Chapter 238: Resolute

Chapter 238: Resolute

Noble Consort Liang entered the imperial study and glanced at the man sitting behind the desk, now aged. Once, she had given her whole heart to him, seeing him as her entire world. However, the struggles within the harem soon taught her that while the emperor was indeed her world, she was not the only woman under this sky.

Years had passed, and she thought she had come to understand this emperor, but she was still naïve. She did not understand him at all. Even the cruelest of emperors wouldn’t harm their own sons; no matter how ruthless, they wouldn’t lay a hand on their flesh and blood.

Approaching the desk, she knelt down, bowed her head to the ground, and pleaded, "I beseech Your Majesty to avenge Jingming."

The Emperor furrowed his brows into a frown, then sighed and rose to his feet, walking over to Consort Liang. He bent down to lift her, saying, "My dear consort, Jingming was my own flesh and blood, how could I not seek revenge for him? But you also know that Xiao Yuming is not the real culprit."

"I am aware that Xiao Yuming is not the real murderer, Your Majesty, so we must hasten to find the true culprit!" Consort Liang implored.

"I understand, but as you also know, hostilities in the northwest have flared up again, and this battle is crucial for me. Let’s put Jingming's matter on hold for now," the Emperor said.

Tears started streaming down Consort Liang's face. "Is Your Majesty intending to continue using Jingming's death to target the Marquis of Yongning's household?" she asked.

The Emperor’s expression darkened as his private thoughts were prodded, and he said sternly, "Consort, mind your words."

Consort Liang knelt before the Emperor once more. "Your Majesty, my brother is dead, my son is dead, my own life hardly seems worth living. All I wish to know is how Jingming died and who was responsible for his death."

The Emperor's face showed a flash of impatience. "You have always known the bigger picture, what has come over you this time? Jingming was also my son, do you think his death doesn't pain me? But now is not the time for revenge. You should return."

Consort Liang lifted her tear-stained face, her tone resolute, "Jingming was just a pawn for Your Majesty, wasn’t he? You wanted to use Jingming's death to kill Xiao Yuming and cut off the Marquis of Yongning's lineage from holding military power in the northwest."

Dark clouds gathered on the Emperor's face, but Consort Liang, pretending not to notice, continued, "Your Majesty wished to use Jingming against the Marquis of Yongning's household, and I have cooperated with you. I can continue to cooperate in the future. But I want to know the real murderer; I want to avenge Jingming."

"Consort Liang!" the Emperor roared in anger. "Are you threatening me?"

"I dare not," Consort Liang said as she looked at the Emperor. "Your Majesty, please tell me, is it the Empress or Consort Min, the mother of the Crown Prince?"

"I see you’ve gone mad," the Emperor said, his gaze seething with fury.

"I have gone mad. My son was murdered, and yet I am unable to avenge him. How could I not be mad?" Consort Liang's eyes, once filled with fear and reverence, now blazed with resentment and hatred.

Stung by her gaze, the Emperor, red with anger, shouted, "Guards!"

Jiao Kangsheng quickly entered from outside, and the Emperor pointed at Consort Liang, "Escort the consort back to her quarters."

Jiao Kangsheng approached Consort Liang and whispered, "Consort."

Consort Liang rose mournfully, bowed respectfully to the Emperor, and said, "In my grief for my lost son, I have spoken out of turn. I hope Your Majesty will forgive me."

The Emperor sighed and stood up, taking Consort Liang's hand, "Jingming's death has caused me endless heartache as well. My dear consort, you understand me the most, don’t you?"

Consort Liang nodded, "I understand, Your Majesty. I was out of my senses just now; I hope you will not take it to heart."

The Emperor gripped Consort Liang's hand tighter. "I only feel heartache; why would I mind? Go back, and I will come to see you later."

Consort Liang bowed to the emperor and then turned to leave. As she turned, her face was set with determination.

………

Upon returning to his estate, the Duke of Tang summoned his sons to the study to discuss how to provide reinforcements and additional supplies to the Northwest without leaving Xiao Huai with any worries. Father and sons deliberated late into the night before leaving the study.

After everyone else had departed, Tang Shubai noticed a look of concern on the Duke of Tang's face and asked, "Do you have any other worries?"

The Duke of Tang sighed, "A lot can happen in three years, and it can change a person. I just fear that Xiao Huai's heart might belong to another."

Tang Shubai's brow furrowed, "Have you discovered something?"

"The letters Xiao Huai writes to Shuyi are rather indifferent. Maybe I'm just overthinking," the Duke of Tang said.

"What has Shuyi said?" Tang Shubai's voice also carried a note of worry.

The Duke of Tang shook his head, and Tang Shubai pondered before saying, "You needn't worry too much. Shuyi has changed from before; even you have said that sometimes she surpasses me. If Xiao Huai's heart has changed, she can choose to stay in the marquis' estate if she wishes, or she can seek a divorce if not."

But there were those who hoped she would leave the marquis' estate.

"Perhaps I'm overthinking; Shuyi can handle it well," the Duke of Tang said. "Go find Qi Liangsheng."

"Alright."

Tang Shubai turned and left, needing to discuss reinforcements and supplies with the emperor on the morrow. Tonight, they had to arrange everything properly. He quietly left the estate, taking a sedan chair to the back gate of the Qi residence. The young servant who guarded the gate knew it must be an urgent matter to see him at such a late hour, and quickly ushered him inside.

Qi Liangsheng had not yet retired and was reading in his study. Upon learning of his arrival, he immediately invited him in, and they shut the door to talk. The matter was urgent, and Tang Shubai got straight to the point.

Qi Liangsheng was shocked to the point of nearly dropping his teacup when he heard that Xiao Huai was still alive.

"Are you serious? Xiao Huai isn't dead?" Qi Liangsheng asked in disbelief.

"Yes, he's not dead. Moreover, he has beheaded the general of the Rouli Nation and is now advancing towards their capital," Tang Shubai said.

Qi Liangsheng didn't know how to describe his feelings, a mix of sour, bitter, and a bit ashamed. Before, when Xiao Huai was "dead," he could seek marriage, and if that failed, he could still silently cherish his feelings. But now that Xiao Huai was alive, even silent cherishing was no longer appropriate.

Tang Shubai could understand his feelings and patted his shoulder in silent comfort. Qi Liangsheng gave a bitter smile, "I'm fine, let's discuss the important matters."

Tang Shubai began to explain their plans and where they needed Qi Liangsheng's cooperation. He trusted Qi Liangsheng's integrity, despite his special feelings for Tang Shuyi and past tensions with Xiao Huai, knowing that when it came to important matters, he would prioritize the greater good.

After concluding their discussion, Tang Shubai left the Qi residence, while Qi Liangsheng sat under the dim light for a long time.