Rebirth of the Phoenix Princess novel Chapter 23

"Summon the Princess Hui Guo to the hall..." Hearing the sharp voice ordering her presence at Jinluan Hall, Yun Shang arranged her attire and walked in with Qin Yi's support.

"I greet the Imperial Father." Yun Shang laboriously kowtowed to Emperor Ning thrice before rising with a slight cough.

It had been seven years since the Emperor Ning had last seen Yun Shang. Though being filled with emotion, Emperor Ning sighed and declared, "Princess Hui Guo has blessed our country for seven years. Thanks to her, the weather has been favorable all this while. So I'll bestow her Jinling City as her fief."

Jinling was a good city. Yun Shang smiled faintly and bowed again. The effort seemed to fill her forehead with sweat.

"Please rise."

Yun Shang slowly rose and smiled faintly at Emperor Ning. Looking paler, she swayed and suddenly fell down on the ground.

"Her Highness fainted..." Qin Yi stood up in a hurry and took a step to help Yun Shang.

"Hurry up, send for Imperial Physicians." Emperor Ning's voice sounded painful. Giving the order in haste, he leapt from the dragon throne. Worried, he lifted Yun Shang and carried her in to the inner sanctuary.

At Qiwu Palace, Empress Yuan Zhen were talking with Hua Jing on the couch. "The weather is favorable this year. The osmanthus cake tastes sweeter than that of last year's. You have become more filial."

Hua Jing smiled faintly and looked gentle, "Mother, I'm glad you enjoy it. I'll send some to my father later. And I hear that Yun Shang returns today. She ought to be visiting my father in Jinluan Hall. I'll also send some cakes to her later. I haven't seen her in so many years, I really wonder how she's doing."

Empress Yuan Zhen smiled "I have some spies in Ning'guo temple. It is said that she has gotten worse. In a little while, it will be her Coming-of-age Ceremony. After that, she should get married. Though she's your half sister, you should see whether there's someone suitable among the government officials and pick one for her."

Hua Jing nodded in agreement and said, 'I know. I will help her."

"Your Majesty, Your Majesty..." A maid lifted the door curtain and came in hurriedly. She said with a smile, "Your Majesty, Princess Hui Guo is just as sick as rumored. His Majesty bestowed Jinling City to her in Jinluan Hall. After bowing, she fainted when she tried to rise. The eunuchs in attendance tell me that Prince Hui Guo is as pale as death. She is as weak as water. Every time she moves, she can't help sweating."

"Really?" Empress Yuan Zhen frowned and said, "His Majesty bestows Jinling City to her. She's so blessed. But she may not have the chance to enjoy it. Now you can go and take your reward..."

The maid thanked The Empress and left. Hua Jing was dissatisfied with The Emperor's decree. She chatted with The Empress, "When I got married, my Imperial Father only bestowed Xiping City to me as a present. It is remote with barren soil. Whereas he bestows her Jinling City..." Empress Yuan Zhen glimpsed at Hua Jing, "If you can bear it, all of hers will belong to you. Otherwise, you will lose everything. Moreover, you are well-known for your literary talent. You are obviously better than her as she has lived in a temple for seven years. Take it easy. Being so sick, she doesn't necessarily have the chance to enjoy what she's been bestowed with."

Hua Jing hurriedly said, "I know I was wrong."

The Empress nodded and stood up, "Now that she fainted as soon as she returned, I have to go see her."

"So do I. I haven't seen my half sister in so long, I actually miss her. I'll also send her some osmanthus cakes." Hua Jing ordered the maids to take a hamper, and accompanied Empress Yuan Zhen out.

"Where's Princess Hui Guo now?"