The atmosphere in Cining Palace was sowhat tense, but the scene in the Imperial Study was one of brotherly respect and harmony.
Emperor Chu, after reading the contents of the secret decree in his hand, maintained a faint smile, making it impossible to discern his true thoughts.
Below the throne, Prince Min, Chu Ze, said with so helplessness, "This humble brother did not know that the Consort Mother possessed this secret decree. It was only after my birthday passed that I learned of its existence."
Emperor Chu rolled up the secret decree and remarked with a smile, "The Imperial Concubine sure knows how to keep a secret."
Prince Min felt a jolt in his heart and cautiously replied, "The Consort Mother’s temperant is stubborn and willful. She harbors no ambition and has little insight; she rely always longs for Emperor Father, yearning to return to the capital to pay respects to him. Guarding this secret decree might be the most impressive thing she’s done in her life."
Such words are just to be heard and dismissed.
Emperor Chu said, "The Prince Min Mansion had long been refurbished by the Imperial Household Departnt. Since you’ve returned to the capital, stay as long as you wish. Your fief has been well-managed these years; you’ve done well."
Upon hearing the praise, Prince Min’s face showed a hint of joy, yet he feigned composure and replied humbly, "Your Majesty praises too much. This humble brother is but twenty-five years old; what would I know of governance? Over the years, it’s thanks to Marquess of Zhenyuan and other ministers that this prosperity was achieved. I am rely reaping the benefits of their hard work."
Emperor Chu lowered his gaze and said, "Emperor Father truly planned things for you; he genuinely cared for you."
Not only did he bestow the prosperous Xuzhou upon him, but also provided a great team for governance. More importantly, he entrusted him to the tutelage of the great scholar Geng Qiuzi.
If he didn’t care for him to his core, how could he arrange such things?
Prince Min’s eyes were moist as he said, "When Emperor Father passed, this humble brother was only six years old. So many years have passed, and I can barely rember his face. So, Your Majesty, may I go to Huixiang Palace to view Emperor Father’s portrait?"
In Huixiang Palace, there are nurous portraits of the late Emperor, and so of his concubines, for posterity to view.
"Of course, you may."
"Thank you, Your Majesty." Prince Min expressed gratitude, his eyes filled with unconcealed filial affection.
Emperor Chu noticed, his gaze warming slightly. He stood up and said, "You’ve just returned to the capital, weary from travel. I won’t keep you long. After eting with Empress Mother, return to the mansion and rest."
"As you wish, Your Majesty."
"Co, let’s go to Cining Palace together."
Prince Min stepped aside, watching those ahead of him move before trailing two steps behind.
In Cining Palace, Empress Dowager Wang was in a pleasant mood. Intuitively, the return of the enchanted Princess Consort Ji didn’t seem that botherso, serving as an antidote to the loneliness of the deep palace.
Upon hearing that the Emperor had arrived, her smile grew more radiant. Ah, Imperial Concubine, the heart-stabbing monts lie ahead.
Indeed, when the Emperor and his entourage entered, seeing Prince Min kneel and offer grand salutations to Empress Dowager Wang, respectfully calling her Mother, Princess Consort Ji turned pale, her expression a mix of heartache and indignation.
Indeed, no matter if she was the late Emperor’s distinguished Imperial Concubine, a concubine is still a concubine. Her son only calls the legitimate wife Mother.
The pain in her heart was anything but ordinary.
"Rise," Empress Dowager Wang motioned for Prince Min to stand, "Co closer so I can have a look at you."
Prince Min obediently approached.
Empress Dowager Wang examined his features closely for a mont and said, "You don’t resemble your Consort Mother; rather you have a hint of resemblance to your Emperor Father."
Princess Consort Ji: "..."
Wang Jingxian, you venomous woman, are you trying to sow discord between us?
Empress Dowager Wang cast a triumphant glance at the twisted-faced Princess Consort Ji, scoffing softly, "You ca here seeking pain, so don’t complain about it."
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