Chapter 54 Chu Huaiyu is Jealous
The news that Chu Huaiyu had issued an edict to bestow the title of Prince of Mo Nan upon the deposed Crown Prince Chu Siheng caused an uproar in the court. Immediately, both Chu Huaiyu's confidants and his former subordinates who still secretly relied on Chu Siheng had reservations about the edict.
Chu Huaiyu's confidants worried that this move was like raising a tiger to cause trouble, while Chu Siheng's old subordinates secretly resented that the place of enfeoffment was the remote southern desert, which was no different from exile.
Surprisingly, this seemingly absurd decree won the hearts of the people. At the beginning of Chu Huaiyu's ascension to the throne, the people speculated about his succession because of the hasty process. There were even rumors that Chu Huaiyu would kill the deposed crown prince within a year.
Now, Chu Huaiyu not only did not eliminate Chu Siheng, but also granted him the title of king. This "generosity and benevolence" amazed the people.
In the imperial study, Chu Huaiyu sat high on the dragon throne, looking at the ministers kneeling in unison below, and he couldn't help but frown.
These officials were all confidants of Chu Huaiyu, and they insisted that Chu Huaiyu rescind his decree to appoint Chu Siheng as king. Their reasoning was unanimous: they believed that Chu Siheng would be difficult to control once he went to his fief.
"My dear ministers," Chu Huaiyu's voice was calm yet carried an undeniable authority, "While Chu Siheng's presence here makes it convenient for us to monitor him, it also gives him the opportunity to secretly contact his old subordinates and plot in secret."
"The southern desert is remote and desolate. Even if Chu Siheng has ambitions, he will hardly amount to anything! Besides, if something happens to him in the southern desert, it will have nothing to do with me, so that the world will not criticize me for not being able to tolerate my brothers."
These words were well-reasoned and clearly explained the advantages and disadvantages, leaving the ministers with no choice but to accept them.
"Your Majesty!" Du Yu, the father of Empress Du Xianyue, crawled half a step on his knees and said loudly, "Lu Zhaoxue is the wife of Chu Siheng. I have heard that Your Majesty... If Your Majesty were to take this woman into the palace, how would the history books record Your Majesty in the future!"
Chu Huaiyu narrowed his eyes slightly, a deep, unfathomable smile playing on his lips. "Who told you I was going to bring Lu Zhaoxue into the palace?"
The imperial study fell silent instantly. Seeing Du Yu's astonished expression, Chu Huaiyu's eyes remained calm as he said in a flat tone, "Lu Zhaoxue is Chu Siheng's wife and has betrayed me. How could I possibly take her as a concubine? I only want her to enter the palace as a slave."
Du Yu was taken aback again. If that was the case, why insist on sending Lu Zhaoxue to the palace? Wouldn't it have been better to just throw her into the dungeon? The deeper meaning behind Chu Huaiyu's actions was truly perplexing.
"I have other matters to attend to, so I'll go back to rest first." With that, Chu Huaiyu strode away, his dragon boots making a dull sound on the golden bricks, carrying the unique aura of an emperor.
Upon arriving at the palace, before Chu Huaiyu even stepped inside, she heard the imperial physician's voice from within, "Your body is severely deficient in qi and blood, and you must take good care of yourself, otherwise you may have difficulty conceiving in the future."
Lu Zhaoxue remained silent, her face expressionless, as if the imperial physician's words had no effect on her whatsoever.
"Then I will prescribe you a medicine. Just take it as prescribed, and I guarantee you will..."
Lu Zhaoxue suddenly interrupted, "No need, you may leave now."
The imperial physician was taken aback for a moment, then caught a glimpse of the figure at the door out of the corner of his eye. He quickly bowed and said, "Your humble servant greets Your Majesty."
Chu Huaiyu walked in slowly, and when he got close to Lu Zhaoxue, his gaze fell on her face. Chu Huaiyu took Lu Zhaoxue's hand and frowned slightly: "Why are your hands so cold?"
Lu Zhaoxue didn't speak, but gently withdrew her hand.
Chu Huaiyu waved his hand, signaling the imperial physicians and palace servants to leave. When only the two of them remained in the hall, Chu Huaiyu reached out and embraced Lu Zhaoxue.
"When...when is Chu Siheng leaving?"
Chu Huaiyu frowned, a hint of impatience in her voice: "Next month." She paused, then continued, "Do you want to see him one last time?"
Lu Zhaoxue was taken aback by Chu Huaiyu's question. She hadn't expected him to ask such a question. She nodded slightly and tentatively asked, "May I go?"
Chu Huaiyu didn't speak, but gently placed his hand on her flat stomach. "If you promise to give me a child, I'll let you go."
Lu Zhaoxue was stunned, a sarcastic smile curling at the corner of her lips, her eyes filled with sorrow. She really didn't understand Chu Huaiyu. If he really cared about the child so much, he wouldn't have treated her that way back then.
"Mmm." Lu Zhaoxue responded softly. What else could she do but agree to Chu Huaiyu's request? She had no room to resist.
Hearing Lu Zhaoxue's answer, Chu Huaiyu was not as happy as he had imagined. He thought he would be delighted, but why did the bitterness in his heart grow stronger and stronger?
The numbness and submissiveness in Lu Zhaoxue's eyes extinguished all of Chu Huaiyu's expectations like a bucket of cold water, and he could hardly suppress the anger in his heart!
Chu Huaiyu released his grip and stood up abruptly. Lu Zhaoxue looked at Chu Huaiyu with a puzzled expression, wondering what had gotten into him this time. But she didn't care; what happened to Chu Huaiyu was none of her business.
Chu Huaiyu closed his eyes, suppressing his anger, turned and strode away, slamming the palace door shut with a heavy thud.
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