Chapter 89 The Foolish Child

**Chapter 89: The Deluded One**

Compared to the obedience and restraint he showed toward his father, the Crown Prince appeared composed yet sharp when facing Ye Han, a boy nearly his own age.

After all, he was the biological son of the Jingxi Emperor, raised as the heir apparent.

He coldly applied torture to extract a confession from Ye Han, finally forcing out many details—including Ye Han and A Wu’s shared history from their youth, their betrothal, and the fate of A Wu’s father and brother.

As for Ye Han and A Wu’s recent elopement, Ye Han finally admitted the truth.

The Jingxi Emperor stood in the shadows of the dungeon, his eyelids lowered, his long, elegant fingers slowly rubbing a jade thumb ring.

Ye Han lay crumpled before the Crown Prince in a wretched state. "I was just a fisherman from the East Sea, once betrothed to Ning A Wu. When I learned she had risen to the status of Imperial Noble Consort, resentment filled my heart. I thought I must at least extort some money from her. So, during my last visit to the palace for a Taoist ritual, I confronted the Imperial Noble Consort and forced her to leave with me—otherwise, I would reveal her past to His Majesty."

The Crown Prince said solemnly, "So under your threat, the Imperial Noble Consort left the palace and followed you?"

Ye Han: "It wasn’t just that. I knew Her Ladyship worried about her father and brother, so I deliberately fabricated news about them. Concerned for her family, she took the bait and agreed to follow me to find them."

After a pause, he added, "I also insisted she bring jewelry and money to aid in the search."

At this point, his eyes reddened, and he whispered, "These matters—His Majesty need only investigate to confirm. I deliberately approached Her Ladyship and deceived her. There’s no hiding it now. I dare not conceal anything and am willing to accept punishment."

The Crown Prince questioned Ye Han in detail, and this time, Ye Han offered no further denials, confessing everything.

The Jingxi Emperor, standing in the shadows, stepped forward and silently stared at the boy sprawled on the ground.

Having endured torture, his legs were covered in blood as he huddled in the straw, pitiful and broken.

The Jingxi Emperor twisted his lips into a mocking smile and walked out of the prison.

Moments later, the Crown Prince followed.

The Jingxi Emperor turned his head slightly, glancing at his son from the corner of his eye. "What do you think?"

The Crown Prince frowned. "His initial testimony was preposterous. How could Mother, gentle and powerless, possibly coerce him? What means would she have to do so? Clearly, to save himself, he pinned all the blame on her."

The Jingxi Emperor: "And then?"

The Crown Prince: "Only after my interrogation did he finally tell the truth. Mother was coerced. She is naive, deeply concerned for her father and brother at sea. Hearing false news, her worry clouded her judgment, and this scheming lowlife exploited her. She had no choice."

He should have been satisfied with this conclusion, yet something didn’t sit right.

The Jingxi Emperor didn’t even glance at his son. "What do you make of this Ye Han?"

The Crown Prince lowered his gaze, hesitating slightly. "In my view, he is nothing but a coward. First, he tried to shift blame to absolve himself. Now, under torture, knowing he cannot escape, he admits it."

The Jingxi Emperor let out a soft sigh and laughed.

The Crown Prince was taken aback. In his father’s laughter, he sensed a knowing look.

It left him feeling exposed.

The Jingxi Emperor: "You fear I will blame her?"

The Crown Prince let out a breath, speaking vaguely. "Father, she isn’t at fault here. She was scared out of her wits, she—"

He couldn’t continue.

A Wu had indeed eloped with that man. That was the truth.

The Jingxi Emperor gave a long, searching look to his son—he could sense his worry, his plea for mercy.

"Mo Yao, she knelt before me in tears, begging me to let him live, pleading for her childhood companion."

His voice was calm, as if telling someone else's story.

The Crown Prince watched in silence.

The Jingxi Emperor: "So I've always wondered—what makes him so special?"

He gave a cold laugh. "But now I know."

With that, he turned and left.

The Crown Prince stared at the emperor’s departing figure, recalling the details of Ye Han’s interrogation over the past few days, and his stomach dropped.

He had already sensed something was off—felt the inconsistency—but he had deliberately ignored it.

Now, his father’s words made him realize he had indeed been deceived.

Ye Han first tried to pass the blame, then when tortured, confessed to a so-called "truth"—all to gain their trust, to make them believe his testimony.

He used every last bit of his strength trying to take on as much blame as possible for A Wu, hoping to give her even a sliver of hope to survive.

That young man, no older than himself, had spun lies and slandered himself for her sake, had cast aside his pride to become a sniveling coward!

Only such a youth could be worth A Wu sobbing her heart out, kneeling there, begging the emperor to spare his life.

*********

A Wu worked at the nine-linked puzzle in her hands, focusing on it for a long time. When she finally looked up, she saw the Jingxi Emperor.

He stood beside the white jade screen depicting immortals, the faint glow from the blue jade "Peace and Prosperity" study lamp casting dappled light across his face.

His sharply defined nose caught the light, while the thin line of his lips lay in elongated shadow where light and darkness met.

But his eyes remained deep and unfathomable, impossible to read.

A Wu frowned, about to study him more closely, but he had already looked down, gathering his robe slightly as he walked toward her.

His tall figure suddenly stood before her, towering enough that she had to tilt her head back to meet his gaze.

A Wu’s lips parted slightly, but no words came out.

The Jingxi Emperor noticed, but he calmly ignored it.

Fondly, he tousled her hair, then took the nine-linked puzzle from her hands. "Can't solve it?"

A Wu hung her head in defeat. "A Wu doesn’t know how."

The Jingxi Emperor gave a soft chuckle, sat down, and pulled her into his arms. "Zelang will teach you."

A Wu settled obediently against him, letting his long fingers guide hers through each move. In moments, it was undone.

The Jingxi Emperor tilted his head slightly, his breath warm against her cheek as he murmured, "Did you learn?"

A Wu: "I think so."

His voice warmed with encouragement. "Mm, try it yourself?"

A Wu hesitantly began again—and this time, she really did solve it.

The Jingxi Emperor praised, "A Wu, you really are the cleverest."

A Wu pursed her lips and smiled too, her eyes gleaming with emotion.

Jingxi looked down at her. "A Wu, call me Zelang—just once, won’t you?"

She gazed at him in confusion, saying nothing.

"What’s wrong? Don’t you want to?" he asked.

A Wu moved her lips, trying to form words.

He waited patiently.

But she didn’t speak. She only shook her head a little dejectedly.

"You don’t want to, do you?" he murmured.

She frowned, her face clouding with confusion. "I don’t know… I don’t know."

"Then never mind," he said gently.

He brought out some account books. "Look these over. Do you remember them?"

A Wu studied them, puzzled.

Jingxi showed her each thing she had once learned.

She stared at the ledgers, brow furrowed. She didn’t understand. Why was he insisting?

Her head throbbed—it hurt so much!

Suddenly, he bent close and pulled her into his arms. "Remember how I stayed with you and taught you this bookkeeping method?"

"I don’t remember!" she blurted out.

He kept his patience and coaxed, "Just try again—"

But A Wu snatched it from him and shoved the books away, shouting, "I don’t remember! I don’t remember! I just don’t remember! I don’t remember anything!"

Jingxi hadn’t expected such a sudden meltdown.

Covering her ears, she stamped her foot and cried, "Don’t bother me! Go away! Stay far from me! I don’t want to know!"

He silently watched her. Sometimes he wondered if she was doing it on purpose.

She thought he would come to comfort her, but he didn’t move a muscle.

Confused, she froze and peered at him.

He sat still, watching her with quiet tenderness.

"A Wu…" she faltered.

She didn’t understand why she had acted out like this.

Jingxi held out his hand. "Come here."

She stepped forward, ducking her head meekly. There was a quiet sadness in her, and regret.

The Jingxi Emperor said softly to comfort her, “It’s alright. If you don’t want to look, then don’t. There’s a great spread for lunch today. I’ll dine with you.”

A Wu: “Mm…”

Just then, an inner attendant arrived to report that the Empress Dowager had reached Fengtian Hall and was waiting for him.

A Wu frowned in confusion. “Empress Dowager?”

The title rang faintly familiar, as though it stirred something buried deep within her.

But those memories were suppressed—no matter how hard she tried, they would not surface.

The Jingxi Emperor reassured her, “You needn’t concern yourself. Stay here and amuse yourself. I’ll go see her and return soon.”

A Wu nodded blankly, her thoughts in disarray.

With that, the Jingxi Emperor rose and departed for Fengtian Hall.

A Wu sat on the low couch, tilting her head to watch his retreating figure. The scene felt eerily familiar.

Then suddenly, fragments of memory flashed through her mind.

***************

The Empress Dowager stood in the bedchamber of Fengtian Hall, regarding him with weary resignation.

The Jingxi Emperor advanced and made his obeisance. “Mother.”

Empress Dowager: “Emperor, you know why I’ve come, don’t you?”

Jingxi Emperor: “I do.”

Empress Dowager: “Oh?”

The Jingxi Emperor understood. “Mother has come to plead mercy—for the Zhen’an Marquisate—and to ask your son to let go, to free A Wu.”

Originally, the throne had its own designs against the Zhen’an Marquisate. But after the sudden assassination attempt on the Empress, the Jingxi Emperor acted decisively. He ordered the Dragon Guards to investigate all of the Empress’s past deeds, while officials like Feng Xihong of the Secretariat and Censor Chen Guang submitted repeated memorials of impeachment. As a result, the Zhen’an Marquisate was stripped of its noble title and military authority, and its members were all arrested—except for Lu Yunjian, who fled with his retinue and joined the sea bandits.

The Empress Dowager sighed deeply. “All these years, I have devoted myself to Buddhist practice. Do you know why, Emperor?”

Jingxi Emperor: “For your son.”

Empress Dowager: “I know how difficult things have been for you. That is why I have never interfered or spoken against your decisions. The inner court must not meddle in state affairs—I understand this well. Yet, even now, when I think of your second elder brother, my heart still grieves.”

The Jingxi Emperor responded indifferently, “Oh? Does Mother believe he did not deserve to die?”

Empress Dowager: “He did. Of course he did—he merited death ten thousandfold! But no matter what, fraternal strife, kinsmen turning upon one another—it is a tragedy for the imperial house. You may deem me overly compassionate, but in the afterlife, I must face your father!”

She walked to the window, gazing out at the towering palace bathed in the cool night.

Her weary voice echoed softly in the quiet chamber: “On his deathbed, the late Emperor summoned the Zhen’an Marquis. He decreed that the Marquis’s daughter be appointed Empress and bestowed imperial protection upon the Marquisate. It was for you—and for him. This way, the Zhen’an Marquisate would pledge loyalty to you, while ensuring his safety and prosperity.”

Jingxi Emperor: “For me?”

Empress Dowager: “Emperor, he was of your father’s bloodline, conceived beyond the palace walls. Your father did not wish for him to be formally recognized, to avoid further discord between you brothers and to safeguard the succession. Since he had the Zhen’an Marquisate as his backing, this arrangement was made—to grant him a life of peace and wealth while securing your reign. And your father wished for you to know: show him clemency. Do not push him to the brink.”

The Jingxi Emperor’s handsome face hardened with authority. “Mother, as sovereign of this land, all its people are my subjects. When have I ever driven men to desperation? I have never forced another’s hand—it is others who have forced mine. Eighteen years I suffered his presence. What more must I do?”

The Empress Dowager stared into his eyes. “Do you think I do not know? He watched you with constant suspicion, and you nurtured murder in your heart.”

The Jingxi Emperor gave a humorless laugh. "Mother, you surely know how he treated Mo Yao. Who truly is your son and grandson? How could you say such words to me today?"

The Empress Dowager replied, "Your Majesty, I have no right to interfere in matters between you, but I beg you—spare his life. After all, he is of the late Emperor’s bloodline."

Upon hearing this, the Jingxi Emperor paused, his expression shifting slightly before twisting into a mocking smile.

He laughed bitterly. "Mother, so I have indeed become heartless and cruel."

The Empress Dowager fixed her gaze on her son. "Have you not despised Lu Yunjian beyond reason? Have you not wanted him dead, his name disgraced, branded a traitor, and torn apart limb from limb? Only then would your hatred be appeased. Must you go to such extremes?"

The Jingxi Emperor answered coldly, "And what if I do?"

The Empress Dowager cried out in pain, "Emperor!"

The emperor's eyes were cold as ice. "Mother, there is no need to continue. I do not wish to hear any more."

The Empress Dowager pleaded, "Emperor, for years I have followed a vegetarian diet and recited scriptures for your sake. Your harem has produced few heirs, and I cannot help but wonder whether the late Emperor's resentment has fallen upon your descendants. Every day I pray, hoping that you may yet see your lineage thrive."

Jingxi replied indifferently, "Mother worries too much. What retribution? Between heaven, earth, and humanity, I am the ruler of the mortal realm, sovereign over all beneath the heavens. Who dares bring punishment upon me? As for the late Emperor, since he has ascended to heaven, let him rest. The affairs of this world are no longer his concern."

The Empress Dowager took a deep breath, hardly able to believe what she had just heard. Her son had committed blasphemy against heaven.

Yet the Jingxi Emperor remained indifferent. "As for my children, they are protected by imperial dignity. Who dares harm them? I fear neither gods nor demons, nor do I believe in heavenly retribution. Those destined to die shall perish—have my hands not already been stained enough?"

At these words, the Empress Dowager shuddered and sank into her seat.

Her son had lost his mind—utterly and completely.

She gasped, nearly begging, "Emperor, what of Lady Ning? Will you keep her like this forever?"

The Jingxi Emperor raised an eyebrow. "Oh? What does Mother mean?"

"She has regressed to a childlike state after her illness," the Empress Dowager explained. "You dote on her endlessly, neglecting everything else. How can this continue? The court is filled with whispers!"

The Jingxi Emperor smiled faintly. "Mother, I do not wish to hear such talk. What do you mean by 'childlike'? She has simply lost some memories. She will remember again—once she does, everything will be fine. Even if she never regains her memory, I will teach her, step by step, hand in hand. Not only will I keep her, but I will also crown her empress, to stand beside me and rule together. Why should I care what others say?"

Whether she was foolish, broken, or even hated him—it made no difference. He had time, patience, and power enough to keep her close, to cherish and protect her, to erase the past.

Even if she never remembered, it mattered not—he would fill her mind with new memories.

The Empress Dowager’s face twisted in anguish. "She—"

The Jingxi Emperor cut her off sharply. "The past holds no meaning for me. She is my woman, and she shall be enthroned as empress. Let the world speak—I do not care."

The Empress Dowager was left speechless in shock.

The emperor continued without emotion, "Now, the idea of being a tyrant seems quite appealing. Tomorrow, I shall present the matter to my ministers—let us see who dares object!"

The Empress Dowager stared blankly, sinking back as she murmured, "What has the world come to…?"

Seeing his mother in such a state, the Jingxi Emperor softened slightly.

He sighed. "Mother, during our argument, I carelessly mentioned burial sacrifices, and she overheard. The shock nearly drove her mad—she almost killed our own children. Tell me, Mother, had she done so, how could I go on living?"

Even now, he recalled the sight of the empress near death. He remembered how the hairpin had nearly struck their young children—and her.

The Empress Dowager listened, stunned into silence.

The Jingxi Emperor continued, "Now, no matter what I do, she remembers nothing. All she thinks of is Ye Han—she only wishes to return home."

Even the greatest power is powerless before a shattered mind.

The Empress Dowager frowned and whispered, "Emperor, she will be your ruin. You are the Son of Heaven—keeping her by your side—"

The Jingxi Emperor interrupted ruthlessly, "Mother, no one can destroy me. Only I can bring about my own downfall. Let me make this clear: Ah Wu is my life. If she suffers even the slightest harm, I have no desire to live."

He smiled faintly, emphasizing each word, "I will take Mo Yu and Mo Xi to join her in death. The four of us shall leave this world together."