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

He gently placed a tender kiss on Zhang Mengying's forehead, his movements gentle but reluctant. Then he slowly lifted the edge of the quilt, his movements so light as if he was afraid of disturbing her, and he ordered in a deep voice: "Someone come!"

Upon hearing the voice, the eunuch in front of the emperor hurriedly but politely opened the palace door, leading a group of well-trained palace maids and eunuchs to file in, their steps light. Zhang Mengxi's eyes, which were originally tightly closed, quietly opened a crack when she heard the words "Your Majesty, set out", and then quickly closed them again, pretending to be still asleep.

When the palace maid approached and whispered "Your Majesty is awake", she slowly opened her autumn-water eyes.

She sat up, her body under the thin gauze dress looked weak and powerless, as if she had used up all her strength last night. She opened her red lips slightly, her voice was a little hoarse and tired: "Change clothes." Hearing this, the palace maid secretly speculated in her heart, but did not dare to ask more, just respectfully replied "yes", and then got busy.

In Weiyang Palace, Zheng Xiyan sat in front of the dressing table, her cool and elegant face reflected in the mirror. Biluo and Shuangning were carefully dressing her, with strands of black hair woven into an exquisite bun in their deft hands. Zheng Xiyan asked softly, "Is there any movement in Zichen Palace?"

Shuang Ning's hand did not stop, and Biluo beside her replied softly: "My lady, there is news from the Purple Palace that His Majesty is late for the morning court again, a full half an hour late."

Zheng Xiyan heard this and a barely perceptible smile appeared on her lips. There was a deep meaning hidden in that smile, as if everything was under her control. "I know." She said lightly.

Afterwards, Zheng Xiyan accompanied the children to enjoy breakfast. After watching Xiao Chengji and Xiao Chengyi leave happily for the study, she turned to the heavy palace affairs.

On the other side, Zi Rui and Zi Luo were swinging on the swing in the yard with the little princess Xiao Shuyue. Their laughter echoed in every corner of the Weiyang Palace, adding a bit of vitality and vigor to this deep palace.

Outside the Taiji Hall, the morning court was over and King Xiang walked out of the hall slowly. He could faintly hear the ministers' whispers, all of which were talking about His Majesty's lateness and bad complexion today.

"Your Majesty, what happened today? You are half an hour late, and you don't look well."

"Yeah! How many times has this happened?"

"Alas! Your Majesty has changed since Zhang Xiuyuan entered the palace."

"You can't say that."

……

The corners of King Xiang's mouth curled up into a faint but profound smile, which concealed a thousand twists and turns of thoughts, but he did not express them in words. He secretly calculated in his heart, his eyes swept across the complicated palace eaves in the distance, and finally turned into a light sigh, disappearing into silence.

Just as he was about to turn around and leave, a breeze blew against his face, and a familiar voice came from behind: "King Xiang!"

King Xiang turned around slowly, only to see Duke Zheng walking hurriedly with a look of sorrow between his brows, and their eyes met.

"Greetings, Your Highness." Duke Zheng bowed and remained respectful in his words.

"Duke Zheng, there is no need to be so polite." King Xiang extended his hand to support him.

The two walked side by side, passing through the exquisite palace gates. Duke Zheng spoke softly, with a hint of tentativeness in his words: "Recently, Zhang Xiuyuan has been the most favored person in the six palaces. Your Majesty is really good at training such a beautiful woman for Your Majesty."

Upon hearing this, the King of Xiang chuckled and said, "Duke Zheng's words really leave me a little confused. What does Zhang Xiuyuan's favor have to do with me?"

"It's good that Your Majesty doesn't understand." Duke Zheng shook his head gently and said with a smile: "There is no need to understand too much about the things in this world. There is nothing wrong with being a little confused."

"Duke Zheng is absolutely right. Some things are better left unsaid." King Xiang echoed.

When he reached the palace gate, Duke Zheng stopped and bowed, saying goodbye: "Go, Your Majesty. I will take my leave."

"Duke Zheng, please stay." King Xiang returned the greeting.

After King Xiang got on the carriage, Duke Zheng remained standing where he was, watching the carriage go farther and farther away until it disappeared.

"Father!" Zheng Long's voice broke the silence. He walked forward and stood side by side with Duke Zheng.

"Zheng Long, what do you think of King Xiang?" Duke Zheng turned around, his eyes sharp, as if he wanted to find the answer from his son.

"I have sent people to investigate secretly, and it is indeed the Prince of Xiang who helped Minister Zhang behind the scenes." Zheng Long said in a deep voice, "But, I don't understand what his intention is. Is it really to help Yan'er?"

Upon hearing this, Duke Zheng pondered for a moment and said slowly: "Looking at the favor your majesty has shown towards Zhang Xiuyuan in the past few months, Prince Xiang's plan has obviously paid off. As for his real purpose, perhaps even he himself can't explain it clearly. But since Yan'er has chosen to believe in him, we should also believe in her vision."

Zheng Long was still confused when he heard this, but he nodded and said, "I understand. Don't worry, father. I will continue to pay attention to this matter."

"Okay! Go back!"

"Yes!"

In Weiyang Palace, Xiao Xuanchen, who had just finished his morning court session, walked slowly into the depths of Weiyang Palace with a barely perceptible sense of fatigue, but still retaining the demeanor of an emperor. Xiao Shuyue was waiting expectantly by the swing, waiting for her father.

"Father, you're here!" As soon as Xiao Shuyue saw Xiao Xuanchen, she rushed over like a swallow returning to its nest.

Xiao Xuanchen's mouth curved into a gentle arc, his eyes full of doting, "Yuer, are you thinking about swinging again?"

"Yes, father!" Xiao Shuyue pointed excitedly at the swing swaying in the wind, her eyes gleaming with desire.

"Okay, Father will let you fly higher!" Xiao Xuanchen agreed lovingly and pushed the swing himself. As the swing rose and fell, Xiao Shuyue's laughter was clear and melodious, echoing over the Weiyang Palace like a silver bell, and the faces of the palace people were filled with warm smiles.

Zheng Xiyan sat quietly at the side, her eyes sometimes falling on the laughing father and daughter, and sometimes quietly turning to Xiao Xuanchen, with a little imperceptible worry hidden between her brows. The bowl of soothing soup she prepared last night had obviously worked quietly, making Xiao Xuanchen look tired.

Xiao Xuanchen's forehead gradually oozed fine beads of sweat, and his face turned slightly pale. Seeing this, the eunuch in front of the emperor hurried forward, holding a white handkerchief in his hand, wanting to wipe the sweat off His Majesty, but Zheng Xiyan gently took it.

"Your Majesty, you are tired. Let me do it." Zheng Xiyan's voice was soft but firm. She carefully wiped the sweat from Xiao Xuanchen's forehead. Every movement revealed deep care and tenderness.

"Okay." Xiao Xuanchen nodded slightly, his eyes full of gratitude and trust.

At this time, Xiao Shuyue noticed the change in the atmosphere and pouted her lips in dissatisfaction, "Father, you have only been playing with me for a while?"

Zheng Xiyan squatted down, gently stroked Xiao Shuyue's hair, and whispered softly: "Yuer, father is tired and needs to rest. Let's let father rest for a while, and when he is in good spirits, he will play with you, okay?"

Although Xiao Shuyue was unwilling, she nodded sensibly, "Okay then!"

Zheng Xiyan smiled and helped Xiao Xuanchen up, led him to sit on a stone bench nearby, and personally filled a cup of tea for him, "Your Majesty, try this newly brewed Longjing tea, perhaps it can relieve some of your fatigue."

Xiao Xuanchen took the teacup, took a sip, and the aroma of tea filled the air, as if all his fatigue was dissipated by the tea.