The Rebirth of Li Fei: The Strongest Palace Fighting System

Ulanara's expression instantly became complicated and indecipherable. She clearly heard the hostility and provocation in my words, but she was a veteran of palace fighting after all, so she quickly adjusted her mood and tried to change the subject:

"Your Highness, the title is a minor matter and can be discussed later. I came here today because I have an important matter to report to you."

I gently stroked my sleeves and stared at her sharply, as if trying to see through her thoughts:

"Oh? Something important? Sister, why don't you tell me about it?"

Ulanara took a deep breath, as if trying to organize her words. After a moment, she slowly spoke:

"Thinking back to the past, when Imperial Concubine Li was still a selected concubine, she once lived in the Zhen family, and together with the deposed Concubine Zhen Huan, she was taught by Aunt Fangruo. Does your Majesty remember that time?"

When I heard this, my eyes flickered slightly, and I nodded slightly, with a somewhat indifferent tone:

"Of course I remember. Although that period was short, it left many memories. I just don't know why Sister Xiufei suddenly brought this up."

Ulanara smiled slightly, as if she had anticipated my reaction:

"Followed by this, a few days later, another imperial edict arrived, stating that Bi Ying was actually the second daughter of the Zhen family and should enter the palace as a concubine. This caused quite a stir at the time. After all, when Bi Ying was in the mansion, she had always been Zhen Huan's personal maid. Now she has suddenly become the second daughter of the Zhen family and entered the palace as a concubine. Doesn't your Majesty find this quite strange?"

At this time, Xiao Tao said in my ear:

"Your Majesty, this Ulanara clan still thinks we are all unaware. All this is just her subtle tricks in front of the Emperor."

I smiled lightly, pretending not to know what was going on.

"Strange? Everything in this world often has its cause and effect. Aunt Fangruo is extremely observant and must have long noticed that Bi Da Ying was unusual, and then discovered her true life story. The common people are not like the palace, and it is not uncommon for concubines to become maids. However, the twists and turns and secrets involved are probably only known to those involved."

I pretended to be shocked, but I was already quickly thinking of a countermeasure in my mind. I slowly said:

"Han? So what if they're Han? The Emperor has always advocated for the unity of the Manchus and the Han. My own An family is of Han descent, as are Zhen Huan's family. Even Consort Hua Nian of the Yikun Palace and Consort Hui Shen of the Suiyuxuan are Han... There are so many Han concubines in this palace. If we show any bias because of this, wouldn't that be unfair?"

Seeing that I didn't panic as she expected, Ulanara's eyes flashed with a subtle surprise, but she quickly adjusted her mood and continued:

"Han Chinese identity is naturally not a problem, but the key point is that Bi Ying's biological mother, He Mianmian, is actually the daughter of a criminal!"

I pretended to be shocked and raised my voice a bit:

"Are you serious? Marrying the daughter of a criminal is a serious crime. Once proven, it's not impossible that the family will be confiscated and exterminated!"

As I spoke, I paid attention to Ulanara's expression. I saw a barely perceptible sneer on the corner of her mouth, and she seemed quite satisfied with my reaction.

Ulanara's expression was solemn, and she said in a firm tone:

"It is absolutely true. The Zhen family secretly married a Han Chinese woman and gave birth to a daughter who was sent to the palace as a concubine. This is undoubtedly a crime of deceiving the emperor. Although I no longer care about the affairs of the six palaces, since this matter has been discovered by me, and the affairs of the six palaces are now under the jurisdiction of the Royal Concubine Li, Your Majesty cannot sit idly by."

I gently stroked the teacup in my hand, my eyes deep, and slowly spoke:

"Sister, you are wrong. Since you discovered this, you should report it to the Emperor. If I intervene rashly, I'm afraid I won't be able to explain myself clearly."

Ulanara smiled slightly, but a subtle cunning glint flashed in her eyes:

"Your Highness, Concubine Li, is mistaken. I am only a concubine now, while Your Highness is the Vice-Empress and has the Emperor's trust. Only by having Your Highness handle this matter personally can it demonstrate the Emperor's importance. Furthermore, Your Highness is in charge of the six palaces. If you don't handle this matter personally, I'm afraid it will be difficult to convince the public."

At this time, Xiao Tao whispered in my ear:

"Your Majesty, you see how cunning this Ulanara is. She knows that if this matter is verified, Zhen Huan's return to the palace will be thwarted, and the Emperor will be caught in a dilemma. Ulanara doesn't want to offend the Emperor, so she lets you go."

I nodded slightly, with a look of deep thought and determination in my eyes, and said to Ulanara:

"Since you discovered this matter, you must be more familiar with the details. Even if I report it, the Emperor will certainly investigate it in detail and summon you for detailed questioning. If I do, it would seem like I'm being overly detailed, so it would be better if you go in person."

When Ulanara heard this, a hint of subtle surprise flashed across her eyes, as if she had not expected me to say so. But she quickly regained her composure and said with a smile:

"Your Majesty, you are mistaken. Since this matter concerns the peace of the six palaces, I am naturally willing to accompany you. This way, I can show my seriousness in this matter and demonstrate my respect and support for you in front of the Emperor."

I smiled softly, already having a plan in mind. Since Ulanara insisted on going along, then it was fine.

I nodded and said, "Okay, since my sister insists so much, let's go now."

So the two of us left the Yanx Palace and walked along the bluestone road towards the Emperor's Yangxin Palace.

I am well aware of Ulanara's plan. She simply wants to kill someone with a borrowed knife and make me the one who reports the matter of Huanbi to the emperor, so as to prevent Zhen Huan from returning to the palace. At the same time, she can make the emperor feel annoyed with me, and she can reap the benefits from it.

However, regarding the matter of Huanbi mentioned by Ulanara, I actually already had a plan in mind.

This was something I had hoped to exploit, but I hadn't anticipated the coincidence with the Ulanara clan. I knew this path was dangerous, but I had to take it. Zhen Huan's return to the palace was imminent, and if I didn't intervene soon, I'm afraid it would become even more difficult later.

My gaze was resolute, my steps steady, a calculation already in mind. Although I didn't want to associate with the Ulanara clan, within the palace, for the sake of self-preservation and my family, I sometimes had to make compromises. I secretly warned myself that I must be careful in my approach, preventing Zhen Huan from returning to the palace while also not letting the Emperor resent me.

Ulanara walked beside me, seemingly observing my expression. I knew what she was thinking, but she didn't let it show. We each had our own thoughts, but we tacitly agreed not to speak. We simply walked silently towards the Hall of Mental Cultivation.

Along the way, I kept thinking about how to respond to the emperor's questions and how to cleverly use the matter of Huanbi to prevent Zhen Huan from returning to the palace without hurting myself. I knew that this was a gamble that concerned my fate, but I had no way out and could only go on.