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

Ten years have passed like a flash, quietly passing in the long river of time.

Zheng Xiyan could not resist the erosion of time, and her face became more and more old. Fine wrinkles crept up the corners of her eyes and forehead, and between her temples, a few strands of silver hair shone with a faint luster under the sunlight.

Over the years, Zheng Xiyan's mood has become more open-minded and cheerful, and she lives more freely. Every day, she plays and frolics in Shoukang Palace with the princes and princesses in the palace, as well as Xiao Chengyi's lively and lovely children.

In spring, when peach blossoms were in full bloom, she played with the children under the flowers; in summer, when the green shade was like a canopy, she taught them to read and learn etiquette; in autumn, when the breeze was refreshing, she led them to fly kites and watch the clear sky; in winter, when the snow was falling, she told them stories around the fire. In Shoukang Palace, there was laughter every day.

On the other hand, Lu Lingyuan is over 30 years old. Time seems to be particularly kind to her, and she still maintains her gentleness and dignity.

Her relationship with Xiao Chengji has gone through ups and downs, but it has become stronger. Xiao Chengji has always kept his promise to Lu Lingyuan and never took concubines into the palace. Even if there are 3,000 beauties in the harem, he is only willing to keep her.

Even if he was busy with government affairs and could not return to Weiyang Palace to rest, he would personally send Rong An to explain the reasons to her and never let her wait alone in the long night.

Another ten years passed, and time, like a knife, silently carved deep marks on Zheng Xiyan's body, and her health was getting worse and worse.

Inside Shoukang Palace, the flickering candlelight illuminated Zheng Xiyan's pale and haggard face. She lay quietly on the bed, surrounded by Xiao Chengji, Xiao Chengyi, both with worried looks on their faces, and Xiao Shuyue, who had already burst into tears.

"Mother..." Xiao Shuyue's voice was filled with endless sorrow. She cried breathlessly, tears rolling down like beads from a broken string. Her eyes were red and swollen like ripe peaches, filled with despair and reluctance.

Lu Lingyuan stood by, her eyes full of sorrow, her eyes slightly red, and her tears stained, obviously she had just experienced a heart-wrenching cry. She bit her lower lip tightly, trying not to let her sorrow spill out, but her shaking shoulders betrayed her inner pain.

Inside the hall, An'er, Hua'er and several other children were kneeling on the ground, their faces filled with fear and anxiety.

Further out, the empress, concubines and members of the royal family were either standing or kneeling, with solemn expressions and cries of grief.

The entire Shoukang Palace was shrouded in a thick layer of sadness, as if even the air had become heavy.

Zheng Xiyan's breathing gradually weakened. She opened her eyes with difficulty. The eyes that were once as bright as stars had lost their luster, leaving only endless fatigue and reluctance. She weakly warned: "Ji... Ji'er..."

"Mother, you said, I am here!" Xiao Chengji's voice was choked with sobs, his eyes were red, tears were rolling in his eyes, but he tried hard not to let them fall. He was always dignified and steady, but at this moment he could not hold on, and the grief in his heart surged like a tide.

"Mother... have you remembered everything I told you before?" Zheng Xiyan used all her strength to grab Xiao Chengji's sleeve with her skinny hands.

"Remember, I remember everything." Xiao Chengji couldn't hold back any longer, tears welled up in his eyes. He choked and said, his voice full of determination and commitment.

"Okay, then... then the Queen Mother will be relieved." Zheng Xiyan showed a relieved smile on her face, and that smile was like a flower blooming in spring, although it was short-lived, it was extremely beautiful. The next second, she smiled and closed her eyes, and slowly loosened Xiao Chengji's sleeves with her hands.

"Mother!" Xiao Chengyi shouted in despair. His voice was filled with endless despair and unwillingness, as if he was going to shake down the entire Shoukang Palace.

"Mother..." Xiao Shuyue clenched her mother's hand tightly. Her fingers turned white due to the force. For a moment, she found it difficult to accept this cruel fact. "Ah... Mother..." Her cry was like a cuckoo crying blood, which was heartbreaking.

Lu Lingyuan was in great pain. She slowly knelt on the ground, tears falling again, wetting her clothes. "Mother..." her voice was low and sad.

"Grandma..."

"The Empress Dowager..."

The entire Shoukang Palace was immersed in grief, and the palace servants knelt down and kowtowed one after another.

In the 33rd year of Jinghe, Zheng Xiyan passed away.

In accordance with her arrangements before her death, Xiao Chengji secretly sent her to Chenjun for burial, and her clothes and hat were buried in the imperial mausoleum, together with the late emperor Xiao Xuanchen.

After the national mourning, Xiao Chengji fell seriously ill due to excessive grief. He lay in bed, his face as pale as paper, his eyes closed, as if he had fallen into endless darkness.

State affairs were temporarily handed over to the Crown Prince Xiao Muyao, while Xiao Chengyi assisted him.

Afterwards, Xiao Chengji and Lu Lingyuan moved to Tangquan Palace.

Although the temporary palace is not as good as the palace, it is quiet and elegant, far away from the hustle and bustle of the world.

Lu Lingyuan liked this place very much. She often accompanied Xiao Chengji for walks in the garden, or drank tea and read in front of the window, enjoying the rare peace and tranquility.

These years, Xiao Chengji has been busy with state affairs, and Lu Lingyuan has been dealing with all the big and small affairs in the palace every day. It is rare for both of them to have such free time as they do now.

Lu Lingyuan brought the boiled medicine to Xiao Chengji and said, "It's time to take the medicine."

Xiao Chengji put down the ancient book in his hand, took it with a smile, and then drank it all in one gulp. Lu Lingyuan quickly handed him a piece of candied fruit.

Xiao Chengji put it directly in his mouth, and it was not known whether he did it on purpose, but his teeth gently bit Lu Lingyuan's finger.

Lu Lingyuan glared at him coquettishly, "In my opinion, this medicine is still not bitter enough. I will have to ask the imperial physician to make some more bitter medicine for Your Majesty."

Xiao Chengji raised the corner of his mouth and revealed a wicked smile, "As long as the medicine is given to me by the Queen, I can drink it no matter how bitter it is!"

Lu Lingyuan grabbed the medicine bowl, turned around and walked away.

Xiao Chengji looked at her back with a doting look on his face.

At night, the two sat in the yard. Lu Lingyuan leaned in his arms and whispered, "The Crown Princess is about to give birth. We should go back too!"

An'er had been married six years ago. He had chosen the Crown Princess himself. The two had been in a good relationship since their marriage. Three years ago, the Crown Princess gave birth to a daughter. Xiao Chengji was so happy that he would ask about her daily life.

Now, the Crown Princess is pregnant again and will give birth in half a month, and they have been in the palace for half a year.

"Well, after the Crown Princess gives birth and the baby is a full month old, I will announce that I will abdicate the throne to An'er. Don't you like the palace? We will live here in the future, okay?" Xiao Chengji said in a low voice, holding her waist.

"I will stay with you for the rest of your life, okay?" Xiao Chengji asked.

Lu Lingyuan felt warm in her heart and nodded slightly, "Okay, I'll listen to you."

Half a month later, the Crown Princess gave birth to a son, and Xiao Chengji named him Xiao Zhao.

A month later, Xiao Chengji announced his abdication in favor of Xiao Muyao, and he and Lu Lingyuan retired to the Tangquan Palace.

Xiao Muyao officially ascended the throne as emperor.

Another half year passed.

Xiao Chengji and Lu Lingyuan rode on the same horse, feeling very comfortable, traveling among the mountains and rivers of Daliang.

Many years later, the two of them could no longer walk, so they returned to Tangquan Palace.

Later, Xiao Shuyue also lived in Tangquan Palace. She would drag Xiao Chengji to play chess every day, but she would lose badly every time. Over the years, her chess skills had not improved at all.

……

End of full text