Chapter 174:

The departure of Zhu Yuning from the palace happened so swiftly that no one could have predicted it.

No one had expected that the Noble Consort Li would voluntarily request to become a nun at the national temple.

If she had only intended to pretend, staying for a few days of prayers before returning, others might not have objected. But Zhu Yuning’s decision to become a nun was beyond anyone’s expectations.

This meant that she would never return.

Regardless of the ensuing uproar, the matter had already been decided.

At the southern gate of the palace,

Except for Shen Layue, no one else came to see her off.

The women in the palace were all clever; none would miss such an opportunity to appear gracious.

However, by the time others learned of it, Zhu Yuning was already at the southern gate.

“Dear sister, from now on, we will have no chance of meeting again. I only hope you take care of yourself,” Layue said, holding Zhu Yuning’s hand, feeling reluctant.

Though not particularly close, the two had never harbored any hostility toward each other and had maintained a cordial relationship since entering the palace.

Zhu Yuning looked at Layue’s face. She had seen Shen Layue’s journey step by step to where she was today. Others might not know, but she did—Emperor Yan truly loved Layue’s mother, Yue Qingcheng.

Yet she believed that it wasn’t love, merely a childhood attachment. Just like herself, even though she knew it was only an attachment, she couldn’t help but fall for it. Some things, in the end, are beyond human calculation.

She had wondered what Yue Qingcheng’s daughter would be like, and to her surprise, she found a kindred spirit in Layue.

Zhu Yuning grew serious and said, “My life has already been decided. But you are different. Even if you hold a high position in the palace, it doesn’t mean everything will go smoothly. I have watched for a long time, and there are some words I must say, whether you choose to listen or not.

There are three people in the palace you must be most cautious of. First is Bai Youran, whom I’ve mentioned to you before. Regardless of other matters, the issue of children is of utmost importance. Second is Li Yanran. She appears innocent and harmless, much like how you were when you first entered the palace, but in truth, she is quite scheming. She knows well how to navigate relationships and manipulate situations to her advantage. She is not someone like Lian Xiuyun whom you can easily surpass. Third is Fu Jin Yao. Although Fu Jinyan may seem more calculating, she does not love the emperor and is actually quite insightful. Her entry into the palace was primarily for the long-term stability of the Fu family. Fu Jin Yao, however, is different. She is blindly devoted to the emperor, and I always sense an underlying instability in her emotions. Surely you, as the Empress, have heard of the stark contrast in her behavior in public and in private. You must be very cautious of these three. As for the others, they are not as concerning.”

Zhu Yuning spoke from the heart, and Layue sincerely thanked her.

In the end, Zhu Yuning departed.

Watching the gradually disappearing carriage and the accompanying guards, Layue stood there, biting her lip, unmoving for a long time.

Guo’er was indeed among those who came to see her off. After much deliberation, she decided to report Zhu Yuning’s final words to the Emperor.

The Emperor remained silent for a long time after hearing this and then summoned Laifu.

In fact, Zhu Yuning wasn’t speaking to Layue but to him.

Everyone knew that Guo’er was his spy.

If it weren’t for her lingering feelings for Yan Lie, the Emperor would have been willing to cultivate her into someone who could assist Layue. However, there were no such “ifs.” From another perspective, had Zhu Yuning not loved Yan Lie, she might still have vied for the Emperor’s favor, and then Layue would have had yet another enemy.

In that sense, perhaps it was not necessarily a bad thing that things had turned out this way.

In fact, Layue was unaware that the Emperor was cultivating another person to assist her—Fu Jinyan.

Someone who would not fall in love with him, who was rational rather than emotional, and who understood exactly what she should do—perfect!

He did not wish for Layue to be overburdened, nor did he want anyone to surpass her in power.

This arrangement was ideal.

With full authority in Layue’s hands, Fu Jinyan could act as the blade to deal with the restless concubines in the palace, giving Layue more peace of mind.

“Your Majesty, a messenger has arrived from Empress Dowager’s palace, requesting your presence.”

The Emperor nodded.

He presumed the Empress Dowager had learned of Zhu Yuning’s departure.

In the past, the Emperor would often consult the Empress Dowager on palace affairs, but this time, he had not.

When he arrived at Huici Palace, the Empress Dowager had already been helped upright.

Seeing her pale face, the Emperor felt a pang of sorrow: “How are you feeling today, Mother?”

The Empress Dowager smiled gently: “Not too bad. As long as I can see the morning sun each day, I am content.”

The Emperor hesitated slightly, his tone tinged with displeasure: “Mother will be fine.”

The Empress Dowager did not argue, only smiled.

“Have you sent Zhu Yuning to the national temple to become a nun?”

The Emperor replied calmly: “She requested to leave the palace to become a nun at the national temple, praying for your well-being.”

The Empress Dowager scrutinized his expression for a long time before asking: “Are you willing to abandon your plans, Che’er?”

Then she thought again—whether he was willing or not, no one could make decisions for the Emperor. He had already decided.

Touched, she murmured: “Che’er, you are a good son to me, a good son indeed…”

Seeing the Empress Dowager’s moved expression, the Emperor held her hand: “Mother, I have never lied to you when I made promises.”

The Empress Dowager said nothing more, but her emotions were stirred.

In truth, the Empress Dowager was well aware that the Emperor and the Sixth Prince were merely putting on a show.

Their grudge ran deep; how could they suddenly reconcile? It was only because she was unwell that both were showing concern for her sake.

Therefore, she always had to summon all her strength, hoping to prolong her life a little longer. The Emperor was not as ruthless as he appeared. When he suddenly favored Zhu Yuning, she had her suspicions and had even roughly guessed his intentions—to create a direct reason to bring down Prince Lie after her death.

Who else but the two of them had interacted, and Zhu Yuning had feelings for Prince Lie!

She had considered eliminating Zhu Yuning, but she also worried that if she did, the Emperor might come up with other schemes. Thus, she decided to leave Zhu Yuning be for now.

However, upon learning today that Zhu Yuning had left the palace, she could no longer contain her thoughts.

It turned out things were not as bleak as she had imagined.

Che’er still had a heart after all.

Thinking of this, the Empress Dowager regained a bit of her vigor.

Even if it was just pretending, she would pretend. Since the two of them were putting on a show for her, she must live longer. Perhaps, with more interaction, the two brothers might rekindle some of their brotherly bond.

Only then could she pass away with peace of mind.

“Che’er, no matter for the sake of any one of you or the younger ones, I will take care of myself!”

Seeing the Empress Dowager like this, the Emperor nodded.

Strangely, after that day, the Empress Dowager indeed seemed to improve slightly.

Both the Empress Dowager and Madam Gui were extremely pleased.

Even the Emperor was unusually delighted, but Lady Wan did not share their sentiments. She could clearly see that the Empress Dowager did not have much time left. These medicines were merely prolonging her life.

But how long could they last?

“Your Majesty, I would like to speak with you privately,” Lady Wan said when she encountered the Emperor as she was leaving, finally unable to hold back and bowing slightly.

The Emperor looked at her in confusion.

He agreed: “Please proceed, Lady Wan.”

The Emperor held a certain degree of respect for Lady Wan. Though a woman, her medical skills were exceptional. Indeed, he had noticed that despite the numerous physicians in the Imperial Medical Bureau, none could match Lady Wan’s expertise.

Her medical skills were not only on par with those of the Imperial Physician Wan but had already surpassed his by far.

Seeing her hesitant expression, the Emperor felt a faint sense of unease.

Sure enough, what Lady Wan wanted to say was precisely that.

She carefully and thoroughly explained her thoughts to the Emperor.

“The Empress Dowager has clearly improved these days. How could she possibly be in such a bad condition?” The Emperor frowned as he looked at her.

Lady Wan let the cold sweat drip down her face as she spoke with difficulty: “I’m afraid… it’s a false recovery before death.”

For a long time, the Emperor did not respond, and Lady Wan dared not move.

“How long?” After a long silence, his voice was devoid of any emotion.

Lady Wan naturally knew what he was asking: “It’s impossible to determine exactly, but in my opinion, it won’t be more than a month.”

Such a statement was naturally extremely bold, but only Lady Wan herself knew that she had already extended the estimate as much as possible.

“Crash!”

The Emperor swept everything off the table.

“Your Majesty?” Laixi asked cautiously at the door.

“Nothing!” The Emperor felt he could no longer control his temper.

“Leave now. I understand. Do not speak of this to anyone.”

After Lady Wan left, the Emperor rubbed his face and leaned back against the chair.

“Laixi.”

“Your servant is here.”

“Go summon Chancellor Fu to the palace.” The Emperor wanted to do everything possible to fulfill the Empress Dowager’s wishes during her final days.

Yan Lie might not understand, but the Emperor still remembered how much the Empress Dowager cherished Fu Yunrui.

No matter what, even if it was just a final meeting, it would be worth it.

Chancellor Fu often entered the palace and did not think too much of it. Naturally, he was aware that the Empress Dowager’s health was deteriorating.

However, upon hearing that she had improved recently, he felt somewhat reassured.

When Chancellor Fu entered Xuanning Hall, the outer chamber was still in disarray.

Chancellor Fu was momentarily surprised but quickly knelt to pay his respects.

The Emperor simply stood there, gazing coldly at him.

Other than his sons, the Empress Dowager cherished no one else more than him.

Chancellor Fu might be a loyal minister, but the Emperor could not bring himself to trust him.

Sighing, the Emperor stood up and walked to the window, hands behind his back. After a long silence, he finally spoke: “I permit you to go see Mother.”

At these words, Chancellor Fu swayed slightly, looking at the Emperor in shock.

But in the blink of an eye, his face turned deathly pale.

His voice trembled: “The Empress Dowager… is she… is she…?”

He could not bring himself to finish the sentence.

The Emperor said nothing, simply standing there, his figure exuding a sense of desolation.

“Your… Your Majesty?”

“The Empress Dowager does not have much time left.” At the Emperor’s words, Chancellor Fu collapsed to his knees.

“I do not wish to know about past grievances, nor do I care who was right or wrong. I only wish for the Empress Dowager to find peace. I believe you know what you must do.” His voice was cold.

Let all regrets be carried away by the wind!