After killing four concubines, the queen was sentenced to death and reborn

The Queen Mother's expression froze when she heard this, and a complex emotion flashed in her eyes that had experienced many vicissitudes of life. She was silent for a long time, and the air around her seemed to have frozen. Only the occasional sound of wind from the window gently blew through the heavy palace, bringing a subtle coolness.

“Whether it’s worth it or not, to me, it has long turned into a touch of cinnabar in my heart, bright red and deep. I have never forgotten the responsibility I shoulder. It is not only the face of the royal family, but also the peace and future of the country.” The Queen Mother’s words were low and powerful, and every word seemed to flow slowly from the bottom of her heart.

Zheng Xiyan lowered her head, a hint of bitterness flashed in her eyes. She opened her red lips and spoke softly but firmly: "I know your mother's painstaking efforts, but my heart is as deep as the autumn sky. I only want the warmth of knowing and staying together. I don't want to repeat my mother's mistakes. There is an insurmountable gap between me and Your Majesty, and I don't want to gradually lose myself in this deep palace."

The queen mother sneered even more, and in her laughter there was both helplessness about the past and confusion about the person in front of her: "Are you mocking my past foolishness? Although my path is full of thorns, it is my own choice and I have no regrets. And you, you are the queen and your son is the crown prince, who can threaten you? It doesn't matter who the emperor favors or not, it has nothing to do with you. You probably hope that Ji'er will succeed to the throne as soon as possible so that you can sit on the position of queen mother."

Upon hearing this, Zheng Xiyan slowly knelt down in front of the Queen Mother, clenched her hands into fists, and her voice trembled a little: "My mother, please understand. The world can bear witness to my heart. I am not afraid of losing power or status. I just don't want to drift away from Your Majesty, and I don't want this relationship to change beyond recognition. I hope you will understand."

The Queen Mother stared at Zheng Xiyan. Her eyes, which had once been as sharp as an eagle, now became unusually gentle.

Zheng Xiyan's face was filled with unspeakable grievance and helplessness, her eyes were slightly red, like a delicate flower in the morning dew, lovable. "Mother, you are as clear as a mirror. Since you have seen everything, why do you have to embarrass me like this? I can only hope to make your majesty happy for a moment. Time is ruthless, and beauty fades easily. By then, will your majesty's love for you still be as passionate as when we first met?"

The Queen Mother's face remained calm when she heard this. She seemed to see the days when she walked side by side with the late emperor when she was young. Perhaps, she was really wrong. If the Queen Mother could be like her, perhaps there would not be so many regrets between her and the late emperor.

Zheng Xiyan stared at her. The Queen Mother opened her red lips slightly and spoke in a low and long voice, "I understand what you mean."

"Mother!" Zheng Xiyan called out anxiously, full of concern and confusion.

The Queen Mother waved her jade hand gently, her tone carrying unquestionable majesty, "Let me think about it carefully, you can leave now."

"Yes, your son obeys your command. I'll take my leave." Zheng Xiyan bowed and slowly left the main hall.

When the Queen Mother and Nanny Yu were the only ones left in the hall, the Queen Mother slowly turned to her, a trace of confusion in her eyes, "Ai, am I really wrong?" It seemed as if she was asking herself, but also seemed to be asking someone else.

Nanny Yu approached gently, speaking softly, like a spring breeze, "Your Majesty, please don't blame yourself too much. What the Empress said does make sense, and it is out of consideration for the overall situation."

The Queen Mother smiled bitterly, and that smile hid endless helplessness. "If I had been as open-minded and far-sighted as her, I'm afraid many regrets could have been avoided."

"Your Majesty, what you said is wrong. The late emperor still had feelings for you, otherwise he would not have paved the way for Your Majesty before his death." Nanny Yu spoke earnestly, trying to comfort the Empress Dowager.

The Queen Mother raised her lips to a cold smile, a smile that was chilling, "His love for me, now it seems, has become a thing of the past. He finally chose Chen'er, because he recognized the reality."

"How could the Queen Mother think so?" Nanny Yu's words were filled with a hint of urgency.

"What else can you do if you don't think this way? Deceiving yourself will only make your heart more tired and painful."

"The Queen Mother is absolutely right. I am grateful for your advice." Nanny Yu responded respectfully.

On the other hand, Zheng Xiyan returned to Weiyang Palace, feeling upset. She sat quietly at her desk, replaying the conversation with the Queen Mother over and over in her mind, and every word hit her heart like a heavy hammer.

Biluo stepped forward lightly, holding a cup of hot tea on a tray in her hand. She whispered softly, "My queen, please have some tea."

Zheng Xiyan took the teacup and took a sip. The warmth flowed down her throat into her heart. She looked up at Biluo and said, "Biluo, tell me, did the Queen Mother have any suspicions when we were in Shoukang Palace?"

Biluo thought for a moment and answered seriously, "I don't think so. The Queen Mother is a reasonable person. She will definitely understand your worries and considerations."

Zheng Xiyan nodded slightly, feeling relieved, "I hope so."

A few days later, the sun was shining brightly and the breeze was not dry. Zheng Wanyan walked into the palace alone with light steps, her heart full of anticipation.

Zheng Xiyan's memory of this cousin still stays in the carefree time when she was unmarried. In her memory, Zheng Wanyan in her previous life was a gentle and lovable girl. Even though she later entered into a seemingly well-matched marriage according to her family's order, she was unable to reap the happiness she deserved. That regret made Zheng Xiyan sigh every time she thought of it.

Zheng Wanyan appeared in front of her. Her face was just like the peach blossoms blooming in spring. Her face was slightly rosy and her red lips slightly parted, as if she had a thousand words to say. Her eyes were as clear as autumn water and her eyebrows were like distant mountains, adding a bit of grace and elegance.

She was wearing a long brocade dress, the hem of which swayed gently with her steps, like a fairy walking in the clouds. The colorful crabapple flowers embroidered on the skirt had distinct layers of petals, and it seemed as if one could smell the faint fragrance. On her wrist, a white jade bracelet as smooth as jade gently bumped against her, and the little rabbit carved on it was lifelike, adding a bit of playfulness and agility.

"Wanyan greets sister." Zheng Wanyan knelt down slowly, her voice gentle and respectful.

Seeing this, Zheng Xiyan hurried forward and helped her up with a smile on her face, "We are sisters, why do you have to be so polite? Get up quickly, let me take a good look at you."

"Thank you, sister." Zheng Wanyan stood up and they smiled at each other.

Zheng Xiyan took Zheng Wanyan's hand and sat down together, her words full of emotion: "In the blink of an eye, you are going to get married. Time flies!"

Hearing this, Zheng Wanyan's face also showed a touch of nostalgia, "Sister is right, I still remember when I was a child, you always took me to see the lanterns. I was so happy at that time. Now when I think back, it seems like it just happened yesterday."

Zheng Xiyan recalled her childhood and felt very happy. Before Zheng Wanyan was born, she was the only daughter in the family for a long time. She was loved since she was young and grew up in the infinite love of her family.