Chapter 362 – Don’t Punish Yourself with Others’ Mistakes

Chapter 362 - Don't Punish Yourself with Others' Mistakes

"Ahh? Could it be that she wants to win over Concubine Zhang?" Zhi Fu was puzzled. "But wouldn't that be pointless? What use is Concubine Zhang's family now, apart from her sickly brother's title?"

Yun Li smiled gently and shook her head. "Why do you think Concubine Zhang said those words?"

"Well... I think she might be afraid of death and trying to provoke Her Majesty the Empress. Perhaps she hopes that when His Majesty returns to the capital, he'll remember the late Crown Prince and the current Second Prince, and perhaps only demote her instead of taking her life," Zhi Fu replied.

"I don't quite see it that way. Actually, Concubine Zhang is someone who can put her life on the line. At this point, she probably isn't afraid of death. She's waiting for His Majesty to return to the capital, but what does she plan to do then?" A faint smile tugged at the corners of Yun Li's mouth. "Do you recall how she followed the Crown Princess from the Eastern Palace? She was once the Empress's only supporter. Think about how much she knows about the Empress."

"What about Shu Shu Fei? Why did she suddenly bring up those matters? If I could guess, couldn't she? When someone knows they're going to die, they won't keep any secrets. Concubine Zhang has hatred in her heart. She hates both her own deceased Crown Prince and the child she miscarried. When she sees His Majesty, she might expose the Empress's crimes."

"Madam, I understand now. Empress Shu wants her to meet with His Majesty! If His Majesty becomes enraged, he might depose the Empress..." Zhi Fu's heartbeat quickened.

"Once the Empress is deposed, a new one must be appointed. I can't think of any noble lady capable of overpowering the others in the harem." Yun Li shook her head.

"At that time, if we were to choose from within the harem, as a member of the Yuanzheng clan, Noble Consort would have no chance. And as for me... You're right. My family background includes Minister Qi. I've also been in the harem long enough, received His Majesty's favor, and have children. Even if I don't wish for it, there will be many who would suggest it."

"It's beside the point whether His Majesty will become suspicious or not. If I were to become the Empress, Ninth Prince would become the legitimate son. His Majesty would have no choice but to appoint him. Suddenly, everything would be perfect, like flowers in full bloom and oil boiling in a raging fire. My son and I might not be able to handle such prosperity."

"So then, wouldn't the obedient Song family and the submissive Concubine Shu appear pure and harmless? Given my current conflict with the Empress Dowager, she might even gain her support."

Zhi Fu's face paled. "Then... should we advise Her Majesty to execute Lady Zhang?"

Yun Li plucked a flower and placed it in Zhi Fu's hair. "It doesn't matter. I was only speaking of what Concubine Shu thinks. She believes this. But in my opinion, even if the Empress has many shortcomings, they pale in comparison to her utilitarian attitude toward the Fourth Prince. Do you think the Emperor is unaware of the happenings in the harem? He simply chooses not to intervene in certain matters. He knows full well what his Empress, his own bedmate, has done. In this current situation, I worry that he would be reluctant to depose the Empress, even if others wish for it."

Zhi Fu sighed in relief. "This servant is reassured. Concubine Shu truly has changed."

"In truth, she's always been clever. It would be strange for someone in her position not to have ambition," Yun Li continued, walking forward.

It was still early, and the day had yet to become sweltering. They reached the lakeside, where they watched the flowers sway on the water.

Yun Li felt rather content.

She gazed at the lake, slowly exhaling.

"Regardless, the Second Prince seems to have lost his chance," Zhi Fu remarked.

Yun Li smiled but remained silent.

However, the next day, the Second Prince submitted a memorial, accusing Princess Zhangzhao of causing his mother's death and requesting the Emperor to seek justice for Concubine Xuan.

But this memorial was sent northward, and it wasn't until ten days later that the palace became aware of its existence.

Everyone found themselves at a loss for words.

The facts were as they were, but the Second Prince's immediate change of attitude left many feeling somewhat disillusioned.

To make Princess Zhangzhao uncomfortable, the Empress promptly instructed someone to convey the news to the Zhao Hua Palace.

In the Zhao Hua Palace, everyone was present except for Xiang Ming.

All were living in constant fear, their ten days of confinement feeling like an eternity.

Upon hearing this new development, they were even more distraught.

They had expected the Second Prince to plead on their behalf, or perhaps...or perhaps he would remain silent.

Yet, upon reflection, they realized that, considering Princess Zhangzhao was indeed responsible for Concubine Xuan's death, the Second Prince's actions were not unjustified.

In comparison to the Third Prince's affection for Madam Xu, the Second Prince's treatment of her appears all the more indifferent.

Particularly those words in his memorial, about being 'deceived by them for years,' 'too weak to resist,' 'never trusting the Zhangs' words,' 'always suspecting the Zhangs' intentions,' 'pleading for the Emperor's severe punishment,' and 'desiring their swift elimination.'

Such words never sit well with the ear.

He also mentioned that Zhu Ming was a person given to him by Empress Zhang. Who's to say this incident isn't another scheme of Empress Zhang's?

This is where it becomes distasteful.

When Princess Zhangyaoyuan heard the account relayed by the queen's attendants, she did not entertain any doubts.

Could she, who had raised the child herself, be unaware of its nature?

The Second Prince is indeed cunning, but alas, his tactics are inadequate.

Now that trouble has arisen and he's been forced to return, if it hadn't happened to her, he would naturally have relied on himself.

Regrettably, with his own affairs in disarray, there was no one to vouch for him anymore. In the first instance, he sought to pin all these matters on her.

Empress Zhang was relatively composed; after all, he wasn't her own flesh and blood, just an incompetent creature. But at this moment, she missed her own child even more. In her hand, she held a small silver hairpin. This was what the Crown Prince had worn during the New Year celebrations of the year he passed away. She would often look at it, polishing it meticulously. Gazing at it made her feel as if the child was still before her. If only the Crown Prince were still alive... If only he were still alive, how could things have come to this? Tears fell from her eyes onto the hairpin, which she quickly wiped clean. In just ten short days, Empress Zhang seemed to have aged a decade. This time, she knew she couldn't escape her fate, nor did she wish to. All she wanted was to see His Majesty one last time.

She took a deep breath, stowed away her belongings, and sat down on the veranda as usual. "Carry on with your duties as always. As long as I'm still alive, all of you should do the same."

None dared to speak, so they could only mumble their way back to their chores.

Of course, Emperor Zhenzong was aware of Princess Zhang's situation.

Now that he knew, the other princes and princesses were also informed.

Everyone was astonished.

The Ninth Prince went to find He Jincheng.

"Father, is this really true? That's awfully tragic for Second Brother, isn't it?"

He Jincheng glared. "What does it matter if it's true or not? Why are you asking?"

The Ninth Prince chuckled. "Dad, I was wrong."

"Are you aware of your mistake but unwilling to correct it?" Prince He Jingli asked.

"I am willing to change, Father. My visit here is to say that if this matter truly implicates Second Brother, then he is innocent," the Ninth Prince chuckled. "Alright, alright, that was a white lie. Truth be told, I came because I was worried about displeasing you. No matter who is at fault, you are without blame and shouldn't be upset. You shouldn't punish yourself for someone else's mistake."