Chapter 366 – Final Words

Chapter 366 - Final Words

Yun Li merely shot him a withering glance before turning back to sleep.

Hao Jinli didn't mind the glare; he left in high spirits.

Yun Li slept until noon. Thus, she was unaware of the situation in Fengyi Palace that morning.

When the Empress arrived in the morning, everyone learned that the Virtuous Consort had taken leave.

Taking leave was not unusual, but it was peculiar that, upon the Emperor's return to the capital, he visited the Virtuous Consort first, only for her to be on leave that very morning.

This couldn't help but spark speculation.

The Virtuous Consort was no longer young, though she preserved her beauty well and showed no signs of aging. However, after so many years, shouldn't the Emperor have grown tired of her?

Many believed that the Emperor's decision to leave her behind on his trip indicated his weariness.

What did you say? She chose not to go herself?

There are those who perceive matters differently, seeking the perspective that suits them best.

Thus, whatever you say is meaningless; they have already made up their minds.

Yet, when His Majesty returned to visit the Virtuous Consort, many felt a sense of discomfort in their hearts.

However, despite their unease, no one dared to voice it out.

It was only Jiang Chongyuan who, in a lighthearted manner, commented, "I suppose Sister Virtuous Consort won't be rising early today."

Her jest elicited a few polite smiles from the crowd.

By the time He Jingenli dismissed court, met with officials, and finished most of his duties, he found himself with some spare time.

It was then that Meng Chang came to report about Lady Zhangshao's situation.

"The Empress has merely ordered her to reflect on her actions behind closed doors. Nothing else has changed significantly," Meng Chang informed.

He Jingenli acknowledged with an "Mm-hmm." "She wishes to see me?"

"Yes, word was passed yesterday that she wished to see you. Today, they insisted that Your Majesty must grant her an audience," Meng Chang reported.

He Jianli smiled, though there was no trace of amusement in his eyes.

"In that case, I shall visit her this afternoon."

"Mm-hmm." Meng Chang acknowledged, inwardly musing that if Concubine Zhang were to say anything inappropriate, her life would truly be in jeopardy.

In the afternoon, Yun Li didn't take a nap, for fear that she'd be too exhausted at night if she did.

Upon hearing from the red-crowned crane that the emperor was visiting the Zhao Hua Palace, she merely hummed in response.

The Zhao Hua Palace had once been a grand residence. Although it wasn't particularly close to the Zheng Yang Palace, it was near the Imperial Garden and spacious.

Back then, it was considered one of the more opulent palaces.

At that time, He Jianli's harem wasn't large. On one side was the Zhao Hua Palace, belonging to Concubine Jin De, while on the other was the Zui Yun Palace, the residence of Concubine Lan. Both were exquisite corners of the palace grounds.

There were also the Cuiwei Palace and the other two, considered the finest on the western side of the palace complex. It seemed that the feng shui here was not particularly auspicious. None of the servants who greeted Emperor Zhaohua as he entered the Zhaohua Palace appeared overjoyed, despite the doors being opened after many days of closure. Jinyi had visited this place often in the past; but after the death of the crown prince, his visits became scarce. Presently, only Concubine Zhang resided within these halls. She emerged to greet him. Dressed in a simple gown of light purple, it instantly reminded Jinyi of the attire she wore when she first entered the Eastern Palace. The garment itself was not the same, but the color was identical to that from those bygone years.

It seemed back then that he had even praised her refinement.

With a mocking smile on his lips, Jinyi He entered the room and took a seat at the head of the table.

"I've come at your request to see me," he said. "Speak your mind."

Zhang Zhaojun smiled and, after serving him tea herself, asked, "May I sit down?"

"Sit," He Jinyi indicated with a glance toward a chair.

Zhang sat down and smiled again, appearing in high spirits.

But paired with her haggard appearance and snow-white temples, it was a dissonant sight.

"I am well aware that I deserve death," Zhang sighed softly. "Yet I cannot help but feel resentment. I had to see you one last time before I die."

He Jinyi remained silent, listening intently.

Empress Concubine Zhang continued, "Of course, I deserve no mercy. I'll accept my fate even if it means death. This life has been pitiful, without family background or the chance to see my son grow up. No matter how I submitted or humbled myself, Your Majesty never truly favored me."

She smiled again. "Your favorites have always been Lady Xu, Lady Li, and Lady Qi. They all share a common trait: courage and confidence, especially the Virtuous Empress."

"Unfortunately, I am reserved by nature and could never be like them."

"Had you only wanted to say this?" Emperor He Jingli asked, not expressing his unwillingness to listen.

"After serving you for so many years, let's reminisce about the past," Empress Concubine Zhang said with a faint smile. "I just feel that this life has been meaningless."

"You resent my schemes, but no one in the palace is spotless. You favor the Virtuous Empress, but is she really innocent? She's made attempts several times, whether on Lady Xu or me. While we deserve punishment, she might not be entirely blameless."

"He did take action," Emperor He Jingli replied, looking at her. "But she never hid it from me. I'm not naive. Life in the palace is difficult, and your struggles are expected. As long as they don't escalate too far, I turn a blind eye."

"The Virtuous Empress may not be an innocent and pure-hearted person. But it's precisely her openness with me that I value. Even if she has a thousand faults, there's one thing I appreciate—her honesty with me," Emperor He Jingli explained.

"Are you sure, Your Majesty? Can you be certain that everything she tells you is the truth?" Empress Concubine Zhang taunted. "Who in the harem doesn't admire Your Majesty? Everyone wishes for others to lose favor while they gain it. Is it different for Lady Qi Yunli?"

"Yes, the women of the harem do admire me," Emperor He Jingli smiled. "But with Yunli, it's admiration for the person I am."

Princess Zhang was taken aback before breaking into a rueful smile. "Your Majesty truly… Ah, so it's like that. It turns out to be like this. This subject truly had no idea."

Hekunli furrowed his brow. "All you want to do is speak ill of Concubine Xian?"

Princess Zhang smiled again, a hint of mockery in her expression. "No, what this subject wants to talk about is the Empress."

"Do you know how much the Empress has done these past years?"

Hekunli remained still, seemingly indicating for her to continue.

What Princess Zhang wanted to say, she had been pondering for a long time.

So, she revealed everything she knew.

Hekunli did not interrupt throughout, and his expression remained largely unchanged.

When she finally finished, he stood up. "Done talking? Since you yourself acknowledge your heinous crimes, there's no need for mercy."

"How can Your Majesty tolerate the Empress?" Princess Zhang's voice rose.

Prince He Jingli looked at her. "Have I not tolerated you until now?"

Princess Zhang was taken aback. Seeing that Prince He Jingli was about to leave, she rushed forward again and threw herself at his legs, kneeling down. "Your Highness, I only beg of you one thing. Just one thing."

"Speak," Prince He Jingli said indifferently.

"I beg of you to posthumously ennoble the First Prince. I beg of you...to consider him as your eldest son. Ennoble him, give him an adopted child, so that someone can burn incense and pay their respects to him..."

"How about 'Happy Early Summer' for the next novel? What do you think of writing an apocalyptic world?"