The Rebirth of Li Fei: The Strongest Palace Fighting System

Upon hearing this, the Emperor said angrily:

"Is there such a thing?!"

I quickly knelt down to apologize, my tone filled with fear and self-blame:

"Your Majesty, please forgive me. I brought Concubine Xiu here without fully verifying the facts. However, I feel that this matter is of great importance and I dare not make a decision on my own. I need Your Majesty to make the decision personally."

The emperor turned around and glared at Ulanara with suspicion and annoyance, his tone tinged with reproach:

"Since you've already suspected this, why didn't you investigate when this group of concubines first entered the palace? Why wait until now?"

Ulanara's expression changed slightly, and she hurriedly explained:

"Your Majesty, it's not easy to investigate this matter. Moreover, Bi Ying's biological mother, He Mianmian, is a Baiyi from Yunnan. It took me a lot of effort to find out the truth after traveling thousands of miles."

The emperor sneered, clearly not buying Ulanara's explanation:

"Back then you were the queen, in charge of the harem, but you didn't investigate. Now that you're a concubine, you're actually concerned about the harem. Humph!"

After saying this, the emperor waved his hand:

"Su Peisheng!"

"The slave is here."

"Go, call Bi Ying here, I want to ask her in person!"

"Whoo."

I knelt on the ground, secretly calculating how to deal with the next situation. I knew that this storm had already swept in and could no longer be avoided. But I believed that as long as I handled it carefully, I could protect myself in this court struggle.

......

After a long time, Huanbi was wearing a light green palace dress with her skirt fluttering and a few simple jade hairpins inserted in her hair. She looked fresh and refined, but it was difficult to hide the tenacity and stubbornness between her brows.

She entered the Yangxin Palace and respectfully bowed to the Emperor, greeting him:

"Your Majesty, long live the emperor."

Then she turned to me and Ulanara, bowed and greeted us, but there was a lack of warmth in her eyes, and she just glanced at me and Ulanara coldly.

The emperor sat upright on the dragon throne, his eyes sharp as torches, examining Huanbi below, and asked what was going on with He Mianmian.

I was terrified the entire time, my palms sweating uncontrollably. I knew that if this were to be exposed, not only would Huanbi be doomed, but the Zhen family would also be implicated.

I secretly glanced at Ulanara and saw that her face was solemn, as if she was also waiting for Huanbi's answer.

However, to my surprise, Huanbi's expression was unusually calm. She replied calmly:

"Your Majesty, I don't know He Mianmian."

Huanbi's answer made the emperor frown slightly. He was obviously skeptical of Huanbi's answer.

Although I was also filled with doubts, I was even more impressed by Huanbi's admiration. In such a tense situation, she was able to respond so calmly. This determination and wisdom are truly impressive.

"do not know?"

The atmosphere within the Hall of Mental Cultivation suddenly grew extremely tense. Ulanara's words, like a sharp blade, pierced Huanbi's heart, forcing her to confront the secret she had hidden for years. Her tightly pursed lips trembled slightly, and a complex emotion flickered in her eyes, as if she was weighing the pros and cons, struggling with whether to uncover that long-buried scar.

"He Mianmian, a Baiyi from Yunnan, is this name really so unfamiliar to you?"

Ulanara pressed forward step by step, and every word she said was like a carefully selected arrow, accurately shooting at the soft spot in Huanbi's heart.

"As the second daughter of the Zhen family, you are willing to serve as a maid in the Zhen residence. Is this forbearance and sacrifice simply due to selfless dedication to the family? Or is there an unspeakable hidden secret behind this?"

Huanbi unconsciously clasped her hands together, her fingertips turning slightly white with nervousness. She looked up at the emperor, her clear eyes filled with both fear of the unknown and a firm adherence to dignity.

"My biological mother...is definitely not He Mianmian."

Her voice was soft but firm.

"But regarding her identity and why I appeared in the Zhen Mansion, this is indeed my family matter. I did not intend to conceal it, but this matter concerns the reputation and safety of too many people, so I have to be cautious."

Upon hearing this, the emperor frowned and his eyes became as deep as a pool, as if he could see into people's hearts.

"If, as Concubine Xiu said, your father Zhen Yuandao had an affair with the daughter of a criminal, this is not only a violation of personal morality, but also a violation of national law. If it is confirmed, the consequences will be unimaginable."

There was a subtle worry in the emperor's tone. Obviously, his attitude towards the Zhen family was much more complicated than it appeared. Of course, this was not for Huanbi, nor was it just for the Zhen family, but for Zhen Huan who was far away in Lingyun Peak.

"But I remember Zhen Yuandao's past contributions. You must understand that being honest with me is the best protection for yourself and your father."

Huanbi's eyes welled up slightly when she heard the Emperor mention Zhen Huan and her father. She knew that her every move could be the key to determining her family's fate. She took a deep breath, trying to calm her inner turmoil, and slowly spoke:

"I did hear that my father was unwell, and I am deeply concerned. If the Emperor can forgive the Zhen family and allow my father to enjoy his old age in peace, I am willing to bear all consequences. I only pray that my family is safe."

Upon seeing this, the emperor's eyes revealed a subtle tenderness:

"I have sent people to Ningguta to welcome Zhen Yuandao and his family, and have also sent an imperial physician to treat them. As for the Zhen family's grievances, I am also initiating a retrial. You must understand that the laws of this country are strict and no one can override them. If the charges are proven true, I will not be able to protect the Zhen family. Therefore, you must not conceal it."

These words are both a promise from the Emperor and a test for Huanbi. He knows that Huanbi's decision not only concerns her personal honor and disgrace, but also involves the fate of the entire Zhen family.

Huanbi lowered her head and said in a soft but firm voice:

"My biological mother was actually a servant of the Zhen family. Her name was Yin'er."

"Yin'er?!"

As soon as I heard this, I froze, a wave of disbelief and shock welling up inside me. The oleander spirit had clearly told me that Huanbi's biological mother was He Mianmian, but I hadn't expected Huanbi to utter the name "Yin'er" at this moment. Surprised, I couldn't help but wonder what Huanbi's intention was.

The Emperor had obviously noticed my anomaly. He tilted his head slightly, his eyes filled with inquiry and probing, hoping I would say something that would help the Zhen family. He slowly asked:

"Why, Concubine Li knows this person?"

I took a deep breath, tried to calm my inner turmoil, and replied respectfully:

"I...I do know this person. When I was a newly promoted concubine, I once lived in the Zhen family as an apprentice, sharing a roof with the Zhen sisters. Naturally, I have seen this person, Ying'er. But at that time, I thought she was just an ordinary servant in the Zhen family. How...how could she be Bi Ying's biological mother?"