Xue Zhongfu supported Hong Yingrong and followed the eunuch's steps, whispering softly, "Mother, if His Majesty refuses to see you, with the Empress Dowager here, perhaps there's still room for improvement..."

Hong Yingrong was also at a loss in her heart and could only sigh softly: "Maybe..."

After experiencing the turmoil of two days and one night, Hong Yingrong felt physically and mentally exhausted, and a little physically weak. Fortunately, Xue Zhongfu was by her side, allowing her to feel her son's reliability and support in this difficult time.

In the Ci'an Palace in the inner courtyard, Empress Dowager Lu Fengqing sat on the phoenix throne, and the chief eunuch Chang Bao stood respectfully beside her.

"Empress Dowager, His Majesty is unwilling to summon the old lady of Xingyuan Marquis. If you invite her to Ci'an Palace now, won't His Majesty mistakenly think that you are interfering in state affairs again?" Chang Bao couldn't help but remind her.

Lu Fengqing gently stroked the gold ring inlaid with turquoise on her finger, frowning slightly, and said slowly, "If I stay out of this matter and don't pay any attention to it, His Majesty may really think I'm old and confused."

"By the way, is there any news from Chen Jin?" she asked softly, with a hint of expectation in her eyes.

Upon hearing this, Chang Bao patted his cheek in mock annoyance. "Look at my memory! Eunuch Chen just sent word back that spies in the General's Mansion have learned that General Duan has returned to the mansion and has begun drafting a letter surrendering his military power and resigning his post to return home, intending to do so in exchange for Lieutenant General Feng's life."

After hearing this, Lu Fengqing's lips curled up into a playful smile. "There are only a few important ministers left by the previous emperor, and Duan An is one of them. I didn't expect the emperor to be so impatient. He was unwilling to wait a few more years, and now he can't tolerate him."

Chang Bao squatted down and rubbed Lu Fengqing's legs with a flattering look on his face, saying, "Among the generals, Xingyuan Hou has passed away. Nan Zhao had hoped that General Duan would guard the city, but he didn't expect..."

When he said this, he suddenly saw Lu Fengqing glaring at him, so he quickly stopped talking and lightly slapped himself on the mouth.

"Look at my mouth, I said the wrong thing again." Chang Bao apologized in a funny way.

Seeing his expression, Lu Fengqing couldn't help but laugh and said, "You're right. A new emperor chooses his own ministers. The emperor naturally has his own plans."

Chang Bao hesitated to speak, glancing outside the palace. Seeing that Hong Yingrong had not yet arrived, he asked, "If that's the case, Queen Mother, why don't you stay out of this? Why did you summon Madam Hong?"

A hint of coldness flashed in Lu Fengqing's eyes, and he said sarcastically, "I am the only one who can see the joke of Hong Yingrong. Anyone else who wants to take advantage of her misfortune is not worthy!"

Chang Bao's heart trembled, but he flattered her even more obsequiously, "The Queen Mother is right. Everyone in the harem knows that you are the one who truly holds power."

Lu Fengqing snorted softly and turned his gaze to the outside of the hall, as if waiting for something.

A moment later, Hong Yingrong and Xue Zhongfu, respectfully led by the eunuchs, slowly stepped into the threshold of Ci'an Palace.

As an outsider, Xue Zhongfu was well aware of the palace rules and it was inconvenient for him to enter the palace with his mother, so he stopped outside the palace, his eyes full of worry.

Hong Yingrong sensed her son's uneasiness and gently patted the back of his hand to comfort him. Then she let go of Xue Zhongfu's arm and walked into the inner hall alone.

As soon as she stepped into the inner hall, Hong Yingrong saw Lu Fengqing sitting on the phoenix throne.

She hurried forward a few steps, bowed respectfully and said, "Your Highness, I, Hong Yingrong, pay my respects to the Empress Dowager."

Lu Fengqing raised his eyes slightly, his gaze swept lightly over Hong Yingrong, a faint smile appeared on the corner of his mouth, and he ordered Chang Bao: "Help her up quickly and give her a seat!"

Chang Bao immediately stepped forward respectfully, humbly helped Hong Yingrong to her feet, and led her to sit on a round rosewood chair nearby. He said politely, "Madam, please take a seat. The Empress Dowager has already instructed us to prepare the finest Longjing tea for you. Please enjoy it."

Although Hong Yingrong felt a little uneasy, she remained calm and thanked Lu Fengqing, saying, "Thank you, Empress Dowager, for your kindness. I am deeply grateful."

Lu Fengqing gently waved her hand, signaling Chang Bao to leave. Then her eyes fell on Hong Yingrong again, and she said slowly, "It's been a while since we two sisters have been alone together..."

Hong Yingrong's heart tightened, but she could only reply respectfully, "There are distinctions between the high and the low. The Empress Dowager is a splendid figure in the world, and I, a humble servant, dare not be presumptuous."

Lu Fengqing's expression was full of intimacy, and her face was filled with nostalgia. "When we were little in the Hong Mansion, we lived and ate together. You always called me 'Sister Aqing', and it warmed my heart. It's been thirty years now, hasn't it?"

Hong Yingrong nodded slightly and listened to Lu Fengqing recounting the time they spent in the boudoir. If it were in the past, she would definitely ask the empress dowager for forgiveness based on their sisterly friendship.

However, at this moment, she did not follow the old path.

After Lu Fengqing finished speaking, Hong Yingrong stood up, then knelt on the ground and spoke earnestly, "The Empress Dowager has sympathized with our past relationship, but I, your humble servant, know my faults. I failed to raise my son well, and as a result, my eldest son, Xue Yuanchu, violated the laws of the Great Zhou Dynasty, bringing disgrace to the reputation of the Marquisate."

Looking at Hong Yingrong kneeling on the ground, Lu Fengqing's eyes flashed with a complex emotion. She sighed softly and said, "Get up. I called you here today not to blame you, but to hear your thoughts."

Upon hearing this, Hong Yingrong felt doubtful but did not dare to disobey. She slowly stood up and sat back in her chair, but her expression still showed her nervousness.

Lu Fengqing picked up the teacup, took a sip, and then slowly said, "Do you know why His Majesty doesn't want to see you?"

"I am stupid and it is difficult for me to guess the emperor's intention." Hong Yingrong did not dare to speculate and could only answer respectfully.

Lu Fengqing chuckled: "You are old now, why do you speak so cautiously? It seems that we are a little distant."

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