Palace Intrigue?: I Make the Emperor Cry by Rewinding Time!-Chapter 138 - 121:
The Empress finished speaking, and the Emperor did not respond.
Everyone understood the same silence in different ways.
She believed that since he did not immediately rebuke her, there was still hope. After all, she had been quite "subtle" in not fully expressing her thoughts. In proper families, illegitimate sons should be raised by their legal mothers, and even illegitimate daughters should be shown to the legal mothers, and only if the legal mothers disapprove are they allowed to be raised by their birth mothers. If she had her way, she would have the disobedient concubines sold off, which would be ideal.
But Chief Su had just one thought.
If he could, he would have retired and let his grandson take over the duty—
Clearly, that wasn’t possible, so he could only shrink back into the corner to reduce his presence. He sighed inwardly, oh dear Empress! She already possessed most of the things women, even those in the harem, pursued. The Emperor always considered her, and despite her jealousy and capriciousness causing trouble in the harem now and then, she still firmly held onto power, not because of her own abilities, but because of the Emperor’s backing.
The Emperor originally intended to drink tea, but after hearing these words, he set the cup down again.
Sitting in Jianzhang Palace, he had just settled down but now wanted to leave as soon as possible.
"I’ve been thinking lately, when the time comes for Jing’er to choose a bride, I must personally scrutinize her capabilities before discussing anything else."
The Empress was taken aback.
The Emperor continued, "Marrying an unworthy wife leads to endless troubles."
The word "unworthy" cast a pale shadow on the Empress’s face.
She tried to defend herself: "It is better for the illegitimate son to be raised by me, it would be the best choice for him. Even if you are fond of Concubine Xi, you must understand that true parental love considers long-term benefits." These were based on her own beliefs.
Yun Jiao wasn’t present before him, and in her absence, reason prevailed.
In the Emperor’s eyes, familial affection was faint. If he had to choose, being raised under the Empress’s care was a good option, given the higher status, as long as the Empress was sensible and could raise his children well.
"Are you saying to trade Concubine Xi’s rank for a son?"
The Emperor rose: "Concubine Xi’s rank will be granted by me once the child is safely born, and it doesn’t need the Empress’s concern."
By the Emperor’s tone, it was clear that Concubine Xi was already slated to receive her title, and there was no intention to discuss it with her.
The Empress first felt offended, but then as he moved to leave, she became anxious: "Your Majesty!"
He paused his steps: "What else does the Empress have to say?"
"Today... today is the fifteenth."
He was supposed to stay at Jianzhang Palace, as was the tradition set by ancestors, which could not be broken.
However, the Emperor felt an intense weariness. As a ruler, he couldn’t easily leave the palace, and even his movements within the palace had restrictions. Could he not be willful just once? If the ministers criticized, he could accept it, but the Empress! Sitting on the throne of the Central Palace, neglecting her duties, indulging herself so freely.
"Today is the fifteenth,"
He repeated her words, a faint smile playing on his thin lips: "But I am the Emperor."
With that, the Emperor ignored the voice behind him and left Jianzhang Palace.
If he had wanted to deflate the Empress’s pride, he surely would have turned to Xianfu Palace.
He hesitated momentarily.
An enraged Emperor might leave a trail of corpses—a reference to formal affairs.
In personal matters, he ultimately adhered to decorum. Thus, even in anger, he remained contained.
"Return to Qiankun Palace."
Staying up late in the Imperial Study, reviewing documents by lamplight till midnight, then reluctantly resting at Zichen Palace, was the Emperor’s greatest rebellion.
...
The next day, without needing the Empress Dowager’s summons, the Emperor himself went early to Changle Palace to pay respects and explain why he parted unhappily with the Empress the previous day.
The Empress Dowager was first shocked, then rather awkward.
The Princess Consort was her choice, and Consort Jiang was selected with her consent. It showed her poor judgment in choosing women, and it even implicated her son. Sons do not criticize their mothers, but the Emperor merely complained: "I have never complained to the Empress about the issue of not producing an heir. Even petitions with slight criticisms from the previous dynasty, I returned without comment, constantly reassuring her, fearing that too much reassurance would make her arrogant."
"Respecting the Empress is to ensure she exercises palace power smoothly, disturbing me less."
"Now it seems I’ve given her the leverage to defy me."
The Emperor expressed considerable dissatisfaction with the Empress.
Serving the current Emperor wasn’t difficult; as long as tasks were completed within one’s duties, what was due would not be lacking.
The Empress Dowager stroked a cat, nodded: "This time, I will not interfere. I see a good nature in Concubine Xi, even if the Prince raised by her is somewhat innocent, there are instructors in the Imperial Study. At the very least, he won’t be led astray—a clear direction cannot go wrong." She paused, teasing: "I thought you only liked clever women, but it seems your preferences have changed."
