Balala the Magic Fairy

Ruyi was worried, so she ordered the palace maid to summon the Minister Hongli to discuss countermeasures with him.

Soon, Hongli came quickly and saw Ruyi with a sad face. He felt distressed and asked her the reason.

Ruyi then told Hongli about the palace rumors in detail, saying: "Although I am a holy emperor, I also have human needs. If this matter is not resolved soon, it may damage the reputation of the royal family."

Upon hearing this, Hongli pondered for a moment and then said, "Saint Emperor, the rumors are all because people's minds are unpredictable. I think that the Saint Emperor should make a prompt decision and not summon the emperor again to silence the public."

After hearing this, Ruyi nodded and said, "Minister's words are very appropriate. I will reflect on myself. However, my body also needs to be taken care of. I must not overwork myself."

Hongli said, "Saint Emperor, I have a plan. Do you think I should tell you?"

Ruyi said, "If you have any good ideas, please speak up."

Hongli said: "Your Majesty can pretend that he is not feeling well, stay in the palace temporarily, and not ask about external affairs, so as to avoid suspicion. At the same time, I am willing to share the work for Your Majesty and handle the government affairs on your behalf to reassure Your Majesty."

Ruyi felt relieved after hearing this and said, "Minister, you are loyal and devoted, and I am very pleased. However, my health cannot be cured in a short time, so this matter needs to be considered in the long run."

Hongli said, "Your Majesty, I have a medicine that I got from a hermit when I was traveling around the world. This medicine has the effect of nourishing the body, replenishing qi and blood. If Your Majesty does not mind, I am willing to prepare it for you."

Ruyi said, "Minister, if you have the will, how can I not follow your will? You can go and do it quickly."

Hongli took the order and left, and Ruyi stayed alone in the palace, her worries slightly relieved.

A few days later, Hongli prepared the medicine according to the prescription and presented it personally.

After taking it, Ruyi felt her health gradually improved, and she trusted Hongli even more.

From then on, Ruyi lived in seclusion and no longer summoned the ministers, and most of the state affairs were handled by Hongli.

The rumors in the palace gradually disappeared, and Ruyi's health was recovering day by day.

When Ruyi saw this, she was overjoyed, so she appointed Hongli as regent and gave him a gold seal and purple ribbon as a token of her favor.

On that day, Ruyi felt that she was feeling much better in her bedroom, so she summoned Hongli to see her and wanted to discuss state affairs with him.

When Hongli heard the summons, he was secretly happy, but his face showed concern for the country and the people, and he hurried into the palace.

"Holy Emperor, I am delighted to hear that your holy body has recovered." Hongli knelt in front of Ruyi's bed and spoke earnestly.

Ruyi nodded slightly and said, "I have been getting better recently and would like to take charge of government affairs again, but I am afraid I am not strong enough. What do you think, Minister?"

Hongli's heart tightened, knowing that Ruyi intended to resume power, but he did not show it on his face, saying: "The Holy Emperor has just recovered, so he should not overwork himself. I am willing to share the Holy Emperor's worries. When the Holy Emperor is fully recovered, we can discuss it again."

Ruyi felt relieved after hearing this and said, "Your loyalty is commendable and I am very pleased. However, state affairs are heavy and cannot be left without a leader for a day. Your Excellency can still handle state affairs on my behalf. I will make further plans after I recover."

Hongli was secretly happy, but pretended to be worried, saying: "Although I am not talented, I dare not disobey your order. However, I am afraid that my knowledge is shallow and I am not qualified to take on this task. I hope the Holy Emperor can give me more advice."

Ruyi said, "Minister, there is no need to be so modest. I believe you are capable of doing the job. You can leave and I will take a rest."

Hongli took the order and retreated, but he was secretly making plans in his heart.

He knew that although Ruyi was not involved in politics for the time being, if she stayed in the deep palace for a long time, she would definitely come back one day.

He must take this opportunity to consolidate his power before he can plan bigger things.

From then on, Hongli attended court early every day, reviewed memorials every night, worked diligently and loved the people, and was deeply loved by the people.

However, he secretly made friends with powerful officials and plotted important matters, and his trusted people, such as Zhang Tingyu and Oboi, were all used by him.

Although Ruyi did not take part in government affairs in the palace, she often heard about Hongli's diligence in his work, which made her feel at ease.

She was unaware of Hongli's ambitions, but instead thought he was a good person and trusted him even more.

One day, Ruyi was strolling in the imperial garden and met an old minister named Xu Jie, who was a veteran of three dynasties and was loyal to the emperor.

"Holy Emperor, I am delighted to hear that your holy body has recovered." Xu Jie knelt on the ground and spoke respectfully.

Ruyi said, "I have recovered from my illness recently and am about to resume my control of the government. What advice do you have for me, Lord Xu?"

Xu Jie looked worried and said, "Saint Emperor, I have heard rumors in the palace recently that the Minister Hongli has evil intentions. Your Majesty must pay attention to this."

Ruyi was shocked when she heard this and said, "Why did you say that, Mr. Xu? I know Hongli is a loyal man. How could he do such a thing?"

Xu Jie said: "Saint Emperor, although rumors cannot be trusted, we must be on guard. I ask the Holy Emperor to investigate secretly to reassure the people of the world."

Ruyi pondered for a long time and said, "I will think deeply about what Mr. Xu said. I will investigate this matter secretly. If it is true, I will punish him severely."

Xu Jie took the order and left, but Ruyi began to feel suspicious.

Although she trusted Hongli, Xu Jie's words were not groundless.

She decided to observe secretly to determine the authenticity.

Ruyi secretly summoned her trusted palace maid and ordered her to secretly monitor Hongli and report immediately if there was any unusual movement.

The palace maid obeyed the order and quietly withdrew.

Ruyi sat alone in the imperial garden, feeling deeply worried.

She didn't know that a palace change was quietly brewing.