Chapter 447 – People Eventually Grow Old

Chapter 447 - People Eventually Grow Old

It was just that her body needed time to recover from the strain.

Yun Li had made up her mind: after summer, she would never drink it again in autumn.

As she bitterly downed a bowl of medicine, she pondered.

In the evening, when He Jinli saw Zhi Fu applying ointment on her wound, it was clearly a scar-reducing treatment.

Unfortunately, it wasn't very effective.

Mainly because she had collided with a tree trunk back then, which was rough, causing the wound to be uneven.

The scar, the size of a broad bean, was bumpy.

He Jinli gently lifted Yun Li's chin and said, "Doesn't it seem smaller than during the New Year?"

Yun Li herself didn't feel any difference.

Zhi Fu hurriedly replied, "Your Majesty, the imperial physician said that with time, it might shrink a bit and eventually flatten. However... it's unlikely to completely disappear."

Hao Jinli nodded, indicating that he understood.

Yun Li was unconcerned. "The crown prince is already so grown-up; it doesn't matter if I have a scar."

"Had you been twenty and got a scar, you'd still not care," Hao Jinli huffed.

"I don't want a scar either. Does having one mean I can't live?" Yun Li laughed wryly.

Hao Jinli looked at her scar. "Actually, you could get a tattoo over it. Something decorative."

Does the tattoo not hurt? Are you disgusted with me? You have plenty of youthful and beautiful consorts in your harem; go to them then. Why bother with me? " Yun Li furrowed her brows.

"Would I ever disdain you?" He Jinli sighed. "Fine, fine, I won't mention it again in the future."

Actually, he was afraid that Yun Li would feel disheartened.

Imagining himself in her place, a peerless beauty suddenly left with a scar.

Despite its position at the hairline, it was still a scar. Though it might fade with time and become less noticeable, it was still an imperfection on a flawless jade.

He worried that Yun Li would be distressed when she looked at it, yet he also feared she'd be too strong-willed to admit it.

He felt a deep sense of regret as well. A woman like Yun Li shouldn't have been left with such a blemish.

The mere thought filled him with hatred. Xie Shi truly deserved death.

Anyway, by now, the emperor's affection for Xie Yiyan, his former wife, had long vanished into thin air.

After applying the medicine, Yun Li said, "I'll grow old even without this injury. Can I remain beautiful forever?"

He Jinli replied with a nod, acknowledging her words.

But in his heart, he whispered that she wasn't old yet. There were probably still two decades before she aged significantly, whereas he, alas, was genuinely growing old.

Now, when He Jinli gazed into the mirror, he couldn't help but feel nostalgic about his wrinkles.

Indeed, with his deep-set eyes, he would still be an attractive elderly man when he aged.

But when he met Yun Li, he couldn't help but wonder—did she find him unappealing?

Yet, he didn't sense any disdain from her.

He was indeed no longer young.

But Yun Li was right—everyone would grow old eventually.

---

Madam Xie's days in Yining Pavilion were difficult.

Of course, Yun Li wouldn't deliberately make things hard for her, but how well could a commoner like her really fare?

Especially now, both Concubine Min and Concubine Wu had come to visit.

Both held grudges.

For years, they had to bow their heads before the Empress because she was the Empress.

Now that she's in this state, aren't they just coming to have a look?

Min Fei's eyes were red-rimmed. "Back then, in the Eastern Palace, you went to great lengths to harm me for fear that I might give birth to an imperial grandchild. So what now? Even as an empress, it's useless. Giving birth to an imperial son is useless. You don't have that fate."

"Who do you think you are, being so smug about your lack of favor?" Xie Yiyao huffed. "You can only act wildly in front of me. If you had the guts, go challenge the Empress Xiaian instead!"

"You still call yourself 'this palace'? What are you? Just a commoner," Wu Zhaoong said with a cold gaze. "Yes, we may not be favored, but so what? When we die, we'll be buried in the concubine mausoleum alongside the emperor. But where will you be buried? The emperor hates you; you've hurt his beloved. You might not even make it into the concubine mausoleum."

Xie Yiyao was stunned. "You! What nonsense are you spouting? Even if I'm deposed, I'm still the mother of His Majesty's child. Why would...?"

"But you were planning to kill the mother of the crown prince. He's the next emperor. When he ascends the throne, why would he allow you to be buried beside his mother?" Wu Zhaoong was reveling in her triumph. "You'll end up in some desolate wilderness. After your son dies, no one will remember to tend to your grave. Since he can't sire children and refuses to take a wife, there will be no descendants. In a few decades, no one will even remember you. You'll be a lonely, wandering spirit."

"That's impossible! Impossible! Shut up, shut up for this palace!" Xie Yiyao struggled to rise, but it was hopeless.

Wu Zhaoong laughed heartily, the first time in decades that she felt such satisfaction.

The two left Yining Pavilion, and Wu Zhaoong wiped away her tears. "Now, I can finally sleep well."

"Let's return."

Empress Min gazed at her, feeling a pang of sorrow within.

In these past few years, Concubine Wu had undergone significant changes.

She was still talkative and sharp-tongued, but she no longer provoked Empress Xiaian.

She had also become kinder towards her own people, showing particular favor to the younger palace maids and eunuchs.

At this age, what else could one desire? Wasn't it simply a longing for a child?

Or perhaps it was the memory of the child they themselves were unable to keep back then.

They took pleasure in the Empress's downfall, but what comes after this satisfaction?

Princess Min gazed at the scarlet walls and green tiles of the palace, her heart filled with emptiness.

In the end, she had devoted half her life to this place.

Xie Yixiao feared not being able to rest in the Imperial Concubine Mausoleum after death. But were those who could truly find happiness in it?

Having spent her entire life in solitude, would she still be alone in the afterlife?

Min Fei didn't know the answer; she only felt a deep sorrow within her.

---

Yun Li kept her word. When Xie Yixiao's illness worsened due to the stimulation, she sent imperial physicians to attend to her with utmost care.

When Xie Yixiao refused to take her medicine, they forcefully fed her medicinal pills.

If she was too strong-willed, they resorted to force-feeding her.

After several attempts, she reluctantly drank the medicine, if only to avoid the suffering that came with being forcefully fed.

Despite this continuous torment, her health deteriorated even further.

However, as long as she remained alive, she could not escape the torment.

She was well aware of this fact.

The Qin Prince apologized and secluded himself for self-reflection, not stepping out.

The First Princess hadn't entered the palace either; even if she did, she wouldn't be able to meet anyone. She didn't wish to humiliate herself unnecessarily.

With the Xie family expelled, the capital had finally returned to tranquility after their brief period of prominence.

Perhaps the Xie family's destiny wasn't as fortunate as they seemed, unable to withstand such opulence.

This newly risen noble family of the Chongzheng era ultimately couldn't endure the trials of adversity.

Meanwhile, a prominent figure from an established aristocratic household, Minister Qi, had entered the palace.

In the Jade Channel Palace, he sat sipping tea.

Minister Qi had aged significantly as well. He was indeed no longer young.

Being almost eighty years old and still maintaining keen senses and a clear mind was no small feat.

"Has Uncle Qi been in good health lately?" Yun Li asked.

"I have some lingering ailments, but otherwise, I'm well. Thank you for your concern, Your Majesty," Qi Xiang said.

His hair was mostly white, though his spirit remained sprightly.

Yun Li hesitated before speaking frankly. "His Majesty has already issued an edict for the Ministry of Rites and the Imperial Household Department to prepare for the establishment of a queen. My ceremonial robes are also being made."

Qi Xiang rose to his feet. "Congratulations to Your Majesty."