After Rebirth, She Becomes the Revenge Queen-Chapter 566 - 363: Loving Mother_2

Chapter 566: Chapter 363: Loving Mother_2
The thought of waiting all these years, finally having definite news of him, swept her with overwhelming joy. Yet, thinking of the son she had longed for returning only to be hurt by his father and stubbornly refusing to enter the palace to see them, sadness welled up again.
Everyone can speak of reasoning, and she could say things like being satisfied as long as he lived well. But every time she said such words, her heart felt as if it were being cut by a knife.
After going through such turmoil several times, after having lunch, she felt completely drained of strength and lay on the bed.
However, even so, when Fu Zhen came in with a memorial and requested to enter the palace again, she agreed without hesitation.
When Fu Zhen came in, the Empress was already up.
But Fu Zhen, with sharp eyes, could immediately tell that something was off about her expression. He quickly showed concern, "Is there something the Empress feels unwell about? Has the Imperial Physician been called?"
The Empress forced a smile, "It’s nothing major, just that with age comes various ailments. Even the Imperial Physician can do nothing for me." After responding, she swiftly shifted to the next topic, "Why have you entered the palace again? Is there something wrong with Yi Yi?"
"No," Fu Zhen replied, "The Crown Prince is doing well. But because I’ve discovered some new issues in the past few days, I think it would be best if you and the Crown Prince met to resolve them."
"What issues?"
"It’s not appropriate to say now, since I have no evidence. Even if I told you, you might not believe it. I just want to ask, can you meet the Crown Prince?"
"Is there even a need to ask?" The Empress sat up straight, "Is he willing to see me?"
Fu Zhen shook his head, "So, I’ll have to take a roundabout way."
...
After finishing his meal, Yang Yi returned to the courtyard. Just as he stepped inside the room, he caught a strong scent of osmanthus.
He couldn’t help but walk over to it, then casually picked up a teacup nearby, dipped his fingers in some water, and sprinkled it onto the flower branches.
With droplets on them, the petals looked fresher and stood spiritedly in the vase.
Yang Yi stood silently in front of it for a while before putting down the cup and sitting in a nearby chair.
At this time, the sunlight slanted through the window panes, scattering golden beams into the room, with some falling on the floor in front, resembling time-tunnels leading to yellowed memories.
Twenty-four years—compared to a lifetime, it isn’t long, but how many twenty-four years can one have?
"If you were truly that resolute, you wouldn’t personally tend to this vase of flowers," Fu Zhen’s words floated in his ears. The young girl’s voice was light and crisp, but for him, it felt like a heavy blow.
He Zhao came in holding a teapot, saw Yang Yi dazing on the chair, placed the tea down, and stood quietly by the side.
Yang Yi remained silent for a long time before turning his face towards him, "Is something the matter?"
He Zhao bowed his head, "I feel that this Xie Censor seems to have something unusual with you, Lord. Did you notice it?"
Upon mentioning Xie Zhang, Yang Yi fell silent again. "He’s a son of the Xie family in Huzhou, a loyal minister in the court, and also a close friend of the eldest daughter of the Ning Family. Even if he has some interest in me, it shouldn’t be a problem."
He Zhao asked, "How does the Lord know he is a close friend of Mrs. Ning?"
Yang Yi took a sip of tea and said nonchalantly, "Just a hunch."
He Zhao glanced at him and said no more.
Yang Yi sat for a bit, watching the slowly moving sunlight in front of him, his gaze involuntarily shifting again to the osmanthus beside him.
He Zhao also saw it and said, "Speaking of which, it’s almost the Lord’s birthday."
Yang Yi was born in August. Originally, the Empress did not like osmanthus, but after Yang Yi was born, she gradually developed a liking for the flower.
Not only osmanthus, but she also began to like chrysanthemums.
It seemed as long as it was related to this month, she would accept them wholeheartedly.
"I’m already twenty-four, and she’s almost sixty. I remember she always had weak legs, and during those years of war, she didn’t eat well, sleep well, or live well. Whenever it rained, her knees would hurt.
"Zhen Er said she’s become very thin. I can’t imagine what she looks like now. I dare not recognize that portrait. I never imagined she would age from vibrant youth to this so swiftly. The last time I saw her, she moved so nimbly and spoke so briskly, as if she were invincible. Yet, the person in that portrait looks like she could be toppled by the wind."
Yang Yi spoke softly.
He Zhao gazed at him with sorrow, after a long pause then said, "So many years have passed, yet the Empress still persistently searches for you, Lord. It’s indeed a mother’s genuine concern."