I was drifting off… understanding this was my ultimate slumber…

Fire and smoke were obstructing my view as I gazed towards those around me, but I can still clearly define their potentially malicious expressions. I chuckled gently upon myself.

“This would be it…” I gently closed my eyes and smiled, which was more radiant than theirs all.

The only ones who appeared to be really distressed were The Emperor, my beloved spouse, along with our youths. Whatever they said I did, despite the countless things, he justified  “my” deeds. I blinked again, and this time I fixed my gaze squarely on his.

“Honey!” I yelled at him. “I love and adore you! Not only that, but I'll make sure we're not tormented in our next lives —!”

“MOTHER!!” My children wailed.

“I genuinely love you too! Take very good care…”

Everyone was glaring at me with hatred, but I smiled coyly.

The Emperor reverted my focus and nodded while signing to me:

My Empress, I fancy you perhaps most. I'll be your life partner once more in our next life, that, and we'll cherish each other far more. I appreciate having you as my wife in this life.

As I beamed more and felt my own soul drain away from me, my husband looked aside when I saw his tears cascade.

My world is incandescent by inferno. I'm worn out… So much fire…

…ΩΩΩΩΩΩΩΩΩΩΩΩΩΩΩΩ…

…----------------…

“SHE'S AWAKE!”

…----------------…

“SHE'S AWAKE AGAIN! CALL THE DOCTOR!”

…----------------…

“AGAIN, SHE WOKE UP… WAIT, EMPRESS, DON'T FALL SLEEP AGAIN!”

…----------------…

“THE EMPRESS IS BACK!” Someone shrieked.

Who…? Empress….? Isn't that…? Wait? Didn't I just come to an end…?

For half an hour, I alternately opened and closed my eyes.

I didn't have to wait longer till I heard a commotion. There are a variety of it.

One… four… eleven… seventeen… thirty-six… thirty-six individuals

For a time, I continued to keep my eyes shut. I shifted my head away from the front room.

In addition to that, being conscious after that experience was exhausting for me…

Someone sat quietly on my bed, very impolite. My title is Empress.

“Empress… sweetheart…? Are you… conscious?” I caught the hushed murmur of a powerful, deep, and loving voice.

In response to that voice, I bolted up and circled forward. My beloved has been identified!

I looked around my room and noticed that there were many more individuals.

I sternly demanded for a private meeting with the Emperor. He immediately beckoned them out.

“Yes. Please pardon us from your presence, his and her Majesty, the Empress and Emperor.” They all said farewell and left the room.

I emerged from my bed and began to walk as shortly after the door closed.

I drunkenly stumbled and cried out in misery. Sitting upright on the floor, I massaged my nose and pouted.

This verified my rebirth…

His majesty facetiously laughed first before sitting down adjacent with me on the ground before pecking away my nose then gently petting my cheeks.

“Are you alright, my love? Where exactly does it ache, dear?” In a courteous tone, he inquired.

“It stings all over,” I complained bitterly.

“Does Empress anticipate me to peck her all excessively?” He laughed hysterically.

“Will Emperor help the pain go away?” I sneered.

“As it involves Empress,” he replied as he edged closer to my lips.

“My mouth sting the most, dearest…” I probed.

“Please allow me to cure them, sweetheart.” He pulled my face up to accommodate his own and delivered a chaste passionate kiss upon my lips.

Signed1: As in the utilization of Sign Language. It involves communicating with those who can grasp the meaning of your body motions by utilizing your mouth (without speaking), eyes, hands, and other body parts.

As soon as their lips connected, a messenger ninja knocked twice and spoke, “Emperor, Empress, forgive me for intruding-but Empress Dowager requires the Empress's presence.”

Even though the kiss lasted shorter than what the Empress wanted, she still felt the warmth and happiness of her husband's intentions in the kiss. Her husband separated and spoke first, “Tell Mother that the Empress needs rest.” He sighed, “She and I will visit her tomorrow.”

“Yes, Your Majesty, I shall relay your message to the Empress Dowager.” He replied, bowed and disappeared.

My husband turned to me and kept his emotionless face on, “Get some rest. I will go and inform the court of your awakening.” “You will begin your role again next week, on Monday.” “Lady Consort Xianxiao will continue as Acting-Empress until you return,” He took a short breath and continued, “I hope you have no issues or complaints about my decision while you were severely injured.”

I retained my imposing and careful posture and nodded slowly, “Emperor is the wisest of all.” “I cannot have any doubt in your choice, but to voice my opinion, I agree with your decision.”

“Ah, yes. What does Mother require, I wonder?” The Emperor said to me.

“Miyabi.” I softly called out his name.

“Huifen.” He responded with an even gentler tone.

“Calm down, Miyabi. It's alright. ” I smiled.

“Yes…”

THE NEXT DAY

  3RD POV

The Empress, Huifen, got dressed with the help of her maids.

She wore a simple but elegant outfit. She looked like an empress.

Her makeup was light and natural looking.

As she stood up to leave, she picked up her beautiful crown and placed it on her head. It shone as the door opened and the sun shone in the room.

“Empress…” The guards, maids, and servants outside greeted her as she stepped out the door.

“Hm.” She acknowledged them, but not in the usual manner she did before.

“Let's go.” She snapped her fingers at the people who will be accompanying her to visit the Empress Dowager.

“Yes, your Majesty.” They nodded and tailed her.

They walked towards the Eastern Palace.

Greeted by many along her way, Empress barely glanced at them. Just nodded her head and hummed.

Not long, they reached the gate entrance.

Her arrival has been announced throughout the entire Eastern Palace.

She and her followers entered. They reached the Main House of the Eastern Palace.

“Empress Dowager and I shall be alone.” She told the people who followed her, along with the guards, who all tried to enter along with her.

“Yes, your Majesty.” They all scattered.

The empress entered the Main House of the Eastern Palace.

Her arrival was announced again by the few guards and servants.

She once more was led to the Dowager Empress.

This is banal. All these low lives, around me, are mere fraternizers. I shall deal with them later.

Huifen said to herself as the remembered the people in her share of the Palace. Empress Mother has some trustworthy people.

The sound of the empress's steps were light, and her eyes shone with passion and a glint of trouble.

I shall follow in her Majesty's heedful footsteps.