Chapter 833 - 756: Farewell (Part 3)

Chapter 833: Chapter 756: Farewell (Part 3)

Prince Cheng was inwardly distressed and hurriedly said, "Since Father says it’s important, then it’s indeed important! Alright, I’ll have Jingchen come see His Majesty!"

"Hurry and get out of here!"

Prince Cheng bowed and quickly slipped out.

Upon leaving the hall, surprisingly none of the other princes outside had left yet.

Prince Lu asked, "What was Old Fifth saying to Father alone in secret?"

Actually, they had all heard the sound of the teacup smashing to the ground and the Emperor’s furious voice earlier, but being farther away, they didn’t know what was said.

Prince Cheng calmly replied, "What else could he say? Talking about how marriage affairs should be based on mutual affection, and not recklessly matching couples, ruining lives!"

The princes exchanged glances; indeed, this was typical of what Prince Cheng would say. Moreover, such words would indeed anger Father, and it was natural for Father to throw the teacup and drive him out!

Furthermore, wasn’t it always like this whenever Father saw Old Fifth? This time Old Fifth even sought to be scolded himself, he deserved it!

Prince Lu chuckled, "Fifth Brother is still so straightforward and outspoken!"

Prince Xin sneered sarcastically, "Straightforward and outspoken—since when did those become compliments?" He said, laughing mockingly.

Prince Zhuang glared fiercely at Prince Cheng.

Prince Liang, weighed down with worry, looked at no one as he walked away.

Had it not been for Huangfu Yuxuan instructing him to report today’s events exactly as they happened, he wouldn’t have stayed so long. Who marries, who becomes a political alliance, what has it to do with him? His sister? He had so many sisters, and being a brother of more than forty years old, with a sister younger than his own son, who he hardly saw once or twice a year being in the Imperial Family, how close could they possibly be?

Prince Li lagged behind, saying to Prince Cheng, "Fifth Imperial Brother, Father merely dislikes disputes among brothers. For you to remain discussing this topic with Father, it’s normal for Father to lose his temper, you shouldn’t take it to heart!"

Prince Cheng smiled indifferently, "Ninth Brother overthinks, thunder and rain, all are a ruler’s grace!"

Originally intending to smooth things over, Prince Li felt his attempt was futile faced with Prince Cheng’s indifferent demeanor.

The Emperor stared as Prince Cheng’s figure left Longyu Hall, feeling that Old Fifth had an air of arrogance that was truly infuriating. Besides, in having summoned the princes back to the Capital City, he indeed had plans for appointing a Crown Prince.

Yet this Old Fifth was in such a hurry to leave the Capital City. To not aspire for the position of Crown Prince is one thing, but this seemingly fleeing appearance—did he really view it as a monstrous flood, or did he simply realize it wouldn’t fall to him, thus showing self-awareness?

Though initially resolved to agree to the marriage alliance, Prince Cheng’s words stirred emotions in the Emperor. Should he ask the opinion of the Seventeenth Princess?

After all, she was his daughter.

Thinking this, the Emperor decided to head to Consort Li’s palace.

Consort Li’s Liqing Palace was not close to Longyu Hall. The princesses she bore were already seventeen; after all, they couldn’t compare to the palace newcomers of three years before, aged fifteen or sixteen. Nevertheless, Consort Li was beautiful, with a nimble mind like a flower that resolves language, even now, the Emperor could stay at Consort Li’s palace two days a month, a rare favor.

Arriving at Liqing Palace, a eunuch loudly announced, "His Majesty arrives!"

Consort Li hurriedly came out to welcome him, kneeling to the ground, "Welcome, Your Majesty!"

This time the Emperor did not first dispatch a eunuch to inform her, so Consort Li was rushed in receiving him.

The Emperor glanced at Consort Li, noticing that her face was somewhat haggard, which was once radiant like the morning sun; he thought to himself: despite only being absent for five days, how has Consort Li changed so much?

He extended his hand to offer support, "Consort, rise!" He continued, "It’s been a few days, Consort, why have you become so emaciated?"

In Consort Li’s eyes lurked a trace of sorrow, she seemed to hesitate to speak.

The Emperor wondered if Consort Li already knew of the marriage alliance?

A wave of displeasure surged within him; matters of the court cannot be swayed by women in the harem! 𝒻𝑟ℯℯ

He sternly asked, "What is the matter, after all?"

Consort Li discerned the impatience in his voice, hurriedly said, "I beg Your Majesty to save Ying’er!" The Seventeenth Princess was named Huangfu Ying.

The Emperor’s wrath grew; he shouted in anger, "How dare you! Matters of the court, how dare a woman interfere? Have I pampered you too much, misleading you to misunderstand your own status?"

Consort Li was greatly shocked, fear and distress filled her voice, "Your Majesty, how has Ying’er’s life come to be involved in matters of the court? I know the harem cannot meddle in politics, nor would I ever inquire about court affairs. I only wish to plead with Your Majesty to save Ying’er; she’s dying!"

The Emperor was taken aback, now realizing something was amiss, as Consort Li was typically prudent. He gravely asked, "What are you talking about? What has happened to Ying’er?"