The Rebirth of Li Fei: The Strongest Palace Fighting System

I looked at the two gifts placed on the table.

One is the "Golden Lotus Bracelet of Fortune and Longevity" from the Queen. It is shaped like a lotus and inlaid with gems symbolizing fortune and longevity. The overall design is simple yet luxurious.

The other piece is the "Long-lasting Good Luck Chain Jade Bracelet" from Concubine Hua. The bracelet is made up of multiple jade rings connected together, and the rings are engraved with delicate patterns, symbolizing continuous good luck.

The two rewards are like two invisible mountains, weighing on my heart.

If I wear Hua Fei's bracelet, it means that I will enter her camp and enjoy the protection brought by her power, but at the same time, I will also put myself in the limelight.

Her power is like a raging fire, hot and dazzling, but also full of dangers, forcing people to be cautious and take every step carefully.

The Queen's gift, however, offered a completely different option. Choosing it would mean embarking on a more complex path, where I would have to navigate the Queen's scheming and subtle calculations to find a way to survive. My fate remained the same as in my previous life.

At this moment, I feel like I am standing at a crossroads, in a dilemma.

Recalling my encounter with Zhen Huan at Bitong Academy just now, every detail about her was like a sharp blade, quietly leaving a mark in my heart.

Her expression was indifferent with a hint of unpleasantness that was barely perceptible.

And the memory of the floating brocade replayed itself like yesterday. In a previous life, she had so casually gifted that precious floating brocade to a servant. That nonchalantness, that disdain for the powerful, left me deeply shocked and angry.

And soon, Zhen Huan will be my enemy again...

I calmed myself down and started my planning.

In the near future, a three-way balance of power will form in the palace, with Zhen Huan, the Queen and Hua Fei each occupying one side.

Therefore, I need to conduct an in-depth and detailed analysis of the pros and cons of these three major forces.

Zhen Huan, deeply favored by the Emperor because of her "Wan Wan-like" demeanor, each return of her favor casts a shadow over the sun, darkening my future. Though she now professes to be my sister, true love is as thin as paper in this harem, and self-interest reigns supreme. In the near future, our mutual interests will turn us into enemies; this is our inevitable fate.

What's more, I already knew that Zhen Huan would one day ascend to the throne of the Empress Dowager, holding the power of the harem and even the entire empire. As for me, I want to be promoted to the position of concubine before her, and I have to raise the Fourth Prince, so I cannot join her in this journey.

The Empress, though firmly seated at the throne of the Central Consort, was treacherous, ruthless, and deeply scheming. In my previous life, I had blindly followed her, believing it would grant me protection and advancement, but I ultimately became nothing more than a pawn in her hands, a stepping stone to be sacrificed at any moment.

I clearly remember that after each night with the Empress, she would force me to take the disgusting contraceptive pills. Her fear and suppression of my fertility chilled me to the bone. Those who had followed her, like Concubine Qi and Concubine Hua, also met with disastrous fates.

So I will never make the same mistake again.

Hua Fei was arrogant and domineering. She relied on the emperor's special favor for her and her brother Nian Gengyao's power in the court to become extremely powerful for a time.

However, I also know that this favor is not indestructible. It is based on Nian Gengyao's power. Once Nian Gengyao loses power, Hua Fei's glory will be like a passing cloud, fleeting. But in the current situation, Nian Gengyao still sits firmly in the court, and Hua Fei's power cannot be underestimated.

Looking back at her previous life, Concubine Cao, under the protection of Concubine Hua, was able to safely give birth to a daughter and raise her personally. Had she not been punished for her betrayal, her life might have remained peaceful. Concubine Li and Yu Ying'er were also once followers of Concubine Hua. Although Concubine Li was timid and Yu Ying'er brought disaster upon herself, they did receive a degree of protection during their time with Concubine Hua. Furthermore, I've heard that Concubine Hua is quite generous to her own people.

Only that Huan Yi Xiang...

After thinking about it, I put on the "Long-lasting Blessings Chain Jade Bracelet" and called Baojuan.

......

In the Old Summer Palace, there is a place called "Jiajing Mingzhong Pavilion".

The beauty of its scenery is truly a treasure in the garden. Due to its remote location, few people visit it on weekdays, which adds a bit of tranquility and peace.

The Mirror Bell Pavilion is built on the bank of a rippling lake and is surrounded by lush green trees, as if it is a painting carefully arranged by nature.

At this moment, I am sitting alone in this mirror-shaped bell pavilion, intoxicated by the beautiful scenery before my eyes, with a peaceful and serene heart.

However, this tranquility did not last long, and I vaguely heard a burst of footsteps coming from not far away, breaking the silence around me.

"May the Concubine Hua be blessed with peace and prosperity."

I know that the person coming here at this time is Concubine Hua.

"Get up. You asked your personal maid Baojuan to invite me to such a remote place. What's the matter?"

"I just want to find a quiet place to talk to you alone."

Upon hearing this, Concubine Hua raised her eyebrows slightly, and her eyes inadvertently fell on my wrist.

The long, linked jade bracelet shone with a warm luster in the sunlight.

A hint of amusement flashed in Hua Fei's eyes, and she chuckled:

"It seems that you have thought it through?"

This bracelet is undoubtedly a statement of my position.

"I...just hope to find some peace under the protection of your majesty."

I carefully considered my words, trying to sound sincere yet appropriate.

"But, I have another concern."

"Oh?" Hua Fei raised her eyebrows.

"I believe that the fact that Concubine Cao and Concubine Li are loyal to the Empress is a secret known to everyone in the palace. Because of this, their every move is closely watched, as if they have been invisibly classified as part of a faction, forcing people to be on guard. This situation may also bring some unnecessary trouble and obstacles."

Upon hearing this, Concubine Hua nodded slightly, a flicker of admiration in her eyes. She seemed to have not expected that I would be so perceptive, and a hint of surprise flashed in her eyes.

“Would you like to do something?”

"I dare to suggest otherwise. Your Majesty knows my feelings, and I am also fully aware of your appreciation for me. We do not need to be constantly by each other's side, lest we arouse others' vigilance and suspicion. If we truly have something important to discuss, we can choose another place, meet in secret, to ensure that the news is not leaked."

When Concubine Hua heard this, a smile appeared on her lips, as if she had listened to what I said.

......

There are two considerations behind my proposal.

First, the rise and fall of power in the harem is as unpredictable as the tides. If Nian Gengyao were to fall, those close to him would inevitably be implicated. If I were to become too close to Concubine Hua now, I'd probably become the object of everyone's fear and ostracism, just like Concubine Cao once was.

Secondly, he seldom went to Concubine Hua's palace in order to avoid the fragrance of Huan Yi Xiang in her palace.