lcionline Chapter 302 Zhao Yunci, you're still too green to fight me.
Chapter 302 Zhao Yunci, you're still too green to fight me.
Imperial Palace, Imperial Study Room.
A faint scent of ambergris filled the air, but it couldn't dispel the oppressive atmosphere.
The emperor sat on the dragon throne, his face weary, with dark circles under his eyes. In just a few days, he seemed to have aged considerably.
Standing opposite was a young man dressed in a blue monk's robe. He had delicate features, a gentle demeanor, and his hands were clasped together, his expression peaceful.
It was none other than the Third Prince, Zhao Yunci, who had just returned to the capital.
"Yunci, you're back." The emperor's voice was slightly hoarse, revealing neither joy nor anger.
"Upon hearing of the changes in the capital, I was concerned for Your Majesty's health and rushed back to the capital to share Your Majesty's worries and to recite scriptures and pray for the Empress Dowager and Mother."
The Third Prince nodded slightly, his eyes clear and calm.
The emperor's gaze lingered on him for a moment, as if scrutinizing him, or perhaps reminiscing.
"It's been many years since we last met, and you look more and more like your mother."
The Third Prince lowered his eyes slightly: "My mother passed away early, and I was unable to fulfill my filial duties. I can only keep company with the ancient Buddha and the dim lamp, and pray for her peace in the afterlife."
The emperor picked up the teacup beside him, but did not drink it; he merely rubbed the rim of the cup.
"You've been away from the capital for years, and you must have heard a lot about the gossip and troubles outside."
"The mundane world is but fleeting smoke."
"Your subject is devoted to Buddhism and does not concern himself with worldly affairs," the Third Prince replied flawlessly.
The emperor put down his teacup. "The crown prince has been deposed, the empress is dead, and the Wei family has fallen. Now, the court is filled with unease."
Zhao Yunci maintained his clasped hands posture: "Your Majesty is wise and will surely be able to stabilize the court and bring peace to the country."
"You..." The emperor looked at him with a detached and desireless demeanor, his emotions were complicated, and in the end he just waved his hand.
"Alright, you've just gotten back and must be tired from your journey. Go and rest first."
"Your subject takes his leave." Zhao Yunci bowed respectfully and slowly withdrew from the imperial study.
Watching his departing figure, the emperor remained motionless for a long time, a glint of unfathomable light flashing in his eyes.
Prince Su's Mansion.
The atmosphere in the study was solemn.
After hearing his confidant's report, Prince Su's face darkened so much that it was almost as if water could drip from it.
"He certainly knows how to pick his time to come back!" Prince Su sneered, his fingers tightening around the jade thumb ring in his hand.
The confidant whispered, "Your Highness, the Third Prince returned to the capital and went straight to the palace. The Emperor summoned him alone for a long time."
"What did you say?"
"The specific details are unknown, but it's said that it's to chant sutras to help the Empress Dowager pass on to the afterlife?"
"A funeral service? The Empress Dowager passed away a month ago. The funeral has been delayed because of the tense war on the frontier. He certainly knows how to find excuses."
The confidant said, "By the way, Your Highness, the Emperor also mentioned the late Consort Xian."
Prince Su's eyes sharpened: "Consort Xian..."
The woman who was once the most favored concubine but died young has always been a thorn in the emperor's side.
"This Zhao Yunci seems to be indifferent to worldly affairs and devoted to Buddhism, but who knows if it's just an act?"
Prince Su paced back and forth in his room, "I've been scheming for so many years, and it seems that..."
He stopped in his tracks, a fierce glint flashing in his eyes.
"I cannot let him ruin my grand plan."
The confidant asked, "What does Your Highness mean?"
"Send men to keep a close eye on him. I need to know his every move, who he meets, and what he says."
Prince Su instructed, "Also, investigate whether he has truly been so celibate and ascetic during his years in the temple."
"Yes, Your Majesty."
“Furthermore,” Prince Su added, “have some rumors spread in the court, saying that the Third Prince’s return to the capital this time is ambitious and that he is after that position.”
"Your Highness is wise." The trusted aide acknowledged the order and withdrew.
Prince Su stood alone by the window, looking at the gloomy sky outside, a cold smile curling at the corner of his mouth.
Zhao Yunci, you're still too green to mess with me.
With Wei Qiming's head falling to the ground, besides Chu Ruohan, there was another person in the capital who had their revenge fulfilled.
Lin Xingyao dismissed all the servants.
The empty room fell silent instantly.
The only sound was the night wind rustling through the treetops outside the window, one beat after another.
She sat alone in the room. Several jars of freshly opened liquor sat on the table.
She poured herself a bowl, tilted her head back, and drank it all in one gulp.
The spicy liquid slid down my throat, and the burning sensation spread all the way to my stomach.
Wei Qiming is dead.
From now on, she will never be threatened by anyone again.
She can finally take a breath and live for herself for once.
She poured herself another bowl and drank it all down. This time, the wine had a slightly sweet taste as it went down her throat.
She couldn't help but laugh, her lips curving slightly upward, yet tinged with a bittersweet smile.
The Wei family hurt her terribly; she gave so much and sacrificed so much.
Even their own flesh and blood.
Thinking of this, her smile faded again.
The door was gently pushed open, and Prince Yong walked in.
He was still wearing the court robes he wore during the day, but he had unbuttoned the collar and looked slightly tired.
But she was carefully holding a swaddled baby in her arms.
The swaddling clothes were wrapped in thick brocade, blocking out most of the light, so only a small outline of a sleeping baby could be vaguely seen.
Lin Xingyao's gaze froze instantly, and the wine bowl in her hand trembled slightly.
She suddenly stood up, her gaze fixed on the child in Prince Yong's arms.
Prince Yong's gaze swept over Lin Xingyao's pale face, then fell on the wine pot and cups on the table, his brows furrowing almost imperceptibly.
“This child,” Prince Yong’s voice was low, with a hint of complexity that was hard to detect, “also carries the blood of our Prince Yong’s family.”
He paused, seemingly considering his words.
“The Wei family… is completely finished. My father pleaded with the Emperor, who spared his life because he was still an infant and unaware of the ways of the world.”
Lin Xingyao's lips moved a few times, but no sound came out.
Looking at her like this, Prince Yong sighed and softened his tone slightly.
"you……"
"He is, after all, my own flesh and blood. Even if... even if I treat him like a cat or dog, I should still treat him well."
Prince Yong's voice softened, carrying a hint of an elder's expectation for a younger generation.
Lin Xingyao finally reached out and carefully took the child.
She looked down at the sleeping baby in her arms.
Her small face, eyes tightly closed, brows slightly furrowed, seemed to be uneasy even in her dreams.
Her heart was instantly filled with a tender emotion.
If she hadn't been threatened by the Wei family, how could she have bear to give away her own flesh and blood?
But she couldn't say this to her father.
She took a deep breath and tried to calm herself down.
"Thank you, Father. Your daughter... will take on the responsibility of being a mother."
Prince Yong looked at her, a hint of relief flashing in his eyes, along with a complex and incomprehensible emotion.
He nodded, said nothing more, and simply patted her shoulder gently.
"Get some rest."
After saying this, Prince Yong turned and left the room.
"Your Majesty."
The trusted confidant standing guard outside the door called out in a low voice.
Prince Yong raised his hand, indicating that he did not need to say anything more.
He turned around and looked at the brightly lit room.
Rumors circulating outside?
She's the daughter she's watched grow up, so the rumors outside must be true, and she probably already knew about them.
Prince Yong took a deep breath, feeling a tightness in his chest.
He turned away, no longer looking into the room, and lowered his voice to a whisper.
"Go check."
“Investigate the midwife who delivered the princess’s baby back then.”
Even though the person is dead, there are always clues left behind.
“Her family members, her former neighbors, or close relatives must all know something or have heard some inside information.”
"I want..."
Prince Yong paused, a dark and ambiguous light flashing in his eyes.
He didn't finish his sentence, but said in a deep voice, "Investigate the events of that year thoroughly and completely for me."
"Yes, Your Majesty."
The confidant dared not ask any further questions, respectfully agreed, and quickly disappeared into the night.
Prince Yong stood alone under the eaves, the night wind blowing against his robes, bringing a chill.