Chapter 77: The Gate of Destruction
After leaving the main hall, Empress Zhang exchanged a glance with the four people before slowly saying, "Thank you for your help."
As early as when Zhu Gaochi gave the order, the four men had already understood that the emperor's health might be failing, and they had already done their best by being able to finish speaking the contents of the will. As the last ministers to be summoned, the four men naturally had to draft the will for the emperor and show it to him in time.
Therefore, as soon as Empress Zhang gave the order, the four of them went to prepare.
Zhu Yuhuan watched the four people leave, then looked at his grandmother and asked softly, "Grandma, how about I go back to Kunning Palace first?"
Zhu Gaochi's death happened in the blink of an eye, so Zhu Yuhuan no longer expected to return to the Eastern Palace. Now returning to Kunning Palace would save him some trouble...
Before Empress Zhang could say anything, a eunuch from a distance came in, saying, "Empress, the Imperial Concubine has arrived and wants to see the Emperor..."
Zhu Yuhuan couldn't help but lament that the news about Concubine Guo was spreading too slowly. Zhu Gaochi and Empress Zhang had already discussed her future, and Concubine Guo only just came to Zhu Gaochi...
But on second thought, Concubine Guo had repeatedly advised Zhu Gaochi to take care of his health, and she should have anticipated Zhu Gaochi's physical condition a long time ago. However, she only ran to the Qianqing Palace now, which means that before this, Concubine Guo probably knew nothing about Zhu Gaochi and the Qianqing Palace. It must be that one of Zhu Gaochi and Empress Zhang blocked the news of the Qianqing Palace. According to Zhu Yuhuan's judgment, this person was most likely Empress Zhang.
Empress Zhang waved her hand and said, "His Majesty is resting and will not see anyone. Please allow her to leave."
"yes."
Not long after the eunuch went out to relay Empress Zhang's words, Concubine Guo hurried in with a group of palace maids. Although some of them looked frightened, they still insisted on protecting Concubine Guo, which showed their loyalty.
Concubine Guo originally thought that it was Zhu Gaochi who stopped her, but she did not expect that Empress Zhang would appear here, and she could not help but look surprised.
The weather was already hot and humid, and after the two women made eye contact, the atmosphere in the entire courtyard became even more depressing. Empress Zhang was not accompanied by any palace servants, only Zhu Yuhuan. She immediately stood in front of her grandmother, as if she was going to defend Empress Zhang's safety.
Concubine Guo sneered at this and said, "The Empress has lost her power in the palace, so how dare she issue an order at will? If His Majesty investigates..."
Empress Zhang replied calmly, "His Majesty is resting and won't be summoning anyone, yet Concubine Guo barged in without permission. Isn't this a violation of His Majesty's will? If it were anyone else, they would have been beheaded long ago."
Concubine Guo looked around the courtyard and saw that the palace servants were all guarding outside the palace. The entire palace was silent. She vaguely guessed what would happen next. She gritted her teeth and finally said in a deep voice, "The Empress brought the princess here in such a hurry. Isn't this an attempt to distort the imperial decree?"
This crime was so serious that even the queen could not bear it. However, Concubine Guo thought that it was Queen Zhang who took the lead in controlling the news of the Qianqing Palace. However, she did not expect that Queen Zhang was so efficient that she had already summoned the ministers into the palace.
After all, Empress Zhang used to attach great importance to her dignity, and she was always accompanied by the Empress's carriage when traveling. As long as one saw the carriage, one could determine Empress Zhang's actions. Who would have thought that Empress Zhang only brought Zhu Yuhuan with her this time, and there was almost no movement. If it weren't for the fact that Concubine Guo's people in the Palace of Heavenly Purity had not come to deliver the news for a long time, Concubine Guo might not have known that Empress Zhang was already in charge of affairs in the Palace of Heavenly Purity.
Seeing her trying to argue like this, and remembering how Zhu Gaochi had just said a few words for her and then sacrificed his pawns to save his chariot, Zhu Yuhuan felt even more sympathetic towards her.
Empress Zhang was unimpressed by this and simply said, "Is that so? Your Majesty has already summoned the ministers to the palace to draft an imperial edict. Is this something I can influence?"
Concubine Guo was stunned for a moment, obviously not expecting such a fast speed. She subconsciously clenched her hands, already having an ominous premonition in her heart. She reluctantly asked, "Really? Why don't I see the ministers here? Could it be that the Empress is deceiving me? It's you, the Empress, who have no power to govern the six palaces, yet you rashly ran to the Palace of Heavenly Purity. If such a thing were to get out..."
Although she still had no intention of admitting defeat, her tone no longer had the initial aggressiveness. Instead, it was filled with a hint of uncertainty, making even her threats seem a little ridiculous.
Seeing this, Zhu Yuhuan said, "Grandpa Emperor has issued an order to summon the ministers to the palace. He is currently drafting the order in the side hall. If Your Majesty does not believe me, please go to the side hall and you will know."
She really didn't want to watch Concubine Guo continue to argue, as it would do her no good at all.
Concubine Guo actually already had the answer in her heart, but hearing Zhu Yuhuan, a child, say this in person, her face gradually turned red. After a long time, she opened her mouth and said, "I want to see His Majesty now!"
Zhu Yuhuan immediately understood Concubine Guo's intentions. Regardless of whether Empress Zhang's words were true or false, Zhu Gaochi was the best candidate. If Empress Zhang was lying, only Emperor Zhu Gaochi could expose her. If Empress Zhang was telling the truth, then requesting an audience with Zhu Gaochi might save his life.
Zhu Yuhuan looked at Empress Zhang. He was the only one beside her, and the other palace maids were all from the Qianqing Palace. It was not convenient for him to order them around at will. If Concubine Guo really forced her way in, it would be difficult for Zhu Yuhuan, a junior, to stop her.
Besides, there are foreign ministers here. If the royal family affairs are in such a state, wouldn’t it be ridiculed if it gets out?
Concubine Guo no longer cared about these things. She just walked forward quickly and didn't intend to pay any more attention to Empress Zhang.
Empress Zhang stood there, watching Concubine Guo approach, but suddenly spoke up, "It seems that Concubine Guo hasn't given a reasonable explanation for the matter of Tan's service in the Palace of Heavenly Purity."
Concubine Guo didn't expect her to bring up this matter. She stopped and sneered, then said in a deep voice: "Ever since Tan started serving Your Majesty, she has had no children. According to the old system of Taizu, concubines without children must be buried alive with the emperor. What's wrong with her wanting to have a child?" But after she finished speaking, she suddenly realized something and unconsciously revealed a moment of guilt.
Empress Zhang sneered and said, "Xiaoqi had Tan as his personal attendant. If word gets out, how will others judge him? The most important factor in His Majesty's current health is the memorial submitted by Li Shimian. If it weren't for you instigating Tan, how could this happen?"
Concubine Guo was swept by her cold gaze, and her body trembled slightly. After a long time, she said, "Can Tan enter the Qianqing Palace alone?"
Empress Zhang raised her chin and glanced at her, saying, "If not you, who else can I rely on?"
Both of them knew who that person was. Concubine Guo choked on the spot, her eyes red, and she said bitterly, "The Queen is right."
Zhu Yuhuan was stunned and immediately understood the deep meaning hidden behind the two people's words. It turned out that Empress Zhang was playing a conspiracy.
As Concubine Guo said, the reason why Tan was able to enter the Qianqing Palace was not because she forced her way in like Concubine Guo did today. Zhu Gaochi was not seriously ill at that time, and Concubine Guo's proposal to Tan was true. She was naturally the best person to take the blame. Once she took the blame, Concubine Guo would be "a fish on the chopping board".
Empress Zhang placed her hand on Concubine Guo's shoulder and gently patted it. She whispered comfortingly, "The wine you offered me on my birthday smelled so mellow. I wonder where you got it?" Seeing that Concubine Guo remained silent, she continued, "Wasn't it originally meant for me to drink? Unexpectedly, Your Majesty drank it first... Why is Concubine Guo silent?"
Concubine Guo trembled slightly. She asked softly, "You knew this a long time ago?"
"I know there's no poison in the wine, but I'm sure you put something in it." Empress Zhang sneered and asked softly, "If others knew about this, what would happen to you and the Guo family?"
Hearing her mention the "Guo family," Concubine Guo glared at her and gritted her teeth, saying, "My Guo family has been blessed by the Emperor for generations, loyal to His Majesty and dedicated to serving the country. You can't easily sow discord with just a few words. And what evidence do you have for your empty words?"
Empress Zhang, however, took her threats lightly and said calmly, "Am I instigating? That depends on what the entire court thinks... By then, not only you, but also the Guo family, will probably face a devastating disaster... Even if the new emperor shows mercy, will the officials let you go? Just a few people in the cabinet will not let you, the Guo family, off easily." She pointed at Zhu Yuhuan and smiled gently, saying, "Jinyiwei Commander Saihazhi is my granddaughter's master. I have all the evidence I need. I didn't take it in the past, but now it's at my fingertips."
Zhu Yuhuan subconsciously wanted to take a step back, but he still withstood Concubine Guo's murderous gaze, raised his eyelids, and looked at her.
The Qianqing Palace was completely silent, with only the occasional ominous bird calls. Concubine Guo was trembling all over, like prey that had finally given up struggling. She said dejectedly, "What do you want?"
Empress Zhang wore no unnecessary expression, like a lofty Buddha statue, looking down upon the insignificant and pathetic beings. She softly said, "If you are willing to be buried alive with me, I will treat your sons well and ensure the safety of your entire family."
Concubine Guo seemed to have not expected Empress Zhang to make such a request. After a long while, she finally asked, "Why... Your Majesty didn't say anything either?"
Her eyes were fixed on Empress Zhang, as if she was praying for the last straw.
Empress Zhang just looked at her without saying a word, but that silence already meant so much.
Zhu Yuhuan saw Concubine Guo's shoulders trembling slightly, but he no longer had the courage to break in, and he couldn't help feeling a little emotional.
At least Concubine Guo understood that this fight would only end when one of them died. If either of them won, they wouldn't let the other off easily. Although Concubine Guo's scheming and tactics were average, and her methods were incredibly foolish, she was at least ruthless.
Zhu Yuhuan asked himself if he lacked decisiveness.
Concubine Guo looked at the tightly closed palace door, then looked at Empress Zhang again and said, "Zhang Shuangyi, I want you to swear to heaven that if you do not treat my mother's family and son well after I die, your bloodline will die prematurely for generations to come!"
Zhu Yuhuan didn't expect that Concubine Guo would actually swear an oath. If the ancients didn't believe in this, Empress Zhang probably wouldn't have paid any attention to her words.
After all, "treating well" itself is a false proposition. Concubine Guo, the mother, is dead. Even if her three sons live well, they have lost their mother forever. How can they be "treated well"?
Empress Zhang responded calmly, "Noble Consort, you are truly out of your mind now. How dare you curse the royal bloodline?"
"Don't you have enough leverage over me?" Concubine Guo sneered and said bleakly, "What's more, I'm cursing you. If you only promise me, I'll slit your throat tonight with a white silk scarf."
"I promise."
Concubine Guo looked at her deeply, pointed at Zhu Yuhuan and said, "Okay, then you can ask her to come and watch. I, Guo Lingrong, will keep my word and will never go back on my word."
Zhu Yuhuan widened his eyes, turned to look at Empress Zhang, and said, "Grandma..."
No...why is there still something about her?
Empress Zhang's expression was exceptionally cold, and she readily agreed, "Very well, I will not implicate your family, but if you break your oath, you will be punished by heaven and earth, and you will never be able to be reborn."
Upon hearing this, Concubine Guo forced a smile, as if she was being led astray. After an unknown amount of time, she actually laughed out loud and pointed at Empress Zhang and said, "You are still the same, so hypocritical! You pretend to be a good wife and mother, but it's just for your little bit of power!" She turned around, looked at the gray sky, and walked down the stairs while laughing.
If the Qianqing Palace was not so large, Concubine Guo's laughter would have been heard by the people drafting the imperial edict in the side hall.
Empress Zhang looked at the defeated figure and said mockingly, "How can you understand the meaning of power? Only power can protect you."
Zhu Yuhuan was stunned and couldn't help asking, "Grandma...are you okay?"
"In the twelfth year of the Yongle reign, my menstrual period didn't come. Emperor Taizong ordered the imperial physician to examine me, but she started a rumor that I was pregnant with the emperor's grandson. He even forbade the imperial physician to prescribe medicine for me, insisting that I 'give birth to the emperor's grandson.' I've been married for over a decade, and a living person like me couldn't even survive an abdominal hematoma... If it weren't for Emperor Taizong's insistence, I would have died long ago." Empress Zhang smiled, her voice filled with sadness and mockery as she muttered to herself, "What's the point of being a crown princess or empress if you can't even protect your own life? You'll be nothing but a laughingstock for the world. Marrying into the royal family means you're destined to be surrounded by gossip. It's better to be hard-hearted and live a life that will bring you happiness and prosperity."
After hearing her words, Zhu Yuhuan could not help but remain silent. After a long time, he took Empress Zhang's cold hand and said, "Grandma, you have yourself, why do you need others?"
"Yes, I have myself, why do I need others?" Empress Zhang lowered her eyes to look at Zhu Yuhuan. She bent down, placed her hands on Zhu Yuhuan's shoulders, and whispered, "Go and watch over her tonight for Grandma, and come back when she really dies for you."
Zhu Yuhuan met Empress Zhang's bloodshot eyes, then looked at the people not far away who were waiting for the emperor's death. Finally, he nodded and said, "Huanhuan understands."
As Empress Zhang said, being born in the royal family means one always has to face these things, and she really cannot avoid them. So, why should she hide anymore?
However, people like Empress Zhang who don't care about their descendants are indeed rare in ancient and modern times.
Sensing Zhu Yuhuan's hesitant look, Empress Zhang smiled, as if relieved. She asked, "Are you afraid of the imperial concubine's curse?"
Zhu Yuhuan shook his head honestly and said, "Huanhuan is not afraid of this."
The Zhu family's royal bloodline was short-lived, so why should she be afraid? She might as well practice some Tai Chi instead...
Empress Zhang patted her head and said, "I don't know how many times I recited this curse in my mind, but not once did it come true. If you believed this curse, you would have died long ago and your entire family would have been wiped out."
Zhu Yuhuan was stunned and looked up at Empress Zhang with a look of surprise.
For a moment, I didn't know if this sentence could be considered black humor when used here.
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