Chapter 596: Chapter 8: Empress Dowager, Peace Be Upon You (8)

In the Prince Mansion, the Eldest Prince had gathered his advisors to discuss some matters.

The past follies of the Eldest Prince were considered a scandal within the Royal Family. After being cast out, the Emperor did not grant him a title of nobility.

After the incident, the Eldest Prince cried once, and then the Emperor, reminded of Lady Wen from those years, was somewhat lenient with the Eldest Prince, allowing him to leave the Imperial Palace and choose a residence outside. This was a subtle gesture towards him, leaving him to fend for himself outside the palace, hence no title was granted.

Fortunately, although the Eldest Prince was not favored, his maternal family was quite supportive, so he lived a comfortable life.

Moreover, because he lived outside the palace, he led an increasingly indulgent and uninhibited life.

If it weren’t for the Emperor’s disapproval leading the Empress to find him a wife, he might still be leading a carefree life.

Fortunately, after marriage, he restrained himself somewhat.

Then the Second Prince was separated out. Since the Eldest Prince wasn’t granted a title, the Emperor, for some reason, also did not grant a title to the Second Prince.

This actually relieved the Eldest Prince. If the Second Prince had been granted a title and he hadn’t, it would’ve been utterly disgraceful for him.

At this moment, the Eldest Prince and his advisors all looked rather solemn.

“Someone, go investigate everything about the Empress before she was married off.”

“Yes.”

“Your Highness, we must plan early, as we don’t have the upper hand with His Majesty.”

That day, Li Shuning was in the small garden of the Phoenix Palace, sitting in the pavilion, sunbathing, holding the Sixth Prince, watching as Jie Geng and others made little clothes for the Sixth Prince.

Xiao Lin rushed over quickly: “Empress, Princess Consort Zhang requests an audience.”

Li Shuning was a bit puzzled. Who is Princess Consort Zhang?

She thought about the plot for a while and realized there was no character like Princess Consort Zhang?

Who was this?

Soon, Li Shuning met Princess Consort Zhang.

Princess Consort Zhang had an ordinary appearance and could easily go unnoticed in a crowd.

After Princess Consort Zhang greeted her properly, she whispered, “Empress, I have something to report, could you please dismiss everyone?”

Li Shuning handed the child to Du Juan and started walking with Princess Consort Zhang in the small garden.

“Princess Consort Zhang, what do you want to report to me?”

“Empress, I am actually a distant cousin of Princess Consort Shu. Princess Consort Shu always protected me in the past, and I have never forgotten that.”

Upon hearing this, Li Shuning had an understanding, fearing this was someone sent on behalf of the Eldest Prince.

The birth mother of the Eldest Prince was Lady Wen, and Princess Consort Shu only survived back then because of Lady Wen. Without Lady Wen, there would be no Princess Consort Shu today.

Oh, what a complex relationship.

“Princess Consort Zhang, make sure you know what should and should not be said.”

“Empress, I have long thought it through. His Highness has very sincere intentions. If the Empress could elevate him, the Eldest Prince would be eternally grateful.”

Li Shuning said nothing, just quietly watched Princess Consort Zhang.

Princess Consort Zhang was a bit nervous. She had been in the palace for years and had never done something like this.

If His Majesty found out about their collusion, they would be doomed.

“Empress, the Eldest Prince has said that since you are young and confined to the palace, if you help him, he will ensure you can do whatever you wish in the future. Additionally, he will take good care of your father, the Great General, and ensure that the next heir of the General Mansion receives the honor they deserve.”

“Should the Empress have other requests, he would fulfill them all.”

Li Shuning sneered silently, believing the Eldest Prince must have investigated her.

But unluckily for him, the Eldest Prince miscalculated; she was not the original owner, whose love for her family undoubtedly surpassed her loyalty to the Emperor.

“Princess Consort Zhang, I have only the Emperor in my eyes. Since I have married into the Royal Family, I naturally must prioritize the Royal Family. The Great General has been scarred by years of battles, and now the best for him is a peaceful recuperation, no need for your concern, please leave.”

Princess Consort Zhang still wanted to say something, but she had already been escorted out.

Li Shuning inwardly ridiculed, did they really think she had complete control here?

There were indeed many pieces of the Emperor scattered around.

She purposely chose the garden for a reason.

With numerous rockeries there, people could hide in secret.

It was likely the words spoken by Princess Consort Zhang would soon reach the Emperor.

Subsequently, Li Shuning also met with the Second Prince.

The Second Prince was seen on Li Shuning’s birthday.

To call him a bookworm might be a bit exaggerated; from afar, he just appeared more refined.

The Second Prince actually wrote nine hundred and ninety-nine characters of “Kang” to present to her.

“Father, Mother, these are characters I wrote myself, wishing for your health.”

The Emperor held a large piece of paper, observing the different styled “Kang” characters, nodding in satisfaction.

The Second Prince performed commendably this time.

The Eldest Prince was furious. The two brothers had agreed to discuss gifts for the Empress together; they had decided on exotic treasures, so why did it turn out to be just an ordinary piece of paper?

He thought of the luxurious gift he had tendered before, feeling very uncomfortable.

He had given a mirror unlike the bronze mirrors which only show a blurry reflection.

He had spent a lot of money on it.

Who knew the Second Prince would pull such a clever trick?

Even the Emperor praised him, damn it.

Later, the Second Prince displayed the utmost goodwill, emphasizing that as a scholar who values filial piety, he would regard the Empress as his own mother if given the chance.

Not to mention, the three princes showed their unique skills, but the Emperor remained well aware of everything.

He still had some grudges in his heart, as he was not yet dead, and these brats were already eager to take his place.

Fortunately, the Empress was indeed his trusted Empress, always centered around him.

No matter what promises the three princes made, she remained indifferent and never mentioned the choice of Crown Prince in front of him.

In the plot, the Emperor’s health managed to linger for a year before passing.

However, Li Shuning could not allow him to go so soon now.

The Emperor actually just had lingering cold, compounded by lifestyle habits, which deteriorated his health.

Latterly, after going hunting and getting injured, his health suffered further day by day.

Though this time the situation had dragged on, the Emperor’s health had deteriorated significantly.

No matter what Li Shuning did, it was beyond saving, but she wanted the Emperor to stay a little longer.

Therefore, she prepared numerous herbs, incorporated them into tea, and fed them when the Emperor dined with her.

These herbs could stimulate human potential and were also remedies for the Emperor’s symptoms.

Thus, the Emperor looked much better.

However, those herbs could only delay the inevitable and not cure the Emperor.

After all, with his body’s foundation already broken, recovering was impossible, especially in this era.

The Emperor was quite happy, however.

The Imperial Physician had already informed him of his condition.

Now being able to live a bit longer allowed him to accomplish more and set more plans.

Source: Webnovel.com, updated by NovelKeep