novelraw Chapter 1284 - 479: Palace Schemes Pale in Comparison to Rebellion (Part 16)
Chapter 1284 - 479: Palace Schemes Pale in Comparison to Rebellion (Part 16)
Having faced several "confrontations" with Empress Dowager He in recent months, Emperor Yongcheng knew his mother’s stance well.
Standing before He Tiantian once again, he dared not act arrogantly or throw a tantrum.
He learned to get straight to the point: "Mother, I wish to marry the daughter of Duke Dingguo’s Mansion as my wife!"
As he spoke, Emperor Yongcheng couldn’t help but clench his fists.
He still harbored resentment, thinking that if his mother showed any dissatisfaction or directly disagreed.
He would just throw her previous words "marry whomever you wish" back at her!
Hmph, he would like to see what else Empress Dowager He could say!
However, Emperor Yongcheng was destined to be disappointed.
Without even lifting her eyelids, He Tiantian readily agreed: "Alright!"
Emperor Yongcheng:...
What does it mean to punch into cotton?
He felt it firsthand.
The reason was, he could take this opportunity to have a fierce argument with Empress Dowager He.
But—but—
Things went so smoothly, and not only did Emperor Yongcheng feel no joy, he felt an inexplicable loss and a bit of fear.
Mother, did she, she really stop caring about me?
Even if I don’t fulfill her wishes and marry the youngest legitimate daughter of a military merit family, she still doesn’t oppose?
How can she do this?
I am her only son, a marriage is not only about lifelong happiness, it directly affects the stability of the Imperial court.
How can Empress Dowager He just go along with it and ignore these things?!
Is she still my real mother; how can she be so irresponsible?
He Tiantian:...Excuse me!
You’re just too hard to please.
If I discipline you, you complain about your mother being too strong and not sympathetic to you, who is still immature.
If I don’t care about you, you accuse your mother of being irresponsible!
Ha, even if a Immortal came to be your parent, it might not fulfill your wishes!
He Tiantian is not the original, she won’t feel upset, nor will she indulge this troublesome son.
Deliberately pretending not to see Emperor Yongcheng’s disappointment and resentment on his face, she calmly stated, "Qing Nu, I’ve already said, if you like her, Mom will be pleased!"
Therefore, "marry whomever you wish" is not just idle words, but truly the belief of this grieving widow!
Emperor Yongcheng forcefully pinched his palm, his mother’s indifference made his anger in his chest even more intense.
Originally he didn’t want to say this now, but he was too uncomfortable, he blurted out: "Mother, I have already chosen the Empress, once the Observatory Bureau and Ministry of Rites select an auspicious date, I will wed!"
And according to established practice, once the Emperor is wed, he should take charge of governance.
Empress Dowager He, would you willingly return the power?
He Tiantian raised an eyebrow, well, the little Emperor learned not to play guessing games anymore, and began to take proactive steps.
Since he opened up with honesty, He Tiantian wouldn’t pretend to be ignorant.
Meeting Emperor Yongcheng’s gaze, she slowly nodded, "Hmm, once you’re married, I will unite the Three Great Ministers to support His Majesty in taking charge of governance!"
If you want to govern, go ahead!
But governance is not something you can manage just because it’s returned to you!
These months since He Tiantian arrived, she became thoroughly acquainted with Emperor Yongcheng, this unruly child.
With his disposition, if no one helps clean up the mess, his governance could turn into an endless disaster!
And He Tiantian along with certain ministers were actually waiting for Emperor Yongcheng to make mistakes.
After all, if the Emperor doesn’t slip up, certain things, ahem, you understand.
"..." Emperor Yongcheng, seeing his mother’s swift agreement, couldn’t help but feel suspicious.
Didn’t Master Feng say the Empress Dowager was appointing female assistants and female ministers, all this indicates her reluctance to return power?
Yet, at this moment, she didn’t even hesitate, and even stated she would persuade the Three Great Ministers to let him, the Emperor, govern.
This—
Emperor Yongcheng felt doubtful and uncertain.
On one hand, he worried if his crafty mother was up to some new trick, aiming to force him into being an obedient child.
On the other hand, he subtly hoped that his mother deep down still cared for him.
Earlier her cold indifference was merely her anger towards the wet nurse and the Zheng family, so—
Now, he didn’t choose Zheng Nianer, but instead picked a noble’s daughter of a comparable family status, though his mother might not be overly pleased, she wouldn’t be furious either.
Therefore, his mother readily agreed to return the power.
Master Feng’s judgment about his mother might actually have been biased!