Yu Mingyue’s unprecedented anger was matched by an unprecedented calm, for she could not afford the price of impulsivity.
But she was not resigned. If she defied the imperial decree, her father and brother would surely defend her to their deaths, leading to a rupture between sovereign and subject, turning a loyal family into traitors.
Perhaps it would not shake the foundations of the Great Wei empire, but a catastrophe would be inevitable, with tens of thousands, if not more, perishing by the sword.
Brother Jiayan had said he loved her and wished for all lovers in the world to be united. She could not bear for innocent lives to be ruined, families shattered, and wives separated from their husbands because of her.
Brother Jiayan had once said he wished to contribute his humble efforts to a peaceful and prosperous era, and that he would die without regret for anything that benefited the common people, leaving his merits and demerits to be judged by others.
At present, the only way to resolve all issues without bloodshed was to assist the Crown Prince in ascending the throne as soon as possible.
Empress Cui sighed as she watched her daughter remain silent. The more composed and sensible she was, the more the Empress felt she had failed her.
…
Empress Wang had not set foot in the Taiji Hall for a long time, but upon learning of the imperial decree of marriage, she could no longer remain seated.
His decree of marriage would bring ruin to two children. Yan’er had already gone into hiding, never to return to the capital, and the two children would never see each other again in this lifetime. Of course, she wished for Sixth Daughter to have a good future, but not under such duress.
Emperor Yong'an seemed to know Empress Wang would come and had already dismissed the palace attendants. Empress Wang saw the man on the dragon throne. He had grown much thinner since she last saw him, making the dragon throne appear even larger.
Emperor Yong'an looked at Empress Wang. Their last meeting seemed to have been at the Mid-Autumn Palace Banquet. Time seemed to treat her with exceptional kindness; each time they met, she appeared as she did at their first encounter.
Empress Wang did not bow. Beneath her seemingly calm gaze, a storm raged. He naturally knew why she had come.
“Sit!” Emperor Yong'an’s voice was aged as he gestured for Empress Wang to have a cup of tea.
Empress Wang did not drink. “This concubine has come to request Your Majesty to retract the imperial decree of marriage.”
“A ruler’s word is his bond!” Emperor Yong'an stated calmly.
“How much longer will you force him? This is nothing short of killing his spirit. Why can’t you let him go, and let Sixth Daughter go!” Empress Wang’s voice trembled with anger.
Emperor Yong'an remained calm. No one could understand him; the path of a ruler was always solitary.
For Che’er’s imperial path, he was willing to bear a bad reputation, as long as it was for the good of the Great Wei.
“Rest assured, when Che’er ascends the throne, he will treat you, the Empress Dowager, kindly,” Emperor Yong'an said.
His throne was built upon blood and bones. He never regretted it, save for his treatment of her. If he could do it all over again, he would still make the same choice.
Consort Yao had died, and no one would threaten her position as Empress Dowager.
Empress Wang gave a light laugh. “Do you think I would covet it? In truth, I knew you would not retract the decree before I came. Therefore, I have already dispatched someone to Fuzhou to order Lu Jingxing to commit suicide.”
She had already wronged Yan’er, and she could not wrong that child, Sixth Daughter, any further. In her life, she had never harmed anyone. This one time, she was willing to bear all the blame.
Emperor Yong'an’s calm expression gradually cracked, as if looking at Empress Wang in disbelief. “How dare you!”
“I never wished for anyone to compete. However, as a mother, I must do something for my son. If his status is flawed, it is this mother’s fault, and he should not bear it. Yan’er has wronged neither the state nor his parents, yet what have you done for him? After today, we shall never see each other again.” Empress Wang stood up, turned, and left without looking at Emperor Yong'an’s expression.
Outside the hall, Empress Wang encountered the Crown Prince. He walked with hurried steps, offered Empress Wang a slight bow, and then rushed away.
Empress Wang knew why he was in such a hurry but did not stop him. She glanced back at the majestic Taiji Hall and gave a sarcastic smile. Did one lose their heart upon entering that palace, only to end up alone, abandoned by all?