Chapter 71 Have the young lady and her son-in-law made up? ...
Firecrackers crackled and lanterns adorned the palace, but the Kunning Palace, where Empress Dong resided, remained eerily silent.
The confinement period has ended, but the Empress, who should be enjoying a life of glory, is still "reflecting on her mistakes in front of the wall" every day, which inevitably leads to speculation.
The reason was simple: Emperor Shunren neither ordered the lifting of the confinement nor came to visit his wife in person to support her.
The disheartened Empress Dong would occasionally dream of her former close friend, Empress Yide, and wake up feeling bewildered and lost.
Empress Yide simply looked at her, indifferently, as if she were watching her make a fool of herself.
Can someone who gains power for a day have the last laugh?
On the morning of the seventh day of the Lunar New Year, Wei Xichen came to pay his respects. Seeing that his mother looked haggard and thin, he offered a few words of comfort.
However, the Crown Prince, who had been taught by the Emperor and Empress to be cold and aloof since childhood, offered words of comfort that were neither warm nor cold, and Empress Dong could not hear the sincerity in them.
When people are vulnerable, they crave genuine affection that is not usually valued.
It is in vulnerability that we realize the value of true feelings.
"Has my son met with the Zhou family girl?"
Wei Xichen, dressed in a gray-blue robe, sat upright on a rosewood chair, accepting a hand warmer from a palace maid. He was as gentle and refined as ever, and even his casual smile could make the young palace maid blush.
"We've met twice."
Empress Dong then became somewhat interested, "What do you think?"
"fine."
"It's alright" sounded a little weak, so Empress Dong advised, "People need to spend more time together to appreciate each other's strengths."
Wei Xichen disliked discussing young ladies. In his view, Miss Zhou was no different from other noble ladies raised by high-ranking families; she was dignified, composed, and quite talented, but that was all.
"I have other matters to attend to, so I will take my leave now."
"Has His Majesty recently summoned any of the newly entered beauties to his bedchamber?"
"Um."
Without a word, Wei Xichen led his men away, having lost all hope in his mother. Having ascended to the Empress's throne, knowing full well the Emperor's fickle nature, how could she possibly expect him to treat her differently? Could her stubborn waiting and rivalry with the concubines possibly win him back?
She keeps telling her princes to be cold-hearted, yet she hopes her husband will be devoted to her. Doesn't that seem contradictory?
If it weren't for the support of the Dong family's power, the position of Empress would have been usurped many years ago.
Wei Xichen went to accompany the emperor to his bedchamber and brushed past Yan Zhuyi, who was quietly and diligently sweeping.
The woman sniffed in the cold wind, but Wei Xichen didn't even glance at her.
Emperor Shunren, wrapped in a dragon robe, sat before his desk. He was even thinner than Empress Dong, with sunken cheeks, prominent cheekbones, and dark circles under his eyes.
"Is it true that the cabinet sent some memorials directly to the Crown Prince's palace?"
Wei Xichen replied truthfully, "That is indeed true."
"My son, don't you think this is inappropriate?"
"Your Majesty is unwell and should rest more. Your son is willing to share your burdens."
Despite this, Emperor Shunren heard only high-sounding words. "Zhou Yujin, the newly appointed Grand Secretary, dares to send memorials to the Eastern Palace without my permission. Who gave him the audacity?"
The emperor's desk was slammed shut with a loud thud, and memorials were scattered all over the floor.
The emperor was furious.
"The Grand Secretary and the Crown Prince have joined forces to try and usurp my power?!"
Wei Xichen crossed his wide sleeves in front of him, walked forward unhurriedly, and bent down to pick up the memorials one by one.
"Smack!"
The ruler fell, but Wei Xichen caught it in his hand.
Emperor Shunren roared, "How dare you disobey me?!"
"Father, please cherish your health. Getting angry will harm your body." Wei Xichen used his arm strength to lift Emperor Shunren's hand little by little, took the ruler he was holding tightly, and threw it on the imperial desk.
"You scoundrel! You scoundrel!" Emperor Shunren roared in fury, "Guards, seize the Crown Prince!"
The imperial guards looked at each other in bewilderment.
None of the generals guarding the palace made a move.
Emperor Shunren was terrified and repeated in disbelief, "Guards, seize the Crown Prince!"
The imperial guards lowered their heads.
They all came from the Upper Twelve Guards.
Wei Xichen glanced at the imperial seal on the desk, smiled faintly, took a few steps back, and bowed to the exasperated emperor. "Your subject will continue to share the burden of state affairs with Father Emperor. The Grand Secretary, the Minister of War, the Commanders of the Five Armies, and the commanders of the Twelve Guards will all assist your subject. Please rest assured and recuperate, Father Emperor. Your subject takes his leave."
Emperor Shunren watched as the crown prince he had personally groomed turned and walked out of the main hall. The hall doors opened and closed, blocking the winter sun outside and leaving him with endless gloom.
He was dethroned by his most favored prince.
Why didn't any informants report this? How could the Crown Prince's subtle efforts to win people over have escaped his surveillance?
The twelve guards, this formidable barrier, transformed into sharp spikes, pointing at him.
Jiang Song, and Jiang Song again, that's his protective mirror, he should immediately return to the palace to protect the emperor!
The Cui family, the Guo family, yes, and they can also rival the Crown Prince!
Emperor Shunren suppressed his trembling body due to his rage, but his imperial decree was blocked by the imperial guards.
The dimly lit bedchamber became a cage trapping the dragon.
They could only wait for Lady Cui and others to come and see the emperor.
Wei Xichen's every move was a complete transformation, his demeanor shifting dramatically from person to person. The guards bowed their heads in disbelief, leaving Yan Zhuyi, who was still sweeping, feeling utterly unfamiliar with him.
**
Wei Yangwan, who was supposed to pay his respects to the emperor every day, was repeatedly fobbed off by the imperial eunuchs and was not allowed to see the emperor. He hurriedly went to Consort Xian's side, his face flushed.
"Your Majesty, I almost punched that bastard on the head."
Consort Guo looked at the large number of guards outside the door, pulled off her headband, and pressed her throbbing head. The Guo family's power was already inferior to that of the Dong, Cui, and Jiang families. At this time, going to confront the Crown Prince, who was in power, would be like throwing an egg against a rock.
"My son, go to the residence of the Minister of the Court of Judicial Review tonight to discuss this matter. If necessary, we can join forces with the Cui and Jiang families."
For the first time, Wei Yangwan experienced the undercurrents of crisis. No longer acting carefree, he went to the residence of the Minister of the Court of Judicial Review that night, intending to have a private talk with Xie Xun.
Xie Xun, however, advised him to calm down.
The two inevitably had disagreements.
After the boy left in anger, a figure in silver robes appeared before Xie Xun.
Wei Yangwan went to the Jiang residence overnight.
"Minister Jiang fell for the Crown Prince's diversionary tactic and was tricked into going to another region to investigate a case."
Inside the reception hall, Jiang Yinyue handed the young man a cup of warm water.
The thirsty boy gulped down several large mouthfuls.
Having already heard this analysis from Wei Qin, Jiang Yinyue remained unhurried, much to the boy's dismay.
"Why aren't you all in a hurry? If the Crown Prince ascends the throne, the first person he won't let go will be me, and the first person he'll take will be you."
"He hasn't ascended the throne yet."
"If this trend continues, the Crown Prince will first assume the reins of government, and then force his father to abdicate and hand over the throne to a more worthy successor."
Wei Yangwan propped his head up with his hand, tasting the bitterness of sorrow.
Jiang Yinyue personally saw the person off at the gate of the mansion and presented them with eight words.
Observe the situation calmly and avoid acting rashly.
The boy put his hands in his pockets and pouted, "You spoiled brat, sometimes I envy you. You have a father who is powerful and loves you, who allows you to make mistakes and will even back you up."
As a prince, he never experienced fatherly love, was forced to grow up too quickly, and was scolded and punished by his father for even the smallest mistakes.
Jiang Yinyue seized the opportunity to advise, "If you let go of your obsession with seizing power, you might also have an elder brother who indulges you."
"Crown Prince, my elder brother?" The boy rolled his eyes and walked into the night.
The Crown Prince would never tolerate him.
With a pointed remark, Jiang Yinyue returned to her boudoir and gestured to Hongmei to invite the man from the back alley in.
"Is the son-in-law in the back alley?"
"Probably."
Wei Yangwan's visit to the Jiang residence will inevitably be reported to Wei Qin by the Minister of the Court of Judicial Review. Wei Qin revealed all of Cui's plans to Jiang Yinyue on the night of New Year's Day, including the father-son relationship between Xie Xun and Xie Jincheng.
From the very beginning, Xie Xun intended to support the son of Empress Yide, and he never changed his mind.
A short while later, Wei Qin walked into the boudoir alone, embraced Jiang Yinyue from behind, and rested his chin on her shoulder.
The two figures were reflected on the half-drawn curtains.
"Wait a little longer."
When the emperor was completely terrified of the crown prince, to the point that he wished he could depose the crown prince from his position.
Jiang Yinyue tugged at his arm that was wrapped around her waist and said irritably, "You wait your way, what does it have to do with me?"
Wei Qin restrained her with one arm, and opened his other palm, in which lay a crystal-clear jade.
Jade pendant with swimming scales.
Even knowing Wei Qin's identity, Jiang Yinyue was still extremely shocked and gently touched the patterns on the jade pendant.
Everyone in the high-ranking and noble families knew that on the very night the emperor appointed his second son as crown prince, Empress Yide personally carved a jade pendant with swimming scales for her son.
Swimming scales become dragons.
The emperor's decision was provocative.
The emperor had some reservations, but turned a blind eye. However, every time he saw his eldest son wearing this jade pendant, he couldn't help but make sarcastic remarks.
Mixed with resentment towards his first wife.
Later, the jade pendant with the scales was "shattered" along with the eldest prince in the carriage on their way to the imperial palace.
This jade pendant proves that he was the eldest son of Emperor Qin of Wei.
"Save this for me."
Jiang Yinyue lowered her hand. "I'm very careless. If it's lost or damaged, the Crown Prince will have a hard time regaining his identity."
"I believe you, Miss."
"I don't even believe in myself."
"You're too modest, Miss."
Wei Qin turned her to face him, cupped her face in his hands, and examined her carefully. "Miss is far more intelligent and capable than she thought."
Who doesn't like to hear praise? Jiang Yinyue raised her invisible fox tail, her pleasure obvious.
Wei Qin put the jade pendant with fish scales on Jiang Yinyue's head.
Jiang Yinyue concealed the jade pendant inside her clothes, the cool, mutton-fat jade pressed against her skin.
Wei Qin pursed his lips. "Can I stay?"
"cannot."
It's getting late.
Jiang Yinyue sat on the edge of the bed, crossed one leg, and pointed behind him, "You have a big, fluffy tail wagging behind you."
Each fox is more cunning than the last; I will not be fooled by him and soften my heart.
“I’ll sleep on the floor.” Wei Qin walked to the cabinet, took out a quilt, and said, “If Miss is never satisfied, I’ll sleep on the floor for the rest of my life.”
This is not the kind of shameless talk that Wei Qin would say, nor is it the kind of serious nonsense he would spout.
Jiang Yinyue found that she was no longer as awkward as before, and her pent-up emotions had eased considerably. How come she had never realized before that she was someone who repaid evil with good?
Let's reluctantly take him in.
The high-ranking official who had been taken in brought a silver basin and placed it on the footstool, then rolled up his sleeves to bathe the feet of the lady of the house.
His tiny feet were even shorter than the length of his palm.
Jiang Yinyue accepted the service without a second thought, and even put her dried little foot on Wei Qin's shoulder.
Seeing that he did not refuse, she became emboldened and straightened her instep, pinching the tip of his nose with her toes and poking his cheeks.
He placed his other foot on Wei Qin's kneeling leg.
Wei Qin was submissive at this moment, but the next moment he grabbed Jiang Yinyue's toes that were poking and prodding, and kneaded them wantonly.
Jiang Yinyue felt itchy, so she pulled her legs back and stubbornly bit her lower lip to suppress her laughter.
But a moment later, a woman's giggling laughter came from inside the room, mixed with reluctant pleas for mercy.
Hong Mei and the others, who were waiting outside the door, stared at each other in disbelief.
Have the young lady and her son-in-law made up?
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Author's Note: I know you all want to see the wedding night, but the characters have souls, and I can't control them all. I'll let things happen naturally. My dear sister needs to completely forgive Wei, and Wei also needs to prove his love is genuine. That's what makes a good match. It won't be long, just a few chapters away~ Love you all, sending you lots of love~
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