Chapter 1109: Grand Finale: Return of an Old Friend (17)
Emperor Yongle hesitated for a moment before saying, "I'm sorry."
"Your Majesty, there's no need to apologize to me. I have nothing to apologize for. I live my own life, and it has nothing to do with Your Majesty." Empress Xian De said, "Mr. Gao just came over and told me that Your Majesty has been struggling for over a year. I want to ask you, why is Your Majesty doing this? Why is he enduring so much pain? What's the point?"
"For the sake of Daliang," Emperor Yongle said. "I want to see Xie Yuan conquer his country and protect Daliang. I want to see the day when the world is peaceful and prosperous. I hope to see my mother's wish fulfilled in my lifetime, but... my time is running out, and I'm afraid I won't be able to see that day."
Empress Xian De was silent for a long time before she replied, "So, I understand."
"Qingzhen," Emperor Yongle said, "You... should make some plans for yourself."
"Your Majesty, what do you want me to do?" Empress Xian De suddenly turned around, tears glistening in her eyes. She asked, "Do you want me to hide my identity and live an ordinary life? Or should I just live out the rest of my life in peace and comfort in this palace? Or should I find a good husband and remarry?"
With every word she said, the pain in Emperor Yongle's eyes grew deeper. He calmly grabbed the blanket under his hand and said lightly, "As long as you are happy."
Empress Xiande abruptly turned her head away, but Emperor Yongle could see a large tear falling on the back of her hand. When she spoke again, her voice was calm and composed. "I understand. Thank you, Your Majesty, for your thoughtful consideration. I will do so. Your Majesty, please consider how the decree of succession should be written. Some things require early planning."
She stood up and said, "I have other things to do, so I'll be leaving first. Your Majesty, take good care of yourself. When you're well, remember to have a drink with me at Cuihu Pavilion."
She backed out.
Empress Xian De rarely got angry, especially since Emperor Yong Le had been getting along well with her these days, and she was always smiling softly. However, even the softest water has a temper, and when it gets angry, it becomes like a block of ice, stubborn and irritating.
But I can't bear to be really angry.
After Empress Xian De left, Emperor Yongle began coughing violently. He reached for the handkerchief under his pillow and wiped his mouth. Eunuch Deng, who was standing by to assist with his attire, quickly brought him some hot water and said, "Your Majesty, please be careful."
"Eunuch Deng," Emperor Yongle frowned, "Did I do something wrong?" A rare youthful confusion appeared on his face, which made Eunuch Deng's nose sore.
Eunuch Deng had served the Yongle Emperor for many years, having watched him grow up. The Yongle Emperor's current appearance reminded him of a time long ago when he was poisoned by Emperor Xiaowu's favorite concubine. Empress Xiao, upon learning from the head of the Gao family that he would not live past thirty-five, wept bitterly as she embraced the Yongle Emperor. At that time, the still-young Emperor Yongle was at a loss as to how to comfort Empress Xiao, and in confusion, he asked Eunuch Deng, "Eunuch Deng, was the poison really that serious?"
The boy grew from a gentle prince to an unfathomable emperor, but there was still a day when he would ask the people around him in confusion, was what he did wrong?
Before Eunuch Deng could say anything, Emperor Yongle sighed again and said, "I really envy Xie Yuan."
"Although Xie Yuan and I are both in a difficult situation, that kid is luckier than me. If I can survive..." He didn't say anything else.
Many things in the world end just because of an "if".
Because there are no ifs.
…
In ten days, Xie Jingxing took over Dingjing City.
Mingqi Emperor Fu Xiuyi was shot to death by the rebel army on the city wall.
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