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Chapter 199.2
I am also a person, and I have my own emotions. I can also feel hatred and jealousy. But because I am the empress, I cannot have these emotions, otherwise, I would be deemed unworthy. A good empress, virtuous empress, do you think its so easy to become such a good empress
Empress Wei was clearly smiling, but tears covered her face. Why dont you think from my point of view? Those lowly women gave birth to children and all of them call me Mother Empress, as if I cherish being their mother. Every Mother Empress reminds me that you, as my husband, have fathered so many illegitimate children with other women
I once thought about it. Which woman didnt experience such things? Even if they are not in the imperial palace, men still have three wives and four concubines causing constant turmoil. But you didnt even leave me the last bit of dignity. I am the empress! This world should belong to my sons! Yet, you want to pass this throne to the son born to Shen Luan, that wretched woman!
Empress Wei turned her head and stared fiercely at Jin Wang, as if the two of them had some deep-rooted enmity, as if she wanted to devour him.
All the men of your Zhao Family are hypocrites. Did you think I wouldnt know why you favour Zuoer so much? You think the crown prince has grown up and developed his own opinions, so you arent at ease just passing the throne on to him like that. So you hold up Zuoer, creating a rift between the crown prince and his own legitimate son. The higher you elevate Zuoer, the lower you demean the crown prince.
How simple it is! A father who couldnt even compare to his sons abilities. Everyone reminds him of this. So the crown prince loses himself more and more and becomes less respectable. I watched helplessly as my son, step by step, moved toward destruction. I couldnt control it, and I didnt dare to. In my heart, I thought, even if its not the crown prince, at least its Zuoer. You truly made me believe that even if you dont leave the throne to our son, it would be left to our grandson. Unfortunately, you forced me to personally depose the crown prince, and naturally, Zuoer became useless too.
Empress Wei suddenly burst into laughter, unable to stop herself, laughing uncontrollably.
Look at you, so clever and cunning. The great crown prince, revered by thousands, has been brought down overnight. Can you blame me? Since you took away all my hopes, why cant I fight for myself? Why should I helplessly watch that wretched person climb to the top and rule over my son?
Emperor Hongjing suddenly started coughing violently. Li Dequan hurriedly went forward to pat his back and give him water.
Youve gone mad! Youve gone mad! Youve gone mad!
I am mad. Its you who drove me to madness! That night, I truly wanted to stop Jianer, but then I thought, with or without you, it doesnt make much difference. Why should I bring suffering upon myself? Isnt being the Empress Dowager better? High and mighty, without these filthy and troublesome matters.
Emperor Hongjings face visibly turned purple, causing Li Dequan considerable alarm. He quickly called for the imperial physician. However, Emperor Hongjing held him back, took several deep breaths, and the colour gradually faded away, leaving only exhaustion on his brow.
He looked utterly fatigued, his voice filled with weariness. Whether you believe it or not, I, at the beginning
After those words, he fell silent. Emperor Hongjing had unexpectedly fallen asleep. Unconsciously, he murmured something, but it was indistinct and incomprehensible to others.
The hall fell silent.
Jin Wang spoke, Let Father rest well. Someone, escort he glanced indifferently at Empress Wei, escort Mother Empress back to the Kunning Palace.
Soon, someone came forward and led Empress Wei away.
Chang Jianan was finally found, but he was discovered as a lifeless body.
He was found in the pond of the imperial garden, with no visible wounds, as if he had accidentally fallen into the water and drowned.
This manner of death was too suspicious, leaving people wondering if there were any hidden secrets behind it. Nevertheless, along with Dai Wangs suicide, the rebellious forces within the palace were thoroughly eliminated, and the Forbidden City finally regained its former tranquillity.
Duke Weiguo and his son were imprisoned, Empress Wei was confined to the Kunning Palace, and other high-ranking officials involved in the conspiracy, including Elder Chen, were all imprisoned, awaiting Emperor Hongjings orders on how to deal with them.
Unfortunately, Emperor Hongjings health was deteriorating, and with numerous other matters demanding his attention, this had not yet been placed on the agenda.
During these days, Jin Wang had also been extremely busy. Emperor Hongjings weakened condition required him to take care of many things. No one voiced any objections because, with the return of Elder Chen and others, the matter of the real posthumous edict was widely known. Elder Chen had brought out the edict, which revealed that the one to ascend the throne was none other than Jin Wang.
There werent actually three copies, but only one. The existence of three copies was just a scam created by Minister Chen to deceive Dai Wang, with the purpose of diverting attention and protecting himself.
Jin Wang was incredibly busy, so much so that he spent several consecutive nights staying in the palace.
On this day, he finally had some free time and returned to his residence to rest for half a day.
Will Empress niangniang still be deposed? After listening to Jin Wangs account, Yaoniang subconsciously asked this question.
Why? Are you hoping for her to be deposed?
Yaoniang waved her hand and said, Its not like that. I just feel that if she has done such things, shouldnt she be punished?
Jin Wang took her hand and played with it in his palm, saying, Dont think too much. Father Emperor has never been merciful towards women. The delay in taking action is simply due to his lack of energy at the moment.
In fact, there was another reason that Jin Wang didnt mention. Perhaps what Empress Wei said on that day was true, which made Emperor Hongjing abnormally indecisive.
But soon, something happened that shocked everyone.