I died tragically in my previous life, and I want to be an empress in my next life

Inside the secret room of Fuyun Building

With a serious look, Xiao Lin handed a pigeon letter to Pei Zhiyan.

Pei Zhiyan took the letter, unfolded it, and saw hurried handwriting on it. It turned out that the prince had unfortunately contracted an epidemic in the disaster area. His condition was serious and he had been bedridden for a long time without any improvement.

"How is Prince Jing?" Pei Zhiyan asked.

"Prince Jing is fine and is handling government affairs as normal every day, but..." Xiao Lin hesitated to speak.

"Just what?" Pei Zhiyan asked.

Xiao Lin sighed and continued, "It's just that the epidemic is spreading very quickly in the disaster area, and more and more people are getting sick. Prince Jing is worried, and he eats and lives with the victims almost every day, visiting the patients in person to comfort the people. I'm worried that Prince Jing will unfortunately be infected with the epidemic."

Oh, it would be a good thing if he was really infected. However, it would be too easy for him to die like this, Pei Zhiyan thought coldly in her heart.

No one in the court mentioned Xuanyuan Zheng's illness, and no one in the capital discussed it. It seemed that someone was deliberately blocking the news.

This time, Xuanyuan Zheng was traveling with his brother-in-law Yuwen Long. Yuwen Long was a very scheming man. In his previous life, he was able to overthrow Xuanyuan Zheng by first overthrowing Yuwen Long.

The fact that Xuanyuan Zheng was ill must have been concealed by Yuwen Long. Yuwen Long was Xuanyuan Zheng's uncle, and if Xuanyuan Zheng's condition was really serious, he would not sit idly by, so it seemed that his condition might not be serious.

But the Queen and Zhao Wanru are women after all, and they probably don't have such broad minds. If they knew that the Prince was ill, they would definitely be extremely worried and might do something.

Thinking of this, Pei Zhiyan had an idea in mind.

"Have people continue to keep an eye on the epidemic in the south, and report back any news as soon as possible." Pei Zhiyan said.

Xiao Lin responded and went out.

Pei Zhiyan asked Yinliu to call Li Qiuniang in, whispered a few words to her, and then left Fuyun Tower.

Within half a day, rumors spread in the capital that an epidemic was raging in the south and that Crown Prince Xuanyuan Zheng was not spared and had been infected with the plague. His condition had not improved for many days and the rumor spread, causing an uproar in the city and people were in panic.

Sure enough, the Queen and Zhao Wanru could no longer sit still, so the Queen brought Zhao Wanru to the Emperor to beg for mercy.

"Your Majesty," the Queen looked at the Emperor with tears in her eyes, "Has Zheng'er been infected with the disease? What should we do?"

The emperor frowned after hearing this, and after a moment's silence, he said, "Queen, don't worry too much. I have already sent people to the south to verify. Don't believe the rumors."

But the queen wouldn't listen at all, and her tears fell like beads from a broken string.

"Your Majesty!" The Queen's eyes were filled with tears, and her voice was trembling and unwilling. She took a step forward, clasping her hands tightly, "I know you are worried about the overall situation, the people in the epidemic area and the stability of the country. However, Zheng'er is also your son, the apple of our eye. I can't imagine how we would face it if he really got that terrible disease."

"Your Majesty, please think of a way to save our Zheng'er! He is your son and our hope. We cannot lose him!"

Zhao Wanru also echoed, "Your Majesty, what the Queen Mother said is right, please recall the Crown Prince!"

The emperor looked gloomy and anxious. He was also very worried about the safety of the prince. However, how could he easily recall the prince at this time? What if it was just a rumor? Wouldn't it disturb the morale of the army? But if he didn't recall the prince, he was worried that the prince was really sick. What should he do?

"I know how you feel, and I am also worried about the safety of the Crown Prince. However, the situation is complicated now, and we must act with caution. I have sent the most reliable imperial doctors to the disaster area, and they will do their best to treat the Crown Prince and other infected people. At the same time, I will also pay close attention to the development of the epidemic, and if necessary, I will immediately recall the Crown Prince. Don't worry, I will not let the Crown Prince make any mistakes."

"You all go back first. I know what I'm doing." The emperor waved his hand, signaling them to leave.

Although the Queen and Zhao Wanru were unwilling, they had no choice but to return to the Queen's Palace together.

Three days later, rumors about the disaster became more serious, and many victims began to flow into the capital. The people spread rumors that a major epidemic had occurred in the south, and the capital began to fall into chaos and panic. Many officials and their families began to close their doors and dared not go out.

Pei Zhiyan entered the palace that day. She accompanied Old Lady Lin to visit the Queen Mother. Old Lady Lin and the Queen Mother were close friends and would come to the palace every now and then to chat with her.

Pei Zhiyan went to the palace specifically to find Old Madam Lin, because she had another purpose for entering the palace today.

When we arrived at the Empress Dowager's bedroom, she was sitting in the middle, wearing a brocade robe and a phoenix crown on her head, with a noble temperament.

Pei Zhiyan stepped forward and bowed, "May the Empress Dowager be blessed with good health."

The Queen Mother nodded and said with a smile, "Good boy, come and sit down."

Pei Zhiyan sat beside them and talked with the two old ladies.

"Yan'er grew up under my care, and she has become more filial now. The birthday gift she gave me last time was really thoughtful." The Queen Mother looked at Pei Zhiyan, her tone full of love and appreciation.

Pei Zhiyan smiled slightly and lowered her head and said, "Grandmother, you are too kind. I am just doing my part."

The Queen Mother's eyes revealed a deep sense of relief, "It is really a blessing for Prince Jing to marry you."

Hearing this, Pei Zhiyan looked worried and said with lowered eyes, "The flood in the south is getting worse and worse. Prince Jing and the Crown Prince are both in the disaster area. There were rumors a while ago that the Crown Prince has been infected with the disease. I don't know how Prince Jing is doing."

"Yan'er, don't worry. His Majesty has sent people to investigate. The prince just has a cold and Prince Jing is in good health. Those are just rumors." The Queen Mother comforted.

"In that case, Yan'er will be relieved." Pei Zhiyan picked up the handkerchief and gently wiped the corners of her eyes.

Since the Queen Mother said so, it seems that the Prince has only caught a cold and is not seriously ill, Pei Zhiyan thought to herself.

"I said that Prince Jing and the Crown Prince are blessed with good fortune and nothing would happen to them. But this girl is just worried and wants to come to the palace to ask about them." Old Lady Lin said with a smile.

"They are young people now at the age of deep affection. Prince Jing has been away from the capital for more than a month. It is normal for him to be worried." The Queen Mother comforted.

Pei Zhiyan lowered her head somewhat embarrassedly.

After sitting for a while, Pei Zhiyan found an excuse to take a walk in the Imperial Garden.

After leaving the Empress Dowager's bedroom, Pei Zhiyan turned into a corridor. This road was the only way to get from the East Palace to the Queen's Palace. Zhao Wanru would pass by here every day to pay her respects to the Queen. Calculating the time, Zhao Wanru would almost come out of the Queen's Palace.

Pei Zhiyan found a hidden corner and sat down.