Gu Heng coldly replied, "Is that so? But I also have a saying: 'A common man is innocent, but possessing a treasure is a crime.' My uncle has no ulterior motives, but he has been reluctant to hand over the military seal. What am I supposed to think?"
Moreover, he himself was a mistake?
Why did his grandfather give him the name "Linchao" (meaning "ruling the court")?
He's ruling as regent, so what about me? Where does he place me?
His series of questions caused the Empress Dowager's expression to change repeatedly.
After a moment, she sighed and said wearily, "It's just a name, why do you overthink it? If you want the military seal, you can just tell your royal uncle directly, instead of resorting to those despicable methods."
Now that your uncle has fled to Xiangzhou, it means he has no intention of competing with you. Why hold a grudge? Take your grandmother's advice and give up as soon as possible; it's better for everyone..."
Gu Heng impatiently interrupted her, "Only you would believe such words. Do you think he would hand them over if I didn't force him? Anyone can say nice things, Grandmother, don't treat me like a three-year-old."
He paused, narrowed his eyes, and said, "But if my uncle truly has no ulterior motives, why has my grandmother kept my grandfather's edict all this time? Why don't you give it to your grandson?"
Upon hearing this, the Empress Dowager frowned slightly, almost imperceptibly. "Whose gossip have you heard this from? Your grandfather never left any will for me."
"Really not?" Gu Heng stared intently at her. "Doesn't the will say that the throne is to be passed to the Imperial Uncle?"
"Absurd!" The Empress Dowager slammed her hand on the table, furious. "Emperor, don't speak recklessly without evidence. If your grandfather intended for your uncle to inherit the throne, he would have let him ascend the throne back then. Why make him subservient to someone else?"
All this time, he's risked his life, devoted himself to the cause, and in the end, not only has he not received your gratitude, but he's also met with your distrust. It's truly disheartening.
Gu Heng clenched his fists under his sleeves, met her gaze for a moment, and frowned when he saw that the anger on her face seemed genuine.
Could it be that the message the King Jue gave him was false?
He was filled with doubt and unease.
After thinking for a moment, his voice softened, "Grandmother, please calm down. It was just a joke I was playing on you. Please don't take it seriously." With that, he stood up. "Grandmother, if you're not feeling well, please rest well. I'll come to see you again next time."
As he reached the door, he suddenly stopped and turned his head, saying, "By the way, I am getting married soon. My uncle has done so much for the cause, how can my wedding be complete without him? Tomorrow I will issue an edict summoning my uncle and aunt to the capital to celebrate together."
After saying that, he turned and left.
As soon as he left, the Empress Dowager slumped back in her chair, her loose handkerchief revealing shocking bloodstains.
When Granny Zeng saw it, she was horrified. She knelt at her feet, picked up the handkerchief, and said in a trembling voice, "Empress Dowager, you..."
The Empress Dowager shook her head and said weakly, "Don't make a sound... I'm fine..."
Upon hearing this, Granny Zeng lowered her head and wiped away her tears. She had vomited blood, how could she be alright?
"This old servant will go and summon the imperial physician..."
"It's no use. I know my own body well. Every extra day I live is a bonus..."
"Don't say that, you'll live to be a hundred..."
The Empress Dowager smiled and said, "These words are just self-comfort. How can a person live as long as they want? I am not afraid of death. I only hope that Chao'er and Nongnong can always live peacefully."
But judging from the emperor's words and actions just now, this peace probably won't last long..."
"The Prince and Princess are blessed with good fortune, so the Empress Dowager need not worry about them," Granny Zeng comforted them.
The Empress Dowager suddenly sat up straight, thinking of something. "Find a way to send a message to the Duke of Jingguo and ask him to find a way to stop Chao'er and Nong Nong from entering the capital."
Granny Zeng's heart skipped a beat. "Are you worried that the Emperor might harm the Prince?"
The Empress Dowager nodded. "He mentioned the military tally and the imperial edict. It seems he knows something. His wedding and the summoning of Chao'er and the others to the capital this time are probably a trap."
Granny Zeng said, "This old servant will send a message to the Duke of Jingguo right away."
"Be careful not to let the Emperor find out," the Empress Dowager instructed.
“This old servant understands.” Granny Zeng nodded.
...
After leaving Jingci Palace, Gu Heng headed towards the Imperial Study.
Thinking about his conversation with the Empress Dowager, Gu Heng felt very uncomfortable.
Although he was the emperor and her grandson, he could never compare to Gu Linchao's place in her heart.
His grandmother, the emperor, regarded his uncle as her life.
She repeatedly denied that there was no imperial edict from the late emperor, but there's no smoke without fire.
Moreover, he believed that the King Jue would not lie to him about this matter.
If the Empress Dowager has a will, it will be very disadvantageous to him.
The news that Prince Jue received was the late emperor's will, which was a decree of succession.
Thinking of this, he felt gloomy and anxious.
He was preoccupied with something, so he didn't notice Wen Ruyi walking over.
"Your Majesty." Wen Ruyi suppressed her excitement and stepped forward to bow to him.
She was taking a walk in the garden when she saw him from afar. She thought she was seeing things, but when she got closer, she realized that it really was Gu Heng.
Although she was in the inner palace, she rarely saw him. She would take a walk in the imperial garden every day in hopes of bumping into him.
Heaven rewards those who persevere, and she finally met her match.
The sight of the heavily pregnant woman suddenly appearing before him startled Gu Heng, who almost forgot who she was.
Seeing his blank expression, Wen Ruyi's heart sank.
Gu Heng has really forgotten about her.
The two were once very loving and sweet.
She bit her lip, suppressing her resentment, and said pitifully, "Your Majesty, I am Liu'er..."
Upon hearing this, Gu Heng suddenly remembered and looked at her in astonishment, "How did you become like this?"
Upon hearing this, Wen Ruyi's face drained of all color.
How did she become like this?
She couldn't help but raise her hand and touch her face.
For some reason, many spots appeared on her face, and even the best skin creams and nourishing tonics did not help.
She often couldn't sleep at night and was extremely anxious. The imperial physician said that she was overthinking and advised her to calm down, and her complexion would naturally improve.
But how could she maintain a peaceful mindset and remain free from worries while living in the inner palace?
Although she was pregnant and received the best care, Gu Heng did not visit her even once in months. How could she sit still?
"Your Majesty, I am in this state because I am pregnant..." she said sadly, suppressing her shock and anger.
"I see." Gu Heng nodded and took a step back. "Since you are pregnant, you should take good care of yourself." With that, he turned to leave.
Seeing this, Wen Ruyi hurriedly called out to him, "Your Majesty!"
Gu Heng's face showed impatience. "What else do you want?"
Seeing this, Wen Ruyi mustered her courage and said, "Your Majesty looks worried and seems to have encountered a difficult matter. I would like to ask if Your Majesty can help me share your burden. I hope Your Majesty will allow me to."
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