bayedsolid Chapter 140 The Empress Dowager has passed away!
Chapter 140 The Empress Dowager has passed away!
The matter concerning Princess Zhaoyang seemed to have quickly subsided. In fact, Princess Zhaoyang didn't want to make things too ugly, after all, she still had very deep feelings for her husband. Especially after the incident where he kept a mistress, causing the princess to miscarry, Consort Luo had never stayed out overnight again. This put Princess Zhaoyang at ease.
This time, Madam Yang's attempt to frame Li Wanyue at the Princess's residence with Consort Luo, which failed, resulted in the downfall of one of Luo's daughters—a disgraceful act regardless. The fact that this aunt and niece share the same husband is quite a novel concept!
Luo Yingying did eventually enter the Ming Prince's residence, but ultimately, the Empress, mindful of the Luo family's contributions, reluctantly granted her the title of a fifth-rank Zhaorong. While Luo Yingying may have felt deeply wronged, in the eyes of the royal family and the world, the royal family had already shown the Luo family considerable respect!
Luo Yingying attempted suicide several times, unwilling to accept her fate. She was clearly the one who was tricked by Li Wanyue, but why did she end up being the one tricked?
No one gave Luo Yingying that answer, because so many people, including Madam Yang, Yang Yu'er, and others from the Princess's residence, had witnessed Mu Xin Nuan's zither playing in Princess Zhaoyang's East Warm Pavilion, and even in the entire residence. Surely no one really believed that Mu Xin Nuan had orchestrated all of this, right?
As for Li Wanyue? That's even more impossible! She's always been with Princess Zhaoyang. If someone really said that she schemed against Luo Yingying, wouldn't that be the same as saying that Princess Zhaoyang schemed against her?
Such fallacies are not something anyone would dare to utter casually.
Mu Xin Nuan didn't care what people were saying about Luo Ying Ying; after all, it was all her own fault. If they hadn't had bad intentions towards her older cousin first, she wouldn't be in this situation now!
Mu Xin Nuan, Li Wan Yue, and the others all believed that this was all a scheme set up by Princess Zhao Yang. This was a lesson for them for daring to join forces and plot against others right under the princess's nose!
No one knows that there is someone else behind all of this!
Spring has arrived in the blink of an eye, and it's almost April. However, before the young ladies and wives of the various households could hold any garden party or anything like that, bad news came from the palace: the Empress Dowager had passed away!
For a time, the entire country was draped in white mourning clothes, and everyone wore somber attire. This was especially true in the capital, where almost everyone wore a sorrowful expression. Teahouses and restaurants suffered a significant drop in business, and even brothels closed their doors. Other entertainment venues also remained closed, plunging the entire capital into a state of grief.
Actually, how deep were the feelings of the common people for the Empress Dowager? Not really. But after all, she was the highest-ranking person, and if those below her showed too much joy, they might get into trouble!
All the noblewomen, both inner and outer court ladies, dressed in mourning clothes, knelt before the palace. Mu Chang'an and Lady Li, both of whom were of official rank, naturally joined in the chores.
Thus, the affairs of the mansion were all handed over to Mu Xin Nuan to manage. Since the Empress Dowager had passed away, there would be no more celebratory activities in the various mansions, at least not for the next three months. Therefore, the general affairs of the mansion were much simpler.
Mu Xin Nuan's daily routine consisted mainly of playing cards. Since the Empress Dowager had passed away, the entire household was served vegetarian food, which saved a considerable amount of money.
The fourth prince, Duanmu Chuze, knelt beside the third prince, Kang Wang, his face filled with sorrow.
These busy and tiring days continued until the Empress Dowager's burial.
On the day the Empress Dowager was to suspend the emperor's carriage, the Fourth Prince, Duanmu Chuze, stood beside the Emperor.
"Have you thought this through? You are the youngest child of me and the Empress, and your grandmother always doted on you the most. Now that your grandmother has passed away, are you really going to go to the frontier?"
"Father, I have made up my mind. I do not wish to be someone who is intelligent but idle all day long. I am your son, and your blood flows in my veins! You once dominated the battlefield, and now that the border is in turmoil, I am willing to follow your example and fight on the frontier."
The Emperor glanced at him with considerable satisfaction. This youngest son was the most intelligent of all his children, excelling in both civil and military affairs. If it weren't for the eldest son already being chosen, he would naturally have favored Duanmu Chuze as the Crown Prince of Dayong!
Of course, the Emperor was also wary, after all, the temptation of the throne was just too great! If his youngest son's prestige in the army were to become too high in the future, it might not be a good thing for the Crown Prince.
"Father, what's wrong?"
The Emperor's eyes flickered slightly, a hint of probing in them. "Aze, why do you want to go to the battlefield? Wouldn't it be better to stay in the capital and help your elder brother handle state affairs? That way, your mother would feel more at ease."
Duanmu Chuze's eyes were clear. "Father, the border is in trouble, and it is also a crisis for our Great Yong. Father is too old to go to war, and my elder brother, the Crown Prince, bears heavy responsibilities and cannot risk his life. As for my other two elder brothers, Father knows what kind of people they are. Can we rely on them for the border? As for other generals, our Great Yong is not without them, but apart from Linhong Pass, there are many other places we need to protect. Father, your son is not talented and has no extraordinary abilities. I can only serve the country in this war."
After a pause, Duanmu Chuze glanced at his mother and said, "Father, if you grant my request, please do not tell Mother yet. Tell her on the day I leave the capital."
The Emperor was somewhat relieved after hearing his words. Young people always have a desire to fight on the battlefield and serve their country. He had been young once too; how could he not understand?
"Father, if I return with merit, may I ask for a favor?" Duanmu Chuze blinked somewhat shyly.
The Emperor was taken aback. "What is it?"
Duanmu Chuze glanced in Mu Chang'an's direction, then whispered a few words in the Emperor's ear.
The emperor's lips twitched slightly, and he nodded gently. "Very well! I agree."
"Father, if I were to sacrifice my life at the border, I beg you not to blame the other surviving soldiers. Also, my previous request will be null and void!"
"Nonsense! How could my son be bad? Stop talking about this. Today is the seventh day after your grandmother's death. If she hears this, she will surely blame me for not caring enough for you."
"Yes, Father." Duanmu Chuze tucked his hand slightly into his sleeve, where he had hidden a purse and a gold filigree sachet.