Chapter 24 Using Both Kindness and Strictness
They've gone mad, they've all really gone mad!
Tianheng went mad, but the Empress Dowager went even mader!
In order to make Tianheng completely give up on her, the Empress Dowager actually made her follow the example of Princess Shanyin, keeping male concubines and establishing a harem!
Empress Dowager, you have truly gone to great lengths for Tianheng!
She didn't know whether Tianheng would give up after she started having a harem. All she knew was that if she really did, she would be infamous. Not only would she be cursed by the people while she was alive, but she would also be cursed by future generations after her death, who would say that she was licentious and immoral, and that she was no different from a beast.
Just like now, historical records generally speak highly of Princess Shanyin.
Her fate was unlikely to be any better than that of Princess Shanyin.
The Empress Dowager is so cruel to her!
At least she calls the Empress Dowager "Mother".
How ridiculous, how ridiculous!
He called her "Mother," but couldn't earn even a shred of pity from the Empress Dowager.
Before long, Tianyao arrived at the gate of the Empress Dowager's palace and saw the Empress Dowager, who terrified her.
"Clang..."
The Empress Dowager, dressed in a black outfit, is fighting with her guards.
Yes, it's a competition!
The Empress Dowager came from the Qin family, a family of military generals. In her youth, she even fought alongside the late General Qin on the border. She was a true female general who was no less capable than any man.
That's why Tianyao was afraid!
Because this person won't use underhanded tactics; they'll only subdue you with force.
She stood obediently in place, not daring to move, for fear that the Empress Dowager's sharp sword might accidentally pierce her heart.
"Your Majesty, Princess has arrived."
The old woman stepped forward, bowed, and respectfully announced the news.
The Empress Dowager seemed deaf, not even glancing at the nanny and Tianyao. She raised her sword to parry the spear that the guard was wielding, and then moved with incredible agility behind the guard. The guard noticed and hurriedly turned around to defend himself, but the Empress Dowager's sword was faster than the guard.
At this moment, a sharp sword was already pressed against the guard's neck.
"You're still a bit lacking. Keep practicing."
The Empress Dowager smiled and said something to the guard, then removed the sword from his neck, casually twirled it with a beautiful flourish, and cleanly and neatly sheathed the sword. As she untied the sword belt at her waist, she walked towards Tianyao.
"Mother."
Upon seeing this, Tianyao hurriedly walked towards the Empress Dowager, and upon reaching her, she bowed extremely respectfully and called out softly.
"So you still remember that I am your mother? I thought you thought I was dead."
"Three years, a full three years, and you haven't come to see me even once."
The Empress Dowager stood before Tianyao, scrutinizing her from head to toe. Looking down at Tianyao with disdain, she spoke in a cold voice.
Tianyao was terrified and hurriedly knelt down, kowtowing and begging for mercy.
"Your subject... Your subject was afraid of upsetting you, which is why I haven't dared to come to see you."
"Your subject... Your subject has always missed Your Majesty."
How could she dare to think that the Empress Dowager was dead? No matter who died, the Empress Dowager would not die. Look how healthy the Empress Dowager is! Even the guards are no match for her.
"Hmph, it's true that you don't dare to come see me, but it's complete nonsense to say that you're afraid of upsetting me or missing me."
"Fine, considering you've behaved well for the past three years, I won't hold it against you."
"Alright, get up. What are you so scared of? I'm not going to eat you."
The Empress Dowager bent down, reached out, grabbed Tianyao's arm, and lifted her up in one swift motion.
Tianyao was panicked, her legs were trembling, and all she wanted was to escape the wolf pack as quickly as possible.
"I heard you are infertile?"
After the Empress Dowager helped Tianyao up, she stretched out her long arm and encircled Tianyao in her arms. As she led Tianyao into the house, she asked questions in a casual tone, as if she were having a casual chat.
Tianyao dared not be careless at all and was on high alert to deal with the situation.
"yes."
"I heard that your husband's family wants you to divorce your husband?"
The Empress Dowager continued to ask, her sharp gaze fixed on Tianyao's face, not missing a single expression.
Upon hearing this, Tianyao smiled bitterly at the Empress Dowager and replied softly.
"yes."
She wasn't surprised at all that the Empress Dowager knew about these things.
In this world, there are only things the Empress Dowager wants to know, not things she cannot know.
"You want to divorce your husband?"
The Empress Dowager raised an eyebrow and pressed for an answer.
"Um."
Tianyao lowered her head, a hint of sadness flashing across her face, and replied without any attempt to hide it.
Once Tianheng's fever subsides, she will formally request Tianheng to grant her and Yunzhou a decree of divorce. After that, the Empress Dowager will also find out.
Telling the Empress Dowager now only means she'll know a couple of days earlier.
The outcome of divorce will not change.
"So, what are your plans after the divorce?"
When the Empress Dowager asked again, her gaze became like that of an eagle locking onto its prey, exceptionally sharp and terrifying.
Tianyao felt a chill run down her spine, her hands hanging at her sides clenched into fists, and her already somewhat stiff body became even stiffer.
Here it is, this is the purpose of the Empress Dowager's long detour.
She must answer this question carefully, otherwise, the consequences will most likely be beyond her ability to bear.
She lowered her head, furrowed her brows slightly, and appeared to be thinking.
The Empress Dowager was not in a hurry. She led Tianyao into the palace and then pulled her to sit on the soft couch where she usually sat. A faint smile remained on her lips as she waited patiently.
Tianyao didn't keep the Empress Dowager waiting for long. After a while, she raised her head, looked at the Empress Dowager with clear eyes, and replied in a melodious voice.
"Mother, I do not intend to remarry. Since I cannot have children, I will not harm other respectable men."
"But I don't want to be alone for the rest of my life, so I plan to go to a brothel, find a few young men I like, redeem them, and let them stay by my side."
"Mother, what do you think?"
"Mother, if I keep a few male lovers, will the people condemn me for being shameless?"
The Empress Dowager was delighted upon hearing this, thinking to herself, "This girl is surprisingly cooperative today."
She smiled broadly, took Tianyao's hand affectionately, and comforted her with a loving expression.
"You are Princess Qionghua of the Great Wei Kingdom, but you only keep a few male concubines. Who dares to criticize you?"
"Even if someone is incredibly audacious enough to insult you, don't worry, I'll stand up for you!"
"When the time comes, tell me that I will have their entire family wiped out!"
"So, Tianyao, you can do whatever you want without worry. I'll back you up."
"Even if His Majesty has objections, I can help you deflect them, so you can rest assured."
"Thank you, Mother."
Tianyao stood up happily, about to kowtow to the Empress Dowager again.
Upon seeing this, the Empress Dowager hurriedly pulled Tianyao back, preventing her from kowtowing.
“I am your mother, so from now on, you don’t need to kowtow anymore.”
"By the way, you came to the palace today to ask the imperial physicians from the Imperial Hospital to treat your husband's mother, right?"
"Tianyao, you are such a kind child, I like you very much."
After the Empress Dowager finished speaking with a smile, she turned to look at the old nanny with a stern and authoritative face, and gave her instructions.
"Hurry up and bring me my token."
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