Chapter 29: Trapped by Phoenix Grace, Plotting a Path to Freedom

The glimmer of dawn spilled over the glazed tiles of the Eastern Palace, casting a cold, brilliant light.

Having risen early, Xiao Feng sat before her mirror, combing her hair as a gentle breeze drifted in, carrying a faint scent of flowers. Suddenly, an imperial decree arrived from the Empress, summoning her to the palace.

Though a flicker of doubt crossed her mind, Xiao Feng dared not delay. After a quick freshening up, she followed the palace maid who had delivered the edict into the inner palace.

The Empress sat enthroned in the opulent main hall of the Fengyi Palace, surrounded by magnificent gilding and flowing silk curtains that swayed in the breeze. Clad in her phoenix robes and wearing her ceremonial crown, she looked exquisite, though a subtle, calculated glint lurked in her eyes.

As Xiao Feng entered, the Empress’s face immediately lit up with a warm smile. She rose slightly and said kindly, "Crown Princess, I heard you were injured during the Lantern Festival yesterday. I have been so worried that I summoned you today to see how you are recovering."

After bowing respectfully, Xiao Feng replied softly, "Thank you for your concern, Your Majesty. I am feeling much better."

The Empress waved her hand gently, motioning for Xiao Feng to sit beside her. "The Eastern Palace is always busy, and the Crown Prince is occupied with state affairs all day. I fear he may not be able to care for you properly. Why don't you stay with me for a while? We can keep each other company and pass the time. How does that sound?"

The Empress’s voice was gentle and sweet, as if her only motivation were genuine concern. Simple and kind-hearted by nature, Xiao Feng found it difficult to refuse such a "gracious" invitation and, after a moment's hesitation, nodded in agreement.

Meanwhile, after finishing his duties in the Eastern Palace, Li Chengyin returned to his chambers only to find Xiao Feng missing. Upon inquiry, he learned she had been summoned by the Empress. His brow furrowed instantly, his deep eyes flashing with a mixture of anger and anxiety.

Pacing back and forth, Li Chengyin mused to himself, "The Empress must have ill intentions for suddenly summoning Xiao Feng. She surely knows how much I cherish her and intends to use her as a hostage to blackmail me—to force my hand and make me stop investigating the crimes of Minister Gao."

Li Chengyin knew well the Empress’s cunning and deceit, yet he could not immediately think of a valid excuse to retrieve Xiao Feng. To demand her back by force would not only invite criticism but could also place Xiao Feng in even greater danger. He clenched his fists, his heart filled with fury and helplessness, yet he forced himself to remain calm and search for a solution.

Suddenly, an idea struck him: the Grand Empress Dowager.

The Grand Empress Dowager held great prestige and authority within the palace, and she had always been fond of him. Li Chengyin hurriedly adjusted his attire and set off for her palace.

The Grand Empress Dowager’s residence was a place of peace and serenity, its courtyard filled with rare flowers currently in full bloom, their fragrance permeating the air. Entering the hall, Li Chengyin found the Grand Empress Dowager sitting on her daybed, holding her prayer beads with a benevolent expression.

After paying his respects, he recounted the entire situation regarding the Empress’s summons, expressing his worries about her true motives. The Grand Empress Dowager listened in silence, a spark of wisdom flickering in her half-closed eyes. Once he finished, she sighed softly and remarked, "I understand. It seems the Empress is once again harboring schemes she ought not."

Consequently, the Grand Empress Dowager sent word that she had not seen Xiao Feng in some time and missed her dearly, requesting that Xiao Feng stay with her for a few days. The messenger hurried to the Fengyi Palace.

Upon hearing the Grand Empress Dowager’s decree, the Empress’s expression shifted. Though filled with anger and resentment, she dared not defy the command. Feigning a look of reluctant concern, she said to Xiao Feng, "Crown Princess, since the Grand Empress Dowager misses you so, you should go. Be sure to serve her well and mind your manners."

Though puzzled, Xiao Feng could only nod. She rose, bowed to the Empress, and departed with the messenger. Watching Xiao Feng’s retreating figure, the Empress could no longer hide her rage. She clenched her fists tightly, silently vowing that she would not give up and would find another way to achieve her goals.

Back at the Grand Empress Dowager’s palace, Li Chengyin felt a wave of relief knowing Xiao Feng was safe. He understood, however, that this was merely a temporary reprieve; the battle between him and the Empress was far from over. He needed to accelerate his plan for vengeance and expose the crimes of the Empress and Minister Gao once and for all, so that he could truly protect Xiao Feng and ensure they were no longer threatened within these palace walls.