Chapter 394: Meeting Downstairs

Chapter 394: Meeting Downstairs

She had spoken more than usual today and was slightly breathless.

Yun Li gazed at her, recalling the time when she first entered the palace and saw the Empress Rong.

With infinite splendor, towering above all.

She seemed like a different person from the Qi Qingluan who was now lying incapacitated on her sickbed.

Yet, there was not much difference in the expression around her eyes and brows. She still carried an air of arrogance.

Yun Li said, "Back then, you despised me deeply. Now, you're afraid that I might be hurt. Such is the unpredictable nature of life."

Qī Qingluán chuckled. "Yes, at this point, I just wish for your well-being, both for the sake of the Qī family and yourself. Wouldn't it be wonderful if all the daughters of our Qī family could be like you?"

Perhaps, deep down, she wasn't someone utterly malicious.

When they left the palace years ago, she had advised Yun Li not to fixate on the emperor. How pitiful were the women who fell in love with the emperor...

"I appreciate your kindness," Yun Li said.

It wasn't forgiveness.

But there was no need to continue hating her either. In the end, she had merely lost to herself time and again.

When Yun Li was about to leave, Qi Qingluan was deeply reluctant.

In truth, it wasn't that she couldn't bear to part with Yun Li but rather that she couldn't bear to see her family depart, for this farewell would be a permanent one.

Tears streaming down her face, she sat there like a tiny boat adrift in a storm, yet ultimately, she had to accept her fate.

Yun Li and Qi Xiang didn't rush off; they remained in the palace, sipping tea.

Only after two hours did they finally set off on their return journey.

There were still matters that needed to be discussed in private.

On the way back to the palace, Yun Li remained silent, feeling somewhat weary.

It has been nearly two decades of ups and downs in this imperial harem. She has witnessed both the heights of glory and the depths of despair.

From the outside, her rise has seemed nothing short of glamorous. But how could she not be aware of her own exhaustion?

Upon her return to the palace, the Ninth Prince arrived promptly.

"Mother, are you well?"

"I'm fine, very much so," Yun Li replied.

"Mother, is Aunt not doing well?" the Ninth Prince asked.

"Aunt?" Yun Li chuckled. "I almost forgot, you can address her as Aunt." She shook her head. "Indeed, she's not doing well. But don't worry about me, child."

"But you seem quite unhappy," the Ninth Prince observed.

"How can Mother be joyful when someone is on the verge of death? Even though there's no affection between us, we share the same family roots," Yun Li explained.

The Ninth Prince nodded in understanding. "That's true."

"Why are you here?"

"The Emperor sent word for me to come once you returned. He didn't mention anything else. As for Qi Jieyu's condition, I heard about it from the servants," the Ninth Prince explained.

Yun Li smiled. Was He Jinli afraid that she would be upset?

Perhaps he assumed she still cared for Qi Jieyu since she was willing to visit her?

In reality, her visit was merely a detour; her main purpose was to speak privately with Minister Qi.

"You're thoughtful," Yun Li said without delving into details.

"Ai, it seems this year isn't going well either. Fourth Uncle just passed away, and now Qi Jieyu is unwell. I've heard that there are others in the palace who are severely ill," the Ninth Prince commented.

"Are you talking about Li Baolin?" Yun Li couldn't quite recall. "I heard she was very sick some time ago."

"I've heard she might not make it," the Ninth Prince chuckled. "Mother, did you really slash her face back then? The rumors outside are outrageous."

"Mother aimed for her neck back then. Didn't they say Mother intended to kill her? At that time, I had fallen into the water, filled with anger. Since she had wronged me so much, I thought I might as well fulfill her wish. But she blocked, and the blade ended up on her face," Yun Li recounted.

The Ninth Prince was taken aback. His mother truly was formidable.

Yun Li shook her head. "I'm not as hot-tempered as I used to be in my youth."

"I don't believe that. You still have the same temperament; you just probably won't do it yourself now," the Ninth Prince, who knew his mother well, replied.

Yun Li chuckled. "That's true. Have you had your lunch? I'm starving. Call for the meal to be served."

"I'll join you for a bite," the Ninth Prince offered.

Boys of his age could easily digest five meals a day. Moreover, imperial princes didn't just study; they also practiced horseback riding and archery, which required even more energy.

Not only Yun Li and the Ninth Prince were aware of Qi Jieyu's misfortune.

Soon, the news spread throughout the harem.

Mainly because it was impossible to keep Yun Li's departure from the palace in the morning a secret.

The Empress was furious. "Consort Xian is becoming increasingly disrespectful towards me. She dared to seek out His Majesty without going through me. Hmph, she's acting recklessly, relying on her favor with the Emperor."

"Your Majesty, please calm your anger. It's not a major issue, just a concubine. Even if the Emperor were to confer a posthumous title, it would only be up to the rank of Nine Ladies. Why take such offense over this?" Ruyi said.

"The Empress furrowed her brow. "How can you say it's not a big deal? She went out with Minister Qi today."

"Well... they have had contact before. What's so unusual about one more outing? Perhaps it's because Qi Concubine is no longer well, and Minister Qi went to visit her on the Emperor's behalf," Ruyi suggested.

The Empress sneered. "I don't believe that for a moment. But we can't act hastily now."

They had to wait until Prince Fifth was married first.

Qi Concubine passed away early in the morning, four days later.

Before she left, she didn't utter any complaints. It seemed she had truly let go.

She and the Empress were born in the same year, with their birthdays only a few days apart – one on the first day of the lunar month, the other on the seventh. Yet, their fates were vastly different.

Still, she thought, even though her end was tragic, she had her cousin to look after her affairs and ensure she wasn't treated too cruelly. Though her life in the palace had lost its luster, she had never lacked food or clothing these past years.

And what of the Empress? Does having both a son and a daughter truly make her life easier?

No one knew better than Qi Qingluan how formidable Yun Li was.

With Yun Li being so favored, could the Empress possibly sleep soundly?

Her father was such a powerful figure, but she hadn't understood him in the past.

In the end, it was her mother who had raised her to be somewhat naive. But over these years, upon reflection, everything became clear.

With a mother like Yun Li and an uncle like Qi Xiang, how could the Ninth Prince not become the Crown Prince?

Ha, she wouldn't believe it.

So, Empress Xiè Yihao, are you truly content?

Today, I'm merely succumbing to illness; my body can no longer endure. Your fate in the future may well be a hundred times more miserable than mine today.

Keep striving, keep fighting; we'll meet again below.

Qingluan Qi closed her eyes, severing the final connection with this world.

When Yun Li heard of Qi Jiewei's passing, she didn't react strongly.

She simply instructed her servants to follow the established rituals.

Upon hearing the news, He Jinli asked that Qi Jiewei's body be taken to the resting place for the concubines.

Posthumously, she was elevated to the rank of a princess and her original title, Rong, was restored to her.

She was buried with the rites befitting a Concubine Rong.

This posthumous honor was a gesture of respect to Consort Xian, to Minister Qi, and to Prince Ji.

Yet, it overlooked the Empress's dignity and refused to consider the Xiao family's reputation.

Had His Majesty forgotten what Qi Qingluan and her brother had done, or was it because recent actions by the Empress had irked him?

The Empress lacked the courage to inquire further into this matter.

"Rest assured with the extras, I'll notify when it's concluded."