After killing four concubines, the queen was sentenced to death and reborn

Weiyang Palace, the morning light just broke, and the veil-like mist lingered between the palaces, like a fairyland. The tenderness under the stars last night seemed to still remain on every inch of brick and stone. Xiao Xuanchen's figure gradually faded away in the morning light, leaving Zheng Xiyan alone, standing alone at the palace gate, watching him go farther and farther.

"I respectfully send you off to Your Majesty."

"Biluo, Wanyan and General Lu will come to pay their respects today. Please prepare the gifts that I have prepared!" Zheng Xiyan ordered.

Biluo responded and retreated. The hall was silent for a moment, with only the occasional bird calls outside the window breaking the tranquility.

The sound of a carriage came from outside the palace gate, and the figures of Lu Ran and Zheng Wanyan slowly walked into the palace. Lu Ran was dressed in casual clothes, looking heroic, while Zheng Wanyan was dressed in gorgeous clothes, walking lightly.

Lu Ran got out of the car first, and then stretched out his hand like a gentleman, trying to help Zheng Wanyan get out of the car. Zheng Wanyan lightly touched his hand, using it to help her get down, but quickly pulled away after she stood firm. The movement was so fast that it seemed as if she was deliberately avoiding something. Lu Ran was slightly stunned, then he raised a bitter smile and said, "Let's go."

Zheng Wanyan followed silently, one in front and one behind, their paces were inconsistent, but inexplicably harmonious. Lu Ran looked back from time to time, and seeing that she was walking slowly, he deliberately slowed down his pace, his eyes full of concern and confusion.

"Do you think His Majesty will meet us today?" Zheng Wanyan finally couldn't help but speak, with a hint of uncertainty in her tone.

Lu Ran pondered for a moment and said, "Come and meet me if you want. After all, you and I are destined to be together through the marriage bestowed by His Majesty himself, and His Majesty should meet us."

"It's better not to see you," Zheng Wanyan said softly, "Your Majesty is busy with state affairs, why should we add to the chaos? Going to Weiyang Palace to see my sister as soon as possible is the right thing to do."

When mentioning Zheng Xiyan, Lu Ran's expression changed slightly. He knew very well that between him and Zheng Wanyan, besides being husband and wife in name, there were many unspeakable things, including his admiration and gratitude for Zheng Xiyan.

At the same time, in the Purple Palace, Xiao Xuanchen had taken off his dragon robe and changed into his casual clothes, burying himself in a mountain of memorials. The morning light shone through the window lattice, shining on his resolute face, adding a bit of tenderness to him.

At this time, Lu Ran, Zheng Wanyan, and Zhang Mengxi entered the Purple Palace almost at the same time. The appearance of Zhang Mengxi moved Zheng Wanyan's heart. She had seen this talented woman at many banquets, but they had never made close friends.

"Greetings to Empress Xiuyuan." The two of them saluted in clear voices.

"No need to be so polite, both of you." Zhang Mengying responded with a smile, her eyes moving between Lu Ran and Zheng Wanyan. She seemed to have noticed something, but she did not show it.

The eunuch in front of the emperor bowed in front of the three people, and his voice was somewhat respectful: "Empress Xiuyuan, His Majesty has been waiting in the palace for a long time, please go in first." After speaking, he slightly turned sideways and gestured with his hand.

Upon hearing this, Zhang Mengying opened her red lips and said in a soft and humble voice: "Thank you for your help, eunuch." After she finished speaking, she slowly stood up, walked lightly with her skirt trailing in the wind, and slowly stepped into the Zichen Palace.

Lu Ran and Zheng Wanyan stood outside the hall, maintaining proper etiquette and waiting quietly.

The eunuch followed Zhang Mengxi and entered the Purple Palace. The air in the palace was filled with the scent of ambergris. Zhang Mengxi walked to the front of the palace and bowed down, her voice clear and pleasant: "Your Majesty, I respectfully wish you the best of health. May your Majesty be blessed with good health."

Xiao Xuanchen was sitting on the dragon throne. When he saw Zhang Mengying coming, the corners of his mouth rose unconsciously. He took a few steps forward, personally helped Zhang Mengying up, and smiled, "No need to be polite."

Zhang Mengying's cheeks flushed slightly, she lowered her eyebrows and said softly, "Thank you, Your Majesty, for your consideration."

Xiao Xuanchen's eyes fell on the eunuch in front of the emperor and asked, "What do you want to report?"

"Your Majesty, Commander Lu and his wife are outside the palace. They have come to pay their respects to Your Majesty." The eunuch replied respectfully.

Hearing this, Xiao Xuanchen remembered Lu Ran's wedding yesterday, and immediately ordered: "In that case, let them in."

"As you wish." The eunuch stepped back.

Xiao Xuanchen said to Zhang Mengxi gently: "Go to the inner hall and wait for me first. I will come to find you after I have seen them."

Zhang Mengying smiled and bowed, "I obey your order." Then she turned and went to the inner hall.

Soon, Lu Ran and Zheng Wanyan walked into the Purple Palace side by side, knelt down and saluted, their voices in unison: "Your Majesty, I pay my respects to you. May your Majesty be blessed with good health."

Xiao Xuanchen raised his hand slightly, motioning for the two to stand up. His eyes moved between the two and he nodded with satisfaction: "Lu Ran is handsome and heroic, and his wife is gentle and virtuous. They are truly a match made in heaven."

Lu Ran and Zheng Wanyan smiled at each other, and Lu Ran bowed and said, "Thank you, Your Majesty, for your praise."

Xiao Xuanchen smiled slightly, turned his gaze to Zheng Wanyan, looked her over carefully, and said with a smile: "You have some of the charm of a queen in your eyebrows."

Zheng Wanyan blushed slightly when she heard this, and her smile was a bit shy and proud: "Your Majesty, you are too kind. The elders in my family often say that my sister and I are somewhat similar. I am really lucky."

Xiao Xuanchen laughed and waved his hand, saying, "This is fate, and it is also your blessing. The Queen should have been waiting for a long time in Weiyang Palace by now, so you should go and meet her quickly. I won't keep you any longer."

"Thank you, Your Majesty. I will take my leave."

Leaving the Purple Palace, Zheng Wanyan lifted her skirt slightly, with a casual elegance in her steps. She turned her head to Lu Ran who was walking side by side and whispered, "Zhang Xiuyuan can be regarded as His Majesty's most beloved concubine now."

Hearing this, Lu Ran lowered his eyes slightly and responded softly: "Yes, that's true."

A breeze blew by, carrying the fragrance of flowers from the imperial garden. Zheng Wanyan said, "Speaking of which, didn't your sister Lu Chuyi also enter the palace? Should we go to pay her a visit later?" There was a hint of tentativeness in her words.

Lu Ran paused for a moment, then returned to normal, saying firmly, "No need for that. The rules are strict within the palace walls. We are here to pay our respects to His Majesty and the Queen, not to her."

Upon hearing this, Zheng Wanyan frowned slightly, and a playful smile appeared on the corner of her mouth: "You are even more old-fashioned than the old locust tree in the palace. I'm afraid that being your sister will make me less fun."

Hearing this, Lu Ran's face flashed with surprise, but then he regained his composure and looked at Zheng Wanyan with deep eyes: "Have you always been so outspoken? Aren't you afraid of making mistakes if you say too much?"

Zheng Wanyan chuckled, her eyes gleaming with confidence: "Yes, that's me. What's wrong?"

Lu Ran shook his head gently, wanting to say something but stopping himself, and finally just sighed: "Forget it, everyone has his own way of living."

"What exactly do you want to say?" Zheng Wanyan asked relentlessly.

Lu Ran smiled slightly and said casually, "It's really nothing. Let's go to Weiyang Palace quickly. The Queen is still waiting for us."

The two continued to move forward, passing through one palace gate after another, and the surrounding scenery kept changing with their steps.