Chapter 158: Chapter 100: Unable to Let Go

The Emperor sat high on his dragon throne, his gaze fixed intently on the couple standing below, their close and intimate posture increasingly glaring in his eyes.

A sour feeling surged in his heart like a tide, unbearable.

Just as he was about to suggest discussing the matter at a later date, suddenly, an old man stepped forward briskly.

This man was around sixty years old, with hair and beard all white.

At this moment, he knelt directly on the ground, tears and snot flowing, crying out sadly, “Your Majesty, heaven pity this old minister! I finally see hope in my last days, what are you hesitating for? Quickly issue the decree!”

This old man was none other than Jun Moling’s grandfather, Elder Grand Tutor Cui.

His tearful and snotty demeanor, with his voice filled with tears, made Jun Moling frown involuntarily.

Secretly, he thought to himself, Grandfather is overacting!

Elder Grand Tutor Cui was the tutor of the former Emperor, even the Empress Dowager respected him.

At this moment, he was kneeling to request a decree for his grandson, crying so bitterly, the Emperor felt a breath stuck in his chest, unable to rise or fall, his face turning ashen.

Xu Ci stood beside him, not expecting this turn of events.

At this moment, her anxious heart finally settled down a bit.

But she knew that this was definitely not the time for her to speak freely and had to pretend to be worried for the Emperor.

So her eyes were full of anxiety, as if she was really worried for the Emperor, but in fact, she was overjoyed inside.

Because with Elder Grand Tutor Cui stepping in, the Emperor surely couldn’t refuse.

Even though Xu Ci couldn’t speak, the Empress had no choice but to.

The Empress spoke slowly, “Your Majesty, since Prince Zhan and Marquis Shen are in love, you should fulfill their wishes!

Elder Grand Tutor Cui has been looking forward to seeing his great-grandson for years, you must consider his feelings, Your Majesty.”

On hearing the Empress’s words, the Emperor’s anger flared even more, his gaze seemingly wanting to swallow the Empress alive.

Yet at this moment, numerous ministers stepped forward to make requests, all saying that Prince diligently and wholeheartedly dedicated himself to the Dayi Country.

Now he was already twenty-five years old; at his age, others already had children old enough to run errands and this was indeed a great event to be celebrated, and it should be fulfilled.

In the court, voices of discussion rose and fell, the Emperor sat on the dragon throne, his face dark enough to cast water.

He scanned the people below, full of resentment and helplessness. But faced with such a situation, he too was at a loss for what to do.

The Emperor had always had a deep hatred for Jun Moling, who always seized the moment.

No matter the situation, as long as he acted first, he could control the situation, with everything revolving around him.

But with Jun Moling taking the first step, it left the Emperor in a passive position, losing the initiative, only able to helplessly accept failure.

The Emperor looked at the ministers below, his jaw clenched tightly, almost grinding his teeth, after a while he spoke bitterly, “I agree, I’ll have the Astronomical Bureau select an auspicious date for Prince Zhan and Marquis Shen to wed.”

As he spoke these words, the Emperor felt his chest grow heavy, that discomfort even stronger than when she married Xiao Chengyi years ago.

Watching the two of them with smiles at the corners of their mouths thanking him, the Emperor only felt a splitting headache, as if his head would explode.

The Emperor pressed his forehead with his hand, his voice filled with fatigue and pain, “I’m feeling unwell, carry on as you wish, I’ll go back and rest first.”

By rights, the Emperor should not leave his seat at such a time and place, but his complexion was extremely poor, seemingly truly ill.

With the Emperor unwell, the Imperial Physicians hurriedly rushed for treatment.

After some diagnosis, they only said the Emperor was overworked and would be fine after some rest.

On hearing this from the Imperial Physicians, the ministers quickly implored the Emperor to rest.

The Empress wished to support him, but the Emperor harshly pushed her away, then shouted loudly, “Consort Xian.”

Xu Ci hurriedly stepped forward, her face full of concern, her tone urgent, “Your Majesty, are you alright?”

The Emperor coldly, his voice chillingly cold, said, “Help me back to the palace.”

Xu Ci dared not delay, quickly supporting the Emperor.

As she passed by the Empress, she saw the jealous and spiteful look in the Empress’s eyes.

However, her mood at the moment was excellent, after all, the matter concerning her cousin was resolved and how could she not be happy.

After helping the Emperor onto the noble dragon bed, the Emperor then dismissed everyone.

Then he stared intently at Xu Ci, his eyes full of viciousness, coldly saying, “Consort Xian, you’re very happy, aren’t you?”

Xu Ci knew clearly, if she handled this improperly, she might truly provoke the Emperor completely.

So, she hurriedly put on a sincere face, her words genuine, “Your Majesty, Ruoxi returned from the border city, indeed, I’m happy at heart.

But seeing Your Majesty so uncomfortable, how could I be happy?”

“Consort Xian, stop pretending in front of me, I know you’re happy inside.”

The Emperor, with no outlet for his anger, shouted angrily at Xu Ci.

Xu Ci tremblingly knelt down, her voice carrying a few traces of plaintiveness and sincerity, “Your Majesty, you know my relationship with Ruoxi.

She was lost since young, and the family cherishes her greatly, naturally, I do too.

I once hesitated, thinking of bringing her to the palace so we could take care of each other, but also afraid of her naive nature being schemed against.

Now seeing Your Majesty so uncomfortable, I really want to help, though honestly, I still feel a bit uneasy inside.

Because I once dreamed your Majesty could like me as much as Ruoxi, I know I shouldn’t have such thoughts, and hope for your understanding.”

Hearing Xu Ci’s words, the Emperor felt a slight movement in his heart.

He knew if Xu Ci had no self-interest at all, he would definitely not believe it.

And her candidly speaking out these concerns, even the petty jealousy of a woman, made him feel it was real and believable.

“I actually wish to treat you well, put her aside, and why is it so hard.

My cousin has countless merits, already a hero known throughout the land, now he has the right to compete with me for a woman!

But can he so easily leave the woman he likes? He’s hurting Ruoxi!” The Emperor’s words were full of resentment.

Xu Ci, hearing this, was stunned, with a face full of astonishment, “Prince Zhan has a woman he likes?”

The Emperor snorted coldly, “Yes! Like he’s possessed.

This is why at twenty-five he hasn’t married or taken concubines, can he truly be good to Ruoxi?

He’s just settling for second best, thinking he’s of age and should settle down and have a child to inherit the Prince Mansion!”

Xu Ci’s lips trembled, her whole being completely shocked by this sudden news, “Does Ruoxi know?”

The Emperor’s face darkened, “If she knew, could she marry Jun Moling? I might have verbally agreed to this marriage, but if Ruoxi changes her mind, it’s still not too late.

Take some time to ask her, explain the situation clearly, you sisters are close, you surely don’t want her not to receive her husband’s love, do you?”

Only until now did Xu Ci suddenly realize, this was the real reason the Emperor called her over.

She felt a chill in her heart, or perhaps an entire body cold, that the Emperor was still so infatuated with Ruoxi.

But if the Emperor’s words were true, Xu Ci naturally wouldn’t want Ruoxi to marry Prince Zhan.

She vowed silently in her heart, she must clarify this matter and never let her cousin fall into a pit of fire again.

Xu Ci bit her lip, “Rest assured, Your Majesty, if Prince Zhan truly has a woman he loves as you say, as Ruoxi’s cousin, I will definitely object and not agree to her marrying Prince Zhan.”

Upon hearing this, the Emperor’s heart finally felt slightly relieved, his tone instantly becoming gentle, “I entrust this to you, my dear concubine.”

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