Was it worth it? Zhao Shu gave a self-deprecating laugh. She had told people many times that taking revenge on someone by doing it yourself was the stupidest thing to do, but she did it!
Back then, in order to avoid marrying the princess, for the sake of high office and wealth, and for his own career, Gu Chongxuan actually used sweet words to deceive her, deceiving her for love, body and profit. When he stood in the court and colluded with Zhao Bi to depose her father and kill her daughter, she had already abandoned her reputation before and after death. She was determined to do this foolish thing!
In this world, actions are never judged solely by their worth. When Hao Zi, at the Crown Prince's lowest point, actually tried to kill him with the words, "Your death would be better for everyone," the Hao family was finished!
Countless people are hunting down the Crown Prince, yet he still trusts the Hao family. How can they trample on this courage and sincerity?
They offered their hearts, only to be trampled underfoot. Not only did they trample on their trust, but they also tried to take their lives. When one attempt failed, they set up multiple safeguards. How is this any different from Gu Chongxuan's behavior?
Although she did not lift the crown prince's clothes to check his injuries, the crown prince's lifeless and hopeless appearance made her heart ache, a pain that made her feel suffocated.
Recalling her past life, thinking of the Crown Prince being abandoned and betrayed, and his leg that might never heal, her heart ached, and tears fell involuntarily. She felt sorry for Hua Yao, who had died without avenging her, and she felt sorry for the Crown Prince, who was not yet of age but had to suffer pain that most people in the world would never experience. Even if his leg could be healed, it would have to be broken and reattached again. Who could bear such suffering?
“Grandmother, I know you feel sorry for me, but the Crown Prince is so pitiful. Do you know? The Crown Prince’s leg needs to be broken and reattached. He hasn’t even come of age yet, Grandmother. You’re always so worried when I have a minor headache or fever, but the Crown Prince’s leg has been broken and he’s covered in wounds. If he can’t be healed, he’ll not only be unable to ascend the throne, but he might not even be able to save his life. The Hao family is actually trying to kill the Crown Prince. It breaks my heart, Grandmother.”
"Do you know what a person most wants to see when they are in despair? To see the care and comfort of their loved ones. But what about the Hao family? Not only did they kill my brother, the Crown Prince, but they also wanted to take his gold mine. You ask me if it was worth it? I have no answer. I only want to ask my grandmother, how can I bear to let someone who killed my family and stepped on him to take the throne live? If I don't retaliate and kill this scoundrel, how can I quell the hatred in my heart!"
"How can I face my loved ones whom he hurt? As for his reputation, is Ah Jun's reputation any good? I used to treat others with courtesy and sincerity, but what did Ah Jun get in return? He got ridicule and insults, and that tainted reputation. How many people laugh at him behind his back, saying, 'Look at this fool!'"
"If I cannot earn respect and friendship by treating others with courtesy and sincerity, why not transform myself into a demon, so that those who want to drink my blood and eat my flesh will tremble at the mere mention of my name? From then on, wherever I go, I will no longer have to face the contemptuous gazes of others, for seeing terrified eyes will suffice. Life is but a hundred years. I do not ask anyone to erect a monument for my tolerance and kindness, nor do I ask anyone to take me as an example for my boundless magnanimity. I only ask that you, my grandmother, my father, and my elder brother, the crown prince, be safe and sound. If anyone dares to bully you, I will not forgive them in the slightest."
Home is where family is. In front of her family, she, like the Crown Prince, wanted to cry out loud and vent her grievances and anger.
She knew that personally dealing with Hao Jie and his son overstepped the bounds of imperial power and the imperial court, and would also damage her reputation, but Zhao Shu had no regrets!
If given another chance, Hao Zi would still kill him without hesitation! Hao Zekai would still torture him without hesitation. Only by avenging every grudge and settling every score could the suffering the Crown Prince endured be worthwhile! When they decided to betray the Crown Prince and try to kill him, they should have known what kind of ending awaited them!
Zhao Shu looked up, tears streaming down her face. Her small face, no bigger than a palm, held an indomitable spirit. Her once lovely and lively eyes were now filled with anger and hatred, which startled the Crown Prince on the throne, who immediately felt a pang of sympathy for her.
"I'm not criticizing you, nor am I telling you to be lenient with those petty people. I'm telling you to be smarter. You're young and don't understand how terrible gossip can be. Aren't you afraid of having nightmares at such a young age? The Crown Prince has suffered and endured pain; he will seek justice for himself. Why do you have to interfere? I'm glad you want to protect the Crown Prince. My granddaughter is not cold-blooded. But you must know how important a woman's reputation is. Today you privately murdered the Emperor's father-in-law and tortured the Emperor's brother-in-law. Tomorrow, someone will dare to say you plotted a rebellion. Alright, alright, stop crying. Honestly, you're making me think you're not wrong. Even if your intentions were good, you shouldn't ruin your reputation like this. Do you understand? With you making such a scene, how am I supposed to clear your name? I don't even know if the news has spread. It's really worrying. Don't act so recklessly next time. If you do, I'll take back your people and see if you dare to act recklessly again."
The many words of reproach in her heart could not be uttered when Zhao Shu shed tears. She was only worried that such actions would damage her reputation in the future. It was already difficult for a royal woman to choose a husband. If a bad reputation were to spread, how could she find a son-in-law who was a match for her beloved granddaughter?
At this moment, the Empress Dowager's voice softened considerably, no longer a loud rebuke, nor a lukewarm one, but with a touch of humanity. However, after speaking, she looked at Huo Danlan and asked, "Miss Huo also thinks that A-Jun is right?"
This means that Huo Danlan was being blamed for not stopping Zhao Shu; if she had intervened, the incident might not have happened.
Huo Danlan kowtowed, and after finishing, she looked up to meet the Empress Dowager's gaze. Her eyes were clear as water, without a trace of impurity. "May I ask, Your Majesty, are you deeply grateful to the former Consort?"
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