The most uncontrollable thing is emotion. Zhao Shu said with red eyes, "Let's go see Yi De."

The spies that had been planted in the palace over the years were finally put to use today, and Zhao Shu soon appeared in the Taihe Hall.

Many court officials were waiting outside the palace, both old and new, ministers and minor officials, almost all of them were there. It seemed that Yide had come to seize the seat.

When Zhao Shucai saw that Xie Yun and the others were also there, she felt a little relieved.

After changing into eunuch clothes, she and Xiao Zhuzi slipped into the side hall of Taihe Hall, pressing their ears against the wall to listen to the conversation inside.

"You hate me that much?" It was Emperor Mingde's voice. After many years, seeing his beloved from his youth again, his voice trembled.

Yi De's eyes were exquisitely beautiful, clear and bright, as captivating as stars. Yet, those eyes were filled with despair and pain, and tears rolled down her cheeks, dripping onto her clothes.

"Yes, I hate you." She slowly knelt down, looked up, and met Emperor Mingde's gaze. "I hate myself even more. The world is vast, and I could have just left and never had anything to do with you again. I hate myself for not being able to let go."

"Aqing, do you know what Yide means?" Emperor Mingde felt heartbroken when he saw her tears and personally helped her up and held her in his arms, but Yide pushed him away.

She stood far away from Emperor Mingde, her eyes filled with sorrow and deep affection as she looked at him. "I know, your reign title is Mingde, and my posthumous title is Yide, but Ziyi, I don't want a posthumous title. I don't want to be buried with you after death. I don't want that!"

"Ah Qing, I'm sorry." He tried to get closer, but Yi De stepped back. The dignified emperor's face and eyes were filled with sorrow and pain.

"I don't want you to wrong me, I don't want your guilt, and I don't want your posthumous title. Why don't you understand? I only want you. I would die willingly if you did anything for me just once. Ziyi, don't you know that I am willing to die for you and give up everything for you?"

Zhao Shu thought, she wanted nothing but to become the empress.

However, Emperor Mingde seemed unable to understand. He only knew that this woman had never looked down on him when he was young, and had brought him joy and sweetness.

The feelings of youth are a treasure. No matter how many people you meet later or how much love you receive, there will always be a place in your heart reserved for your first love, even if that love didn't lead to marriage.