Yongning Palace, courtyard.
The snowflakes are fluttering and falling continuously.
The plum blossoms stand proudly in the wind and snow, and the scenery is pleasant.
Emperor Feng was sitting in front of the door, wearing a white fox fur coat.
The air was filled with a faint scent of sandalwood.
I don't know how long I waited before the door finally opened.
Supported by Nanny Yang, the Queen Mother walked out slowly.
"Meet the Queen Mother."
"Um."
The Queen Mother nodded slightly.
She had just finished worshiping Buddha.
Unexpectedly, Emperor Feng was guarding the door.
"But is there any news about Xiao Ning?!"
"Well, great news!" Emperor Feng smiled. "Xiao Ning's military orders have arrived. He has successfully quelled the rebellion, killing all the royal family members with the surname Tian, capturing the rebel leader Tian Zhongxun and the rebel general Gu Yuan alive. The coalition forces of the five counties have begun to recover lost territory, and Jiaodong and Langya have all returned to Dafeng. Xiao Ning has temporarily appointed disciples of Jixia as county officials, and some are surrendered soldiers who have made military achievements."
Emperor Feng rushed to Yongning Palace as soon as he received the news.
He knew that the Queen Mother had been worried during this period.
After all, Ning Que is the only one left in Prince Ning's Mansion.
This time, the emperor acted in a very unkind way.
In disguise, he was using Shen Qinghe as bait.
No matter what happens, how can she be worthy of old King Ning?
So, she recited scriptures and worshipped Buddha day and night.
Stay in the Buddhist temple every day.
"Good, very good!"
The Queen Mother stood up excitedly and said quickly, "Then what are you still standing there for? Quickly recall Xiao Ning and Qing He to Chang'an. We can't let them take any more risks. I think Feng Wuzhe is a good candidate. He can take full charge of the Eastern Expedition to Goguryeo."
"this……"
"how?"
Emperor Feng looked troubled and said softly, "Mother, you must know that Linzi Qi is in great need of men. Moreover, Xiao Ning is more familiar with Linzi. He made extensive preparations for the Eastern Expedition to Goguryeo and even single-handedly organized the fleet. Without him personally in charge, I fear we will repeat the mistakes of the old Prince Ning."
"you……"
The Empress Dowager stood up in a panic. She pointed at Emperor Feng and shouted angrily, "Emperor, do you really want to kill Xiao Ning? You and he have known each other since childhood. How much has he helped you overtly and covertly over the years? This time, we were able to defend Linzi City because Ning Que used his connections with the Shenji Pavilion and was willing to violate the Shenji Pavilion's principles. Goguryeo is a bitterly cold place, and it's winter now. Do you want to freeze them to death?!"
"Mother, I have no such intention."
"But that's what you did!" The Queen Mother scolded him like a mother hen protecting her calves, "The great Feng Dynasty, with its vast territory and countless capable generals, why did you have to choose Xiao Ning?"
"Because he is the most suitable one."
Emperor Feng's attitude remained firm.
"That's what Xiao Ning meant as well."
"He is the only one who can ensure minimal casualties."
“Only he can create miracles.”
"Your Majesty, mother, has not been interested in state affairs for a long time, so it's normal for you not to know these things. But please remember, Your Majesty, the harem must not interfere in state affairs. I am the Emperor, and I will make the final decision on what to do!"
"you……"
The Queen Mother looked at the extremely determined Emperor Feng.
My heartbeat also accelerated.
“You…you…”
"Alright, alright, my son has finally grown up. How dare he openly disobey me now?"
"I dare not." Emperor Feng stood up calmly and raised his hand. "I just hope that your mother will remember the palace rules established by the late emperor. I will make my own decisions on state affairs, so please don't worry about it. Now that war is imminent and the three counties of Qi have many government affairs to attend to, I will take my leave."
The emperor left in anger.
His expression was cold and emotionless.
"emperor!"
"What else does the Queen Mother need?"
"Remember this!" The Queen Mother stood up and said coldly, "Xiao Ning and you were born on the same day. When you were a full moon, the Grand Historian divined for both of you. He is your lucky star and is closely connected to you. When you fell into the river as a child, it was Xiao Ning who saved you. Whenever you were in danger, he was there to save you. Don't forget that you can sit on the throne because of the full support of the old and new Prince Ning. The old Prince Ning sacrificed himself for you. If anything happened to Xiao Ning, do you think you could still hold on to the throne?"
"Mother, I've said too much!"
Emperor Feng turned around with a cold look in his eyes.
There was even a hint of murderous intent hidden in it.
His eyes were like those of a wolf or an eagle, staring at the empress dowager.
"You, what do you want to do?"
"My current position is not the work of one person." Emperor Feng looked straight ahead, stepping forward and saying, "The old and new Prince Ning have indeed made contributions to me, but they should not seek repayment for their kindness. I sent Little Ning to the Goguryeo expedition so that he could gain merit, and it was he who took the initiative to advise me. I ask that my mother not to interfere further!"
"Besides, I am the Queen Mother's child."
"Please always remember this, mother!"
"What we said today, there is no need to mention it again!"
Emperor Feng turned away coldly.
He glanced at the guards beside him.
"Manager Hu!"
"The old slave is here."
"The Queen Mother is ill, and there are fears of witchcraft. Immediately strengthen the harem guards and send someone to prescribe medicine for the Queen Mother!"
"promise!"
The Queen Mother's body softened and she slumped down on the stone chair.
Emperor Feng casually waved his sleeves, and numerous soldiers clad in black armor and masks trotted out. Their movements were coordinated, and they quickly secured the key roads surrounding Yongning Palace. The Empress Dowager's original guards were dismissed. With the exception of Nanny Yang, all the palace maids were also replaced.
“Asshole!!!”
The Queen Mother slammed her palm on the stone chair.
Now the King of Qi is dead.
Prince Lu was a loyal dog serving the emperor.
Only the King of Chu and the King of Jin were in trouble.
The Prince of Jin was a fence-sitter, siding with whoever was stronger. On the surface, his relationship with Emperor Feng was relatively good, and he paid tribute on time and in full each year. Furthermore, his fiefdom was surrounded by other prefectures, so he couldn't cause much trouble.
The only troublesome person left is the King of Chu!
But in front of Dafeng, it is no longer a concern!
The Emperor Feng, who had always obeyed her, finally showed his fangs. He now controlled the six ministries and held all the power. He was no longer the young dragon who had just ascended the throne!
"Queen Mother, what is Your Majesty going to do?"
"I wouldn't have been this angry in previous years."
"Besides, the Queen Mother is only taking care of Prince Ning."
Nanny Yang stood nearby, her face also filled with worry.
She can be said to have watched Emperor Feng grow up.
I have never seen him act so presumptuous in front of the Queen Mother.
Is there anything that cannot be discussed between mother and son?
"He has changed after all."
"Or maybe, he is just like that."
"It's just been a disguise all these years."
"He's doing this just to show his power. He's also reminding me that he's the emperor of Dafeng, not Xiaoning..."
The Queen Mother looked into the distance and murmured softly.
She looked at these soldiers covered in black armor.
There's something weird about these people.
This is the first time I’ve seen it in the palace.
It is obvious that he is a die-hard loyalist who only obeys orders from Emperor Feng!
The Queen Mother sighed deeply.
Unable to wave.
Signaled Madam Yang to leave.
Looking at the heavy snow, she was so cold that she wrapped herself tightly in her fur coat.
She looked up at the gray sky and smiled self-deprecatingly. "I never thought that after fighting for my whole life, I would end up like this. I raised a child with great effort, but in the end, he put me under house arrest. Or maybe I really did something wrong..."
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