Phoenix

Inside Chu Palace.

Hao Qian handed her a letter and said, "Read this."

She opened the letter and saw "Old Yi, Old Ba" written at the top.

"Is this a letter from those two?"

Hao Qian nodded and said, "Read it quickly, then burn it."

The letter stated that Old Ba and Old Yi had encountered a group of strange people in the forest and wished for her and the Crown Prince to investigate them.

She remained silent for a long while, then burned the letter. Hao Qian continued, "I have sent people to protect those two. What are your thoughts on this matter?"

"This is a rather important clue. They appeared without harming me, but also did not intervene in the battle. It seems they are protecting someone."

"Protecting?"

The fire in the small golden basin for burning the letter suddenly flared up. She smiled faintly and said, "Let me investigate this matter. Perhaps they are wary of me. And what about the new Empress?"

"Tomorrow, you should go and probe the situation. That Empress always skillfully finds ways to meet me. I have no means of approaching or investigating her thoroughly."

"Yes, I understand. How far along are you with the court officials, Senior Brother?"

"Halfway done. You should not worry too much; preserving your strength is paramount at this time."

She raised her hand boastfully and said, "I'm perfectly fine, Senior Brother, don't worry."

Hao Qian reached out and stroked her head, saying, "You've truly worked hard. I haven't been able to do anything for you."

She caught Hao Qian's hand, which was stroking her head, and said, "May we achieve victory before I marry."

Hao Qian chuckled and said, "With your temperament, you'll be a long way from marrying."

"Oh, right, what about the general's adopted daughter whom you secretly admire? How is she now?"

Hao Qian quickly retreated, knowing that she had no good feelings about their relationship. He said, "What do you mean? Don't listen to nonsense."

She stood up and left, saying, "Just don't let it affect your work."

She walked out with the mindset that tomorrow she had to meet the Empress, and the day after, she had a test.

"I'm so tired."

As her figure disappeared behind the rose bushes, Hao Qian stood at the door, watching Wan Ru leave, and said to Hai Yong, "I wonder if the Grand Tutor will go easy on her?"

"That Grand Tutor is quite arrogant; I fear this matter will depend on fate, Your Highness."

The conversation ended with a weary sigh from Hao Qian.

Early the next morning, a close maidservant of the Empress reported that Princess Wan Ru, the only daughter of He Cheng, wished to pay her respects. The Empress responded, "Tell her that my health is problematic, so I cannot meet her."

"But the Princess has been waiting since early morning. This servant also heard that the Princess came to visit you immediately after recovering from an illness. And this Princess is known for her sour temper and difficult disposition. If you do not let her in, I fear she will make a big fuss."

"Just bring some gifts to apologize."

The sound of heels attracted many gazes.

A mocking voice spoke up, "This place is beautiful."

The maidservants and a few guards blocked the path before this person, saying, "Princess, Her Majesty's health is not good today. We hope you will come another time."

Qing Yan stepped forward and declared loudly, "The Princess has come to visit Her Majesty. Do you still intend to block her path?"

She had quickly sent word early in the morning, and by the time she arrived, there wouldn't be enough time to relay a refusal. It would be a good excuse for her to enter.

The guards were still wary of her, allowing her to step in.

Standing before Dan Palace, she entered without the slightest hesitation.

Before her eyes was a young woman, about seven or eight years older than herself, sitting properly on a chair. The new Empress's flower-like beauty captivated her for a few seconds. Wan Ru calmly bowed and said, "May Your Majesty the Empress be well."

Before coming here, she had asked Qing Yan to summon Xiang Tian to provide her with some information about this person.

This noblewoman was named He Rui Lan, the daughter of a minor court official.

No one knew how a small bird could become a phoenix overnight.

Rui Lan looked at her, her beautiful young face showing a hint of displeasure. "You may rise."

She subtly turned her head towards Qing Yan. Qing Yan understood the hint and softly said, "Bring everything in."

Groups of people carried jewels and treasures and placed them before the Empress.

She maintained a benevolent expression and said, "This humble one meets Your Majesty for the first time and does not know your preferences, so I only brought these ordinary items. I hope Your Majesty will not reprimand me."

"How could I reprimand the Princess?"

She had always wondered why her Imperial Father would discard his dignity and the stability of the empire to confer the title of Mother of All Under Heaven upon someone with no merits.

Upon meeting her in person, she felt that the woman always exuded an inherent calm and nobility, giving people a strange sense of peace.

"That is good, then. This humble one feared Your Majesty would not be pleased."

A maidservant beside Rui Lan poured tea. The Empress extended her hand and said, "Would the Princess like some tea?"

She nodded slightly and sat down. The maidservant quickly offered her a cup of tea. She took it and said, "Actually, this humble one is a bit surprised by Imperial Father's decision. I did not expect Imperial Father to keep it such a secret from me."

"This cannot be blamed on His Majesty. Perhaps he worried that his officials would be troubled."

Conferring the title of Empress without informing his children or the court officials. The Emperor understood that this would invite no small amount of criticism, opposition, and indignation from the common people and officials, which was why he quietly conferred the title upon her.

She smiled faintly and said, "When did Your Majesty and Imperial Father first meet?"