The Phoenix Arises

Chapter 25.2: Return

“I think it’s possible. It’s been half a month we’ve not attended morning court.”

“I heard that the Lady Emperor has mostly recovered from her illness. Why hasn’t Her Majesty come attend morning court?”

“Who knows?”

“Her Majesty the Lady Emperor arrives…..”

Hearing the announcement, the senior officials shushed up and stood respectfully in their places.

Dressed in her resplendent yellow Phoenix Robe and her Golden Phoenix Crown on her head, Duanmu Xi came walking slowly into the Vermillion Bird Palace Hall and ascended up the steps of the jade pedestal.

“Respects to Your Majesty Her Lady Emperor, long live Her Majesty for thousands and thousands of years…..”

All the senior officials fell to their knees to greet.

“My beloved officials may all rise.” Duanmu Xi lifted her hand up and said.

“Thank you Your Majesty.”

After all the senior officials have gotten up, Red Maple standing on the left of Duanmu Xue took a step forward and announced in a loud clear voice.

“Make your report on any matters or court will be dismissed if there is nothing…..”

“Reporting to Your Majesty. Your humble subject has a matter to report.”

A middle aged woman in a dark reddish purple official robe stepped forward from her line, and said to Duanmu Xue with a bow.

It was the Minister of the Board of Rites, Ji Su Fen.

“Speak.”

Ji Su Fen lowered her eyes with her body bowed. “The sixth day next month is he Crown Princess’ birthday. Do I carry on with the usual arrangements.”

Hearing that, Duanmu Xue swept her eyes over the officials before her. Seeing different expressions on their faces, her eyes glinted and her red lips parted slightly.

“Of course. Not just the usual arrangements, but to make it a grand celebration.”

Duanmu Xi’s words caused a stir among the officials, all of them not understanding the reason why.

“Her Highness the Crown Princess has been missing for more than a year. Why are we making it a grander celebration for the Crown Princess’ birthday?”

“Could it because Her Majesty misses the Crown Princess too much?”

“Sigh. No matter how grand the celebration is, Her Highness the Crown Princess will still not come back.”

……

“Yes, Your Majesty.”

Although Ji Su Fen did not understand it, but she still bowed and said yes, before returning back to her spot in line.

A cold glint then flashed in Duanmu Shuang’s eyes, the corners of her lips curling up with contempt.

[She couldn’t possible be thinking that that useless and incompetent daughter would really come back safely does she?]

Duanmu Shaung then secretly threw a glance at the Left Prime Minister, Qin Zhen.

Qin Zhen immediately took a step out to her right, and bowed in respectfully before Duanmu Xue.

“Reporting to Your Majesty, your humble subject has something to say.”

Duanmu Xue’s eyes narrowed.

“Speak.”

Qin Zhen lowered her head and said: “Her Highness the Crown Princess has gone missing for more than a year already. Your humble subject pleads with Her Majesty to appoint another heir, to give peace to the hearts of the people.”

The ends of Duanmu Xue’s lips curled up slight to show a hint of a cold smile.

[It’s all about this matter afterall. It’s really so thoughtful of my Imperial sister.]

Seeing that Duanmu Xue was not saying anything, Great General Si Ru Xu then stepped forward, and bowed before Duanmu Xue.