Chapter 590 Do you blame me?
This court assembly seemed chaotic, but in retrospect, it was a well-organized and orderly affair, with even the words spoken by Yuwen Qian and Yuwen Ye as they knelt down to thank the new emperor, their father, being exactly the same.
But it was indeed chaotic.
From the moment they heard the title of "King of Han," the eyes of everyone in the court changed. After all, knowing that Yuwen Yuan would eventually seize power, most people began to take sides, especially after seeing the plague in Yanzuo Ward eradicated ahead of schedule. These people were almost certain that the position of Crown Prince belonged to Yuwen Qian.
So even though she was busy in Chang Le Fang every day these days, Shang Ruyi knew how many officials were now surrounding Yuwen Qian, and how pleased Aunt Hui in her family was with herself.
Unexpectedly, the person ultimately bestowed the title of "King of Han" was actually a prince.
The glances exchanged in the court were not only filled with astonishment, but gradually turned into surprise, fear, unease, and a hidden anger.
The greatest anger came from Yu Dingxing, who had always been by Yuwen Yuan's side—even though he had also received rewards. Yu Dingxing, the Left General of the Valiant Guard, was enfeoffed as the Duke of Wushan, commanding the Left and Right Valiant Guards and guarding the imperial palace.
Anyone with discerning eyes can see what an honor and trust this represents.
Therefore, Yu Dingxing was naturally overjoyed to receive such a gift and kowtowed repeatedly. However, in his joy, after meeting Yuwen Qian's gaze, his eyes immediately turned sinister and cold. When he looked at Yuwen Ye again, the gaze from his deep-set eyes seemed to turn into a sharp blade that would pierce through the latter's body.
After all, the title of Duke of Wushan, who commanded the Left and Right Vanguard Armies, was still not as prestigious as the position of Crown Prince.
Yuwen Ye, however, remained indifferent.
After looking at Yuwen Qian, all the astonished gazes in the court naturally fell on him. Some were reproachful, some were resentful, and some were angry, but he remained calm and composed, his eyes showing no fluctuation.
Until everyone bowed in gratitude and stood up, the person next to them stumbled.
Almost instinctively, he immediately reached out and grabbed that thin arm, and when he looked down into those somewhat familiar eyes, his calm gaze finally trembled slightly.
But the next moment, a hint of contradiction and struggle appeared in his eyes, and his gaze gradually turned cold.
He also let go of her hand.
Shang Ruyi stared at him blankly, seemingly still somewhat bewildered, while Yuwen Ye gritted his teeth, looked away, and said in a deep voice, "You, go down first."
"..."
At this moment, Shang Ruyi finally came to her senses.
After bestowing the titles and honors, the new emperor had other arrangements to announce. At this time, it was not a time for her to stay in the Taiji Hall. Even the Empress Dowager and Chu Chengfei, who had already abdicated, left the Taiji Hall one after another.
After leaving, the three of them went into the side hall.
Just moments ago, even with the gates tightly shut, countless people were still kneeling and bowing in supplication. But now, the place is completely empty, and a chilling aura still lingers in the air. Shang Ruyi watched as Empress Dowager Jiang led Chu Chengfei inside and sat down. She instinctively stood to the side, only to see Empress Dowager Jiang raise her head and smile slightly at her: "Aren't you going to sit?"
"..."
"You've been standing outside for so long, and then standing in the Taiji Hall for half a day. You must be tired."
Her voice, hoarse like a blade sharpened on rough rock, was originally an unpleasant sound, but because of her gentle breath and eyes, it became soft and soothing, like a clear spring flowing through the heart.
Looking at her, Shang Ruyi felt as if a needle was gently pricking her heart.
Hesitantly, he nodded slightly.
Empress Dowager Jiang said, "Then, please sit down quickly."
Shang Ruyi shook her head again: "Your Majesty—"
She paused for a moment, then paused again. Empress Dowager Jiang's smile deepened, and she said softly, "You'll have to get used to it slowly and change your ways. Now, you and I are the same kind of people—no, you are much more noble than me."
Chu Chengfei, who was standing to the side, raised her head and glared at her with her bright red eyes.
Shang Ruyi hurriedly shook her head: "Empress Dowager, I, I dare not!"
Empress Dowager Jiang said softly, "It's not a matter of whether we dare or not; it's simply the fact that it is so."
"..."
"Ruyi, you still have a long, long road ahead of you."
"..."
"So now, sit down and rest your feet."
Her gentle voice and sincere eyes made it impossible for Shang Ruyi to harbor any ill will towards her, even though she still had some resentment in her heart. Looking at the way her jade-like hand held her wrist, she finally sighed and said softly, "Yes."
After saying that, he sat down opposite her.
As soon as she sat down, Shang Ruyi's expression became dazed again. Only then did she realize that this position was opposite Empress Dowager Jiang. Perhaps it was just now that she and Yuwen Yuan were sitting here, in the same positions and in the same state.
Thinking of this, Shang Ruyi took a deep breath, looked up at Empress Dowager Jiang, and said softly, "Empress Dowager... just now here, with my Duke—with, with His Majesty..."
Because she hadn't fully adapted to Yuwen Yuan's identity, and especially with Chu Chengfei standing before her with a resentful expression, glaring at her from time to time, Shang Ruyi hesitated even more when she spoke. However, Empress Dowager Jiang, with her bright eyes, saw through her hesitation at a glance and smiled as she said, "Yes."
"..."
"Just now, I reached an agreement with him right here."
"..."
“I used the abdication edict in my hand to exchange for two words being changed in his accession document.”
Shang Ruyi took a deep breath.
Yes, two words were changed!
The title "Crown Prince" was changed to "King of Han"!
Empress Dowager Jiang paused for a moment, then said in a hoarse voice, "Actually, I also want to change the title of King of Qin, but it's too difficult."
"..."
"His Majesty is resolute; no one can sway him on this matter."
"..."
"My abdication edict can only be exchanged for those two words being changed."
"..."
Shang Ruyi remained silent, looking at her somewhat somber eyes. After a while, she said softly, "Empress Dowager, this is already quite an achievement."
Now she understands what this exchange is all about.
It was said that the abdication edict was exchanged for the change of those two words, but in reality, any official in the Secretariat could easily draft an abdication edict. What Yuwen Yuan really needed was for someone to step forward, pull Chu Chengfei off the dragon throne, and make everything that happened today seem natural.
However, judging from what just happened, no one dares to do this.
Even Ji Hong, a veteran official who served three emperors, could confront the eldest princess in court and stabilize the overall situation, but he couldn't pull an emperor off the throne.
However, without this step, Yuwen Yuan's ascension to the throne would be illegitimate, and if someone were to force it, he would be accused of bullying orphans and widows!
However, his legitimacy is questionable, and coupled with the accusation of bullying orphans and widows, these moral flaws are even more reprehensible than policy mistakes, and could easily destroy the popular support he has built up. Even if he successfully ascends the throne today, without the support of the people, and with foreign enemies surrounding him, how long can the new dynasty survive is a big question!
Therefore, Yuwen Yuan's smooth ascension to the throne today is indeed something he had been hoping for.
Only Empress Dowager Jiang could make today's abdication, resignation, and enthronement all go smoothly, and only she could make everything legitimate.
Therefore, Yuwen Yuan agreed to her "deal".
However, Yuwen Yuan is, after all, Yuwen Yuan.
He was shrewd and calculating, and knew Yuwen Ye's schemes and Empress Dowager Jiang's concerns. He could make exchanges, but he could not be completely controlled by others. He could refuse to give up the position of Crown Prince, but he could not give it up under duress.
The title of Crown Prince can be changed to the title of King of Han.
However, the King of Qin cannot change the title to Crown Prince.
If no one is anyone, then everyone has a chance.
Ultimately, the decision of who gets it rests with him!
Thinking of this, Shang Ruyi whispered again, "My father-in-law—no, the Emperor—Your Majesty—"
Sensing that she was still mindful of Chu Chengfei beside her when she spoke, Empress Dowager Jiang looked down at her son, sighed softly, and then said, "I have already made preparations. After today, I will move into Yanchun Palace behind Dayan Temple with Fei'er."
"...!"
Upon hearing her words, Shang Ruyi's breath hitched again.
Yanchun Palace was a temporary palace built during the reign of Emperor Wen. It was located in Daxing City, which should now be called Chang'an City. It was not too far from the imperial palace. Because Empress Du was a Buddhist, she often went to Dayan Temple to eat vegetarian food and worship Buddha, so that temporary palace was specially built. Of course, after Chu Yang moved the capital east to Luoyang, the imperial palace here was largely abandoned, let alone that temporary palace.
However, Empress Dowager Jiang said that they would move in after today, which meant that the place had already been cleaned up.
turn out to be--
It turns out that she had already gone to the Daiyan Temple to fast before the comet appeared, and had already begun preparing for today.
No, it should have been earlier.
At this moment, Shang Ruyi vaguely remembered that she had been puzzled by Empress Jiang's frequent summons to the palace, her gentle treatment, and her soft words of companionship. Chu Yang had coldly told her that it was because there was something to gain from her.
Now it seems that everything was predetermined.
Empress Dowager Jiang understood sooner than anyone else that she could neither persuade Chu Yang nor save the Daye Dynasty. Yuwen Yuan's replacement was only a matter of time. All she could do for her two children was to find them a proper and long-term home.
Therefore, she suggested that after settling the Dayan Temple, she take Chu Chengfei to live in the Yanchun Palace.
She also married her daughter to the new emperor's second son, the Prince of Qin, making her a concubine.
Although Yuwen Ye is cold and ruthless on the battlefield, and may not speak softly to those around him, his heart is gentle. Even when he was indifferent to her, he would never take advantage of her. Therefore, as long as Chu Ruoyan marries him, he will protect this younger sister he grew up with, no matter what.
He will also protect Empress Dowager Jiang and Chu Chengfei, whose identity is sensitive after abdication.
Empress Dowager Jiang's attitude towards her over the years was somewhat due to her awareness of the current situation: a Princess Consort of Qin and a concubine of the Prince of Qin—she hoped that she could treat her daughter well.
Parents who love their children plan far ahead for them; Zhao Zuoshi's words were indeed true.
This is the last thing a mother can do for her children after experiencing all the hardships of life and even being willing to give up her own life.
Thinking of this, Shang Ruyi felt a pang of sadness and didn't know what to say. Empress Dowager Jiang looked at her and said gently, "Therefore, in this Daxing Palace, there is only one Emperor—the one who is sitting on the dragon throne now, your father-in-law."
"..."
"Ruyi, you must not make the same mistake again in the future."
"..."
"This is also the last time I will remind you as an elder."
As she spoke, she smiled faintly, a smile that seemed to hold a hint of sorrow and a touch of mockery, and said, "If I had a choice, I wouldn't want to be your elder; I would much rather you were—"
"Um?"
Shang Ruyi was taken aback.
If she doesn't want to be her elder, what else can happen between them?
But then Empress Dowager Jiang's eyes flickered, as if she had fallen into memories again in an instant, memories that were heartbreaking for her. Even in that instant, Shang Ruyi could feel that her eyes were broken, as if her soul was being torn apart by memories, and she was in unbearable pain.
After a long while, she finally said, "Actually, I hope you can be my... friend, or something closer than that."
"..."
"That way, you'll be by our side. With you there, perhaps we can persuade him."
"..."
"We can persuade him to come back."
"..."
Shang Ruyi's breath hitched again.
However, she immediately realized that the "he" that Empress Dowager Jiang was referring to was Chu Yang.
The thought of that ethereal figure made Shang Ruyi's breath catch in her throat again, and a familiar, tearing pain surged into her heart once more.
But this is only her pain.
For Empress Dowager Jiang, this was the most irreparable regret of her life.
Because she was chosen by Emperor Wen and Empress Du to be the future Crown Princess and Empress, and then placed by Chu Yang's side, all she knew and understood, even though she created a Yuwen Ye, she could never persuade Chu Yang to come back.
Therefore, in her most desperate moment, she pinned her hopes on Yuwen Ye and Shang Ruyi to protect her children.
She even couldn't help but wonder, what if it were Shang Ruyi?
Can Chu Yang's feelings for Shang Ruyi be persuaded to return?
Seeing Empress Dowager Jiang's sorrowful expression, Shang Ruyi remained silent for a long time before finally saying softly, "Empress Dowager, if I could... then Jiangdu Palace would not have met such an end."
"..."
"I can't persuade him."
"..."
Empress Dowager Jiang suddenly opened her eyes wide and looked at her. Her gentle, watery eyes were now filled with tears.
After a long silence, she gave a bitter smile.
Then he said, "Yes, I was confused."
"..."
"If there had been someone in this world who could have held him back, things wouldn't have ended this way."
At this point, she took a deep breath, tears welling up in her eyes, and restored her usual calm and gentle expression. Then she looked at Shang Ruyi and said, "My fate with him is sealed, but yours is different from ours."
"..."
These words may have been an affirmation of her, or a comfort to her, but Shang Ruyi felt another pang of pain in her heart.
She replied hesitantly, "Yes."
"..."
Empress Dowager Jiang looked at her quietly for a while, then said, "Do you blame me?"
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