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

But the next second, Xiao Chengji slowly lowered his head, a complex hesitation flashed across his face, his brows slightly frowned, and his eyes wandered, "Mother..." He finally spoke, his voice low and slightly hoarse, "There is one more thing, your son..." His words stopped abruptly.

"Mother, do you know what you want to say?" Zheng Xiyan looked at him with a smile and satisfaction.

"I am not questioning your decision. If my future queen is a woman from the Fanyang Lu family, it will naturally be more beneficial to my throne. But I..." Xiao Chengji is a little worried, worried that they will end up like my father and mother...

Zheng Xiyan saw through his thoughts, her face darkened slightly, and she blamed herself a little, "Ji'er, your father is a ruthless man, but as an emperor, sometimes he can't help himself. Your mother doesn't want you to be like your father. You can not love your future wife, but you must respect her, trust her, and never hurt her. Give her the dignity and respect that a queen deserves."

Xiao Chengji looked a little confused, not really understanding what was said. Zheng Xiyan gently touched his head and chuckled, "You must remember what mother said."

"Yes, I will listen to you, mother." Xiao Chengji nodded slightly.

"Today, my mother went to the Lu Mansion. That old man Lu Xuan secretly betrothed his eldest daughter to Cui Zhaoling of Qinghe Cui clan. He was determined not to marry into the royal family. When Emperor Gaozu founded the country, he relied on these aristocratic families. Although the imperial examination system has been implemented and many officials have been selected over the years, there are also many children of aristocratic families in the court. Aristocratic families have always held a certain power in the court, and emperors of all dynasties did not dare to touch them easily." Zheng Xiyan frowned slightly and said with a complicated expression.

Xiao Chengji was deep in thought, with a stern face, but his eyes flashed with a depth and determination beyond his age. He said slowly: "I have understood what your mother meant. These aristocratic families have survived hundreds of years of wind and rain. They have complex roots and are good at consolidating their power through marriage. They are indeed a hidden danger to the empire. Even when my father was in power, although their military power was confiscated, their prestige among the people is deeply rooted and cannot be shaken overnight."

Zheng Xiyan looked at him quietly, her eyes full of satisfaction and pride, "Ji'er, although you are young, you can see through the current situation. Your mother is very pleased. Remember, the road to becoming an emperor is not achieved overnight, you need to be cautious step by step. Your mother believes that in time, you will become a wise ruler."

Hearing this, the stern look on Xiao Chengji's face gradually melted, replaced by an innocent smile of a child, "Don't worry, mother. I will remember your teachings and work diligently to govern the country. I will not let you down, nor will I let down this vast country and the people of the world."

Seeing this, Zheng Xiyan's mouth couldn't help but rise, her eyes were full of tenderness and encouragement. She gently patted Xiao Chengji's shoulder, her tone gentle but firm: "Good boy, your words will make your mother feel relieved. Go, it's late at night, go back and rest early, you still have to go to court tomorrow morning."

Xiao Chengji nodded, his expression more calm and determined. He bowed, his movements revealing a youthful spirit: "Yes, then I will take my leave first, and mother, please go to bed early!" After saying that, he turned and walked out of Weiyang Palace, his figure gradually disappeared into the night, leaving only a series of crisp footsteps, echoing between the silent palace walls.

After Xiao Chengji left, Shuang Ning gently supported Zheng Xiyan and sat them in front of the dressing table. The two of them stretched out their figures in the dim candlelight, appearing particularly calm and profound.

Shuang Ning gently removed the gold and jade hairpins from Zheng Xiyan's hair, letting her black hair fall down like a waterfall, with a faint scent of jasmine, intertwined with the fragrance of sandalwood in the palace. While removing her makeup, she asked softly, "What are your plans now, Madam?"

Zheng Xiyan's fingertips gently stroked the pair of exquisite earrings. The gemstones on them flickered coldly under the candlelight, as if reflecting the barely perceptible chill in her eyes. She slowly placed the earrings on the dressing table, making a subtle and crisp sound, and then she stared deeply at herself in the mirror.

"Keep a close eye on Concubine Shu and don't make any mistakes at this critical juncture." Zheng Xiyan's voice was cold and clear, with a power that could not be ignored.

Shuang Ning's expression froze when she heard this, and she quickly responded, "Don't worry, Madam. I have arranged the most reliable personnel to guard Shou'an Palace day and night to ensure that nothing goes wrong. The masters of the Imperial Hospital have also been ordered to be on standby at any time in case of emergency."

Zheng Xiyan nodded slightly, with an almost invisible arc at the corner of her mouth, but there was no warmth in that smile, but it added a bit of coldness, "I always trust you to do things."