Chapter 441 – No Need to Look for Me

Chapter 441 - No Need to Look for Me

After provoking the Virtuous Empress without success, how could she escape her wrath?

As soon as He Jinli returned, the Eldest Princess requested an audience with the emperor.

He Jinli refused to see her—this was unprecedented.

Among all the princesses, the Eldest Princess had always held a unique position. It had never happened before that she was denied an audience with the emperor.

Now that Qin Wang knew everything, he also sought an audience, not to plead for mercy but for some inexplicable reason.

He Jinli still refused to see him and instead summoned Meng Chang to inquire, "His Majesty asks if Your Highness wishes to visit the Southern Palace?"

The Qin Wang was taken aback, then smiled bitterly. "Forget it, I'm not young anymore; it wouldn't be proper to keep hiding. Tell Father that I'm worried about his health."

Meng Chang replied with a smile, then conveyed the message.

Hearing this, He Jinli didn't comment much, but he was undoubtedly delighted. These years of caring for the child hadn't been in vain; he knew how to appreciate kindness.

Yun Li wasn't in a hurry to meet the Empress either, as she had her own pile of matters to attend to. It was inevitable that they would meet eventually, so why rush now?

It was impossible for her to abandon her responsibilities at this moment.

Recovering her health was essential, but if she were to let go now, who knew what the Lady Shu might attempt.

Her words were merely provocations and not to be taken too seriously.

In early October, the Sixth Prince's wedding took place.

It was a close call indeed.

The Sixth Prince's wedding was unremarkable, following the standard procedures for royal weddings.

Given the circumstances this year and He Jinli's lingering resentment, he lacked the enthusiasm to make any special arrangements; thus, everything proceeded as usual.

The palace didn't go all out for the celebration either, simply moving forward with the customary proceedings.

The following day, Lin was escorted to the palace for an audience with the Empress Dowager. Yun Li received her imperial gifts, and that was that.

Despite the Shufei and her son's inaction, the situation had already escalated to this point. Clearly, any further developments would only be more challenging for them.

As for the Empress, she was now entirely out of reach as a tool to exploit.

Shufei was also concerned about the Empress' suicidal tendencies. But worrying was futile; it was not advisable for her to visit the Empress at this time.

If the Empress were to say anything, Shufei would have no choice but to deny it outright.

After all, the Empress had gone mad.

Contrary to expectations, the Empress was now strikingly composed, no longer displaying the madness from the previous year. She was acting with a clear mind.

With her attendants replaced by strangers unfamiliar with her temperament, they cautiously served her.

Upon realizing her defeat, the Empress felt a slight disappointment. Instead of dwelling on it, she waited patiently for Qi Yunli to come.

The wait extended through the entire year.

In late October, Yinchá and Zhu Dǐng returned. Zhu Dǐng had significantly improved but still required more rest.

However, Yinchá still experienced blackouts and had become extremely frail.

She didn't wish to leave the palace, but now she was also lost. If she could no longer serve, what would her future hold?

Yún Lì suggested, "Stay here for now, rest until spring. Once you feel better, do whatever you can. If not, assist Lúwěi in taking care of her children. Her youngest son was sent away at the age of one."

Yinchá was deeply moved and knelt to express her gratitude.

Yún Lì pondered that if the blood clot was causing pressure on her optic nerve, it might dissipate over time, leading to recovery.

But this would certainly take time.

As expected, the court physician confirmed the presence of a blood clot and prescribed medication. Her condition was progressing positively.

The New Year celebrations were rather subdued.

Given the multitude of witnesses at the incident, attempting to conceal it was futile. Not only those present knew, but even those absent had surmised what had transpired.

In any case, it was the Empress.

Yun Li displayed her scar openly. At that moment, the scar was a vivid red mark, resembling a tiny kidney bean.

It wasn't necessarily unattractive, but it was by no means unsightly either.

She didn't even bother to hide it with her hair.

She displayed it brazenly and without reservation.

Yun Li had always been perplexed as to why a beautiful person was considered disfigured by a small scar.

Were people blind?

When she looked at herself in the mirror, she didn't perceive it as a significant issue.

Hao Jinli didn't mind either.

It was merely a pang of sympathy when one looked upon her plight.

Thus, during the New Year celebrations, everyone bore witness to the scar on her face.

Regardless of what people might have thought, no one dared to bring it up.

Spring arrived as scheduled in the twenty-sixth year of the Chongzhen era.

The seventh prince's wedding was set for the first month of the lunar calendar.

And the crown prince's marriage was planned for the third day of the second month.

The Empress waited, hoping for either the Emperor or Concubine Xiaian to visit, but neither came.

She understood that the Emperor couldn't sentence her to death at this time; her demise would necessitate a delay in the crown prince's wedding.

Yet, she found herself unable to muster the resolve to take her own life.

On the sixth day of the first month, the seventh prince married, and Empress Min wept with tearful eyes.

Although the Seventh Prince knew that Concubine Min was not his birth mother, she had spared no effort in doting on him all these years. Hence, he was deeply moved. Cao Shi was also a well-behaved child in Yun Li's eyes, so she bestowed many rewards upon her. On the seventh day, Cao Shi was brought in to pay her respects. Looking at the couple's bashful expressions, Yun Li could tell that they were both feeling awkward. This was a good sign.

On the seventh day, after bidding farewell to Prince Qi and his consort, Princess Eldest sought an audience with Yun Li.

Aware of the matter at hand, Yun Li instructed her attendants, "Tell her I'm tired and not receiving visitors."

Outside the Jade Channel Palace, the princess refused to leave. "Just tell Empress Wei that if she's weary, she should rest. I'll wait here."

Zhi Fu sighed, relaying the message. "I'm afraid she won't be at ease without seeing you."

Yun Li shook her head. "Never mind. Let her in."

Yun Li's health had not fully recovered, and she still needed rest and quiet.

Her complexion was still somewhat pale, but after this period of recuperation, she had gained some weight.

The First Princess came in to pay her respects. "Greetings to Empress Wei."

"First Princess, there's no need for formalities. Please sit," Yun Li waved her hand.

As the First Princess sat down, she said, "I don't understand why Father forbids me from seeing Mother... I hope Empress Wei could enlighten me."

Looking at her, Yun Li's face was devoid of any smile. "So, you've come to interrogate me?"

"I dare not," the First Princess replied, taken aback.

"Dare not? I see no sign of fear. If your father forbids you from seeing the Empress, why don't you ask him yourself? Why come to me? What reason do I have to tell you?" Yun Li sneered. "I have never wronged or schemed against you, and yet you come here to pressure me with such questions. Do you think it's reasonable? Or is it that, as an adult, you truly have no idea what your mother has done?"

The First Princess was momentarily at a loss for words.

"I... I spoke out of turn, and I dare not press you. It's just that I'm genuinely worried..." The First Princess clenched her teeth, stood up, and knelt. "Empress Wei, Mother has become confused. She doesn't even know what she's doing now. I beg of you... please show mercy."

"Rise. A legitimate princess should not kneel before me; I am unworthy of such respect." Yun Li also stood up. "There's no need for you to seek me out, and I won't urge your mother to depart this world. However, every action has its consequences, and over the years, I've been well aware of each and every incident. My tolerance doesn't mean I forgive all. You needn't come to me in the future."

"I haven't forgotten about Prince Lu's youngest son, so don't be afraid."