Transmigration: The Main Character is Not Becoming the Cannon Fodder!

Chapter 597 - 9: Empress Dowager, Peace Be Upon You (9)

The Third Prince has reached the age where he needs to live outside the palace.

Recently, he has been somewhat anxious; soon he will live outside the palace. Originally, it was a rather good thing for him, as he could have his own influence and faction.

But inexplicably, he felt that once he left the Imperial Palace, the prospect of inheriting the throne seemed somewhat impossible.

Why was he feeling this way?

The Third Prince thought of the Empress.

A few days ago, he went to the Imperial Garden and saw the Empress under the sunlight, her enchanting smile made his heart skip a beat.

How could such a beauty be his mother, the Empress?

Why was she the Empress?

In front of Princess Consort Xian, the Third Prince was always well-behaved, but only he knew that there was a darker side hidden in his heart.

That night, the Third Prince had a dream, where the unattainable woman beneath his youthful body gasped gently, making his entire being throb with excitement.

The next morning, upon waking, the Third Prince felt a stickiness in his pants.

Thinking about last night’s dream, he lay there unwilling to get up.

If he could truly treat her like that, he was willing to do anything.

The Third Prince got up.

Today is his birthday, and according to custom, after today, he’s afraid he will have to move out starting tomorrow.

"Kowtow to Father Emperor and Mother Empress, wishing Father Emperor and Mother Empress everlasting peace and joy."

"Rise, Old Third, today is your birthday. From today, you’re considered of age to stand on your own. I originally intended to host a banquet to celebrate. However, Father’s health has not been well recently, and your mother suggested a family banquet instead. Old Third, do not harbor other thoughts because no grand banquet was held."

The Third Prince said in panic, "Father Emperor, my son is well aware of Father and Mother’s intentions and will not think otherwise."

Back then, the Eldest Prince was hastily thrown out of the Imperial Palace, while a grand birthday banquet was held for the Second Prince before his departure, with the families of ministers in attendance, during which the Empress and Second Prince’s mother picked out the Second Princess Consort for him.

Perhaps Father is worried that he might have thoughts about this.

However, after last night, the Third Prince inexplicably felt relieved.

At this moment, his mind was filled with the Empress; the matter of a main wife wasn’t urgent, was it?

The Emperor had been observing the Third Prince and found that he genuinely did not care, feeling a bit more satisfied.

Today was also a test.

He wanted to see the Third Prince’s nature, and evidently, the Third Prince passed.

Li Shuning looked at the Emperor’s expression and sneered in her heart; the Third Prince was the best at pretending to be obedient. She feared that the self-important Emperor had misjudged.

But it didn’t matter; the more pleased and confident they felt today, the greater the blow would be in the future.

The Third Prince took the wine cup and personally toasted the Emperor and Empress.

During the toast with the Empress, the Third Prince’s finger brushed Li Shuning’s finger.

The Third Prince felt his heart about to jump out of his chest.

The touch was indeed exceedingly delicate.

He really wanted to grab those hands.

But he couldn’t.

Smiling, he drank the wine, but the emotion momentarily revealed was clearly seen by Li Shuning.

This man, haha.

The next day, the Second Prince came to bid farewell.

By then, Li Shuning had long dressed up and was waiting.

But the Third Prince took out several scrolls.

"Mother Empress, these paintings were done by your son in idle times, as gifts to Mother Empress, and some are Sixth Prince’s. If Mother Empress is interested, you may enjoy them."

The Third Prince eagerly held the scrolls, hoping Li Shuning would personally take them, maybe then he could...

However, Li Shuning smiled and had Jie Geng take them instead.

Then she unfolded them to look.

The Third Prince felt a tingle in his heart.

The Empress, in any regard, was always beautiful, and in her fine dress, even more dazzling. But this beauty did not belong to him.

For the first time, the Third Prince began to anticipate when Father was prolonging his reign.

Wouldn’t it be better if he died sooner?

"Mother Empress, do you need your son to explain a few words?"

Li Shuning smiled as she declined, "No need for such courtesy, Third Prince. These paintings are very beautiful. You still have to say farewell to Princess Consort Xian, I imagine Princess Consort Xian is anxiously waiting for you, Third Prince, you can go ahead, lest she gets impatient."

The Third Prince wished to stay a moment longer, realizing that after leaving the palace, it would not be easy to return here again.

The Third Prince took a deep look at the Empress, bowed, and said, "I take my leave, Mother Empress."

"Madam, the Third Prince has arrived."

Princess Consort Xian had been up early, just waiting for her son to come.

But according to custom, he had to say farewell to His Majesty first, and then visit the Empress Palace before coming to her.

Watching the time slowly pass, her son hadn’t arrived yet; could something have happened?

Was the Empress being difficult? Or was His Majesty reluctant to part?

Princess Consort Xian’s heart was in turmoil.

Finally hearing that the Third Prince had arrived, she stood up and rushed out.

"My son, you’re finally here. How are things? Did His Majesty say anything? Was the Empress difficult with you?"

"Mother, how can you say that? The Empress is benevolent and would not trouble me. Father merely gave some instructions and said nothing further. Mother, from today onwards, I will reside outside the palace, so visiting you won’t be as convenient as before. If you feel bored in the palace, you may send word, and I will come to visit."

"Mother, you should also be cautious and not easily oppose the Empress; our current situation isn’t very favorable."

Princess Consort Xian felt uncomfortable in her heart.

Her initial enthusiasm was somewhat dampened by the Third Prince’s words.

Why was her son speaking for the Empress today?

"Alright, my son, Mother understands. No matter how good the Empress is, she isn’t your birth mother. This time, not even arranging for a main wife for you is truly vexing. Rest assured, Mother will carefully select one for you. Come visit when you have time, understood?"

The mother and son conversed a little more, and after the Third Prince left, the smile disappeared from Princess Consort Xian’s face.

She knew her son the best.

Clearly, her son seemed influenced by unknown means, appearing close to the Empress.

Curse it.

The Empress had garnered the Emperor’s favor, and now seemed to be capturing her son’s heart?

She recalled the matters she and her son had discussed.

Regarding her son’s main wife, they had long reached an agreement.

Since the Empress didn’t choose one, that was fine; her son going outside the palace was perfect for taking action.

But now, Princess Consort Xian started to have regrets.

That kind of woman, entering the palace as a naive young woman many years ago, now had become so stunning, more like a bewitching concubine than an Empress for the nation.

That woman had intricate ties to the Empress.

Who knew whether her son would be swayed?

Now that her son showed such respect for the Empress, what would happen in the future?

Princess Consort Xian began to grow anxious.

She would never allow that to happen.

Her son could only listen to her.