Chapter 1: Rebirth

Xu Yun Yao had just barely stepped out of the imperial study when she met with the imperial chancellor, Tang Song Nian, who was drifting along the main pathway. The next moment, a dignified smile appeared on her face.

“It turns out to be Tang dàrén. We haven't seen each other for quite some time. Have you lost some weight? Though Cui dàrén is your student, he made such a big mistake, but he can only blame himself. Cui dàrén is considered to be the pillar of the country and an old minister. His Majesty is a  brilliant master and will not likely implicate Tang dàrén, so Tang dàrén shouldn't need to feel worried!” Her tone had unspeakable tenderness and was filled with concern.

“This old minister is ashamed for causing Consort Shu concerns. This old minister is terrified!” Tang Song Nian, bowed forward with considerable trepidation and paused. Likewise, he also spoke with unspeakable compassion, “This old minister has heard that the Empress's body has gotten ill while giving birth to the third prince. However, the palace must be in order, and Your Royal Highness is responsible for the sixth eastern palace, which is even more demanding. You Royal Highness has to take good care of the phoenix body and give birth to a dragon son for His Majesty as soon as possible.”

The smile on Xu Yun Yao's face instantly stiffened. While she was slightly irritated, she recovered quickly, covering up her grievance, “This Palace is grateful to Tang dàrén for his auspicious remarks."　　

On one side, the head eunuch shrank back and lowered his head to waist height, pretending to be deaf and blind.　

Both of them were people of a vicious and ruthless nature. They did their utmost to rub salt into the other party's wound, being merciless with their words and causing injury where it hurts the most! 

Both of them would try their utmost to provoke each other. Small flames were visible midair as they locked gazes, but their smiles were full of kind affections.

After the footsteps behind her faded away, Xu Yun Yao stopped and looked at the figure in the distance with hate. However, she found that the other party was still loitering, staring directly into her pitch-black pupils and giving her a meaningful smile.　　

She returned a sneer.

Stupid old man, Keep on pretending! This time, you will only lose face, but next time, I'll make you suffer!

Suddenly, her throat was dry and itchy. She covered her mouth with a handkerchief and coughed. The palace servant held her in her arms and said anxiously, “Your Royal Highness, your coughing seems to be getting worse today.  You have to ask the Imperial Physician to make a careful diagnosis to see if a new medicine is needed."　

“It doesn't matter.” She waved her hand carelessly and then thought of all the arrangements she had made recently by taking advantage of her indisposition. Her mood immediately brightened, and then she looked at the location of the Feng Zao Palace, eyes shining with the light of victory.

However, she did not think that this minor illness would become so severe. When she got up early the next morning, she found that it had not improved, and it was getting worse, making her weak and unable to muster even half of her strength.

Pondering about the imperial decree that will soon be promulgated, though, her mood was not affected at all.　　

"Your Highness! Not good! Not good!"

She was frowning and drinking a bowl of black-colored tonic. When she saw She Liu coming in, wiping the stain on the corner of her mouth, she slowly asked, “What's the matter?”

“His Majesty has issued a decree in the court that Consort Shen shall be crowned as Empress!”　

"Bang!" The bowl of tonic in Xu Yun Yao's hand fell to the ground, making a crisp sound.

“What? His Majesty wants Consort Shen to be the Empress?” She stared in disbelief at She Liu as her body trembled with extreme shock, only wishing she heard it wrong.

"Yes. The proclamation has already been issued. His Majesty is holding a meeting with Supervisor Qin Tian at this moment to select an auspicious day for the ceremony." She Liu bitterly explained.

“Impossible, this is impossible. His Majesty is obviously… Impossible, this is impossible…” After so many years of planning just to fail at this point, Xu Yun Yao's face became pale as she murmured incoherently.

Suddenly, a thought occurred to Xu Yun Yao about Tang Song Nian's meaningful smile yesterday, and her eyes suddenly widened.

“Tang Song Nian, it's Tang Song Nian, that old codger! He dares meddle with this Palace's business. I swear this Palace will not… cough… cough.” The overflowing anger was kindled within Xu Yun Yao's heart, and with her severe cough, she suddenly had difficulty breathing. Before her consciousness faded, she could hear her servants exclaim—　　

"Your Highness!"　　

"Pitter, patter…" In a daze, Xu Yun Yao felt as if water drops were falling on her face, making her wet.

To be continue