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

This pair of dragon-and-phoenix hairpins are carved with lifelike patterns of harmonious dragons and phoenixes. They are exquisite, gorgeous and extraordinary.

When Xiao Xuanchen sent someone to deliver the edict to establish the empress, he specifically asked his men to bring it to her. The dragon and phoenix intertwined, with their wings spread out ready to fly, symbolized the empress's supreme dignity and glory. Only the empress could wear such a treasure.

In her previous life, she regarded this pair of dragon-patterned and phoenix hairpins as her most precious treasures, and would only take them out and wear them carefully on special and solemn days.

However, in this life, since the day she was reborn, she hid the pair of dragon-patterned phoenix hairpins that carried her past memories deep in the secret compartment of the box. There, dark and secret, it seemed to be able to seal away all her pain and unwillingness.

But today, she finally took the pair of hairpins out of the secret compartment. They were still as dazzling as ever, but things had changed.

Over the years, whether it was Xiao Xuanchen's death anniversary or his birthday, she, as the empress dowager and Xiao Xuanchen's original wife, should have gone to the imperial mausoleum and ancestral temple to pay homage and express her grief. However, she refused every time.

She hated it, this overwhelming hatred was like a surging tide, almost drowning her. But after so many years, she still couldn't forget, couldn't let go of those...

……

After a few days, the sun was shining brightly and the breeze was gentle.

Xiao Chengji, dressed in gorgeous clothes, came to Shoukang Palace to pay his respects. He walked steadily and looked respectful.

Zheng Xiyan sat at the head of the table, her eyes deep and complex. She spoke slowly, with a barely perceptible tremor in her voice: "I will not go to the palace this time."

"My mother isn't going? Why?" Xiao Chengji frowned and asked in a deep voice. His eyes were full of doubt and concern, as if he wanted to find the answer from his mother's face.

"Over the years, I haven't been to the imperial mausoleum to pay homage to the late emperor. Now, if I want to go and see him, there's no need to make a big fuss. I can go privately." Zheng Xiyan said lightly, with an imperceptible resoluteness in her tone.

"Mother... Why is mother going to the imperial mausoleum for no reason?" Xiao Chengji's face was full of surprise and confusion, and an inexplicable worry surged in his heart.

My mother has never gone to the imperial mausoleum to pay homage to my father in these years. What's wrong with her now? Why is she going there all of a sudden? And now is not my father's death anniversary or birthday! He thought to himself, but didn't dare to ask rashly.

"Nothing, I just suddenly wanted to go and take a look. It would prevent people from privately talking about my disrespect for the late emperor!" Zheng Xiyan pretended to be nonchalant, with a faint sneer on her lips. There was a subtle firmness and determination in her eyes.

Xiao Chengji was silent for a moment, as if he was thinking about something. After a moment, he said in a deep voice: "Okay, I will listen to you, mother." There was a hint of helplessness and compromise in his tone, and he was unwilling to go against his mother's wishes.

Seeing this, Zheng Xiyan felt a little relieved. She looked at Xiao Chengji's eyes full of doubt and confusion, and said softly: "I'm just going to take a look, nothing is wrong, you don't have to worry!" Her voice was soft and firm, as if it could soothe all the doubts in her son's heart.

"Yes, I understand!" Xiao Chengji replied, forcing a smile.

However, his heart was still full of doubts and confusion. He could no longer understand his mother.