After my inner voice was eavesdropped, I became the favorite of the Tang Dynasty

Chapter 108

Emperor Qianlong, the emperor who was famous for his extravagance in history, had his wealth surge like a tide after he confiscated the Imperial Household Department, making him even more reckless in his extravagance. The palace was magnificent, and every corner was shining with extravagance, as if to take in all the prosperity in the world.

It was a warm spring day, and the news of the Queen Mother's return to the palace spread like a spring breeze to every corner of the palace. The palace gates were wide open, and the vermilion gates looked particularly dazzling in the sun. The red flags fluttered in the wind, as if cheering for the Queen Mother's return. The sound of gongs and drums was deafening, resounding through the sky, shrouding the entire palace in a festive and lively atmosphere.

Xiaoyanzi, the lively princess who loved to join in the fun, now had to lie quietly in her bedroom due to hemiplegia. Looking at the lively scene outside the window, she couldn't help but feel sad. Ziwei, the gentle princess, also lost her smile because of her disfigurement and eagerness to get married. Yongqi, the once elegant Fifth Prince, also lost his spirit because of his demotion. Their fate seemed to be tightly grasped by an invisible hand, unable to break free.

The guards stood straight, like statues, guarding the peace of the palace. The maids and eunuchs were busy shuttling around the palace, making final preparations for the return of the empress dowager. The empress dowager's phoenix sedan chair entered the harem in a grand manner. The gorgeous phoenix sedan chair shone brightly in the sun, as if it wanted to gather all the glory in the world into one.

Qianlong, along with his wives, concubines, children, and relatives of the imperial clan, stood in front of the Palace of Heavenly Purity to welcome the empress dowager. They were dressed in gorgeous clothes and had respectful smiles on their faces, as if they were welcoming a supreme god. When the empress dowager slowly walked out of the gorgeous phoenix sedan, everyone held their breath, fearing that they would disturb the honorable empress dowager.

The Queen Mother walked over with steady steps, holding Qing'er on her left hand and Gui Mama on her right. Her face was filled with a kind smile, as if she was examining her children. Everyone bowed and greeted them, shouting in unison: "May Your Majesty live a thousand years!" The sound was deafening and echoed throughout the palace.

Qianlong walked quickly forward with a respectful smile on his face and said, "The Empress Dowager has returned to the palace, and your son was unable to greet her in person. I am truly unfilial." There was a hint of guilt and self-reproach in his voice, as if he was apologizing to the Empress Dowager.

The empress dowager said with a smile on her face: "There is no need for the emperor to say that. You are busy with state affairs every day. I have many servants around me, so there is no need for you to greet me in person." Her voice was gentle and kind, as if she was comforting Qianlong.

Qianlong smiled and said, "The Empress Dowager is so kind! It must have been very tiring for you to go to Mount Wutai to pray for blessings for such a long time." His eyes revealed his concern and respect for the Empress Dowager.

The empress dowager smiled and said, "I have come here to pray for the emperor and the Qing Dynasty. I hope that the Buddha will bless the Eight Banners to regain their strength and destroy the Yan monster. How can it be hard? The emperor is busy with state affairs, and he is the one who is truly working hard." Her voice was full of firmness and conviction, as if she was cheering Qianlong on.

However, when Qianlong heard the words "Dayan evildoer", his face changed slightly. He glanced at the queen, and saw that the queen's face was normal, but there was a cold light of disdain in her eyes. Qianlong sighed in his heart, he knew that the queen did not agree with the queen mother's words. After all, in their view, destroying the Great Yan evildoer was just like an ant trying to shake a tree, and it was beyond their ability.

Qianlong had already prepared the edict of succession, so he naturally could not agree with the empress dowager's words. His eyes wandered to Qing'er, who was beside the empress dowager. She was wearing a gorgeous palace dress, dignified and elegant. She came forward, knelt down and saluted, saying: "Greetings to the emperor, may the emperor be blessed with good health!" Her voice was clear and pleasant, like the sound of nature.

Qianlong smiled and said, "No need to be polite! The old Buddha has worked hard to pray for blessings. Thanks to your company, I feel much more at ease." His eyes showed his admiration and love for Qing'er. In his opinion, Qing'er was what a royal princess should look like, generous and dignified. In comparison, Xiaoyanzi and Ziwei, alas...

Qing'er turned around and greeted the Queen again: "Long live the Queen!" Her voice was still clear and pleasant, with a hint of respect and awe.

The queen smiled and said, "Princess Qing, please don't be polite!" Her eyes stayed on Qing'er for a while, as if she was examining this dignified, gentle, elegant and refined princess. Although she resented the queen mother for using her as a pawn, she liked Qing'er's personality and temperament very much, just like the hibiscus flower moistened by the morning dew.

The Queen Mother turned her gaze to the Queen, her tone somewhat cold: "I haven't seen you for a long time, but the Queen is looking better and better." Her eyes moved over the Queen, as if she was looking for something.

The Queen replied neither humbly nor arrogantly, "Thank you for your concern, Your Majesty." Her voice was calm and indifferent, as if she was responding to the Queen Mother's polite words.

The Queen Mother's expression remained unchanged, and she turned to look at Concubine Ling. She was wearing a gorgeous palace dress, and her belly was bulging, and it was obvious that she had been pregnant for a long time. The Queen Mother's eyes stayed on her bulging belly for a while, and she smiled and said, "Concubine Ling is pregnant, why didn't you send someone to tell me?" There was a hint of blame and dissatisfaction in her voice.

Lingpin knew that the Empress Dowager had always disliked her tactics of winning favor, and she was always unhappy when they met. Today was the first time she suddenly showed a friendly expression, and she couldn't help but feel a little panic. She replied gently and docilely, "How dare I, a humble concubine, disturb the Empress Dowager's meditation?" There was a hint of trembling and uneasiness in her voice.

"Being pregnant is a great joy, how can it be considered a disturbance?" The Queen Mother smiled very kindly, as if she was happy for Lingpin's pregnancy. People who didn't know the truth thought Lingpin was her biological daughter.

However, the queen just watched coldly and had no ripples in her heart for the queen mother's favoritism. She knew that Qianlong's abdication edict had been prepared and the overall situation had been decided. No matter how much the queen mother and Concubine Ling tossed around, they were just clowns on the stage. She sneered in her heart, thinking that she was used as a gun by the queen mother when she had no one to rely on. Now that her daughter Li Qingge is about to rule the world, she is too lazy to play the drama of the deep affection between mother-in-law and daughter-in-law with the queen mother.

The Queen Mother extended her hand to Lingpin, and this small gesture made Lingpin flattered. She and Qianlong hurriedly supported the Queen Mother on both sides, as if accepting the Queen Mother's gift.

The Queen Mother placed her right hand on Lingpin's shoulder, but her eyes were looking at the Queen. Seeing the Queen's calm face, she felt that the Queen had changed, becoming more scheming and steady. She secretly sneered in her heart. Yongqi had always been favored by the Emperor, but he was suddenly demoted and fell out of favor. This must be related to the Queen's change. It turned out that the Queen's previous humble and submissive behavior was just a disguise. To pretend to be a pig and eat a tiger, you have to see if you are a tiger or a cat, right?
As soon as the empress sent Qianlong and Lingpin away and returned to the Cining Palace, the fifth prince Yongqi arrived. He greeted her and asked about her well-being, showing the attitude of a filial son and grandson. The empress dowager was very pleased with Yongqi's concern and filial piety, and her smile became more loving. She held Yongqi's hand, as if she was examining her own child.

Yongqi was chatting and laughing with the empress dowager, complaining to her that the empress had framed him, and Qianlong was biased and wanted to abandon him. There was a hint of grief and helplessness in his voice, as if he was telling the empress dowager about his grievances. Lingpin was listening on the side, sneering in her heart. She knew that Yongqi was no longer a concern, so she simply cooperated with him to repeatedly slander the empress in front of the empress dowager.

The Queen Mother had already suspected that there was a conspiracy behind Yongqi's demotion. After listening to the two people's complaints, she was even more convinced that it was the Queen's doing. She was secretly angry, thinking that the Queen was so bold as to play tricks under her nose. So, the Queen Mother, like the evil mother-in-law Cixi, began to make things difficult for the Queen.

In the past, the queen would have been terrified and might even have knelt down to beg for mercy. But after so many years, the queen knew the situation of the previous dynasty and the harem very well, and she was no longer the bullied little wife. She sneered in her heart. The queen mother scolded her three times, and she could talk back one sentence without showing any weakness.

The Queen Mother was furious. She thought it was natural for a mother-in-law to admonish her daughter-in-law, and a virtuous daughter-in-law should not fight back or talk back. If she dared to resist, she would be disobedient and unfilial, and deserved death. However, she forgot that the Queen was a strong-willed person who would rather die than live in disgrace. She had been patient in the past because she had no backing to rely on. For the future of herself and her son, she had to endure no matter how much grievance she suffered. Now that she has the support of her daughter Li Qingge, what is the Queen Mother afraid of? If you dare to slander me, I will kill you!
That morning, the sun shone through the clouds onto the roof of the Cining Palace, gleaming with golden light. The Queen went to the Cining Palace to pay her respects to the Queen Mother as usual. She wore a gorgeous palace dress and walked into the gate of the Cining Palace dignifiedly. However, the Queen Mother never gave her a good look throughout the whole process, as if she was deliberately making things difficult for her.

The queen sneered in her heart. She knew that the queen mother was deliberately looking for trouble. But she didn't care and just responded to the queen mother's words lightly. When the queen mother blamed her again, she pushed back without showing weakness, with a hint of coldness and determination in her voice.

The Queen Mother was so angry that she was shaking all over. She pointed at the Queen's nose and cursed, "You...you unfilial daughter-in-law! How dare you talk back to me!" There was a hint of trembling and anger in her voice.

The Queen looked at the Empress Dowager coldly and said, "I have no intention of contradicting Your Majesty. I am just telling the truth. If Your Majesty thinks I am wrong, please point it out and I will correct it." There was a hint of indifference and firmness in her voice, as if she was declaring war on the Empress Dowager.

The Queen Mother was so angry that she couldn't speak. She just stared at the Queen with wide eyes, as if she wanted to devour her. However, the Queen met her gaze fearlessly, as if to tell her: I am no longer the little wife who is at your mercy!

The queen was calm and her voice was soft, like a gentle spring breeze that gently blows through people's hearts. "As the mother of the world, the queen mother has both majesty and kindness. How could she be wrong? Even if there are so-called mistakes in the world, to the queen mother, they are just passing clouds and mist. If they are not mistakes, they are another kind of wisdom. Who in this world can find the medicine for regret and start over? Now that the throne has been firmly placed on my shoulders, I will be as firm as a rock and will not let anyone shake me easily."

The queen mother had a gentle smile on her face, and her experienced eyes carefully looked at the queen, as if to penetrate her appearance and look directly into her heart. "Your family, the Nara clan, was once glorious, but now it is like the afterglow of the setting sun, gradually fading. Without the support of my old bones, I'm afraid your position as queen would be precarious and difficult to maintain. I really don't understand where you got such courage to be so sure that the emperor would never depose you easily?"

The queen straightened her back, her posture revealed an indomitable pride, her voice clear and firm, echoing in the hall. "My courage is not without source, the queen mother will understand in the future. I just want to make it clear here that the world is like a chess game, each game is new, and no one can control everything as they wish. Even you, the queen mother, who is extremely noble, can hardly stop the torrent of the times and the change of power."

"You——" The Queen Mother's words were cut off by a sudden anger. She had never expected that the Queen would dare to express her thoughts so bluntly, and for a moment she was speechless. Feeling depressed, the Queen Mother felt that the Queen was a scheming person, relying on the backing of a backer, and was unscrupulous.

Seeing this, the queen said no more, but just bowed slightly, saluted, and turned to leave, her back looking particularly resolute. The moment she walked out of the Cining Palace, she sighed softly, as if releasing the emotions that had been pent up for a long time. "For so many years, I have been cautious and humble in this deep palace. Today, I can finally stand up straight and be tough in front of the queen mother."

Rong Mama followed closely behind, and whispered, "Your Highness, this is not the best time to have a conflict with the Queen Mother. The Emperor and the Fifth Princess have been plotting for a long time, and the abdication edict has been issued. You are about to become the Empress Dowager, and with the Fifth Princess as your solid backing, even if the Queen Mother becomes the Grand Empress Dowager, she is just an old woman with an empty title. Even if your Highness is dissatisfied, you have to wait until the Fifth Princess takes power before you can vent your anger."

The queen rubbed her frowning brows, a trace of annoyance flashed in her eyes. "How could I not know this truth? But the queen mother always listens to one side and keeps staring at me. If I just tolerate it, she will think I am weak and can be bullied. People have to fight for their dignity in life. I have been calculated by this old woman for half my life. I am really fed up. What's more, there is the emperor in the harem. For the integration of Daqing and Da Yan, he will not watch me being bullied by the queen mother."

After saying this, the queen seemed to be more clear-headed. She knew very well that she was almost omnipotent in the harem because of her daughter Li Qingge. She had already seen through all the open and covert struggles and had her own calculations in mind.

The Queen Mother is good at controlling the harem with the art of balance. She made other concubines lose power and Yongqi fall out of favor. How could she let it go? Even clay figures have some earthiness. Who would want to be a soft persimmon at the mercy of others? Moreover, the Queen is the villain in the story of Princess Huanzhu. She has never been a good person, let alone someone who can be bullied at will. If the Queen Mother dares to target her, she will settle all the old and new grudges and fight back fiercely.

The empress dowager relied on herself as the mother of the emperor and the protection of Qianlong, a filial son, and thought she was invincible. However, she did not know that the Qing Dynasty was like a setting sun, in danger. Qianlong could not protect himself, so how could he protect the empress dowager?

The queen lowered her head and gently fiddled with the seven-treasure glass bracelet on her wrist. The bracelet sparkled brightly in the sun, and her eyes gradually became deeper. "Although the queen mother is powerful, her influence is limited to this harem. Since she wants to fight, I will fight with her to the end. I just hope she won't regret it in the end!"

The Queen knew the Queen Mother's character very well. She would never be content to let anyone else dominate the harem. Lingpin was ambitious. For the sake of her unborn child, she would definitely join forces with the Queen Mother to try to bring her down. Although the Queen had expected this, she did not expect that this day would come so soon.

That afternoon, the sun shone through the clouds and shone on the glazed tiles of the Cining Palace, sparkling with golden light. The empress dowager woke up from her nap and was about to have a cup of tea when she saw Lingpin running over in a hurry, kneeling on the ground, crying, "Please, old Buddha, please help me. Someone wants to harm the baby in my belly."

When the Queen Mother heard this, her expression suddenly changed, and she was filled with anger: "Lingpin, harming the heir to the throne is a capital crime, how can you just randomly accuse someone? Without solid evidence, I will never let you off easily!"

"Everything I said is true. I would never make a random accusation. Someone really wants to harm my child." After Lingpin finished speaking, she signaled the maid Lamei to present a wooden box. After opening it, the contents made the empress dowager frown, but the corners of her mouth slightly raised. She ordered with a serious face: "Go and call the emperor and the empress!"

……

As the supervisor of the harem, Rong Mama was naturally well-informed. When she noticed Lingpin's unusual behavior, she immediately rushed back to Kunning Palace and informed the queen of the matter.

After hearing this, the Queen gnashed her teeth, and a cold look flashed in her eyes. "The Queen Mother and Concubine Ling must have joined forces to plot against me. For Concubine Ling, the child in her belly is her biggest bargaining chip. How can I not see that she wants to collude with the Queen Mother and frame me for harming the heir to the throne?"

Rong Mama asked anxiously, "Madam, how should we deal with this?"

The Queen snorted coldly, with a hint of disdain in her eyes. "No need to respond. Since the Queen Mother and Concubine Ling have already set up the stage, we just need to sit back and watch how they perform this good show."

"But..." Rong Mama wanted to say something, but was interrupted by the Queen.

"Xiao Wu once said that in the face of absolute strength, all conspiracies and tricks are futile. I did not harm the royal heir. Even if I did, would the emperor dare to blame me? Does he have the courage to punish me?" The queen's words revealed an unquestionable confidence.

When Rong Mama heard this, she suddenly understood and said with a smile: "I was really confused. With the Fifth Princess as your backer, what do you have to fear? The Queen Mother's people will probably be here soon. Your Majesty, please dress up first and wait to see the good show of the Queen Mother and Lingpin."

Although this was said without any courtesy, it also treated the Queen Mother and Concubine Ling as actors. Upon hearing this, the Queen smiled as brightly as a flower: "Okay, put on my makeup, this play will definitely be wonderful!"

"Yes, sir!" replied Aunt Rong, and the master and servant immediately came to the dressing table and began to dress up with great interest.

Rong Mama skillfully held the eyebrow pencil and carefully drew the empress's eyebrows. After a while, Gui Mama came to Kunning Palace and saluted the empress and said, "The old Buddha invites the empress to the Cining Palace for questioning."

The Queen had already understood it in her heart. She sneered, but pretended to be ignorant. She asked, "Why did the old Buddha summon me at this time?" Nanny Gui replied with a fake smile, "The old Buddha summoned the Queen to discuss something important. But this matter is of great importance. I dare not disclose it easily. Please forgive me, Your Majesty."

The Queen chuckled and said, "Mammy is a favorite of the old Buddha, so how could I blame you? Since the old Buddha has summoned me, I will go with you."

Want to fight? I'll fight you till the end!
"Your Majesty, please!" Nanny Gui led the way respectfully.

The queen walked into the main hall of the Cining Palace with steady steps. Qianlong, Lingpin and Yongqi were all with the queen mother, and the atmosphere seemed a little solemn.

The Queen bowed and said, "I pay my respects to the Emperor and to the Empress Dowager."

The Queen Mother sat on the throne in the middle, wearing a crimson-purple dress embroidered with a phoenix pattern. Although her face looked old, her imposing aura still made people feel awe. She glanced at the Queen coldly and said, "Get up."

Qianlong's eyes slowly swept through the hall, and every subtle expression did not escape his eyes. He knew very well that this storm was not just about an unborn child, but also a microcosm of the power change in the harem and the power struggle of the previous dynasty. He slowly spoke with unquestionable majesty in his voice: "Mother, I am not protecting the queen, but there are indeed many doubts about this matter. Although Xier is a person in the queen's palace, without solid evidence, it is difficult to convince everyone with her words alone."

The Queen Mother was a little flustered when she heard this, but she soon calmed down. She knew that the bargaining chip in her hand should not be underestimated. She leaned forward slightly, staring at Qianlong with a sharp gaze: "Emperor, how could I not know the importance of evidence? If there was no ironclad evidence, how could I easily alarm you? Aunt Gui, present the things."

Nanny Gui came forward, holding a tray with a secret letter and several small pills. The Queen Mother took the secret letter, unfolded it gently, and showed it to everyone: "This is written by the Queen herself. The letter records in detail how to instruct Xier and how to obtain safflower and musk. As for these pills, they were searched out from the secret compartment of the Queen's bedroom. After verification by the imperial physician, they do contain musk."

Qianlong took the secret letter and examined it carefully. The familiar handwriting made his heart tighten, but then he was relieved. He knew that the queen had profound attainments in calligraphy, and it was not difficult for her to imitate her handwriting. He looked up at the queen, only to see that her face was calm, and her eyes revealed a light of determination and perseverance.

The queen smiled softly, with both helplessness and confidence in her smile: "Mother, this secret letter and pills were probably forged by someone with the intention of framing me. Although I am not talented, I am not stupid enough to leave such obvious evidence. Your Majesty, please believe me. I will never do such a heinous thing."

Qianlong was silent for a moment, feeling mixed emotions. He knew the queen's character, and was even more aware of the intrigues in the harem. He looked at the queen mother, and said with a pleading tone: "Mother, this matter concerns the queen's innocence, and even more so the face of the royal family. I ask you to allow me to investigate this matter myself and give justice to the queen."

The Queen Mother frowned upon hearing this, and was obviously not satisfied with Qianlong's request. But she also understood that if she forced a conviction, it would probably cause Qianlong's disgust and even affect the relationship between mother and son. She pondered for a moment, and finally nodded and agreed: "Okay, since the Emperor insists, I will give you this opportunity. But I want to remind you that if this matter cannot be cleared up, I will never condone the Queen's crime."

Qianlong breathed a sigh of relief, turned around and said to the queen, "Queen, please return to the palace for now. I will investigate this matter thoroughly and give you a clear name."

The Queen knelt slightly and saluted, saying, "I thank the Emperor. I believe that when the truth comes out, it will prove my innocence."

After saying this, the queen turned and left, her steps steady, with a force that should not be underestimated. Qianlong watched her leave, secretly wondering how this storm would end.

As night fell, the lights in Kunning Palace were bright. The queen sat in front of the bronze mirror, and Rong Mama was combing her hair. The queen in the mirror looked haggard, but her eyes were still firm.

"Your Majesty, do you really believe that the Emperor will find out the truth for you?" Madam Rong asked in a low voice, revealing a hint of worry in her tone.

The queen smiled gently, that smile contained both bitterness and relief: "Mammy, I believe him. In this harem, he is the only one I can rely on. What's more, I am innocent, why should I be afraid of being framed by others?"

Rong Mama's eyes turned red when she heard this. She knew very well how difficult it was for the queen, and she felt sorry for her strength. She sighed softly and said, "Your Majesty, you have suffered so much. When will the struggle in the harem end?"

The queen closed her eyes and let Rong Mama massage her shoulders, but her mind was clear. She knew that this storm was just a small episode in her life. No matter what the result was, she would face it calmly.

The next day, Qianlong summoned all the people involved in the case, including Xier, Gui Mama, and several imperial doctors, and launched a rigorous interrogation in the imperial study. He personally interrogated them, not letting go of any details, and striving to restore the truth.

Xier finally broke down under Qianlong's majesty and cried, "Your Majesty, I am also forced to do this! It was...it was Concubine Ling who threatened me. If I don't obey, she will kill my whole family! I really have no choice but to..."

When Qianlong heard this, his face turned pale. He looked at Lingpin and saw that she was pale and there was a trace of panic in her eyes. He had already made up his mind, but he did not show it on his face and continued to interrogate her.

After a thorough investigation, the truth finally surfaced. It turned out that all this was a conspiracy carefully planned by Lingpin in order to win favor, in conjunction with Gui Ma and others. They took advantage of Xier's weakness and threatened her to become a scapegoat in an attempt to overthrow the queen in one fell swoop.

When the truth came out, Emperor Qianlong was furious. He ordered Lingpin to be demoted to a commoner and sent to the cold palace. Gui Ma and others also received due punishment. As for Xier, although she was forced to participate, she made a mistake after all and was punished to be sent to the Xinzheku, where she would never be able to turn over.

After the queen learned the truth, she felt mixed emotions. She was glad that she was innocent, but also felt sad about when the fighting in the harem would end. She came to the imperial garden, looked at the blooming peonies, and felt an inexplicable emotion in her heart.

"The flowers in the harem are beautiful but perishable. Only the persistence and purity in one's heart can last forever." She whispered softly, as if she was talking to herself, or as if she was telling something to everything in the harem.

After the storm, Qianlong's trust in the queen deepened. He knew that it was his great fortune to have such a tenacious and innocent woman by his side in the harem. The queen also strengthened her faith in this storm. She knew that no matter what the future held, she would stick to her innocence and principles and would never succumb to any force.

Li Qingge's words were like a beacon, lighting her way forward. She understood that a smart woman never needed to prove herself by dealing with other women. She had her own wisdom and strength, enough to carve out a world of her own in the harem.

The Queen Mother's sharp eyes seemed to penetrate the Queen's heart, and every word she said was like an ice cone piercing her bones: "Do you think that you can firmly grasp the heart of the Emperor with your beauty and seductive tricks? You can sit firmly on the Diaoyutai in this harem? Humph, you are wrong! This harem is a battlefield of power and a contest of wits and strategies. It is not something that a woman like you who can only show off her charm can handle!"

The queen's face changed slightly when she heard this, but she soon regained her composure. She slowly stood up and bowed to the queen mother. Her voice was gentle but firm, "Your Majesty, you are too kind. Since I entered the palace, I have always fulfilled my duties and served the emperor and the queen mother wholeheartedly. I have never had any improper thoughts. As for plotting to murder the heir to the throne, I have never done it. Please understand, Queen Mother."

The Queen Mother sneered and glanced back and forth at the Queen, as if looking for some flaws: "Clear? Humph, do you think I'm confused because I'm old? Do you think that if you do it perfectly, no one will be able to detect it? I tell you, there is no secret in this harem that can be hidden forever. If you are really innocent, then produce evidence, otherwise, don't blame me for being cruel!"

The queen lowered her eyes slightly, and an indescribable bitterness surged in her heart. She knew that no matter how she explained, the queen mother would not believe her. Because, in the queen mother's mind, she was already a vixen who threatened the status of the twelfth prince.

At this time, Qianlong's voice suddenly rang out, interrupting the empress dowager's scolding: "My Queen Mother, please stop making things difficult for the queen. I believe in her innocence, and I believe she will give me a reasonable explanation. I will personally investigate this matter and will definitely get to the bottom of it."

Qianlong's words softened the Queen Mother's expression a little. But she was still unwilling to let the Queen go, so she said, "Okay, since the Emperor said so, I'll give you a month. If you can't find evidence to prove the Queen's innocence within a month, don't blame me for being rude."

Qianlong nodded in agreement. Then, he looked at the queen, with a hint of tenderness and determination in his eyes: "Queen, I believe in you. You must be strong and don't be defeated by these rumors. I will stay by your side and face it all together."

The queen looked at Qianlong gratefully, and a warm feeling welled up in her heart. She knew that no matter what happened, Qianlong would stand by her side, support her and protect her. This trust and affection made her feel extremely happy and satisfied.

However, Lingpin watched coldly from the sidelines, her heart filled with jealousy and resentment. She was unwilling to fail like this, and even more unwilling to watch the queen being arrogant and domineering under the protection of Qianlong. So, she secretly made up her mind to find a way to overthrow the queen and let Qianlong see her sincerity and dedication.

The atmosphere in the Cining Palace became extremely tense and depressing. The Queen Mother, Qianlong, the Empress, Concubine Ling, Yongqi and others all had their own thoughts, all thinking about their own plans and future. In this power struggle, who will be the final winner? Everything is still unknown.

As time went by, Qianlong began to investigate the murder of the heir to the throne. He sent his trusted ministers and secret guards to secretly investigate the matter. At the same time, he also strengthened the supervision and prevention of the harem to prevent similar things from happening again.

The Queen began to actively look for evidence to prove her innocence. She knew she couldn't just sit there and wait for death, she had to take the initiative. So, she secretly used her connections and resources to investigate the background and truth of the case.

In this war without gunpowder, everyone is fighting for their own interests and future. Who will be the final winner in this contest? Perhaps only time can give the answer.

A month later, Qianlong finally found evidence to prove the queen's innocence. It turned out that all this was a conspiracy set up by the queen dowager and Lingpin, with the purpose of overthrowing the queen and making the twelfth prince lose his status as a legitimate son. When Qianlong learned the truth, he was furious and immediately ordered the queen dowager to be placed under house arrest in the Cining Palace and Lingpin to be demoted to a commoner and sent to the cold palace.

Yongqi was demoted to Beizi by Emperor Qianlong because of his ignorance and impulsiveness, and was adopted by the deceased third prince Hongshi as his heir. From then on, he lost the possibility of inheriting the throne, and also lost his status and dignity in the harem.

The storm finally subsided. Under Qianlong's protection, the empress regained respect and status in the harem. The conspiracy of the empress dowager and Concubine Ling was finally exposed, and they paid a heavy price for their actions.

In this power struggle, the queen finally became the winner. She used her wisdom and courage to prove her innocence. And in this storm, Qianlong also strengthened his trust and deep affection for the queen. They worked together to overcome difficulties and face future challenges and opportunities together.

Once upon a time, in the magnificent and powerful Forbidden City, the emperor carefully selected a concubine for his beloved son, Prince Bao, who later became the famous Emperor Qianlong. Nara was born into a prominent Manchu family. She was bathed in the glory of wealth and education since childhood. Her beauty was like the most beautiful flowers in spring, pure and elegant, especially her bright eyes, which seemed to be able to see into the abyss of people's hearts, making people unforgettable at first sight. Her daughter, Li Qingge, inherited her mother's peerless beauty and became a legend in the capital. She was so beautiful that no one could match her.

However, the character of Miss Nara is in sharp contrast to her appearance. She is strong but not without tenacity, and she acts straightforwardly. She never disdains those means of currying favor by flattering and fawning. In her world, dignity and self-esteem are far more important than the emperor's favor. Such a character is undoubtedly a breath of fresh air in the harem full of intrigues and schemes, but because of this, although she has a peerless appearance, it is difficult for her to be favored by Emperor Qianlong. Emperor Qianlong, the emperor who is high above, always has a little regret for the beauty of Miss Nara. He thinks that although she is beautiful, she lacks the charm that can touch his heartstrings, as if she is an exquisite wood carving, which is exquisitely crafted but lacks the agility of life.

In comparison, Emperor Qianlong preferred Concubine Ling. The beauty of Concubine Ling was not only her gentle and pleasant appearance, but also her gentle and generous character. This unique charm fascinated Emperor Qianlong and made him unable to extricate himself.

Time flies, and in the blink of an eye, decades have passed quietly. Nara, the once young girl, has now entered middle age, but time seems to be particularly tolerant to her. She has excellent bone structure. Even though she has grown older, she does not look old, but has added a bit of mature female charm, which is a kind of elegance and calmness radiating from the inside out.

Recently, Li Qingge returned from afar and brought a set of high-end cosmetics for her mother. They were rare items from foreign countries, with bright colors and fragrant aromas. With her daughter's careful dressing, Nara looked even more radiant, as if time had gone back to her youth. Her beauty, like a pearl forgotten by time, once again shone with dazzling light.

Emperor Qianlong, because of Li Qingge, began to pay more attention to this long-lost queen. When he saw Nara again, he couldn't help but feel a sense of surprise. This long-lost beauty was like a treasure accidentally discovered in a treasure trove, which made him feel both surprised and cherished.

The queen was overwhelmed with joy when she learned that her biological daughter was not only alive, but also became the queen of Dayan, and would most likely inherit the throne and succeed Emperor Qianlong in the future. This sudden happiness made her feel that all the grievances and waiting were worth it. Her complexion became better and better, and her spirit became more vigorous, as if she was enveloped by the light of happiness.

However, all these changes caused dissatisfaction among the Queen Mother, Concubine Ling and others. They saw this and couldn't help but mutter in their hearts: Isn't this an old witch! Time didn't seem to leave any traces on her, but made her more charming.

Facing the Queen Mother's sarcasm, the Queen just smiled faintly, and she said softly: "Queen Mother, your words are too serious. How can you use the words "fairy or not" on me? Since ancient times, only tyrants like Xia Jie would be seduced by beauty. The Emperor is a wise ruler. Even if I really have the thousand-year-old Taoism of a nine-tailed fox, I can't seduce his heart. Queen Mother, don't you agree?"