Chapter 88: Leaving the Capital

Chapter 88: Departing the Capital

As the echoes of the coronation ceremony faded, the newly appointed Empress, accompanied by the newly appointed Crown Prince, stood at the palace gates to bid farewell to Consort Rong and her son.

"Elder Sister, I won't force you to stay if you wish to leave the capital. But why not wait until spring when the weather warms? It's so cold now, and the New Year is approaching. Yuanxiu's health isn't strong—why rush? Stay a while longer; wouldn't it be better to depart when spring arrives and flowers bloom?"

Consort Rong smiled serenely.

Relieved of her phoenix crown and robes, she seemed much more at ease. The Empress's sincere plea softened the weariness and sorrow in her eyes.

"I will not remain."

She turned to look at her son, who was bidding farewell to his siblings not far away, her smile warm.

"Yuanxiu's health is passable, and he wishes to leave for his fiefdom early. Besides, Guangping Prefecture is the ancestral land of our dynasty—it won't be a hardship for us mother and son there. Why force ourselves to remain in the capital and cause further difficulties for both of us?"

The Empress sighed.

"I thank you for your understanding, Elder Sister."

"It is I who should thank you."

Consort Rong bowed to her.

"Your servant thanks Your Majesty for your grace, for remembering our past affection and showing kindness to me and my son. I offer my gratitude once more."

Zhao Yu'e knew well that without Qiao Yunshu’s consent, Yuanxiu’s fiefdom would never have been Guangping Prefecture. It was the ancestral foundation of the Li family, and as the eldest imperial son, Yuanxiu would surely not be wronged there.

"If you are content. It wasn't I who chose the fiefdom—it was the Emperor who selected it for you."

"Yes, I am also grateful to the Emperor."

"Elder Sister, he's watching from the city tower. Should I ask him to come see you off?"

"No need."

Zhao Yu'e looked up and bowed toward the distant figure in bright yellow robes.

"He has already spared the Zhao family, fulfilling our bond as husband and wife. I cannot ask for more. Yunshu, please relay a message for me: 'Your concubine is grateful for Your Majesty’s kindness.'"

"Elder Sister, I apologize."

A flash of guilt passed through Qiao Yunshu’s eyes—it was unclear whether the apology was for herself or for Li Changhuai.

Zhao Yu'e smiled at her words.

"I don't blame you, and I don't blame him either. You have both upheld your promises and given the Zhao family their due. It was my elder brother who failed to grasp this immense wealth and power—no one else is to blame.

I have fulfilled my duty as a daughter of the Zhao family, and he has fulfilled his responsibility as a husband. Everything that followed was our own choice, so I hold no grudges against anyone.

In fact, this may not be such a bad outcome. From now on, I can extricate myself from the entanglement among the three of us—it's better for everyone. Don't you think?"

Qiao Yunshu remained silent. Zhao Yu'e softly patted her hand, as if comforting her or perhaps herself.

"Yunshu, the road of marriage is wide—a man can have many women. But the path of love is narrow—it cannot accommodate three people walking side by side. Don't you agree?"

Delicate hands clasped hers, and Qiao Yunshu finally shed tears.

"Thank you, Elder Sister, for your understanding."

Zhao Yu'e smiled through her tears.

"I am not conceding for you—I'm doing it for myself. I've been too tired all these years. From now on, I want to be more compassionate to myself. And you—you must also learn to be more compassionate to yourself in the future, understand?"

"I understand."

The two women, who had been rivals for half their lives, bid each other a lingering farewell.

On the other side, the atmosphere between the two brothers was noticeably less warm than that between their mothers.

"Ahem... Third Brother, in the end, you've won."

Li Yuanxiu’s eyes held complex emotions—there was unwillingness, but also relief.

Yet he knew that, no matter what, his ailing body could no longer support the ambitions of the past. Being able to leave the capital safely with his mother was already the best outcome.

Li Yanxiu’s smile remained as radiant as ever.

"I concede to you, and thank you, Elder Brother, for your understanding."

Perhaps it was the joy of the occasion that lifted his spirits, but his already striking, ambiguous beauty now seemed even more captivating.

"Tsk, who are you trying to deceive? There's no need to put on an act in front of me. If you're happy, laugh heartily. Such an ideal resolution—if I were you, I'd be laughing for three days and three nights straight."

"Not to that extent. I'll just celebrate privately for a day or half a night—that should suffice. Elder Brother, don't worry too much about me. Perhaps someday I'll return to Guangping Prefecture to pay respects to our ancestors, and then we'll meet again."

"Third Brother, you've been this impish since childhood. Now that you're the Crown Prince, you mustn't continue like this, lest you tarnish the imperial family's honor. If that happens, I'll share in your disgrace."

"That won't happen! With Fourth and Fifth Brothers around, even if there's any embarrassment, it won't fall on us. Rest assured, Elder Brother!"

"Heh, you're the Crown Prince now—you must set a good example for your brothers. Don't be so flippant all the time. Remember the majesty of the royal house!"

"Alright, I'll remember! It's not like we'll never see each other again. Why bother with all these pointless reminders?"

"Then what do you want me to say? Should I ask you to return the Crown Prince position to me? Would you do it?"

"Do I look like a fool? The throne shifts—today, it's my turn. Your brother plans to sit tight—once I sit on this throne, I don't plan on getting up. Just settle down as the Prince of An. In the future, I'll grant you the title of First-Rank Prince."

"Pah, say that in front of Father, and see if he doesn't have you whipped."

"Just watch whether I say it or not."

The two brothers exchanged barbs, their unvoiced grievances gradually dissipating with each exchange of words.

"It's about time—we must leave now."

Li Yuanxiu checked the sky and then bowed to the Crown Prince.

"Your Highness, I take my leave."

Li Yanxiu returned the bow.

"Safe travels, Elder Brother. May you have smooth sailing."

Consort Rong and her son stood before the carriage, taking one last look at the man on the city tower before decisively boarding the carriage and departing the capital. The long procession wound like a farewell song.

The winter breeze was sharp, biting like a blade against the face, making it difficult for those on high to keep their eyes open.

"Your Majesty, the winter wind carries a chill."

Chief Steward Wang whispered anxiously.

"Indeed, this wind is bitterly cold—it's making my eyes water."

The Emperor’s voice sounded somewhat strained, and his eyes were terribly red.

"If she wishes to return to Guangping, so be it. Perhaps it's better she isn't by my side. After all, I've never been a good man, and in this life, I've truly failed her."

Steward Wang knelt on the ground, feigning death. These were words he shouldn't hear—not a single syllable.

"The weather is so cold—I wonder if they brought enough winter clothing? My eldest son’s health has always been frail; he should carry plenty of good medicine with him. I don't want to live to bury my own son..."

The Emperor stood in place, watching the carriage procession depart, muttering under his breath for a long while. Only when the last trace of them vanished from sight did he finally look away, his eyes bleak.

"Go, then. It's better this way. At least they won't be under my watchful eye, these two hotheads at each other's throats. As long as they don't end up hurting their own and pleasing their enemies—that's enough."