After my inner voice was eavesdropped, I became the favorite of the Tang Dynasty

Chapter 83

At the same time, in another room, Ziwei was sitting quietly in front of the window, gazing at the scenery outside. Her heart was filled with worry and uneasiness, because she knew what kind of storm would be caused if her identity was exposed. But she also knew that she could not escape this fate. She could only pray silently, hoping that everything would go well and not to implicate innocent people.

Xiaoyanzi was busy at the side, and she didn't seem to notice Ziwei's worries. Her heart was full of longing and expectation for the future, because she knew that she would soon become the emperor's adopted daughter, which would bring her unprecedented glory and status. But she also understood that this glory and status were not easily obtained, and she needed to put in more effort and sweat.

The two women, each with their own thoughts, are working towards the same goal. They know that no matter what the future holds, they will work together to face all challenges and difficulties. Because they are sisters, they are each other's strongest support.

As time goes by, the Fu family's plan is quietly underway. Fu Erkang and Ertai run around the palace, trying to get more opportunities and resources for Ziwei and Xiaoyanzi. Fulun and his wife pray silently at home, hoping that everything will go well.

Finally, on a sunny morning, the emperor officially recognized Xiaoyanzi as his adopted daughter and granted her the status of a princess. When the news came out, the whole capital was shocked. People talked about it and speculated about the emperor's intentions and the future of the Fu family.

Ziwei, with the help of Falcon, gradually emerged in the palace. Her talent and gentleness won the love and respect of everyone. Although her identity has not been officially exposed, she has become an indispensable part of the palace.

The Fu family also ushered in unprecedented glory and status. Fu Erkang and Ertai's positions in the palace became more stable, and Fulun and his wife were also proud of their daughter's outstanding performance.

However, they all know that this is just the beginning. In the future, there will be more challenges and difficulties waiting for them. But they also believe that as long as the whole family works together, they will be able to overcome all difficulties and usher in a better future.

The love between Emperor Qianlong and Xia Yuhe was like an unknown flower in the depths of the palace, quietly blooming and withering in the dust of time. It was a private encounter, without a grand ceremony, without an imperial edict to announce it to the world, only the two hearts quietly approaching each other at that moment. Xia Yuhe, a gentle woman, left a faint trace in Qianlong's heart, but she ultimately failed to become an indispensable part of his life.

Xiaoyanzi, the woman who was adopted as a daughter by Emperor Qianlong by chance, always had an awkward identity in the palace. Although she was named Huanzhu Gege and enjoyed the treatment that a Gege should have, her identity as an illegitimate child was like an invisible yoke, making her walk every step carefully in the palace. She knew very well that she could not be compared with those noble Heshuo and Gulun princesses, and could only silently endure the inconveniences brought by this identity.

The Fu family, as a bannerman, has a certain status in the palace, but the feeling of being inferior always accompanies them. They are eager to get rid of the shackles brought by this status and make the family proud in the palace. Therefore, when Fu Erkang saw Ziwei, a blazing fire ignited in his heart. Ziwei, the gentle and talented woman, not only has a spiritual connection with him, but also has the status of a princess he has always dreamed of. In Fu Erkang's eyes, Ziwei is simply the perfect wife in his mind, who can spend the rest of his life with him and write a glorious chapter for the Fu family together.

Fu Erkang was filled with excitement and anticipation, and he quietly told Ertai his thoughts. Although Ertai liked Xiaoyanzi, he also knew clearly that Xiaoyanzi's identity was an unchangeable obstacle. So the two brothers hit it off and decided to join forces to marry Ziwei and Xiaoyanzi to change the fate of the Fu family.

Among the Eight Banners, the distinction between the noble and the humble is particularly obvious. The upper three banners are the most honorable, and are the cradle of the empress and the imperial concubines. Fu Erkang's heart is full of yearning for the upper three banners. He believes that as long as he can marry Ziwei and Xiaoyanzi, Emperor Qianlong will definitely grant the Fu family the honor of the upper three banners. Once this idea took root in the hearts of the Fu family, it quickly spread and became their common goal and motivation.

Fulun slapped his thigh, his voice full of determination and resoluteness: "Wealth and honor are achieved through risk, how can we not take some risks? We have to fight!" The Fu brothers knew that they had to rely on the fifth prince Yongqi for help, so they secretly told Yongqi their plan. When Yongqi heard this, he couldn't help but feel an indescribable joy in his heart. He and Xiaoyanzi have been together for a long time, and he has already developed deep feelings for her. However, due to the status of brother and sister, he has always buried this feeling deep in his heart. Now, when he learned that Xiaoyanzi was not a real princess, the long-suppressed feelings finally found an outlet for release.

The more Yongqi looked at Xiaoyanzi, the more he felt that she was pure and kind, and completely different from those coquettish women in the palace. His heart was filled with love and pity for Xiaoyanzi, and he became more determined to help her keep her identity. So, although Fu Jia and Yongqi had their own thoughts, their goal was the same - to keep Xiaoyanzi and let Emperor Qianlong accept Ziwei.

After careful arrangements by both parties, Ziwei and Xiaoyanzi finally met. It was a sunny afternoon, and the Shufangzhai was filled with a faint fragrance of flowers. When Ziwei saw Xiaoyanzi, she felt an indescribable sense of intimacy. After the two hugged each other and cried bitterly, Ziwei forgave Xiaoyanzi's deception with a heart like a saint. They discussed the plan to enter the palace and decided to face the challenges of the future together.

However, the Queen was full of suspicion and hostility towards Xiaoyanzi's identity. When she learned that Xiaoyanzi was an imposter, she gritted her teeth in anger and ordered Rong Mama to keep a close eye on every move in Shufangzhai. When she learned that Ziwei and Jinsuo were actually incorporated into the Baoyi Banner as palace maids, she was even more furious. She smashed the teacup in her hand, with endless anger and unwillingness in her voice: "It's ridiculous! How can the blood of the royal family be reduced to the level of being a Baoyi slave? The Fu family is so bold!"

The Queen's anger spread rapidly in the palace like an invisible storm. She was determined to reveal Xiaoyanzi's true identity and make the Fu family pay the price. However, she didn't know that the Fu family and Yongqi were fully prepared. They were determined to keep Xiaoyanzi and Ziwei and make their identities recognized by Emperor Qianlong. A contest in the palace was about to begin, and the fate of Xiaoyanzi and Ziwei would also change dramatically in this contest.

The queen sat on a red sandalwood chair with intricate carvings. The sunlight from the window shone through the thin window paper onto her dignified but slightly sad face. She was wearing a luxurious phoenix robe, and the phoenix embroidered with gold thread spread its wings as if to fly, but it seemed to be trapped by the heavy atmosphere and unable to fly freely. The queen's eyes revealed a complex emotion, with both the majesty of being the master of the six palaces and the tenderness and helplessness of being a mother.

Ziwei, that name passed through her heart gently, like a breeze blowing across the lake, bringing up layers of ripples. Although the queen was kind-hearted and soft-hearted and didn't like her husband to have an illegitimate daughter outside, whenever she thought of Ziwei, an indescribable complex emotion surged in her heart. Ziwei, even if she was unpopular, was the blood of the royal family. The blood of the Aisin-Gioro family flowed in her veins. How noble was that? How could she tolerate being tainted by outsiders?
The queen stood up and slowly walked to the window, looking at the prosperous palace scene outside the window. To be promoted from a bannerman to an Eight Banners noble was a great thing, a glory that many people dreamed of. However, on the other hand, if the daughter of the royal family was demoted to a bannerman slave, it would be self-degradation. For the royal family, it would be like a good girl falling into prostitution, which was a great shame! How could she watch such a shame fall on her own child?

Rong Mama saw that the queen was furious, and her wrinkled face was full of worry. She hurried forward, gently supported the queen's shoulders, and comforted her: "Your Majesty, calm down. This matter should give the emperor a headache, and it is not something we can interfere with." When the queen heard this, her anger was even more uncontrollable. She turned around suddenly, stared into Rong Mama's eyes, and said with a bit of anger in her voice: "Our family shares honor and disgrace. Ziwei was humiliated, how can my son stay out of it?"

The Queen's tone revealed an unquestionable firmness. She sighed again, with a hint of helplessness in her eyes: "The Emperor is also wrong. There are three thousand beauties in the harem, and he can't favor them all. Empress Xiaoxian died on her way to the east tour, and before the mourning period was over, he ran to Daming Lake to meet Xia Yuhe secretly, which left this evil relationship." When she said this, the Queen's voice choked a little. She thought of Empress Xiaoxian, the gentle and virtuous woman, who left the world early. And the Emperor, during the mourning period, met with another woman secretly, leaving this unspeakable evil relationship.

Rong Mama looked at the Queen and felt sad. She patted the Queen's back and said softly, "Although the past may have brought bad reputations to the Queen and the Twelve Prince, the situation is different now. Think about when the Fifth Princess ascended the throne, the whole court was full of criticism, but she remained calm and managed the country well." Rong Mama's words were full of admiration and comfort. She knew that the Fifth Princess was a role model in the Queen's heart, and her strength and courage had always inspired the Queen.

After hearing what Rong Mama said, the Queen's expression softened a little. She nodded, with a hint of emotion in her voice, "Yes, the Fifth Princess doesn't care about those gossips, so why should I take them to heart?" At this point, she sighed, "But Ziwei is my niece after all, I can't watch her degenerate like this."

Seeing that the Queen's mood had improved, Rong Mama continued to persuade her: "Reputation is as light as a feather, but the power in your hands is as heavy as Mount Tai. The previous emperor promoted the land tax system, and although he was called a tyrant, he firmly grasped the power. After his son succeeded to the throne, he also received posthumous glory and was honored as the Emperor Shizong." These words hit the heart of the Queen. She nodded, with a firm light in her eyes: "You are right, why should people in power care about other people's gossip? I was just angry for a moment."

At this point, the Queen seemed to have remembered something. She turned around and looked at Madam Rong, her tone somewhat serious: "However, we can't just let this matter go. Ziwei is the Emperor's daughter after all, and we can't let her become a bondservant. Send someone to check and see what Ziwei's current situation is, and see if there is a way to bring her back to the palace."

Rong Mama was touched when she heard the queen's words. She knew that although the queen was stern on the surface, she was very soft-hearted. She nodded, with a firm voice: "Don't worry, your majesty, I will definitely get this done." After that, she turned and left.

The queen looked at Rong Mama's back as she left, and an indescribable complex emotion surged in her heart. She knew that this road was not easy to walk, but she also understood that as the master of the six palaces and the model of the Aisin-Gioro family, she could not watch the royal bloodline fall like this. She must do her best to protect Ziwei and maintain the dignity and honor of the royal family.

The sun was still shining brightly outside the window, but the queen's heart was already full of determination and courage. She knew that no matter how many difficulties and challenges she would encounter in the future, she would go on firmly until she brought Ziwei back to the palace and made the royal bloodline shine again.

The queen had a gloomy face, her brows were twisted into a knot, as if water could drip out of them. Her voice was low and powerful, echoing in the empty palace: "What Fulun's family did is really disgusting. That hypocritical smile, the knife hidden behind it, if I don't teach them a lesson, the fire in my heart will be like a flame poured with oil, and it will be increasingly difficult to quench."

Rong Mama stood aside, with a sinister smile on her face, which looked particularly strange under the dim candlelight. Her voice was low and hoarse, as if it came from the depths of hell: "If we want to deal with them, it's easy. As long as we reveal the true identity of Princess Huanzhu, it will be like uncovering a fig leaf, exposing her secret in broad daylight. If we hold on to this handle, even if we don't kill them, we can at least make them lose a layer of skin and make them have no place to stand in the palace!"

When the queen heard this, her eyes were sharp, like two sharp swords piercing forward. A sneer appeared on the corner of her mouth, and her voice was as cold as ice: "I was busy before and had no time to pay attention to these jumping clowns. Now, I have to take action and let them know that I am not sitting on the throne of queen for nothing."

In a blink of an eye, it was the night of the full moon on the 15th. The silvery moonlight spread across the entire palace like water, casting a mysterious veil over this magnificent palace.

According to the rules of the harem, the fifteenth day of every month is a day for the queen alone. Although the emperor favors other concubines, every fifteenth day, he will put down his government affairs and go to the queen's bedroom to spend the night with her.

Back then, Qianlong didn't care much about Empress Nara. In his mind, Empress Xiaoxian was the gentle, virtuous, well-educated and sensible woman, while Empress Nara always seemed too strong and lacked the tenderness of a woman. Therefore, he often followed his own temper and rarely watched the moon with the empress. Even when he went to Kunning Palace, they just chatted under the quilt, without any warmth between husband and wife.

But after hearing about Li Qingge's story, Qianlong's attitude changed. He began to realize that he might have always ignored the queen's feelings and her efforts in the harem. So, he paid special attention to the queen's affairs, wanting to make up for his previous neglect of her.

However, women's minds are as deep as the sea. Li Qingge saw whether the emperor respected the queen or not. Whenever the emperor was a little cold to the queen, Li Qingge would stand up for her and use her wisdom and courage to fight for the queen's due status and dignity.

That night, the Emperor and the Empress tasted the Cabernet Sauvignon wine that Li Qingge had given them. The wine was purple-red, as mellow as purple jade, and exuded an alluring aroma. The Emperor praised it highly: "This wine is absolutely amazing, mellow with a floral and fruity aroma, it is definitely a good aged wine. It's a pity that there are only twelve bottles. It would be even better if there were a few boxes, half for myself and half for others."

It was obvious that he wanted Li Qingge to send more good wine. The queen was secretly delighted when she heard this. She knew that this was a great opportunity to draw out the mystery of Li Qingge's life experience. So, she put down the wine glass and pretended to be in deep thought: "Your Majesty, I suddenly remembered something."

The emperor asked curiously, "What's the matter?" His eyes were full of anticipation, as if he had already guessed what the queen was going to say next.

The Queen thought for a moment and spoke slowly, "Xiaoyanzi said that her mother Xia Yuhe asked her to come to the capital to recognize her relatives before she died. When the Emperor recognized Xiaoyanzi, Xia Yuhe had already passed away. Although I don't like her behavior of getting pregnant before marriage, death is like the end of a lamp, and there is no point in worrying about these things. Considering that she left blood for the royal family, now that she is gone, shouldn't we send someone to repair her grave? It can also be considered as accumulating some merit for the royal family."

The emperor listened to the queen's words and nodded in agreement. "You are right. I almost forgot about this. Getting pregnant before marriage is indeed a bad reputation. You may not be able to enter the Xia family's ancestral tomb after death. Xiaoyanzi sold her family property to come to the capital to recognize her relatives. I am afraid she doesn't have the money to give her mother a decent funeral. I feel guilty about Yuhe. I have to give her a posthumous name to make up for the regret of the past."

Qianlong claimed to be a sentimental man, and he never forgot Xia Yuhe's deep affection. Now that he heard that her tomb might not be repaired, he was filled with guilt and regret. He wanted to make up for the regret of the past by repairing the tomb, and also wanted to take this opportunity to show the world his magnanimity and benevolence.

However, the Queen had other plans in mind. She knew very well that the mystery of Xiaoyanzi's identity was a huge stone hanging over the Emperor's heart, and it was also a trump card in her hand. As long as the time was right, she could use this secret to strike at the Fulun family and let them know the consequences of offending her. Therefore, when the Emperor proposed to repair the tomb, the Queen did not immediately object. On the contrary, she showed an appearance of great righteousness: "Your Majesty is right, and I am willing to contribute to this matter. Why not send my people to do it? They are reliable and will definitely give Xia Yuhe a decent funeral."

The emperor felt warm in his heart after hearing the queen's words. He felt that the queen was becoming more and more virtuous. Not only did she understand his feelings, but she also took the initiative to share his worries. So he readily agreed to the queen's suggestion and told her to do a good job.

However, the queen secretly sneered in her heart. She knew that this tomb repair was just part of her plan. When the time came, she would uncover the mystery of Xiaoyanzi's life experience and make it impossible for the Fulun family to turn over. By then, let's see how they can gain a foothold in the palace!

Then, he spoke slowly again, with a bit of helplessness and worry in his voice: "Xiaoyanzi is a kind-hearted child, but she has never experienced the world. She is ignorant and doesn't understand the red tape and undercurrents in the palace. If she knew that Your Majesty intended to hold a grand funeral for her mother Xia Yuhe to show your grace, I am afraid that her unconcealed nature would make her inadvertently leak the news, and show your past relationship with Xia Yuhe to everyone without reservation, like autumn wind sweeping fallen leaves. By then, not only will your reputation be damaged, but people inside and outside the palace will probably also talk about it, which will be very disadvantageous to you."

The Queen heard this, her eyes turned slightly, flashing with a cunning light, and a gentle smile appeared on the corner of her mouth, like the breeze blowing across the lake in spring, gentle yet with unspeakable deep meaning: "In my humble opinion, this matter needs to be considered carefully, and it is better to handle it in a low-key manner. Once everything is arranged properly and there is no risk of error, it will not be too late to inform Xiaoyanzi. This way, the Emperor's reputation can be preserved and unnecessary trouble can be avoided."

These words not only reveal a subtle grasp of the situation, but also a profound insight into human nature. The intention is to quietly lay an imperceptible "vaccine" for Xiaoyanzi and the others, leaving them completely unprepared and at a loss when faced with sudden changes.

Emperor Qianlong, who always valued his reputation and did not want his private affairs to become the topic of gossip for others, nodded and praised the queen's words, saying "That's right! Queen, you are so thoughtful and considerate. Let's do it according to your wishes."

So, he turned to instruct the palace servants beside him, with a serious look and an unquestionable majesty in his tone: "This matter concerns the reputation of the royal family. It must be kept strictly confidential, especially everything about Xia Yuhe. Not a single word can be leaked out. Violators will be severely punished!"

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Ever since he clarified the misunderstanding about Li Qingge, Qianlong felt that his reputation seemed to be overshadowed. Now he was even more worried that Xiaoyanzi's unguarded mouth would make his reputation even worse. He stared at the queen, his eyes showing trust and dependence: "Queen, you have always acted cautiously and with great discretion. I will leave this matter to you. I am relieved."

Xia Yuhe, the former concubine of the Emperor, passed away, and the Empress should have presided over her funeral. However, the Empress's dissatisfaction and taboo towards Xia Yuhe were like ice condensed in winter, cold and hard to melt. She thought Xia Yuhe was charming and seductive when she was alive, and she was afraid that she would still bring endless troubles to herself after her death. Therefore, the Empress was unwilling to take on this task.

She sighed softly, her tone revealing a bit of helplessness and refusal: "I am in charge of the affairs of the six palaces, which are trivial and complicated, like cow hair. In addition, Concubine Wei is pregnant, so I need to pay extra attention to take care of her. I am really too busy to take on this matter. Your Majesty should find someone else who is reliable. After all, Xia Yuhe's affairs should not be made public. You need to find a reliable person."

After hearing this, Qianlong felt that the queen's consideration was reasonable, so he nodded, thought for a moment and said, "Then send Nanny Tian's son. He is cautious and loyal to the royal family, and he will be able to handle this matter properly."

Upon hearing this, the queen's face lit up with a satisfied smile, which showed both approval of Qianlong's decision and secret joy at her own success. She praised, "Your Majesty is wise. This move will surely be foolproof."

Speaking of Nanny Tian, ​​she was the wet nurse of the late Empress Xiaoxian and a loyal servant of the Fucha family. Back then, Empress Xiaoxian unfortunately passed away during her eastern tour. Not long after, Emperor Qianlong had an affair with Xia Yuhe and gave birth to an illegitimate daughter, Xiaoyanzi. Although the Fucha family did not say much when Xiaoyanzi recognized her relatives, they inevitably had some grudges in their hearts.

Nanny Tian was loyal to the Fucha family and Empress Xiaoxian to the point of being blind, just like Nanny Rong was to the Empress, swearing to protect them until her death. After Empress Xiaoxian died, Emperor Qianlong kept her wet nurse Nanny Tian by his side as a token of his favor, remembering their old friendship.

Although Nanny Tian did not dare to openly resent Qianlong's indifference, deep down in her heart, she must have hated Xia Yuhe, the "fox spirit" who made her master restless in the afterlife. If she knew that Ziwei was Xia Yuhe's daughter, she would not only not hide it, but might even try to deal with Ziwei in order to comfort the spirit of Empress Xiaoxian in heaven.

When the queen thought of this, the corners of her mouth couldn't help but rise slightly, revealing a smug and cold smile, as if she had foreseen a good show in the future.

On the other hand, Ziwei, a woman who entered Shufangzhai as an ordinary palace maid, was quietly changing a corner of the palace with her talent and charm. She recited poems and played the zither, her singing was melodious, and her chess skills were superb. Each of her talents was like a flower blooming in spring, attracting Qianlong's attention and making him intoxicated and unable to extricate himself. Whenever Qianlong saw her face that was very similar to Xia Yuhe, the long-hidden old love in his heart surged like a tide, difficult to calm down.

The Queen stood aside, quietly observing all the movements in Shufangzhai, thinking about her own plan in her mind. She knew very well that Ziwei's appearance might become a chess piece in her hand to check and balance those forces that were ready to make a move, or become a sharp sword for her to strike at the remaining influence of Xia Yuhe. In this undercurrent of the palace, the Queen always maintained her calmness and calculation, waiting for the best time to implement her plan.

When Rong Mama heard the news, she hurried, almost jogging, through the winding corridor. On both sides of the corridor, wisteria flowers were in full bloom, hanging like waterfalls, swaying in the wind, but she had no time to pay attention to the beautiful scenery. Her figure flickered in the mottled light and shadow, and finally stopped in front of the queen's bedroom. The door opened slightly, Rong Mama's face was full of anxiety, and she walked into the hall. A faint incense came to her nose, mixed with the unique dullness and tranquility of summer.

"Your Majesty, the Emperor and Ziwei played chess until dawn last night." There was an imperceptible breath in Rong Ma's words, and it was obvious that she had mixed feelings after rushing all the way here.

The queen was sitting by the window, and a ray of sunlight shone through the gauze curtains onto her delicate face, adding a bit of soft radiance to her. She was wearing an elegant embroidered long skirt, and the hem of her skirt swayed gently in the breeze, like a lotus leaf swaying gently in the pond. Hearing Rong Mama's words, the queen tilted her head slightly, and a trace of emotion flashed in her eyes, and then she picked up a piece of hawthorn cake, which was bright in color and as tempting as a ruby. She tasted it carefully, but her face was indifferent, as if nothing in the world could touch the waves in her heart.

"It's just a game of chess, a trivial matter, not worth taking to heart." The queen's voice was soft, but with unquestionable firmness, as if she was telling herself and comforting Madam Rong.

Rong Mama's face was full of worry, her brows were furrowed, as if water could be squeezed out of them. "But Ziwei's identity is a secret, and people in the palace don't know it yet. An unmarried girl playing chess with the emperor all night, I'm afraid there will be rumors." Her tone was full of worry, and her eyes looked out the window from time to time, as if she was afraid that those invisible rumors had quietly spread.

The Empress smiled bitterly after hearing this, with a hint of self-mockery and helplessness in her smile. "The Emperor is not afraid of what people say, so what should I be afraid of? Besides, the greatest shame of the royal family is that the orthodox bloodline is demoted to a bondservant. Compared to this, playing a game of chess is nothing?" Her eyes became deep, as if she had penetrated time and space and returned to the past that she could not bear to look back on.

Rong Mama sighed, and the sound echoed in the empty palace, sounding particularly heavy. "If the old Buddha knew that our royal princess had fallen to this state, she would be so distressed. She values ​​rules and bloodline the most." Her tone was full of sympathy for Ziwei and worry about possible changes in the future.

The queen sighed softly, the sound was thin as a thread, but it was filled with endless emotion. "I have both a son and a daughter, I have all the honors I deserve, and I am not afraid of any regrets in the future. If Xiaoyanzi is not comfortable with herself, let her go." There was a trace of determination in her eyes, as if she had already made plans for the worst.

Upon hearing this, Rong Mama forced a smile on her face, which was a bit bitter and a bit relieved. "Your Majesty is right. You are blessed with great fortune and don't have to worry about anything. Let's just pretend we didn't see or hear anything, and live a comfortable life." Her tone was full of respect for the Majesty and her expectations for the future life.

The queen smiled slightly, and that smile was like a flower blooming in spring, bright and warm. "The emperor has sent Nanny Tian's son to deal with Xia Yuhe's funeral, and the truth will soon be revealed. We have fulfilled our responsibilities, and we are just waiting to see the show. The play of 'real and fake princess' is exciting just to think about it." Her eyes flashed with a cunning light, as if she had seen the beginning of the good show in the future.

Madam Rong thought for a moment and whispered, "If we want to get rid of Xiaoyanzi, why bother the emperor to do it himself? We just need to tell Ziwei how bad it is for her to join the bannermen, sow discord between the two sisters, and let them fight each other. Wouldn't it be less effort?" Her voice was low and gloomy, as if she was planning a conspiracy.

Upon hearing this, the empress gently tapped the teacup with her pure gold armor inlaid with oriental pearls. The teacup was made of blue and white porcelain and painted with intricate patterns, making it look particularly delicate. The armor and the teacup made a clear and pleasant sound, just like beads falling on a jade plate, crisp and melodious.

"In this way, Ziwei becomes an innocent victim in the eyes of the emperor. After she enters the bannermen, the emperor might even lend a helping hand and promote her to the upper three banners, which would be a good thing for her. If it weren't for the relocation of the grave that disturbed my son, I could have shown her a way out. Whoever dares to bully my daughter, the emperor will naturally not let him go." The queen's voice was low and powerful, and every word seemed to carry a thousand pounds of force, hitting Rong Mama's heart.

After saying this, the queen felt relieved. She let Xiaoyanzi and the others do whatever they wanted, as if she had seen the ending. Rong Mama nodded silently, with a complex look in her eyes, showing both awe for the queen and expectation for the future.

In the blink of an eye, spring passed and summer arrived as promised. The weather was extremely hot, and both the north and the south were shrouded in a scorching heat, as if the whole world was scorched. However, in this hot season, the people of the Great Yan Kingdom did not feel too much suffering.

The popularity of modern appliances such as refrigerators and air conditioners, as well as the abundant electricity provided by the huge oil and gas fields under the rule of Queen Li Qingge, has greatly reduced the cost of electricity. Every household can use refrigerators and air conditioners, and everyone can enjoy the coolness of summer by eating iced fruits and cold drinks. The luxurious life that was once only dreamed of has now become a reality.

Queen Li Qingge herself enjoyed the best air conditioning and refrigerator treatment. In her bedroom, advanced air conditioning machines were whirring, adjusting the indoor temperature to just the right level. She was wearing a light gauze dress, sitting on a soft sofa, holding fresh lychees that were airlifted in, including top-quality varieties such as Guiwei and Gualü. Those lychees were plump and bright in color, like the most dazzling pearls in summer.

She eats hundreds of lychees every day. The lychees are delicious, sweet and sour, sour and sweet, which is a rare delicacy in the world. While eating lychees, she smiled and said, "Even if I have to stay in Lingnan for the rest of my life and eat lychees every day, I am willing!" Her voice was full of satisfaction and happiness, as if lychees were her greatest joy in summer.

In this hot summer, Queen Li Qingge enjoys her own coolness and sweetness. All the troubles about Ziwei, Xiaoyanzi and the royal family seem to have been diluted by the summer heat, leaving only tranquility and peace. However, under this tranquil surface, there are endless waves and undercurrents, waiting for a day in the future to set off a thrilling storm again.

In the hot summer in the Forbidden City, in addition to the coveted lychees, Li Qingge has another favorite in her heart - that is watermelon, especially the seedless watermelon named 8424. This kind of watermelon is as big as a basin, with thin skin and thick flesh, bright color, and the whole room is filled with fragrance when cut open. The red flesh and black seeds are like the most attractive painting in summer. Li Qingge especially likes to eat them after they are chilled, scooping them out with a delicate silver spoon, one spoonful at a time. The sweetness and coolness penetrate her heart, as if it can wash away all the troubles in the world, allowing her to enjoy the rare happiness in the world.

Whenever this season comes, Li Qingge will personally select those watermelons that are round, plump, and have clear lines, and order people to carefully put them into wooden boxes covered with ice. Then she will use the fastest horses to escort these precious "summer messengers" to the capital, just so that her mother and brother at home can also taste this sweetness from afar. Her heart is filled with thoughts and concerns for her family. This emotion, as the sound of horse hooves fades away, also quietly blends into the cold watermelon.

That day, when boxes of crystal clear lychees and round watermelons were presented to Li Qingge, she could hardly believe her eyes. Those lychees were plump and red as fire, as if they could illuminate people's hearts; and those watermelons were green and heavy, lying there, exuding an attractive luster. A flash of surprise flashed in her eyes, followed by full joy, but then replaced by a trace of worry. She knew that although lychees were beautiful, they were very easy to deteriorate. There was no modern refrigeration equipment in the palace. Once unpacked, they had to be eaten as soon as possible, otherwise the deliciousness would be gone in a flash.

So, she quickly arranged for someone to send the lychees to Yongji first, so that he could also taste this rare fruit. And she couldn't wait to go back to her mother's home, holding the box of precious watermelons tightly in her hands, as if she was holding endless love for her family. As soon as she got home, she urged her mother and family to enjoy the food quickly, fearing that this delicious food would be delayed.

In Kunning Palace, Li Qingge and Rong Mama tasted the sweetness of lychees, but she couldn't help but think of Emperor Qianlong. She imagined how tired he was when reviewing memorials, and she couldn't help but want to send him a little coolness.