Chapter 446 – A Failed Human Being

Chapter 446 - A Failed Human Being

The Empress fell silent instantly, stunned by the words.

"You've failed as a person. I truly don't need to order your death. Live on, for as long as possible. But from now on, you won't have any contact with the outside world. I won't allow anyone to mistreat you; you'll live comfortably, taking medicine when needed and nourishing yourself when necessary. For a very long time, until you can no longer feel your legs. Perhaps you'll still be alive."

Yun Li turned around. "Oh, by the way, do you want to guess why the Sixth Prince lost his chance at succession after your medicine was tampered with?"

By the time Yun Li finished speaking, she had already left.

The Empress was struck dumb, as if by lightning. She couldn't utter another word.

After Yun Li had been gone for quite some time, the Empress let out a heart-wrenching howl.

It was unclear whether it was out of fear or fury, but the sound that emerged didn't resemble a human voice.

Yun Li's steps didn't falter in the slightest.

Perhaps the Empress was no longer afraid of being executed, but she lacked the courage to take her own life.

To see her queenly status lost while she yet lives might only amplify her agony.

Perhaps she thought that, at this point, the worst that could happen was death in this position of empress.

This time, however, He Jinli would not permit her to evade so easily.

Even if she doesn't have much time left, that's not an option.

Even if she were to die, she would have to be discarded.

The reason for the delay was solely to avoid disrupting the Prince's grand wedding ceremony, for fear that an annulment before the event would taint the royal reputation with a negative stigma.

Soon, more petitions to depose the empress emerged, and some even dug up past incidents involving the Xie family.

To be frank, in these large, influential families, with so many individuals involved, there are bound to be some less savory affairs hidden from public view.

Could they possibly be entirely spotless?

It's just that usually, no one investigates, and if the matters at hand aren't severe, the authorities turn a blind eye.

At this point, even the tiniest spark could ignite a wildfire. What was once insignificant had now become critical.

By early March, the matter had become pressing.

Even the Empress Dowager took the initiative to comment, "Xie's conduct is so despicable that she is unworthy of being empress. After a hundred years, she will lie in the same coffin with you. How can such a woman befitting?"

Prince He Jinli sighed. "Mother, your guidance is well-taken."

"The emperor, you are a merciful ruler, but there are times when you must be firm," the Empress Dowager said.

Of course, these were polite words; by now, it was clear that the emperor intended to depose his empress.

But the Empress Dowager still felt the need to offer her counsel.

Thus, after the Empress Dowager had her say, the imperial edict to dethrone the empress was finally officially issued.

The empress was accused of seven offenses: disobedience, disrespect, lack of benevolence and compassion, plotting against concubines, attempting to harm the royal offspring, and deceiving the emperor.

Xie was demoted to a commoner and permanently confined to Yining Pavilion, not to be released until death.

The Xie family was exiled in its entirety, never to return to the capital.

The imperial edict made no mention of the princess and Prince Qin, the brother and sister.

However, after the decree deposing the empress, Duke He Jinli specially instructed his people to reward Prince Qin as a sign that the Xie clan's misfortune would not affect him.

Xie Yiyao was carried out of the Phoenix Palace and sent to the Yining Pavilion.

From that day on, she was to have no further contact with the outside world.

Not even the First Princess or Prince Qin were granted an audience.

At this point, the First Princess no longer had any requests to make. What else was there for her to seek?

The matter of deposing the empress was handled by He Jinli swiftly and decisively. Even if there were objections within the court, it was already too late to alter the course.

Of course, many more took the opportunity to pile on, urging the Emperor to severely punish both the First Princess and Prince Qin.

They quieted down after being scolded by He Jinli.

Since the empress has been deposed, a new one must be appointed.

This time, there was no dissenting voice in the court.

They all spoke in unison, advocating for the virtuous concubine.

With the crown prince already designated, it would be absurd for officials to push for another concubine at this point.

However, it wouldn't be proper to appoint a new empress immediately after deposing the previous one.

At the very least, they should wait a year or two.

But the decision was virtually finalized.

Yun Li remained composed about the situation; she had actually thought she would remain a concubine indefinitely.

She hadn't expected to ascend to the throne due to the other party's misstep.

Nonetheless, reflecting on it, she realized that she herself had been in grave danger and narrowly escaped with her life.

As twilight fell, He Jinli arrived to find Yun Li reclining on a luxurious couch, dozing off.

He Jinli waved for everyone to be quiet and walked over to sit down beside her.

From this angle, Yun Li appeared somewhat youthful.

Like an oblivious child.

However, just as he was about to reach out to touch her face, Yun Li suddenly opened her eyes.

When those captivating eyes opened, the hint of innocence would vanish.

"Here you are." Yun Li had not actually been asleep; she had simply been dozing.

"Han today, I received numerous memorandums urging me to elevate you as Empress," He Jinli said with a smile.

"Mm," Yun Li replied nonchalantly.

"Once a year has passed, I will issue the imperial edict. I've already instructed the Ministry of Rites and the Imperial Household Department to prepare for it," He Jinli said, pulling her up into his embrace. "We'll make it a grand occasion then."

"Hmm." Yun Li rested her chin on his shoulder. "Are you worried about me?"

"Of course I am, but you have the experience and you're the mother of the crown prince. Isn't it only fitting?"

Hao Jinli patted her back.

She had been gradually gaining weight, slowly returning to her pre-injury figure. However, Hao Jinli still thought she could afford to be a bit plumper.

"I don't think it's unfitting, but I just never considered it before. It's not that I'm arrogant enough to disregard the position of Empress. When Xie was Empress, I didn't really strive for it either. Now, I can certainly handle it," Yun Li explained.

"You've always been capable." Such a temperament was fit for an empress.

If she were the empress...

How many less troubles would there be in the harem?

But he couldn't say this out loud; she might take offense.

Indeed, if she were the empress, she would undoubtedly have more responsibilities than she did now.

"Isn't it time for our meal? I'm hungry," Yun Li rose from her seat.

Her long hair cascaded down her back; she hadn't ventured out today and had no desire to dress up either.

Jinli gently stroked her hair with a smile. "If you're hungry, just ask someone to serve the meal. Wouldn't your hair be an inconvenience while eating?"

Yun Li nodded and instructed Juyu to arrange her hair, securing it with two hairpins.

"By the way, I'd like to meet Minister Qi," Yun Li said.

"I'll have him come to see you tomorrow," Jinli replied.

Yun Li nodded. "Thank you, Your Majesty."

"Eat heartily, that's how you thank me," Jinli said.

Yun Li didn't comment either way; at dinner, she didn't hold back. However, her capacity was limited compared to Jinli's.

She still needed to continue her medication, but now the focus was on nourishing her body. After two major incidents, Yun Li's medications were strictly scrutinized.

There could be no mistakes.

Doctor Zhu paid no attention to anything else, solely focusing on Yun Li's health and her medications.

Several people took turns monitoring her, vowing that if anything else went wrong, they would all rather not live.

Yun Li's restorative medicine was to be consumed until the height of summer.

Once perspiration increased, she would cease taking it.

Then they would assess her condition. If further nourishment was required, they would resume in the autumn.

Of course, Yun Li didn't wish to continue drinking the medicine, but the emperor wouldn't allow her to be capricious in this matter.

The crown prince also insisted on her adherence to the regimen.

So she had no choice but to yield.

Overall, Yun Li's constitution is robust, and she has regained her health entirely now.