zhiqiu, I suddenly remembered the embroidery matters I had asked Baojuan to do earlier, so I turned around and asked Baoque:

"Where's Baojuan? Why hasn't she come to report?"

"Your Majesty, Aunt Jianqiu from the Empress's household just came to visit unexpectedly. She said the Empress had something to ask Baojuan, and she took Baojuan away."

My heart tightened. The Queen summoned Baojuan at this time. Could it be... An ominous premonition arose spontaneously.

"Why didn't you notify me?"

There was a hint of urgency in my tone.

Seeing this, Baoque quickly explained:

"My lady, Princess Zhiqiu has just arrived. I thought the Queen might have some special instructions for the princess. Seeing that you were taking a deep nap, I didn't dare disturb you. I thought it was just an ordinary matter..."

I sighed softly and interrupted her:

"Bao Que, it's a good thing that you've been thoughtful, but this matter concerns the affairs of my palace. In the future, no matter how big or small, you must report this matter to me immediately. Do you understand?"

Bao Que lowered his head, his expression showing a bit of fear and understanding:

"Yes, my lady, I know I was wrong."

I waved my hand, signaling them to leave:

"Okay, I understand. You guys take Princess Zhiqiu down first. Remember to take good care of her."

Baoque and the wet nurse retreated immediately, and the palace returned to peace again. However, I found it difficult to calm the turmoil in my heart. What was the deep meaning behind the Queen's action?

......

"Xiao Tao, quickly take out the Flower Shadow Scroll and take a look at what's going on! I have a feeling this Queen's summons is something serious."

When Xiao Tao heard this, she immediately became nervous. She quickly walked to the cabinet in the corner of the hall and frantically searched for it, muttering:

"Yes, yes, Flower Shadow Axis, we have to quickly see what tricks the Queen is up to this time!"

Before she finished speaking, she had already pulled out the mysterious flower scroll from a pile of miscellaneous items and carefully held it in front of me.

I took the flower shadow scroll and slowly unfolded it. It was an exquisite scroll with various intricate patterns and symbols painted on it, and every stroke seemed to contain deep meaning.

Xiao Tao immediately moved closer to the scroll, her eyes wide open. Her expression was sometimes solemn, sometimes puzzled, as if she was also trying to decipher the secret behind this flower shadow scroll.

This time, the flower shadow scroll was presented to Shoukang Palace where the Empress Dowager lived.

......

Inside Shoukang Palace, the antique decorations reveal the accumulation of time, and the magnificent hall appears more solemn and warm in the afterglow of the setting sun.

Outside the window, the green bamboo swayed gently, as if quietly listening to the conversation inside.

Inside the hall, light gauze danced gracefully and fragrance lingered in the air. The Queen Mother sat on the upper seat, her face kind and majestic; the Emperor stood on one side with a deep gaze; the Queen stood beside the Queen Mother with a dignified demeanor.

The Queen Mother gently stroked the rosary in her hand and spoke slowly, with a subtle hint of sadness in her voice:

"The separation of a mother and her child is a painful experience for any mother, and I understand this deeply. Back then, when the Emperor was young, he was raised by Empress Xiaoyiren, and I rarely saw him. I missed him every day. Whenever the night was quiet, I couldn't fall asleep, my heart filled with longing."

When the emperor heard this, a hint of doubt flashed in his eyes, but he also said in a soft tone:

"That's why I want to change this situation. Let the princesses in Xiefang Palace return to their respective mothers' palaces and be raised by the mistress herself. This will not only strengthen the mother-daughter bond, but also allow the princesses to grow up healthily under the nourishment of maternal love. Isn't that the best of both worlds?"