novelraw Chapter 604 - 16: Empress Dowager, Peace Be Upon You (16)
Chapter 604 - 16: Empress Dowager, Peace Be Upon You (16)
The Eldest Prince slowly smiled, "Second Brother, without trying, how can you just give up like that? I came to you today because I want to collaborate with you."
The Second Prince’s heart stirred, but he remained silent.
He did not know why the Eldest Prince would want to collaborate with him. He had no cards to play, so what was the other looking for him for?
"Brother, let’s be clear, why are you looking for me? I seem to have nothing worthy on me."
The Eldest Prince smiled openly, "Second Brother, if we were in an ordinary family, we would be the closest of brothers, perhaps working together for the family. But we are born into the Royal Family, in the Imperial Palace, where familial affection indeed has little use."
At this moment, the Eldest Prince no longer had the appearance of a playboy, "Second Brother, the affairs from back then, I was set up. But Father didn’t listen to me at all. I was so resentful. This time, seeking cooperation with you, I just hope I can leave with your entourage without burdening you. If I succeed, I promise to transfer you from that desolate place to a prosperous one. How does that sound?"
The Second Prince thought for a moment and said, "Brother, allow me to consider it."
He was not foolish. The Eldest Prince’s words had a lot of ambition, and if the attempt failed, he too might be affected.
On the third day after the Eldest Prince met with the Second Prince, the gates of the Second Prince Mansion opened wide.
Afterwards, numerous carriages left the Imperial City.
Although the Second Prince didn’t have much power, there were countless palace maids and eunuchs heading to the fiefdom this time, as well as quite a few guards.
After all, no matter how you look at it, they were princes. If they were to die in the fiefdom, it would indeed be a laughingstock.
The guards given by the Emperor were quite decent.
"Your Majesty, the Second Prince has already left."
"And the Eldest Prince?"
"The Eldest Prince also left for the fiefdom before the Second Prince did, but someone discovered that the Eldest Prince had visited the Second Prince."
The Emperor’s eyes turned slightly cold, but he said nothing further.
He knew well that the Eldest Prince had quite a bit of power behind him, besides the influence from his maternal family.
This time, he wanted to see what the Eldest Prince would do.
Relying on those worldly society people, can they really assassinate him? Not to mention, he had already replaced those worldly society people.
On the third day after the Second Prince’s departure, the Empress, accompanied by the Sixth Prince, left the palace to visit Linbo Lake outside of the Imperial City to pay respects to a person of great influence on the Emperor.
That person was not only the teacher of the late Emperor but also the present Emperor’s teacher. One time, when the Emperor was young and went out to play with his teacher, they encountered an assassination attempt. It was that elder who bravely rushed forward, protecting the Emperor and buying time for the guards.
The elder’s only wish was to be buried at Linbo Lake.
He believed this place had an elegant and serene environment, and being buried here would allow him to pursue knowledge even in the afterlife without worries.
This elder lived a pure life, and the Emperor held him in high respect.
Every year, on the elder’s death anniversary, he would leave the palace to pay respects.
Since last year, this duty had been carried out by the Empress.
The Sixth Prince was well-educated. Under Li Shuning’s guidance, he respectfully bowed his head.
After completing the observance, they returned to the Imperial Palace.
Linbo Lake was very quiet, with hardly any people moving about because it was where an Imperial Master was buried. In the past, there were Royal Guards guarding it. Though it was just a small squad, almost no one dared to act out of line here.
On the way back to the palace, about half an hour away from the Imperial City, Li Shuning noticed the carriage came to a halt on the official road.
Outside, the sound of fighting could be heard.
She recalled the Emperor’s reassurance before departure advising her to remain calm in case of trouble, and she understood the gravity of the situation.
It seemed even the Emperor had foreseen this event, hadn’t he?
This time, Li Shuning had only brought a guard of fifty to sixty people, and after a stick of incense’s time, exterior disturbances ceased entirely.
"I apologize for disturbing Mother, I ask for Mother’s forgiveness."
A male voice suddenly came from outside.
Li Shuning recognized it as the Eldest Prince.
In the carriage, Jie Geng and Du Juan attendant, while Li Shuning held the Sixth Prince in her arms.
At this moment, the carriage doors opened.
The Eldest Prince was seen in his combat attire, with bloodstains on his face, surrounded by many dead and injured.
Li Shuning lowered her head, mourning for the Eldest Prince.
No matter if it’s in the plot or now, the Eldest Prince’s fate likely won’t be good.
Clearly, the Emperor was well-prepared for this outcome.
"Eldest Prince, it’s not too late to turn back now," Li Shuning spoke with a distant voice.
The Eldest Prince was taken aback; he didn’t expect the Empress not to be afraid and to say such words.
He truly didn’t find her fearful.
"Empress, the arrow is on the string, and I have no choice but to release it today. I apologize for offending the Empress and ask for your forgiveness."
Then, the carriage doors were closed again.
Outside remained silent, but soon it resumed movement.
Jie Geng was a bit scared, and Du Juan softly said, "Empress, we should escape."
The Empress looked coldly at Du Juan, "Escape? Not to mention we’re all women, there’s also a child here. Can we outrun them? They are strong, and if we make any move, we’re only asking for trouble."
Li Shuning shook her head. She hadn’t noticed it before, but now she found Du Juan really brainless.
After the carriage traveled for a while, external noises could be heard.
At this time, Du Juan had a look of eagerness in her eyes. She knew her previous words likely disappointed the Empress.
But now with the commotion outside, shouldn’t they scream for help to seize the chance of rescue? If they’re saved, her glory would restore the Empress’s favor towards her, wouldn’t it?
However, before Du Juan could take action,
Li Shuning directly tied Du Juan up with Jie Geng and stuffed her mouth with a handkerchief.
She refused to have anyone hold them back at this critical time.
Truly ignorant. Does the Eldest Prince risk his life doing this without precautions?
Before long, sounds of kneeling in respect were heard outside.
During this time, Jie Geng went out once to show the Token.
The Eldest Prince thought the Empress was quite aware of the situation.
Indeed, the Empress had no children. No matter who takes the throne, her position as Empress Dowager is secure, why bother getting into unnecessary trouble now?
After returning from the observance, the Empress naturally should go to the Emperor to explain.
Unexpectedly, the Emperor had gone to the Myriad Beasts Garden.
That place raised countless animals.
Li Shuning and her entourage proceeded to the Myriad Beasts Garden.