Chapter 210:

The Emperor Jing was injured, which was a major incident.

Many imperial physicians arrived. Cui Wen’s medical skills were good and she handled the wound well. However, the imperial physicians still redressed the wound, after all, there were some medicines that Cui Wen did not have.

Today, the Imperial Medical Institute held the utmost reverence for this ordinary girl.

Fu Jinyao was not treated at all; she was pressed into a corner of the room until the wound was completely treated before anyone remembered her existence.

Or perhaps the Emperor had always known she was there, but simply didn’t care.

The news of Consort Hui’s assassination attempt had already spread. The Emperor Jing slightly lifted the corner of his mouth.

Everything had gone exactly as he had planned.

Consort Hui had finally fulfilled her utmost value. In her final moments, she hadn’t wasted all those years in the palace for nothing. She hadn’t disappointed her own “expectations.”

“Your Majesty, how should we deal with Consort Fu?” Lai Xi respectfully asked.

“How should we deal with her?” The Emperor Jing looked at Fu Jinyao, remaining silent for a long time, as if he had not yet decided how to deal with her.

At this moment, Yan Yu finally regained his senses.

Looking at his maternal aunt, the woman who had been distantly related to him, yet never close, and who had even caused his mother’s death, he turned to look at his father, the Emperor.

Then he looked at the knife on the ground, staring at it for a while before silently walking over and picking it up.

He clenched it tightly in his palm.

“Yu’er, what are you doing?” Layue noticed that Yan Yu had picked up the knife.

Yan Yu bit his lip but did not answer.

He walked straight to Fu Jinyao’s side. Seeing Yan Yu’s movement, Fu Jinyao widened her eyes, a hint of fear appearing.

Yan Yu, however, remained unnaturally calm.

He did not cry loudly, did not speak, and did not look at anyone.

The Emperor still said nothing, and what he was thinking remained unknown.

He raised the knife high without hesitation and plunged it directly into Fu Jinyao’s shoulder.

“Mm—” she cried out in shock but made no sound because her mouth was gagged, only a muffled whimper.

Looking at Yan Yu in pain, her blood quickly soaked the clothes on her shoulder.

Although Yan Yu acted directly, he was still a child, so the wound wasn’t deep.

“You attempted to assassinate my father. This is my repayment to you.”

Having said that, he raised the knife again and stabbed her in the same spot once more, this time harder since it was the same location.

“Mm, mm—” Fu Jinyao painfully collapsed there.

“This one is for my mother.”

After stabbing twice, disregarding the astonishment of the physicians nearby, Yan Yu went to the bedside and knelt down with his small body: “I beg my father to deal with Consort Hui. She caused my mother’s death. No matter who she is, no matter whose face we spare, Yu’er begs my father, begs my father to execute this heartless, cruel woman who harmed her own sister.”

The Emperor Jing looked at his expression, stood up, and helped him up, his face showing a hint of tenderness.

He gently patted Yan Yu’s young face.

“Alright! I promise Yu’er.”

Hearing the Emperor’s words, Yan Yu swayed slightly, as if finally achieving his wish. He wiped away the uncontrollable tears, then smiled faintly.

But this smile was especially sorrowful.

“Father, I’m tired.” He swayed as he spoke.

“Lai Xi, take care of the Crown Prince’s rest. Carry him to bathe in the hot spring and then place him in my Xuanning Hall.” The Emperor quickly arranged.

“Yes.”

Looking at Fu Jinyao, who was injured and in pain, the Emperor turned to the physicians: “Bandage her wounds simply. Don’t let her die. Confine her to the prison for serious criminals.”

The incident happened unexpectedly. Consort Hui, unwilling to leave the palace, attempted to assassinate the Emperor Jing. Once this news spread, it naturally caused another uproar. At this time, it seemed that any kind of news could emerge.

Hadn’t enough happened in the past one or two years?

However, Consort Hui’s action had suddenly pushed many people into a desperate situation.

Earlier, some people had planned to beg the Emperor repeatedly to stay, but they hadn’t expected the situation to become irreparable in an instant, leaving them too afraid to even speak.

Moreover, according to insider information from the scene, it was said that Consort Hui was originally the murderer of Empress Huixian.

And the Crown Prince, Yan Yu, had stabbed her twice.

Such news was even more shocking.

At that time, when Yan Yu said those words, many imperial physicians were present, so it was not surprising that the news leaked out.

With such circumstances, who would dare to speak or act recklessly? Everyone was now on high alert.

It seemed that the Fu family might not even be able to survive.

Thinking of Fu Jinyan, who had already been appointed as a senior palace lady, many people sighed.

Whether it was the misfortune of the Fu family or the fate of the Fu sisters, having such a foolish daughter was indeed tragic.

Murdering her own elder sister, implicating her family, and dragging her younger half-sister into it.

Fu Jinyao’s move was indeed a poor one, causing everyone to sigh in disapproval.

But on second thought, it was exactly the sort of thing she might do.

Layue did not dwell too much on it, after all, the Emperor himself wanted the news to spread, otherwise why would he not deal with Fu Jinyao until the physicians arrived?

Once everything became clear, Layue finally understood that although her past life had greatly affected her, it should not become an obstacle blocking her path to happiness.

She could live well and had no reason to ignore the Emperor’s sincerity or suppress her own feelings.

At this moment, she truly relaxed. If the Emperor could do so much for her, why couldn’t she fully trust him just once? Even if he might change his heart in the future, they had still experienced happiness together.

Life is often like this.

“Where is the Emperor?” These days, Layue’s mood had improved, and she had gradually emerged from her child’s sorrow.

Children, they would have more in the future. Her child would return, definitely.

This lost little daughter would return, back into her body.

“Reporting to Madam, the Emperor is handling official matters in Xuanning Hall!” Jin Xin knew that these days the Empress was very concerned about the Emperor’s health.

Actually, the Emperor was no less concerned. He inquired about the Empress’s condition every day. In fact, the Empress’s body was somewhat stronger than the Emperor’s. After her miscarriage, she had taken some time to recover, while the Emperor’s recent injury was different.

With mutual understanding, Layue did not want to be separated from him even for a moment, only wanting to be together.

Seeing her slight disappointment, Jin Xin teased, “Madam, don’t be anxious. I’m sure the Emperor will come after finishing his affairs.”

Hearing Jin Xin’s teasing, Layue gave her a sidelong glance.

“Has the matter of the concubines in the inner palace been properly handled?”

These days, the Emperor had taken full charge of everything, not troubling her with such matters.

She was even tired of the inner palace’s disputes; it was better not to ask about them.

At this moment, her question was merely out of habit.

Jin Xin understood her mistress’s thoughts and nodded.

“The servant heard that the Emperor has given them seven days. Within seven days, everyone must leave. Because of Consort Hui’s assassination attempt, there are now many more guards in the palace, and many more people watching each palace, Madam can rest assured. This matter will definitely not go wrong.”

Jin Xin detailed the arrangements for each person in the palace to her mistress, and Layue nodded frequently.

The decisive handling of the inner palace affairs improved her mood.

Sometimes, she even dared not imagine—would the palace really belong only to her in the future?

It was unimaginable; she had never thought such a result possible.

“I never thought the Emperor would go this far for me.”

Fate was indeed unpredictable. Who would have thought that she could not only ascend to the position of Empress but also receive the Emperor’s full affection?

“Has Jiaojiao woken up? How is she feeling?”

Previously, she had isolated herself and didn’t know much about many things, but she had a feeling that Jiaojiao was fine.

Now that she was awake, besides the Emperor, the one she most eagerly wanted to see was her children.

Every day, she would have the children brought over to play for a while, just like today.

Previously, Jin Xin had already brought the fourth and fifth princes to play for a while.

But not Jiaojiao.

Although Jiaojiao was much better now, her body was still very weak. Seeing that she was sleeping soundly, Jin Xin did not bring her over.

“The Princess is doing well, Madam can rest assured. You should trust Cui Wen’s medical skills. Once the child wakes up, the servant will bring her over.”

Layue nodded.

Although she was the Empress, regarding the complicated affairs in the palace, Layue no longer wanted to be involved. Anyway, these days, the Emperor would handle everything properly, so she had nothing to worry about.

Now, she only needed to take good care of her little children.

Without other concubines in the palace, the future would surely be completely different.

Thinking of this, she became even happier.

“How was Bai Youran dealt with?” She hadn’t inquired about this matter for several days, but now she could face it.

“Reporting Madam, Bai Youran was sent to the mad tower after being poisoned to silence her, and the entire Bai family was demoted to commoners.” Thinking for a moment, she added the outcome of Consort Hui.

“Consort Hui has not been dealt with yet; she is currently imprisoned, but it’s very difficult for her. The Crown Prince stabbed her twice, and she hasn’t received proper treatment. No one knows if she will die there. The Fu family has shown no reaction at all.”

Layue shook her head: “The Emperor will not let her die in prison. Previously, he had already said that he would not let her die for now.” Although she didn’t know why, Layue didn’t care about those details.

Jin Xin thought of the Emperor’s words and was also puzzled.

Layue guessed that perhaps the Emperor was waiting for something.

With such a big incident involving Fu Jinyao, the Fu family seemed indifferent, showing no extra emotion, which puzzled others.

However, Layue had her own views. According to the situation, the Fu family would also face difficulties.

The second daughter killed the eldest daughter, causing unbearable pain. Both are flesh and blood, and the Emperor Jing and Yan Yu had already pinned the serious charge of assassination on Fu Jinyao.

They didn’t even mention that Fu Jinyao’s original intention was to kill her.

This made it even more difficult for the Fu family.

As for the rise and fall of family honor and disgrace, Layue was not interested. As long as they are alive, there is hope, and she firmly believed that the Emperor would not completely destroy the Fu family.

Regardless of others, it should be done for Yan Yu’s sake.

Among all the events, he was the one who suffered the most.

At such a young age, he had to endure such pain.

“Does the Crown Prince still go to the study hall every day as usual?”

The assassination incident happened two days ago, yet Yan Yu had been acting normally these two days.

“Exactly.” Jin Xin watched Yan Yu gradually grow up, feeling some pity for his experiences.

“Later, you go to the gate and wait. If he returns, let him come to see me. Tell him I want to see him.”

“Yes.”

In Layue’s heart, Yan Yu was no different from her own child. For so many years, he had always been by her side. Although previously he always called her by her name, she knew that in Yan Yu’s heart, she was his closest elder relative.

At this time, perhaps the Emperor had some words he couldn’t say, but she couldn’t ignore this child.

“Prepare for my bath and change of clothes.”

Lying there resting every day, she was also getting bored.

“The Emperor always says I am a flower of worldly wealth. So wear that red peony embroidered satin.” Thinking for a moment, Layue smiled and ordered.

After so many years, Layue had indeed been pampered by the Emperor.

Her fair, delicate face showed no trace of ever having given birth. With a little makeup, her original eight points of beauty became ten.

When she first entered the palace, whether it was Zhu Yuning or Fu Jinyao, they were all more beautiful than her. But looking at it now, it was not the case. She had become more and more radiant, while some had already withered.

Jin Xin and Apricot helped her dress, and Apricot sighed: “Madam actually looks most beautiful in red. She shines with brilliance!”

Layue’s nature was not plain; if she wore plain colors, there was nothing particularly special.

Only in bright colors did she shine even more brilliantly.

Putting on her favorite golden hairpin, looking at herself now, Layue was suddenly reminded of the time when she first entered the palace. At that time, she was also dressed like this, step by step captivating the Emperor, finally reaching this point.

“Empress, the Crown Prince is here.”

Layue had just finished getting ready when she heard that Yan Yu had arrived.

“Let him come in.”

Yan Yu entered with a serious little face; recently, he had always been like this.

Not only to Layue, but to everyone.

“Your Highness, I greet you.”

“Come, sit beside me.”

Yan Yu hesitated for a moment before coming to Layue’s side.

Layue waved her hand, and the maids filed out one by one.

Face to face, Layue looked at Yan Yu’s expression.

Finally, she spoke: “I know, Yu’er, you are very sad.”

Yan Yu pressed his lips tightly without speaking, his eyes glistening with tears. After all, he was still a child.

“But even if you are sad, many things have already happened and there is no turning back. Yu’er is a clever child. You should know that if we always cling to past memories, we will never find happiness.”

To Layue, Yan Yu was indeed very close.

“She killed my mother, she killed my Empress. Do you know, I really miss my mother, so much.” Pouting, his little face was full of tears.

Layue was heartbroken and pulled him into her arms.

“Don’t cry, don’t cry!”

“Seeing Xiao Jiaojiao, Xiao Si’er, and Xiao Wu’er being taken care of by you, I feel so envious. Actually, I could have had my own mother too.”

Yan Yu wasn’t indifferent; perhaps this was also the reason why he liked staying in Fengxi Palace, for this warm family atmosphere.

Layue patted his back.

“But things have already happened, haven’t they? None of us have the chance to go back, so we must always look forward and strive for a better future. Yu’er, you must believe that your mother cannot return, but you still have us, your father and me. Although I am not your mother, to me, you are the same as Xiao Si’er, Xiao Wu’er, and Jiaojiao. You are all my children. Not to mention you, there’s also Jia’er. You are all my treasures. I will protect you well.”

Yan Yu clutched Layue’s clothes, crying pitifully.

“Mother, mother—”

Layue’s eyes reddened as she patted his back: “Cry, cry, let it all out. Everything will be better after. From now on, everything will be different. We must gather our spirits and look forward. We must cherish our future lives even more, and cherish the people around us.”

“Okay, okay.”

Layue herself deeply understood that suppressing all unhappiness inside could easily lead to extremes. Yan Yu was a lively and sunny child; this kind of life should not be his.

Letting him vent, letting him cry out, he could then gather his spirits and move forward.

“You have us. Although we cannot replace the care your mother gave you, we will all treat you very well.”

Layue patted his back, crying with him.

Not only for him, but also for her unborn child.

“Don’t cry—” a sudden male voice interrupted. Layue looked over and saw the Emperor Jing.