Chapter 337: Present Qin Yuanqing’s Head Within Three Days

Chapter 337: Deliver Qin Yuanqing’s Head Within Three Days

The Empress snapped, "Impossible."

She knew all too well the Xie family massacre.

The Emperor and Grand Tutor Qin had collaborated to frame the illustrious Xie family—generations of guardians of the northern frontier—as traitors and enemies of the state.

If the case were overturned, the Emperor would be forever branded a villain, with no hope of redemption.

That was the Xie family.

The protectors of the northern people, the great heroes of Daqian, who had given their blood and sweat.

One could say that without the Xie family, there would have been no peace in the northern borders for decades.

This wasn’t even up for debate with the Emperor.

As his own wife, she knew better than anyone that he would rather die than exonerate the Xie family.

"Such vehement words, leaving no room for compromise," Empress Dowager Xie hissed. "Clearly, you know every dirty detail of those years."

"My years of sheltering you were truly wasted on a backstabbing snake."

The Empress burned with humiliation.

Of humble origins, though honored as the Princess Consort of Prince Kang, she had always been an outsider among the imperial relatives, once even becoming a laughingstock.

Empress Dowager Xie had shielded her, acted as her patron, fixed her blunders, and helped her earn her place in the imperial family.

Back then, the Emperor was still Prince Kang, who had said that an elder sister-in-law was like a mother, and that she should honor Empress Dowager Xie as such—and she had truly done so.

Who knew it’d come to this?

Between the Emperor and Empress Dowager Xie, she had to stand by the Emperor.

"Sister-in-law, the past is past. Rather than clinging to what’s gone, it would be better to look ahead."

"The Emperor respects and honors you, granting you every luxury. Why not let go of that hatred and resentment, and bury the hatchet?"

Prince Duan cut the Empress a look, full of astonishment, stunned she’d dare spew such shameless words.

Empress Dowager Xie slapped the Empress hard, scolding sharply, "When every father, brother, and nephew in your family has been slaughtered by the Emperor, their corpses in pieces, and you can still love him dearly and think only of his interests—then come back and feed me that crap."

"This One truly regrets protecting you all those years."

Prince Duan stepped forward, pretending to mediate. "Aunt, don’t lose your temper."

"Even if this demand were brought before Father, he would never agree."

"Ask for something else."

"Don’t lose your temper, don’t lose your temper." Prince Duan patted Empress Dowager Xie’s back soothingly, carefully helping her sit down.

The Empress kept her mouth shut, clutching her even more swollen cheek.

Finally, Empress Dowager Xie spoke. "Qin Yuanqing."

"Qin Yuanqing dies."

"Make Qin Yuanqing die just like Erlang—gouge out his eyes, behead him, hang his head on a flagpole, and sever the tendons in his wrists and ankles."

"As long as His Majesty agrees, I will persuade Yongming Grand Princess not to interfere in this matter, but I won't put my seal on the edict."

"Whether to reopen the Qin family's case or execute Qin Yuanqing—take it up with His Majesty. Once you've discussed it, inform me of your decision."

"Empress, Prince Duan, I've already compromised."

"Don't press your advantage and force me to compromise further."

"Grand Tutor Qin has two other sons. Even if Qin Yuanqing dies, there are still Qin Erlang and Qin Silang."

The Empress Dowager had no more to say. She closed her eyes and began fingering her prayer beads.

The Empress and Prince Duan exchanged glances before quietly withdrawing from Changning Palace.

...

"Kill Qin Yuanqing?" Xiao Yao recoiled.

The Empress nodded. "The Empress Dowager demands either a retrial of the Xie family's old case or Qin Yuanqing's execution."

"Your Majesty, Qin Yuanqing is Grand Tutor Qin's eldest son, the one he has placed all his hopes in. If Qin Yuanqing is killed, Grand Tutor Qin might break with you."

"For Lu Mingchao, it's not worth it."

The Emperor's gaze darkened, his expression hesitant. "You don't understand."

"She's worth it."

"Lu Mingchao's worth is beyond measure."

"Not just Qin Yuanqing—even the entire Qin family isn't worth Lu Mingchao's little finger."

He had once toppled the Xie family single-handedly; naturally, he could also eliminate the Qin family.

The Qin family exists by his favor. He can elevate them, and he can destroy them.

Once Qin Yuanqing is dead, he could make it up by elevating Qin Erlang and Qin Silang, ensuring the Qin family remains prominent.

Grand Tutor Qin knows which choice is most advantageous.

"Tell Empress Dowager Xie that We consent."

"Deliver Qin Yuanqing's head within three days."

The Empress felt a strange pang. The words "Not just Qin Yuanqing—even the entire Qin family isn't worth Lu Mingchao's little finger" struck her like lightning, leaving her reeling.

Today, Qin Yuanqing would be sacrificed for bringing Lu Mingchao into the palace.

Tomorrow, could she be forced to relinquish her position as Empress?

The Empress dared not dwell on it further. Worry flickered across her face. "Your Majesty, times have changed. Under Your Majesty's indulgence, the Qin family has put down deep roots and thrived, gaining many powerful allies. One wrong move could upset everything. Please reconsider."

She avoided mentioning her personal concerns, speaking only of the broader implications.

Xiao Yao arched a brow and glanced at the Empress. "Deep roots?"

"I am the Qin family's foundation."

"Is the Empress warning His Majesty to curb the Qin family's rising influence?"

Empress: ...

She was cautioning against letting lust cloud His Majesty's wisdom—for the sake of another man's wife, alienating his right-hand men!

"I overstepped. Please forgive me, Your Majesty."

Xiao Yao waved it off. "It's fine."

"Summon the imperial physicians to tend to those wounds on your face. You'll still need to handle the arrangements for welcoming Lu Mingchao into the palace."

The Empress frowned, completely baffled.

Taking a concubine was a simple matter.

A palanquin to carry her into the palace, settling her status and granting her a residence—nothing more was needed.

Handle?

What was there to handle?

Could it be that he intended to throw a lavish wedding with a banquet?

Xiao Yao remained expressionless. "I intend to confer upon Lu Mingchao the title of Imperial Noble Consort and welcome her into the palace with the ceremony of taking a co-wife."

"Hold a palace banquet, inviting fourth-rank officials and above to attend with their wives and daughters."

"Instruct the palace seamstresses to rush the embroidery of the phoenix crown and ceremonial robes, so as not to delay my wedding ceremony."

With these words, the Empress's expression went rigid.

Phoenix crown and ceremonial robes.

Co-wife.

Palace banquet.

Imperial Noble Consort.

After such a grand celebration, she, the legitimate Empress who once stood as the symbol of the realm, would become nothing but a laughingstock.

Had His Majesty given even the slightest thought to her before making this decision?

Or had he always intended for Lu Mingchao to replace her?

Seeing the Empress's face go sheet-white, Xiao Yao sighed, drawing her close, and patiently explained, "Empress, do not overthink this."

"Now or in the future, you will always be my Empress."

"My decision to wed her with the rites of a co-wife serves another purpose."

"I need Lu Mingchao to become my wife, tied to me through thick and thin. You have to understand."

The Empress felt as though her heart was filled with gall.

"I understand, Your Majesty."

"Rest assured, I will personally oversee the palace banquet, ensuring no mistakes are made."

"I entrust this matter to you with full confidence."

...

As dusk fell, the Grand Tutor, Qin, was summoned to the palace.

Before entering, he thought the matter concerned the northern border and required immediate action.

He arrived brimming with confidence.

He left in tears.

My Yuanqing.

I had to sacrifice him.

Forced to kill his own son.