Chapter 169 Main Text Conclusion [Part 2]

**Chapter 169: The Finale [Part 2]**

"My Jiaojiao, be my Empress."

The midwife, holding the newborn prince, dared not let the Empress see the frail child at this moment. With a guilty conscience, she raised her voice in forced cheerfulness and said, "This humble servant congratulates Your Majesty on the birth of the prince! I must now report the joyous news to His Majesty, so I shall allow you a quick look."

She stepped forward, slightly bending to reveal a corner of the swaddling cloth. From the Empress's angle, only the baby’s head was visible.

To bring this child into the world, the Empress had endured great hardship. Just seeing her legitimate son safe and sound was more than enough to satisfy her.

Le He wiped the sweat from her forehead as the Empress, weak but with eyes shining with joy, nodded faintly. "Go… quickly… let His Majesty see him."

She had thought His Majesty would stay at Yaoxian Hall and not return, but to her surprise, he had still been concerned for her and the child, waiting until the birth.

This proved that, though His Majesty favored Su Jiaojiao more, their past life-saving bond and marital ties still held some place for her and their son in his heart.

She did not seek a greater share of His Majesty’s regard—this was enough.

In the future, she would raise their legitimate son well, and she’d have a fair chance at securing the Crown Prince’s title.

As she watched the midwife carry the child away, her smile faded, eyes turning cold.

Su Jiaojiao… she wouldn’t live long enough to give birth.

Having placated the Empress, the midwife hurried out with the infant and knelt before His Majesty and the assembled Imperial Consorts, exclaiming, "This humble servant congratulates Your Majesty on the birth of a prince!"

After such a grueling labor, Shen Huai was relieved to see both the Empress and the child safe. He waved the midwife forward and looked down at the tiny infant in the swaddling cloth.

But the moment he lifted a corner of the embroidered blanket, his expression darkened.

The baby’s cries had been weak at birth, which he had initially attributed to the difficult delivery. Yet now, upon seeing the child, it was visibly smaller than an average newborn.

Though the baby was now asleep, breathing steadily, it was clearly frail and underdeveloped.

Shen Huai lifted his gaze and swept a cold glance at Imperial Physician Lin, who stood nearby. Understanding immediately, the physician stepped forward cautiously to examine the newly born Third Prince.

After checking the pulse and observing the child’s ears, nose, mouth, and limbs, Imperial Physician Lin’s heart sank with dread. Not daring to delay, he prostrated himself and reported, "Your Majesty, the Third Prince… was born with congenital deficiencies. His constitution is weak, and his pulse is sluggish…"

His voice trembled, trailing off.

But under His Majesty’s icy, blade-like gaze, he had no choice but to speak the truth. Kowtowing, he stammered, "With careful nurturing, he may reach his twenties… but if misfortune strikes, he may perish young…"

Silence fell over Fengyi Palace’s main hall. The Imperial Consorts turned as one toward His Majesty, the air growing deathly still. No one dared utter a word.

The hall was packed with people, yet in that moment, even breathing seemed muted, the silence so profound that you could hear a pin drop.

After a long pause, Shen Huai finally looked toward the inner chamber and said coldly, "The Third Prince is blessed by Heaven and will surely grow in health. The Empress has suffered greatly—do not trouble her with this news for now."

Then, after another silence, he declared, "The Third Prince’s arrival was hard-fought. I bestow upon him the name Shen Nan’an, wishing him a lifetime of peace and prosperity. Take him away and care for him diligently. See that no harm comes to him."

With His Majesty’s decree, the midwife dared not protest. Holding the Third Prince, she bobbed hurried bows and quickly carried the child away.

With the Empress’s ordeal concluded, Shen Huai, exhausted from the long vigil, rubbed his throbbing temples.

He exhaled deeply, folded his hands behind his back, and said gravely, "It is late. You may all rest now. Remember My words—this matter is not to be spoken of."

"Yes."

The Imperial Consorts, having kept vigil for the Empress’s labor through most of the night, were bleary-eyed with fatigue, their faces drawn with exhaustion.

Especially tonight, after enduring the Empress’s difficult labor, only to have the child born with a congenital weakness...

The long night's ordeal left their emotions in turmoil.

Since the Emperor forbade spreading the news, naturally no one dared speak of it. However, the Empress’s third prince was unlikely to thrive; now, all eyes turned to Noble Consort Zhen’s pregnancy.

As the Imperial Consorts gradually dispersed from Fengyi Palace, Shen Huai finally lifted the curtain and entered the inner chamber.

The palace servants had already tidied the bedchamber, leaving no trace of blood or the aftermath of childbirth, though the air still reeked of blood.

The Empress had always been frail, and this difficult labor, though not fatal, had drained her vitality, leaving her face ghostly pale.

Unable to move on the bed, though her eyes shone with contentment, Shen Huai could see at a glance that her body was dangerously weak, her life hanging by the thinnest thread.

The situation did not look good.

He sat by her bedside, gently patting her hand, and said softly, "Empress, childbirth was arduous. You've suffered."

Seeing the Emperor visit her, the Empress’s eyes gradually brightened. Suppressing her pain, she weakly moved her fingers to lightly touch his hand.

Her smile was wan and exhausted: "Your Majesty... I have borne you... a prince... Are you... pleased?"

The birth of an imperial heir was naturally a joyous occasion, but Shen Huai sidestepped the question, simply tucking her blankets in and murmuring, "Giving birth to a prince for me is a great merit. At today’s dawn audience, I shall proclaim it to the empire."

"I have named him Shen Nan’an, wishing him a lifetime of peace and prosperity. What do you think?"

The Empress nodded slowly, joyful tears welling up in her eyes as she whispered, "A lovely name... I... *cough!* *cough—* *cough!*"

Before she could finish, she was racked by violent coughing. Each hack shook her fragile frame as if she might vomit blood. After several coughs, fresh blood soon seeped beneath her, despite earlier cleanings.

Seeing this, Le He shook with fright, pointing at the spreading red: "Blood! Her Majesty is bleeding again!"

Shen Huai’s face hardened immediately. "Summon the imperial physicians!" he commanded.

The physicians, who had been waiting outside, hurried in at the summons.

After examining the Empress, Imperial Physician Lin bowed his head once more and reported, "Your Majesty, the Empress was already critically weakened during pregnancy. The difficult delivery has left her body severely depleted."

"Her condition is precarious. She will require extended, meticulous convalescence to gradually recover. She must avoid any further shock or illness."

Hearing this, the Empress’s heart sank. Fearfully, she looked at the Emperor, lips trembling as tears fell: "Your Majesty... am I... not long for this world?"

Shen Huai frowned. "The physician said you can recover with proper care. Why entertain such grim thoughts? Wet nurses shall care for the third prince here in Fengyi Palace—you needn’t worry."

"Tomorrow I shall issue the proclamation empire-wide, and all shall celebrate. Just rest."

Then, regretting his harsh tone, he softened his voice: "I'll visit again after court tomorrow. Le He, take good care of the Empress."

The Empress’s tears disappeared into her hairline. She wanted to say more, but seeing the Emperor’s dark-circled eyes, she knew he had kept vigil for her sake.

Having received such devotion from him, she could ask for nothing more.

With the dawn audience approaching, delaying him further would be her fault should it leave him weary for state affairs.

She nodded gently, watching as the Emperor left Fengyi Palace as night reached its deepest hour.

After the night’s turmoil, Fengyi Palace at last fell silent just before dawn’s first light pierced the clouds.

They say the darkest hour is just before dawn, but as the Empress gazed at the inky darkness outside, her heart swelled with happiness.

She awaited daybreak, hacking out a few more weak coughs before glancing around. The Empress frowned slightly and asked feebly, “Le He, where is Yu He? Why isn’t she here at a time like this?”

Le He avoided the Empress’s eyes, afraid of upsetting her further, though her body trembled faintly. She lowered her gaze, struggling to stay calm. “Your Majesty, you’ve just given birth, and the entire Fengyi Palace is bustling with preparations. Yu He has been busy outside.”

As soon as she finished speaking, she hurriedly stood up, not wanting the Empress to dwell on it, nor to risk shedding tears in front of her. “The imperial physician warned against exertion. Once the medicine is ready, I’ll help you take it. Let Yu He and me handle palace affairs.”

Yu He and Le He were the Empress’s personal maids, brought from her maternal family. They had served her faithfully all these years, and their presence brought her great comfort.

The Empress smiled weakly, her tense expression softening as she closed her eyes, envisioning the next day with satisfaction. “All these years… I’ve been so fortunate to have you both. I… feel at ease.”

Le He’s nose burned with held-back tears, and she quickly helped settle the Empress before retreating with the other palace servants.

She couldn’t bear to tell the Empress the truth, but she suspected Yu He was likely gone.

Calling the Emperor to Fengyi Palace from Yaoxian Hall again was outright defiance. Though the Emperor had eventually come, Yu He had never returned. Le He could only assume Yu He had paid with her life to bring the Emperor.

Grief-stricken, Le He sobbed quietly in a hidden corner, careful not to let anyone see. Once she steadied herself, she instructed the palace servants before returning to attend the Empress.

The next day, news of the Empress giving birth to the Third Prince was announced at court. Gifts flooded Fengyi Palace from court officials and the inner palace alike, the endless stream of congratulations echoing endlessly, nearly overwhelming the storerooms.

Le He plastered on a smile as she received the constant well-wishers—Imperial Consorts and palace servants alike—listening to their repeated praises: “Congratulations to Her Majesty on the birth of the Third Prince,” “May Her Majesty continue to bless us,” “Her Majesty is truly favored; we’re lucky to bask in her happiness.”

After one group departed, Le He gazed at the mountain of gifts, thinking of the Empress’s happiness inside. She wiped her tears with a handkerchief.

The Empress had finally gotten what she’d always wanted. Perhaps Yu He’s spirit could now rest in peace. The thought brought her some solace.

Entering the inner chamber, she saw the Empress drinking a restorative tonic, smiling as a maid wiped her lips.

Hiding her feelings, Le He put on a bright face. “Your Majesty, your complexion already looks better after two doses of medicine. Once you’ve recovered, His Majesty will surely host a grand celebration for the Third Prince’s full moon. That’ll be your finest hour.”

She added, “It’s too busy outside, so I left Yu He to manage things while I slipped in to keep you company.”

Today, the Empress was beside herself with joy. She had finally delivered the heir she’d longed for, securing her position as Empress—not just now, but paving the way for the future title of Empress Dowager.

Though the Emperor didn’t fuss over legitimacy, the court and the people did. A legitimate heir was, after all, a legitimate heir.

The cheers outside filled her with deep satisfaction. To be the center of attention, revered by all—this was the security and satisfaction she craved.

After years of planning, nothing could compare to this moment.

Smiling, she said to Le He, “Le He, have the wet nurse bring the Third Prince to me. I barely saw him yesterday, but a mother always longs to see her child.”

Le He froze, dreading the Empress seeing the sickly child in her elated state. “His Majesty’s orders were for you to rest. The wet nurse will tend to him until you’re well. The Third Prince is healthy—please don’t worry.”

Though slightly displeased, the Empress accepted the Emperor’s concern, her lips curving upward. “Very well. Once I’m stronger, I’ll have the Eldest Princess visit her brother too, so as not to risk passing any illness to him.”

Meanwhile, in Yaoxian Hall.

Su Jiaojiao stood beneath the pear tree the Emperor had transplanted for her, gazing at the lush greenery. Softly, she asked, “Has His Majesty gone to court yet?”

Yu Ying, supporting her arm, looked up at the sunlight filtering through the leaves. “By this hour, he should already be in court.”

“The message to Lord Su was delivered last night. By today’s court session, we shall have our wish fulfilled.”

Su Jiaojiao repeated the words slowly. “Our wish fulfilled.”

“Yu Ying, do you think today is the happiest day of the Empress’s life?”

Yu Ying’s tone turned cold, a scoff escaping her lips. “The Empress thrives on fame and power. With the birth of her precious heir, gifts and flattery flood in from every corner. Of course she’s over the moon. If she weren’t confined to bed after childbirth, who knows how smug she’d be.”

Su Jiaojiao’s voice was light and faint, as if she saw something through the greenery before her eyes: "So be it."

"The Empress should also go to hell."

In the Xuanzheng Hall, such a great national joy, the court ministers all offered their congratulations in unison.

Emperor Shen Huai sat high on the dragon throne, but his face showed little joy, only a faint expression that was hard to read.

Though the Third Prince was a legitimate son, his body was frail, and any mishap could mean he might not live past his twentieth year. However, this matter did not need to be known by everyone for now.

Firstly, to avoid political turmoil, and secondly, to prevent the Empress from being further hurt. After all, the Third Prince was still young, and perhaps there would be other ways to adjust things in the future.

The court ministers below took turns to offer their congratulations on the birth of the legitimate son. At the end, however, one person stepped forward to report, with a serious expression: "Your Majesty's joy at the birth of the Third Prince is a great national event. Empress has set an example for the world, truly deserving of great credit. But I have heard that last night, when the Empress was giving birth, Your Majesty stayed in Noble Consort Zhen’s palace, causing much gossip in the harem."

"Empress is the rightful consort of the central palace, and has shared many years of deep affection with Your Majesty. I risk my life to boldly advise that Your Majesty should respect and honor the Empress, and ensure that the harem receives equal favor. This is the way to govern the harem. Throughout history, every monarch who favored concubines and indulged in the whims of favored consorts has met a tragic end. I speak these harsh truths out of loyalty, and humbly request Your Majesty to think thrice—!"

As the words fell, more than a dozen court ministers knelt down one after another, all urging in unison: "We—request Your Majesty to think thrice!"

Seeing the ministers act this way, Shen Huai’s expression turned cold.

He knew that his favoritism towards Su Jiaojiao would certainly provoke opposition from the people and officials, but he did not expect that someone would seize the opportunity to cause trouble on the very first day after the Empress gave birth.

Shen Huai’s face was displeased, yet he understood that what the ministers said was only human nature. As an emperor, being autocratic and ignoring the advice of court ministers was a great taboo, and he never blocked the path of free speech.

But as Su Jiaojiao’s husband, he knew exactly what kind of woman she was, and naturally did not want to hear the ministers belittling her while praising the Empress, simply because Su Jiaojiao was a concubine and the Empress was the lawful wife.

Judging a person’s character based on their status was absurd to the extreme.

Just as Shen Huai was about to speak, Su Chang stepped forward from the crowd, looking up at the emperor with a calm expression.

He declared, “Your Majesty, the birth of the Third Prince is indeed a great national celebration. However, as it concerns the Empress, your humble servant has an urgent matter that must be reported.”

The sudden turn of events took the court by surprise, for no one expected Minister Su to intervene. They all froze for a moment, turning their gazes toward Su Chang.

It was true that Su Chang was the father of Noble Consort Zhen, but he was also a high-ranking minister deeply trusted by the Emperor, renowned for his integrity and commanding respect from many officials, especially those from humble backgrounds.

There were few rumors of collusion or dealings between this father and daughter.

While Noble Consort Zhen’s favored status and ostentation were known to all, Su Chang was widely respected for his incorruptibility.

In the past, no matter how many officials accused Noble Consort Zhen, Su Chang had never spoken in her defense. Why, then, had he chosen to come forward today?

Just as the courtiers were puzzling over this, Su Chang stepped forward, bowed respectfully, and spoke calmly: “May I presume to ask Your Majesty—do you still remember the autumn hunt last year, when you were nearly mauled by a tiger?”

The mention of the autumn hunt inexplicably reminded Shen Huai of that night when Su Jiaojiao whispered in his ear, “The Empress isn’t the paragon you believe her to be.” His heart skipped a beat, and he frowned slightly. “I remember.”

“During last year’s autumn hunt, a pack of tigers emerged from the dense forest. During the hunt, one of these beasts lunged from the woods and nearly harmed Your Majesty. It was the Empress who shielded you with her own body, taking the arrow meant for you.”

Su Chang straightened slightly, standing firm, and said coolly, “Ferocious tigers inhabit dense forests and are far more familiar with their surroundings than humans. When hunters pursue them, the tigers’ first instinct should be to flee deeper into the woods to evade capture. Why, then, would it charge outward, straight into the crowd?”

“The incident was sudden, and most assumed the tiger intended to attack. But your humble servant suspected foul play. However, without concrete evidence, accusing the Empress would have been tantamount to slandering the imperial household. Thus, I have been conducting a discreet investigation all this time.”

Su Chang stood tall, neither submissive nor overbearing, and declared, “After nearly a year, thanks to Your Majesty’s boundless grace, I have succeeded in capturing from the Western Regions the very man capable of controlling beasts. He once performed animal taming for Your Majesty during the autumn hunt. One look, and Your Majesty will recognize him.”

Su Chang clapped his hands, and from outside the hall, two guards dragged in a man dressed in exotic attire, with a thick beard—clearly a foreigner. Terrified by the spectacle, his legs gave way, and his face turned deathly pale.

Thrown before the throne, he looked up at the Emperor and immediately collapsed to his knees, weeping and begging, “Spare me, Your Majesty! Spare me!”

Shen Huai said sternly, “Raise your head.”

The man from the Western Regions raised his head with a mournful expression, and Shen Huai recognized him at once—he was the one who had controlled the peacocks and monkeys during the autumn hunt.

His skill in handling beasts was peerless, and the Western Regions were renowned for their circus performances. If there was a way to lure a tiger, Shen Huai had no reason to doubt it.

At this thought, Shen Huai's expression darkened further.

Cowed by the imperial authority and fearing execution, the man kowtowed repeatedly, his forehead striking the ground with loud thuds, and wailed, "Spare me, Your Majesty! I was only following orders! That person promised me ten thousand taels of gold if I could lure the tiger before Your Majesty! I—I was blinded by greed and lost my senses!"

Hearing this, the officials gasped in horror, unable to believe that the tiger attack had been orchestrated. Their eyes widened in disbelief.

If this were true, it would be an assassination attempt against the emperor!

Among the crowd, someone defiantly shouted, "Is Lord Su seriously accusing the Empress based solely on the word of a commoner?"

Su Chang cast a cool glance at the speaker and clapped his hands twice more. "The word of one man alone isn’t enough to implicate the Empress. Therefore, I followed the trail and uncovered the guards, palace servants, and even members of the imperial household who collaborated with him during the autumn hunt. Witnesses and physical evidence are all here."

Cai Shan personally stepped forward, taking the evidence from the approaching guards and presenting it to the emperor.

Shen Huai examined each piece one by one—banknotes bearing the seal of the Empress’s maternal clan, correspondence, and even partially burned letters in the Empress’s own hand. The connections between them were meticulously crafted, forming a flawless scheme.

If not for the Western Regions man’s confession, even if one or two pieces of evidence had surfaced, they would never have led back to the Empress.

Every detail, every arrangement, pointed to one conclusion: her 'heroic rescue' had been nothing but a carefully staged lie.

And here he was today, pitying her for the hardship of childbirth, concealing the Third Prince’s congenital weakness, and shielding her from the truth of Yu He’s death. In the end, he, the almighty Son of Heaven, had been made a complete fool.

As he faced the overwhelming evidence, Shen Huai’s expression grew increasingly stormy, his grip on the letters tightening until they nearly turned to dust.

All the kindness and concern he had shown the Empress out of guilt—even the pain he had caused Jiao Jiao—had been built upon a grotesque lie.

The Empress had dared to scheme against him, the ruler of the nation, all for power and favor.

So much for her virtuous reputation!

All these years, he had never truly suspected his lawful wife, the woman who shared his bed—only to discover she was a venomous, scheming viper with no limits to her audacity!

In a fit of rage, Shen Huai knocked the evidence off the tray, sending papers scattering across the floor. He slammed his palm on the armrest and roared, "This is treason!"

The officials instantly fell to their knees at the emperor’s thunderous fury, pleading, "Please, Your Majesty, restrain your anger!"

The situation had escalated far beyond anyone’s expectations. Those who had defended the Empress moments ago now regretted their words, realizing the emperor might hold them accountable for her crimes.

One minister, refusing to back down, dared to question, "How do we know Lord Su didn’t conspire with this man to frame the Empress? After all, he is Noble Consort Zhen’s father..."

Before he could finish, Shen Huai’s fury erupted anew. "Preposterous! Are you suggesting Su Chang forged the Empress’s own handwriting and the Li family’s stamped banknotes? If he could forge such things, why wait until now? You defend a criminal—how much public funds have you stolen? This is absurd!"

"Seize him and toss him into the Ministry of Justice’s prison!"

Shen Huai’s temples throbbed with rage, and it took him a long moment to suppress the storm within.

As the minister’s desperate pleas faded into the distance, Shen Huai fixed his gaze on the palace doors and decreed through clenched teeth, "The Empress, driven by treacherous ambition, conspired against Us, endangering Our life to seize power and favor. This is a crime punishable by the extermination of her clan."

"However, in consideration of her recent childbirth, We strip Li Shi of her title as Empress and reduce her to a commoner, banishing her to the Cold Palace. The Li clan, her co-conspirators against the throne, shall be stripped of all property and exiled—men, women, and children alike—never to return to Chang’an."

As the emperor pronounced judgment, Su Chang calmly added, "Your Majesty is wise. However, the criminal Li Shi’s sins extend far beyond this and implicate many. As this involves the inner palace, I implore Your Majesty to summon Noble Consort Zhen, Consort Mi, and Noble Consort Lan before making further decisions."

After court adjourned, in the Hall of Supreme Harmony—

Jia Xi knelt, trembling, her hands pressed to the floor, silent.

She had been hidden in Chang’an by Minister Su for many years, and only today did she finally have the chance to resurface.

Yu He’s testimony—delivered on behalf of the Empress—revealed everything: from luring Noble Consort Zhen to the lakeside at the summer resort in an attempt to drown her, to conspiring with Consort Yu to murder Talent Lady Yu and frame Consort Mi, and finally, the Empress’s orders to eliminate witnesses. All of it was now laid bare before His Majesty.

Emperor Shen glowered at the overwhelming evidence spread across the table, his knuckles whitening as he gripped the armrest.

The yellowed confession penned by Xiao Fuzi clearly detailed his plot against Su Jiaojiao, accompanied by bribes in silver notes from the Wang family, and beside them lay a purple-bamboo brush tipped with jade, its hollow core exposing the poison within.

Beside him, Noble Consort Lan, her voice weakened by a persistent cough, recounted the truth behind her chronic ailments. Only then did Shen Huai fully grasp the Empress’s true nature.

A viper’s heart, schemes fathomless as the abyss.

She had plotted against the eldest prince, targeted Su Jiaojiao, and ultimately dared to conspire against him—the Emperor himself—spared no cost to secure favor and bear the imperial heir!

What she coveted was not love, but the throne beneath him!

The thought filled Shen Huai with revulsion.

He had never imagined that after all these years, the mask would fall to reveal such ugliness.

That he had once pitied such a vile woman now made him sick.

Seeing Shen Huai’s fury, Su Jiaojiao, round with child, stepped forward gently and spoke softly, “My near-drowning on New Year’s Eve was also her doing.”

“And that was not all. Consort Yu was haughty and brash—her sudden suicide was suspicious from the start. Deposed Lady Jiang was released from the cold palace under an edict bearing the Empress’s seal. We thought it was forged at the time, but now we know it was real. She feared the eldest prince, feared the Wangs of old, so she struck against him first. Later, resentful of my favor, fearing I might one day take her place, she turned against me.”

“Her greed would swallow the sky. Drunk on power, she deserves no mercy.”

Su Jiaojiao paused, her calm demeanor unshaken. “But Deposed Empress Li did give birth to the eldest princess and the third prince. The children are innocent. What is Your Majesty’s will?”

Shen Huai lifted his gaze steadily to meet hers, his voice cold. “Li has been deposed and is no longer fit to be their mother. The eldest princess shall be adopted by Yin Shihuai, raised as her own. The third prince, due to his frail health, will be sent to the summer retreat under expert care.”

Looking upon Su Jiaojiao’s quiet expression, Shen Huai felt guilt rise in his chest, his voice trembling with emotion. Unmindful of the others present, he murmured, “Jiaojiao… I…”

A slender finger pressed to his lips. With so many around, Su Jiaojiao did not wish to fuel more rumors. She shook her head lightly and said, “Your Majesty, she has committed countless crimes. I only wish for her to receive what she deserves.”

That evening, the Phoenix Palace, still basking in celebration, was suddenly surrounded by a detachment of guards. Joy vanished, replaced by a pall of doom.

The doors burst open without warning, freezing the Empress’s triumphant smile.

Though still weak from recovery, she summoned her dignity and, seeing their intrusion, snapped coldly, “How dare you enter the Phoenix Palace uninvited? This is outrageous!”

The lead guard held up the imperial decree and sneered, “You are nothing but a convict now. You no longer deserve the title of Empress.”

“Seize her!”

Le He, who had been tending to the Empress at her bedside, gasped in shock. Rushing forward to shield her mistress, she shouted, “You’re lying! What do you mean, ‘convict’? Her Majesty just gave birth to the third prince—a glorious event! She is still weak from childbirth. How could she be a criminal? I’ll report this to His Majesty myself!”

Seeing their ignorance, the guard’s eyes flickered with scorn and pity. He unfurled the decree and began reading aloud, word for word.

His voice rang like a vengeful spirit’s call. As he read on, the Empress’s face grew paler—from anger to disbelief, until her eyes widened in despair.

He continued coldly, “You have been deposed, reduced to commoner status, and sentenced to death in three days. The entire Li clan will be exiled to the southern border, and your children will be placed under other consorts. There is nothing left for you to fight for. Be wise and come quietly to the cold palace. Abandon your foolish dreams. That someone as venomous as you, who dared plot against the Emperor, was exposed only now is already an act of mercy.”

“What…?” The Empress whispered, tears of despair slipping down her cheeks. “How… how can this be?”

Her lips trembled violently. She could not believe it—this morning, she had been the most revered woman in the empire.

Still dreaming of becoming Empress Dowager one day, she had plummeted from empress to convict in a single night.

After scheming for years to attain all she has today, how could this be!?

Was it that bitch Su Jiaojiao who said something to His Majesty!?

She desperately struggled to rise from the bed, screaming with all her might: "These are all lies! I won't admit to crimes I didn't commit!"

"I want to see His Majesty! Le He, help me up! I must see His Majesty!"

Her eyes burned crimson, looking completely deranged: "I am the Empress! I will not tolerate such slander!"

But the guards paid no heed, merely waving dismissively behind them, sneering: "You're not the exalted Empress anymore—you're not even worthy to lick my boots."

"Guards! Take her and this wretched maid away!"

Le He screamed in terror.

Yet no matter how fiercely they resisted, no one was listening now.

A woman His Majesty wouldn't even look at—what threat could she possibly pose? It was only thanks to Noble Consort Zhen's mercy that she was granted an extra month of life.

The deposed Empress Li was dragged from her opulent phoenix bed like a dead dog, ruthlessly dragged across the ground.

Her legs left long trails of blood on the rough hexagonal stone path, but no matter how desperately she screamed or how much blood she shed, no one cared anymore.

Curses and screams echoed from the gates of the Phoenix Palace all the way to the Cold Palace, gradually fading into silence.

With the heavy slam of the Cold Palace gates, the formerly glorious life of the disgraced Empress Li came to a symbolic end.

The entire palace watched as her towering rise crumbled overnight. Everyone walked on eggshells, doors shut tight, regretting ever sending her gifts, desperate to sever any lingering ties.

From this day forth, everyone in the harem knew:

The inner palace now belonged to Noble Consort Zhen.

Night fell.

Yaoxian Palace.

Shen Huai pressed his ear to Su Jiaojiao's belly, listening for their baby's heartbeat, his usually cool voice trembling faintly.

He clutched her hand tightly, overwhelmed with guilt.

"Jiaojiao... I've wronged you... I owe you far, far too much."

With her vengeance complete, Su Jiaojiao's heart was unprecedentedly calm.

All her plotting had one goal—to make the Empress pay the price she deserved, to leave her in despair, agony, and a death more humiliating than any other.

The curses and screams didn't offend her; they were music to her ears.

Curses were the wails of the defeated, while the winner only needs to claim the crown.

She'd long since moved past those grievances with Shen Huai, especially now that he had done enough, given her enough.

If he could maintain this, she wouldn't mind basking in his love and guilt forever.

After all, what she sought was never an emperor's love.

It was the Empress's throne. It was the confirmed prince in her womb ascending as Crown Prince. It was her future as the most powerful woman in the realm—the Empress Dowager.

Su Jiaojiao gently stroked Shen Huai’s slightly cool hair, her voice warm as she spoke: “Shen Huai, let the past stay in the past. We still have many tomorrows ahead of us.”

“I want the Empress to live one more month before she dies, alright? I want her to watch everything she cares about vanish one by one. Only then will I be satisfied.”

Her gentle kindness only deepened Shen Huai’s guilt. His throat tightened as he rose and pulled Su Jiaojiao into a tender embrace, capturing her warm lips with his. “Your wish is my command, Jiaojiao… Whatever you desire.”

As their lips lingered, he whispered softly against her ear: “Jiaojiao, once you’ve given birth, become my Empress.”

“Among all the women in this world, you alone are worthy of the throne.”

Author's Note:

And so, this marks the end of the main story! This book has been a long and difficult journey—exhausting for you to wait for, and challenging for me to write. But finally, I’ve reached a satisfying conclusion, one that I’m proud of. I hope all of you who loved this book were able to enjoy it thoroughly. Thank you so much for your support along the way. Bunny loves you all.3.

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