The Rebirth of Li Fei: The Strongest Palace Fighting System

"But hasn't Jianqiu always been loyal to the Queen? How could she have such thoughts?"

Xiaotao explained:

"Your Majesty, this is exactly the dilemma Jianqiu is struggling with. She doesn't want to offend the Queen and lose her current status and support; yet, she also wants to be the Queen and enjoy the honor and power that comes with it. This conflicting mentality is causing her to waver."

"It seems like we need to make good use of Jianqiu."

Just as Xiaotao and I were discussing how to use Jianqiu, Baoque pushed the door open and announced:

"My Lady, Consort Qiu is asking for an audience."

I couldn't help but laugh inwardly when I heard that. Speak of the devil. I ordered:

"Let her in."

......

"May the Royal Concubine Oriole be well and at peace."

"Get up. Why is Qiu Changzai here?"

"I am guilty."

"What's the crime?"

Jianqiu slowly opened the paper bag in her hand, revealing three snacks inside.

"Your Majesty, you may not know that these three snacks were secretly given to the Fourth Prince, Princess Zhiqiu, and Prince Hongying by the Empress. They are poisonous!"

I was shocked when I heard this, and looking at the bag of poisonous snacks in Jianqiu's hand, I felt mixed emotions.

I know very well that this is not only a matter of life and death for Jianqiu, but also the key to whether I can take this opportunity to further weaken the Queen's power.

I pretended to be calm and asked:

"Jianqiu, why don't you just tell the emperor about this?"

Jianqiu replied with a trembling voice:

"Your Majesty, I dare not! You know the Queen's methods. If I act rashly, I am afraid that my family will be implicated."

At this time, Xiao Tao gently pulled my sleeve and whispered:

"Your Majesty, the Oleander System has given you another mission - arrange for Jianqiu and Xiuxia to leave the palace and live out their days in peace. The reward is 13% of your favor index."

I sighed, my eyes revealing sympathy and determination for Jianqiu, and slowly said:

"If this matter is truly revealed, the Queen will definitely not let you off easily. But you don't need to panic too much. I will let the Emperor make the decision for you."

When Jianqiu heard this, her face turned pale instantly, and her eyes were filled with fear:

"Then the Emperor will surely beat me to death! Please, Your Majesty, save me!"

I patted Jianqiu's shoulder gently and comforted her:

"Admitting one's mistakes and being able to correct them is the greatest virtue. I will do my best to ask the Emperor to forgive you, but I can't guarantee anything about the Empress. After all, you are well aware of her methods."

Jianqiu was extremely helpless at this moment. She said in a trembling voice:

"Your Majesty, I truly know I was wrong. As long as I can save my life, I'll do anything! It's up to you, Your Majesty!"

I nodded, already having a plan in mind:

"Do you really want to stay in the palace? Even though you know it's full of dangers and fights?"

Jianqiu nodded firmly:

"As long as I can survive, anything is fine!"

I took a deep breath and stood up:

"Okay, then let's go to the Yangxin Palace. I will do my best to give you a chance to survive."

As I said that, I motioned Jianqiu to follow me and took her to the Yangxin Palace.

On the way, I was silently thinking about how to talk to the emperor, how to cleverly use this matter to attack the queen, and at the same time save Jianqiu's life.

......

Inside the Yangxin Palace, candlelight flickered, and a solemn atmosphere permeated the magnificent palace. Atop the dragon throne, the emperor's face was filled with rage, and his voice shook every inch of the palace:

"How dare you! How dare you plot to murder my Dragonborn! When Ran Dong went to the cold palace to visit Concubine Nian, I gave her some face because she was the Empress and didn't investigate further. But she went even further and committed such a heinous act! How can I tolerate such evil deeds?"

Jianqiu's body trembled, and she crawled forward on her knees, tears streaming down her face. Her voice was filled with determination and loyalty:

"Your Majesty, I know I was raised by the Empress. I will always be a servant, once a servant, and I will always remember this. If this matter did not concern the safety of the country and the continuation of the dragon vein, I would never betray the Empress even if I died. I hope Your Majesty will consider my sincerity and see through this!"

I took a few steps forward, my steps gentle but firm, pleading for Jianqiu:

"Your Majesty, Jianqiu's actions are understandable. While in Yanxi Palace, she has always been self-disciplined and respectful, never transgressing the rules in the slightest. Every day she is extremely cautious, treading on thin ice. I, your concubine, would dare to suggest that Jianqiu be given a chance to redeem herself."

The emperor's brows revealed unquestionable majesty, and his eyes were as sharp as torches:

"Although I was ordered to do what happened to Jian Qiu, I cannot escape responsibility. If I let him off so easily, how can I maintain my authority within the harem? Wouldn't it make everyone think that my accomplices don't have to pay the price?"

I took a few steps forward, my tone gentle and wise:

"Your Majesty, if you want to quell the gossip in the harem, there is a way. Jianqiu and Xiuxia are both former palace maids. According to palace tradition, they can leave the palace upon reaching the age of twenty-five. Furthermore, I have heard that they have not received Your Majesty's favor. Why not go with the flow and grant them freedom, allowing them to find good partners and live out their lives in peace?"

The emperor's eyes turned slightly, as if he was weighing the pros and cons. After a moment, he slowly spoke:

"This plan of Concubine Oriole is brilliant, but I'm afraid it will be difficult to convince the public."

"Your Majesty, I have a plan that will achieve the best of both worlds. Inside the palace, we can announce that the two have violated palace rules and have been expelled, serving as a warning to everyone. Outside the palace, we can secretly arrange for them to stay away from trouble and start a new life. This way, we can both uphold palace rules and demonstrate Your Majesty's kindness."

A hint of approval flashed in the emperor's eyes, and he nodded slightly:

"This is a good plan, but we need to be cautious in implementing it."

I bowed and said with a firm tone:

"Your Majesty, rest assured. I will carefully plan and ensure that nothing goes wrong. Furthermore, I would like to suggest that to prevent similar incidents from happening again, we should strengthen the study of palace rules and regulations, so that every maid and eunuch understands that no matter how small the matter is, every action affects the reputation of the royal family."

Upon hearing this, the emperor showed a satisfied smile on his face:

"Not only is Imperial Concubine Oriole kindhearted, she also possesses the talent to govern the harem. This is a matter of great comfort to me. I will leave this matter in your hands. You must be fair and strict, yet merciful."

I saluted again, with gratitude in my voice:

"Thank you for your trust, Your Majesty. I will live up to your trust and do my best to ensure the peace of the harem."

The emperor's eyes were deep, and his tone was filled with unquestionable determination:

"You will handle the affairs of Jianqiu and Xiuxia properly. As for the Queen—I will personally make the decision tomorrow as a punishment."

"Yes, Your Majesty."

When Jianqiu heard this, tears flashed in her eyes and her voice choked:

"Thank you, Your Majesty, for your great grace, and thank you, Noble Concubine Li, for your compassion. Although I am of humble origin, I will always remember the great grace of Your Majesty, and the grace of Your Majesty in giving me a new life. I will never forget it."

I nodded slightly, indicating that Jianqiu didn't need to be so polite.