Chapter 60

Although the Qing court had slandered her, portraying her as a ferocious, fierce-looking woman, the beauty before her was breathtakingly beautiful. She was clearly the real Queen Mingde of the Great Yan Dynasty, not some evil goddess. She was clearly a fairy from heaven who had descended to the earth, bringing a breath of fresh air to this earthly world.

Wearing a black and golden horse-faced skirt embroidered with nine dragons, her identity was obvious. This was originally the dress of the True Dragon Emperor, but now she was wearing it, which showed how noble and extraordinary she was. The concubines saw this and were jealous of her beauty, but also ashamed of themselves. They felt like wild flowers and weeds in the mountains. Although they were also quite pretty, they could not compare to Li Qingge. Only she was as dazzling as a blooming peony, and people could not ignore her existence.

However, they were secretly glad that Li Qingge was not a woman from the Eight Banners. Otherwise, Emperor Qianlong, known for his lust, would definitely find ways to bring her into the harem. By then, there would probably be no peace in the harem. They knew their status and identity, and they also understood that in this palace, the competition for favor and beauty would never end. But they also knew that they could not be compared with Li Qingge, let alone compete for her status and favor.

Only when the Queen looked at Li Qingge, she felt an inexplicable sense of closeness. This feeling was neither jealousy nor hatred, nor fear. It was a kind of closeness that puzzled her, as if there was some mysterious connection between the two. She tried to sort out this thought, but she could not figure it out. It was not until Rong Mama gently tugged at her sleeve that the Queen came back to her senses. She hurriedly led the concubines to salute and said, "Welcome to Her Majesty the Queen, long live her!" The voices were uniform, full of awe and worship.

Li Qingge nodded slightly, with a faint smile on her lips. She knew her identity and status very well, and also understood the rules and etiquette of the palace. She didn't care about these false names and profits, but only hoped that she could protect the country of Da Yan and the safety of the people in this chaotic world. She looked at the queen and concubines in front of her, and an inexplicable feeling welled up in her heart. They were all poor people in the palace, bound by power and status, unable to freely pursue their own happiness and dreams.

She sighed softly, then took Su Xiaomei's hand and continued to walk forward. Her steps were light and firm, as if she was heading towards an unknown future. Behind her were the respect and admiration of the queen and the concubines; in front of her were unknown challenges and adventures. But she was not afraid, because she knew that she had enough wisdom and courage to face all difficulties and challenges. She was Li Qingge, the Mingde Queen of Da Yan, and a clear stream in this chaotic world.

Chrysanthemums are yellow and osmanthus is fragrant, autumn is in the air

The autumn breeze blows gently, bringing a slight chill, but also brings the fragrance of chrysanthemums to the garden. In the Imperial Garden, chrysanthemums of various colors bloom, as if they are the most gorgeous palette of nature, decorating this autumn scenery with extraordinary enchantment. The sun shines through the clouds, casting mottled light and shadows, adding a bit of warmth and peace to this Imperial Garden.

"Everyone, feel free to get up!" Li Qingge waved her hand, a warm smile on her face. That smile was like the autumn sun, warm but not dazzling. "The autumn weather is really nice today. It will be a pleasure for us to appreciate the chrysanthemums together." Her voice was crisp and pleasant, like a clear spring in the mountains, which made people feel relaxed and happy.

Upon hearing this, the Queen smiled as brightly as a flower and quickly responded, "Your Majesty's coming here is a blessing we have earned in several lifetimes." She was wearing a gorgeous phoenix robe and pearls and jade on her head, exuding the majesty of a mother of the country, but in front of Li Qingge at this moment, she seemed particularly humble and kind.

When Li Qingge heard the word "minister", she frowned slightly, and her delicate eyebrows seemed like the distant mountains in an ink painting, with a bit of gentleness and tenderness. "Queen, you are the elder, we don't need to be so particular about the etiquette between the monarch and the minister, just get along like friends." Her words revealed sincerity and respect, which warmed the queen's heart.

The Queen did not expect Li Qingge to give her such a favor as soon as she arrived, and she was so happy. In theory, the Queen of Dayan and the Emperor of Qing were of equal status, but there were many rules in the palace, and no matter how noble the Queen was, she was still a minister after all. Now that Li Qingge said this, the Queen felt particularly close to him, as if the distance between them had suddenly shortened a lot. She smiled and agreed: "Okay!" Her voice was full of joy and gratitude.

Li Qingge was planning to visit the Imperial Garden, and the Queen wanted to follow her to enjoy the autumn colors in the garden. At this time, Lingpin hurried forward. She was wearing a light and elegant palace dress, and her steps were light, like the fallen leaves in the autumn, floating in the wind. She said gently: "Your Majesty is visiting the harem for the first time, and it happens to be the time when the chrysanthemums are in full bloom. This autumn scenery cannot be missed." Her voice was soft and delicate, like a spring breeze blowing on your face, making you feel very comfortable.

When the queen heard this, her face changed immediately. She knew Lingpin's intention very well, which was nothing more than wanting to show off in front of Li Qingge and win her favor. But in front of Li Qingge, she had to endure and maintain the demeanor of the queen. Rong Mama got angry as soon as she saw it. She widened her eyes and was about to curse, but was quickly stopped by the queen. The queen signaled her with her eyes not to be impulsive, and Rong Mama shut up angrily.

Everyone around was quiet, not daring to make a sound. They all knew that the undercurrent between the Queen and Concubine Ling was surging, and if they were not careful, it might cause a storm. However, Li Qingge seemed not to see these things, she was only concerned with looking at the chrysanthemums in the garden. Those chrysanthemums of various varieties competed for beauty, such as Bianliang Green Jade, Mud Gold Nine Links, Caoan White Jade... They were all rare treasures. They were either in bud, or blooming proudly, or drooping shyly, each showing a different charm.

However, after looking at them for a while, Li Qingge sighed: "Although the chrysanthemums in this imperial garden are beautiful, they lack the artistic conception of Tao Yuanming picking chrysanthemums under the eastern fence. I will get tired of looking at them after looking at them for a long time." There was a hint of regret and melancholy in her voice, as if she was missing that simple and pure life.

When Concubine Ling heard this, she came forward again and said softly, "If Your Majesty is tired of looking at chrysanthemums, the golden osmanthus in my Yanx Palace is in full bloom. Would you like to go and see it?" There was a hint of flattery in her voice, but she didn't expect that this sentence would touch Li Qingge's taboo.

Li Qingge responded calmly: "My name is Li Qingge. Phoenix is ​​noble, why do I need the golden osmanthus to add to my beauty? Are you trying to use the word 'Gui' to replace my name 'Qingge'?" Her voice was calm, but it revealed an unquestionable majesty. As soon as she said this, Lingpin turned pale and knelt down to beg for mercy: "I deserve to die. I just wanted to make your majesty happy. I didn't expect that the golden osmanthus and your majesty's name conflicted. Please forgive me, your majesty!" There was a bit of trembling and panic in her voice, as if she was asking for Li Qingge's forgiveness.

The Queen and Rong Mama saw that Concubine Ling was defeated and smiled at each other, their gloating expressions could not be hidden. They knew that Li Qingge was not an easy person to deal with, and if they wanted to please her, they had to be careful.

At this time, Shu Fei took the opportunity to add fuel to the fire: "Your Majesty doesn't know that the jewelry made by the Ministry of Internal Affairs for Concubine Ling a few days ago was all made of gold and sent to the Yanx Palace. Concubine Ling thought it was tacky and said that only Hetian white jade was worthy of her." There was a hint of sarcasm and provocation in her voice, as if she was deliberately angering Li Qingge.

Ying Fei also said: "That's right, Lingpin always said that Yu had the demeanor of a gentleman, which showed her nobility." Although her voice was calm, it also revealed a bit of dissatisfaction and contempt. She knew that Lingpin had always wanted to stand out in the harem, but she didn't expect to fall in front of Li Qingge today.

The chorus of Shu Fei and Ying Fei made Lingpin angry. She bit her lower lip tightly, as if to suppress the gasp that was about to come out. She knew that she was extremely embarrassed today, and she could no longer raise her head in front of Li Qingge.

Li Qingge saw through the thoughts of the two concubines. She sneered with a bit of sarcasm and contempt in her voice: "Gold is vulgar, but my last name is Jin. Do you think I am vulgar and unworthy of entering the harem?" After these words came out, Lingpin was struck by lightning and almost fainted. She knew that she had completely offended Li Qingge today, and it would be extremely difficult to save the situation.

The queen was secretly glad when she saw this scene. She knew that Li Qingge was not someone who was easy to please, but her fairness and principles were admirable. She believed that under Li Qingge's leadership, the harem would become more harmonious and peaceful. So, she smiled and stepped forward to break the awkward situation: "Your Majesty is right, let's continue to appreciate the chrysanthemums and don't let these trivial matters affect our mood." Her voice was gentle and kind, as if she was comforting Li Qingge and reminding other concubines to be more restrained.

Li Qingge nodded after hearing this. She knew the queen's intention and was grateful for her thoughtfulness. So she cheered up and continued to appreciate the chrysanthemums in the garden. Although the chrysanthemums were still beautiful, she felt more emotional and thoughtful. She knew that it was not easy to gain a foothold in the harem, but she would use her wisdom and courage to face all challenges and difficulties.

As time went by, the sun gradually set in the west, and the chrysanthemums in the imperial garden looked more colorful under the setting sun. Accompanied by the queen, Li Qingge slowly walked out of the imperial garden. She looked back at the chrysanthemums that were still swaying in the wind, and an inexplicable emotion surged in her heart. She knew that although these chrysanthemums were beautiful, they could not keep their fragrance forever. Similarly, life is the same. No matter how brilliant and splendid it is, there will be a day when it ends. But even so, she will still cherish every moment in front of her and feel the beauty and truth of life with her heart.

When autumn chrysanthemums and golden osmanthus bloom

The autumn wind was blowing gently, bringing a few hints of coolness. The chrysanthemums in the imperial garden were in full bloom, with golden, snow-white, and light purple colors interweaving into a gorgeous autumn color. However, in this beautiful scene, there was a person lying on the ground, crying. It was Lingpin. She was wearing a gorgeous palace dress, but at this moment she was like a stray dog, with no dignity at all.

"Your Majesty, please spare me! I definitely didn't mean that. I just felt bored with wearing gold jewelry for a long time and wanted to change to something new. I really didn't mean to despise gold. Please Your Majesty, please understand!" Lingpin's voice was filled with tears, trembling and echoing in every corner of the Imperial Garden. She knew very well that the Queen of Dayan's emotions were related to the relationship between the two countries. If she was misunderstood as intentional disrespect, Emperor Qianlong would definitely deal with her severely. By then, her life might be in danger.

Li Qingge stood aside, watching all this with cold eyes. She was wearing a plain and elegant dress, with fluttering sleeves, like a fairy descending from the earth. Her face was elegant and refined, and her eyebrows and eyes revealed an indescribable noble temperament. Seeing Lingpin in such a state of embarrassment, she did not care too much, but just frowned slightly.

"Get up, stop crying." Li Qingge's voice was cold and calm, as if she didn't take the matter to heart. She turned to the queen and said, "There are too many people here, why don't we go out for a walk."

The Queen was surprised and delighted when she heard this. She took Rong Mama's hand and followed Li Qingge closely. The three of them slowly walked towards the depths of the Imperial Garden. The other concubines saw this and knew they couldn't follow them, so they all stopped and watched from a distance until they walked away.

Lingpin knelt on the ground for a long time, until she could no longer see Li Qingge, then she barely stood up. Her face was as white as paper, as if she had just had a serious illness. The concubines around her came over and comforted her.

"The Queen of Dayan is so powerful that she is even more frightening than the Emperor." Concubine Ying said breathlessly, with a hint of awe in her eyes.

"Her aura gives even the emperor a headache." Shu Fei also looked frightened. She tightly grasped the hand of the palace maid beside her, as if seeking a little comfort.

Concubine Yu was straightforward and loved beauties. She smiled and said, "Why should I be afraid of such a beautiful person? I feel quite close to her." There was a gleam of admiration in her eyes, as if she did not take Li Qingge's majesty to heart.

Concubine Wan had a calm personality. She said slowly, "Her beauty is simply not of this world. I have followed the emperor for so many years and have seen many beauties, but I have never seen one as beautiful as her." There was a hint of emotion and envy in her tone.

Concubine Qing also sighed: "Among us, Concubine Ling is considered the best looking, but compared with the Queen of Dayan, she is like dust compared to the moon." Although this statement was a bit exaggerated, it also revealed how stunningly beautiful Li Qingge was.

At this moment, Li Qingge and the Queen had walked to the southeast corner of the Imperial Garden and arrived at the Jiangxue Pavilion. This place is quiet and elegant, and is a treasured place in the harem. There are several crabapple trees in front of the pavilion. Although it is not blooming now, Li Qingge seems to be able to imagine the crabapple blooming in the past. The red crabapple flowers, with petals falling in the wind, are covered with red "snow", which is how the pavilion got its name.

The queen looked at Li Qingge's back, and an inexplicable sense of intimacy surged in her heart. She felt that Li Qingge's eyebrows and eyes looked familiar, as if she had seen them somewhere. After thinking carefully, it turned out that there was an indescribable resemblance between their eyebrows and eyes. The queen was not very popular with Emperor Qianlong because of her straightforward personality. In addition, as a queen, she had to be dignified and stable, and could not compete for favors like other concubines. After a long time, she even forgot to look in the mirror. Seeing Li Qingge now was like seeing herself in the mirror before.

"Have we met before?" the queen couldn't help but ask, with a hint of doubt and expectation in her voice.

Li Qingge was stunned for a moment, then smiled and shook her head: "No, my parents are farmers, how could they enter the palace?" Her voice was clear and pleasant, as if it could wash away the dust in people's hearts.

The queen couldn't help feeling a little disappointed after hearing this. She originally thought that there might be some special fate between her and Li Qingge, but now it seems that it might just be her wishful thinking.

The two continued walking forward, passing through a bamboo forest, and came to a small bridge. The water under the bridge was gurgling, clear to the bottom, and a few goldfish were swimming leisurely in the water. Li Qingge stopped and leaned over to look at the goldfish in the water, with a gentle light in his eyes.

"These goldfish are so cute." She said softly, as if she was talking to the goldfish.

The queen also leaned over and looked at the goldfish in the water: "Yes, they are carefree, how nice."

The two of them stood quietly on the bridge, watching the goldfish in the water, enjoying this moment of tranquility. The autumn breeze gently brushed across their faces, bringing a few hints of coolness and the fragrance of flowers. In this quiet imperial garden, it seemed as if time had slowed down.

After a while, Li Qingge stood up, looked at the queen and said, "Queen, what do you think of this imperial garden?"

The queen smiled and said, "Of course it is wonderful. The flowers, plants and trees here are carefully cared for. Every place looks so harmonious and beautiful."

Li Qingge nodded: "Yes, it is indeed beautiful here. However, I think the most beautiful thing is the human touch here. Although there are many rules and etiquette here, everyone is trying their best to do their own things and maintain the operation of this palace. This spirit is the most precious."

The queen was touched when she heard this. She looked at Li Qingge and felt that this woman was not only beautiful, but also kind and sensitive. She seemed to be able to see through people's hearts and understand everyone's difficulties and efforts.

"You are right." The queen said softly, "The human touch here is the most precious."

The two continued to walk forward, crossed the small bridge, and came to an open grassland. Here the view was wide, and one could see the palace and the sky in the distance. Li Qingge stopped and took a deep breath of fresh air.

“The air here is really good,” she said. “It makes you feel relaxed and happy.”

The queen also stopped and stood on the grass with Li Qingge. She looked at the palace and the sky in the distance, and an inexplicable feeling welled up in her heart. She felt as if she had a special connection with this woman. Although they came from different countries and had different identities and backgrounds, there was an indescribable tacit understanding between them.

"Yes, the air here is really good," the queen repeated, "it makes people feel happy."

The two of them stood quietly on the grass, enjoying this moment of tranquility and beauty. The autumn breeze gently brushed across their faces and sleeves, bringing a few hints of coolness and the fragrance of flowers. In this quiet imperial garden, it seemed as if time had slowed down. The palace and the sky in the distance looked particularly beautiful and peaceful under the reflection of the setting sun.

It was unknown how long it took before Li Qingge slowly spoke: "Queen, thank you for walking with me today. I am very happy." The Queen smiled slightly: "I am very happy too. It is a rare experience to be able to walk and chat with you."

The two smiled at each other, as if their hearts had connected. They knew that although they came from different worlds, they had an indescribable friendship and tacit understanding between them. This friendship and tacit understanding would accompany them through the future years and become the most precious memories in their hearts.

As the sun sets, the sky gradually darkens. Li Qingge and the queen bid farewell to each other and return to their own palaces. But the experience and feelings of this day will remain in their hearts forever. They know that no matter what happens in the future, they will cherish this rare friendship and tacit understanding and make it the most precious wealth in their lives.

After this shock, Concubine Ling became more cautious and careful. She knew her identity and status and dared not offend Li Qingge and the Queen easily. The friendship and tacit understanding between Li Qingge and the Queen became a legend in the harem and became the envy of everyone.

Time passed quickly, and it was late autumn in the blink of an eye. The chrysanthemums in the imperial garden had withered, leaving only some dead branches and leaves swaying in the wind. However, the friendship between Li Qingge and the queen was like the frost-proof chrysanthemums, becoming more and more tenacious and precious. They often met in the imperial garden to walk and chat, sharing their thoughts and feelings. In this palace full of rules and etiquette, they found a world and fun that belonged to them.

Destined for two lives, deep love in the harem

The autumn wind blew gently, bringing a bit of coolness, but it also rolled up the light dance of the fallen leaves in the imperial garden. The sun shone through the sparse clouds and sprinkled on the stone path, adding a bit of warmth to this late autumn afternoon. The queen was wearing an elegant phoenix robe, with gold embroidery shining in the sun. She was straightforward, and her eyebrows revealed an unquestionable heroic spirit, but at this moment she seemed a little confused.

"But..." The queen sighed softly, her eyes falling on Li Qingge beside her. There was an indescribable sense of familiarity, as if it crossed the boundaries of time and space and touched the memories deep in her heart.

Li Qingge smiled slightly, and that smile was like the peach blossoms blooming in spring, gentle and mysterious. She was dressed in a plain and elegant dress, with fluttering sleeves, like a fairy descending to the earth. Her eyes were deep, as if they contained endless wisdom and tenderness. At this moment, she was staring at the queen, her eyes full of deep meaning. "Maybe it was fate in the previous life." Her voice was soft and firm, like a warm spring breeze that blew away the fog in the queen's heart.

When the queen heard this, she felt inexplicably moved. She nodded, a smile on her lips: "Maybe it's true." There was a sense of relief in her voice, as if she had found a long-lost answer.

Rong Mama stood aside, watching the scene silently. She was wearing a dark palace dress, her face was old and kind, and her eyes were shining with wisdom. She secretly glanced at Li Qingge, and a thought flashed through her mind, but it quickly disappeared, replaced by a hint of worry. However, when she saw Li Qingge being so kind to the queen, the worry gradually dissipated, replaced by an inexplicable sense of relief.

"The fate of the previous life continues in this life. This is not an ordinary fate!" The queen laughed heartily, and the sound was as clear and pleasant as a silver bell. She pointed at Rong Mama and said, "This is my wet nurse, Rong Mama." Her words were full of trust and dependence on Rong Mama.

Upon hearing this, Madam Rong quickly knelt down and saluted very solemnly: "Your servant pays homage to Her Majesty the Queen of Dayan." There was a bit of awe and gratitude in her voice, as if she was paying tribute to an old friend she had not seen for a long time.

Li Qingge quickly reached out to help her up, her movements gentle and powerful, as if she was helping a lost soul. "Madam, please get up quickly. No need to be polite." Her voice was gentle and kind, and a warm current surged in Rong Madam's heart.

Although Rong Mama is a villain in the play, she is loyal to the queen. Her life revolves around the queen's joys and sorrows, like a lonely lamp in the harem, burning herself without regrets. At this moment, she looked at Li Qingge's care for the queen, and she couldn't help but feel respect and gratitude in her heart.

When Li Qingge was a child, she watched operas and hated Rong Mama. However, as she grew older and gained more experience, she gradually understood the truth and realized that many of the plots in those operas were illogical. She began to re-examine the role of Rong Mama and found that she was actually a tragic character. It was said that the people Rong Mama stabbed were all bad people, and netizens joked that "Rong Mama stabbed all bad people." This made Li Qingge's impression of Rong Mama better and better, and even gave birth to some sympathy and admiration.

At this moment, Li Qingge's approachability made Rong Mama feel warm in her heart. She thought secretly: "Everyone says that the Queen of Dayan is cruel, but now it seems that those rumors are wrong." Her eyes were shining with gratitude and admiration, as if she saw a whole new world.

Seeing that Li Qingge was so kind to both the Queen and herself, Madam Rong smiled and said, "The first time I saw the Queen's true appearance, I was so scared that I thought I was dreaming. I haven't woken up yet." There was a hint of shyness and surprise in her voice, as if she was sharing her thoughts with a close friend.

Li Qingge smiled and replied: "Life is like a dream. There is no difference between being inside a dream and outside of it. The important thing is to make yourself happy." Her voice was gentle and firm, as if she was pointing out a path in life for Rong Mama.

Rong Mama smiled like a blooming golden chrysanthemum, full of gratitude and happiness. "I often advise you to relax, but you never listen. You even quarreled with the emperor about Princess Huanzhu a few days ago." Her voice was filled with helplessness and worry, as if she was telling Li Qingge about her own worries.

The queen glared at her with a look of majesty and dissatisfaction in her eyes: "Why bring up Princess Huanzhu at this time? It's really a letdown!" Her voice revealed her disgust and dissatisfaction with Princess Huanzhu, as if she was angry at Rong Mama's slip of the tongue.

"I have spoken out of turn. I deserve death." Rong Mama quickly pleaded guilty, with a hint of fear and self-blame in her voice. She knew the Queen's temper and preferences very well, and knew that she had indeed said the wrong thing this time.

However, Li Qingge smiled and waved her hands, her movements relaxed and natural. "It's okay, let her talk. There's nothing fun in the capital, and I also want to hear about the interesting things in the harem." Her voice was full of curiosity and expectation, as if she was extending an invitation to Rong Mama.

The queen was filled with inexplicable joy when she heard this. She was usually serious and seldom smiled, but today, for some reason, she was particularly willing to chat with Li Qingge. She looked at Rong Mama, her eyes gleaming with anticipation: "Rong Mama, Her Majesty the Queen wants to hear something interesting, so just pick out something to tell her."

When Rong Mama heard this, she opened her mouth and began to tell all the interesting things that happened to Xiaoyanzi after she entered the palace. She told the story with great excitement and vividness, as if she was telling a wonderful story. Her voice was sometimes high-pitched and passionate, and sometimes low and gentle, as if she was using her voice to describe vivid pictures.

Although Li Qingge had heard about these things before, she still listened with great interest. Her eyes sparkled with curiosity and excitement, as if she was enjoying a wonderful drama. She nodded and smiled from time to time, as if she was cheering for Rong Mama's story.

As Rong Mama told the story, the scenery in the imperial garden seemed to come alive. The autumn wind gently blew the leaves, making a rustling sound, as if accompanying this wonderful story. The sun shone through the clouds and sprinkled on the stone path, adding a bit of warmth and brightness to this late autumn afternoon.

The Queen was also fascinated by what she heard. She sometimes frowned and sometimes smiled, as if she was worried or happy about Xiaoyanzi's experience. She looked at Li Qingge, her eyes flashing with gratitude and admiration, as if she was lucky to have met such a soulmate.

The story lasted for a long time, until the sun set and the sky was covered with gorgeous sunset glow. Li Qingge and the queen smiled at each other, and the smile was full of satisfaction and happiness. They knew that this meeting was not only a chance encounter, but also a spiritual fit and resonance.

Rong Mama also found her own value and significance in this story. She looked at Li Qingge and the Queen, and an indescribable joy and satisfaction surged in her heart. She knew that although she was just a humble maid, she also had her own place in this harem. She would continue to use her loyalty and wisdom to protect the peace and harmony of the Queen and this harem.

Destiny in two lives, deep love in the palace

The autumn wind blew up the light fallen leaves in the imperial garden, which swirled in the air, fell, and finally returned to the dust. The afterglow of the setting sun sprinkled on the glazed tiles of the Forbidden City, shining with golden light, covering this ancient palace with a mysterious and solemn coat.

Rong Ma stood beside the queen, angrily telling the story of Huanzhu Gege, her face was distorted by anger, and her brows revealed deep worry. Her words were full of defense of the royal bloodline and dissatisfaction with Huanzhu Gege's behavior.

"As the head of the six palaces, it is the Queen's duty to ask Huanzhu Gege about her life experience. How can the royal bloodline be confused? But I didn't expect that when Gege heard this, she cried in front of the Emperor as if her own mother was wronged. She also repeatedly helped Lingpin to oppose the Queen. It really makes people angry!"

Hearing this, Li Qingge frowned involuntarily, her eyes became deep, as if she was in a whirlpool of contemplation. She was dressed in a plain and elegant dress, with fluttering sleeves, like a fairy descending to the earth. Her face was delicate, her eyebrows were like distant mountains, her eyes were like autumn water, revealing an extraordinary temperament. At this moment, her heart was filled with worry about Xiaoyanzi.

She knew Xiaoyanzi's situation clearly. After all, she was not a real princess. Once the queen revealed her identity, it would be a crime of deceiving the emperor, and she would not be able to escape. Li Qingge frowned, as if she could feel the crisis Xiaoyanzi was facing. She knew very well that in this deep palace, every secret could become a deadly weapon.

The queen sighed, and her voice echoed in the empty palace, with a bit of helplessness and emotion. She was wearing a gorgeous phoenix robe and pearls on her head, dignified and majestic. However, her eyes revealed an indescribable sadness.

"Sometimes I think that the position of Queen is not so satisfying. I gave birth to three sons, two of whom died young, leaving only Yongji. If it were not for his future, I... Oh, I won't say it anymore. It will only add to my troubles." The Queen's voice was low and hoarse, as if she carried too much heaviness and sorrow.

She shook her head and looked at Li Qingge, her eyes full of love. That love was like the sunshine in spring, warm and gentle, making Li Qingge feel the long-lost family affection.

"I'm old now, so I talk more. Please don't be offended, Your Majesty." There was a hint of apology and self-mockery in the Queen's tone.

Li Qingge said quickly: "How can I blame you? When I am with you, I feel like my elders are around. People sometimes dislike their nagging, but once they are gone, they can't hear anymore even if they want to." After she finished speaking, her expression became a little gloomy, as if she was thinking of her deceased parents.

The queen sighed again, her eyes revealing understanding and sympathy for Li Qingge. "Yongji was the same. He would hide away if I said a few more words. You are about the same age as him, but you can understand your parents' feelings. If I had a daughter like you, it would be a blessing that I have cultivated for several lifetimes."

Rong Mama smiled and agreed, "Yes, yes. Look at her, she looks like a fairy, and she is so considerate, she is rare in the world." Rong Mama's words were full of praise and love for Li Qingge. Her eyes revealed a sincere appreciation, as if she saw a rare treasure.

Li Qingge smiled shyly, her face flushed with shyness. "You are too kind, my queen. Although my parents were very good, unfortunately they died young. Just like the saying goes, 'The tree wants to be still but the wind does not stop, the son wants to take care of his parents but they are not waiting'. Now that I am the queen, it is impossible for me to be filial to them." There was some sadness and regret in Li Qingge's voice.

After hearing this, the Queen couldn't help but feel sad. She held Li Qingge's hand, which was warm and strong, as if conveying a kind of silent strength and comfort.

"Child, the dead cannot be resurrected, but you must believe that their spirits in heaven will be proud and pleased with you." The queen's voice was gentle and firm, as if pointing out a way forward for Li Qingge.

After a while, the queen remembered something and asked, "I heard that the Jin couple are not your biological parents?" Her eyes revealed concern and curiosity.

Li Qingge nodded, her eyes becoming deep and distant. "Yes. Although they are not my biological parents, my adoptive parents treat me like their own daughter. Their kindness is deeper than that of blood relatives. This time I came to the capital, in addition to bringing my aunt back to my hometown, I also want to rebury my adoptive parents in a grand manner." Li Qingge's voice was filled with determination and gratitude.

The Queen deeply agreed: "The grace of giving birth is great, but the grace of raising a child is even greater. You are right to do this! You are not only a filial daughter, but also a loyal and affectionate queen." The Queen's voice was full of praise and admiration for Li Qingge.

The two of them got along better and better as they talked, as if they had forgotten each other's status and the hatred between the country and the family. They shared each other's thoughts and experiences like two ordinary friends. In this deep palace, such time seemed particularly precious and rare.

Rong Mama was also very happy to see her master and Li Qingge so close. She stood aside, watching the scene silently, with a gratified smile on her face. Since the queen was enthroned, she had never seen her master laugh so happily. This made her feel very relieved and satisfied.

However, Rong Mama also hid a deep worry in her heart. She was worried about the struggles in the harem, the stability of the empress's position, and Yongji's safety every day. She was afraid that Yongji would repeat the mistakes of the fifth princess and the thirteenth prince and become a victim of the palace struggle. At the same time, she was also worried that the queen and Li Qingge getting too close would anger Emperor Qianlong and bring unnecessary trouble and danger to the queen and Yongji.

The sky gradually darkened, the afterglow of the setting sun had disappeared into the horizon, replaced by a deep night sky. Stars of lights lit up in the palace, adding a bit of mystery and romance to this ancient building.

As a foreign guest, Li Qingge should not stay in the harem for long. She stood up and said goodbye to the queen, with a hint of reluctance and nostalgia in her voice. "Your Majesty, it's getting late, I should leave. It's my great honor to have such a pleasant conversation with you today."

The queen said reluctantly: "After we say goodbye today, I don't know when we will meet again. You must take care of yourself. I look forward to seeing you next time." There was a hint of sadness and anticipation in the queen's voice.

Li Qingge nodded, bowed to the Queen and Rong Mama, and then turned and left. Her figure gradually disappeared in the night, leaving only a series of crisp footsteps echoing.

The Queen and Rong Mama watched Li Qingge leave, their hearts filled with blessings and concerns for her. In this deep palace, they seemed to have found a trace of warmth and comfort, which was the sincerity and kindness from a foreign queen. And this friendship will be treasured in their hearts forever.


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