The princes had sharp eyes and already saw that the situation was amiss. The sound of their chattering suddenly quieted down and they also temporarily stopped making toasts and drinking. They quietly looked at the emperor and empress. Normally, a consort shouldn’t attend this type of family gathering. However, Noble Consort Ning had become more and more favored during the past years and Emperor Chong Zhen had given her a rare honor by allowing her to attend. This was why she was able to proudly sit here.

  Emperor Chong Zhen put down his xi jiao cup that was decoratively carved with pine trees, bamboo stalks, and plum trees. The smile on his face had completely vanished. He half turned his body towards Empress Chen’s direction and said, “The banquet is only half over. If the empress leaves, what will these children think?”


  Seeing that Empress Chen’s expression didn’t look good, he changed his tone and said, “If you’re really not feel well, an imperial doctor should be immediately called over without delay to check.”


  “Thank you for your concern, Your Majesty. This consort is just feeling dizzy and will feel better after resting for a bit. It’s not serious.” Empress Chen’s words were as deferent as usual, but there wasn’t any warmth in her eyes. It was as if she viewed talking to Emperor Chong Zhen as only a type of duty. She didn’t smile until she looked at Wei Luo and said, “Ah Luo, help me walk back. We haven’t seen each other in a while. I have words that I want to say to you.”


  Wei Luo looked at Zhao Jie. Afterwards, she obediently stood up, walked to Empress Chen’s side, and supported her with her arm. “Sure, daughter-in-law also has things to say with imperial mother.”


  Emperor Chong looked at the two of them walking away and suddenly felt that this family banquet had become dull. His expression slightly sunk, but he didn’t say a word.

  Zhao Jie arranged for two people to follow after Wei Luo and Empress Chen and protect their safety.

  Seeing that mood had become stiff, Ninth prince Zhao Zhen suggested that everyone think of a phrase with the prompt being “New Year”. Emperor Chong Zhen didn’t voice an opinion and seemed to tacitly agree. As a result, the princes and princesses racked their brains to think of something. If they could think of a good phrase and gain Emperor Chong Zhen’s favor, it would be the absolute best.

  Ninth prince confidently started, “An impoverish era is setting, the opening of a beautiful season.”


  After ninth prince, it was twelfth prince. Twelfth prince was young, so he used a famous poet’s words, “The sound of firecrackers ends a year, the spring breeze brings warmth.”


  The other princes also said their lines. When it was Zhao Jie’s turn, he turned the wine cup in his hand and indifferently said, “Keeping guard until the bells ring, holding a candle to welcome the New Year.”


  Although the words were simple, he continued to speak in an uninhibited and heroic manner,

  “The winter air longs for the arrow, the spring scenery waits for the rooster’s cries, Losing interest in the overflowing jar, observing over the fence,

  There will be a thousand years, paying respect at the emperor’s door.”


  Emperor Chong Zhen nodded.

  After a few rounds of this poetry game, seventh prince was the one that was fined the most. Emperor Chong Zhen commented, “It seems that old seven has been slacking in his studies. Even little twelve is doing better than you.”


  Seventh prince was so ashamed that his entire face was flushed. “This imperial son has failed to meet imperial father’s expectations and will definitely painstakingly study after returning home. Won’t…”


  Emperor Chong Zhen waived his hand. He didn’t feel like continuing to listen to these words, “Never mind. You only have a mouth that says things without following through. Just sit down.”


  After three rounds of wine, the family banquet was almost over. The group of people prepared to go up to Sheng Xue’s third level to admire the fireworks. Just as Emperor Chong Zhen stood up, Noble Consort Ning came over to lend an arm to support him in walking upstairs. Seeing that he still hadn’t expressed his position about the issue, she couldn’t help mentioning again, “Your Majesty, this consort’s words from before… Zhang-er…”


  Emperor Chong Zhen turned his head to look at Noble Consort Ning, “Consort Ning, this emperor has already considered the matter about old five. Let the matter drop. If you keep asking, this emperor will feel annoyed.”


  Noble Consort Ning was startled. It was only now that she realized he hadn’t forgotten. He was deliberately not expressing an opinion. Scared, she explained, “Your Majesty, please quell you anger. This consort was too anxious and temporarily lost my senses out of concern… If this topic causes Your Majesty to be unhappy, this consort won’t mention this again.”


  Emperor Chong Zhen watched her and said words that had an unclear meaning, “If you’re worried about old five, this emperor will send people to check up on him.”


  Noble Consort Ning wasn’t a fool. She could hear that his “to check up” wasn’t as simple as showing concern. There was definitely another meaning behind those words.

  And so, she quickly said, “Zhang-er made a mistake. It’s only naturally that he’s confined at home. This will be a good opportunity for him to reflect on his behavior. This consort was slow-witted and shouldn’t have doubted Your Majesty’s intention.”


  There wasn’t much of an expression on Emperor Chong Zhen’s face and he didn’t respond.

  Noble Consort Ning was worried that Emperor Chong Zhen was annoyed by her earlier words, so she hastily said words to curry favor, “Let this consort help Your Majesty up the stairs.”


  Emperor Chong Zhen nodded. He didn’t seem as if he was blaming her.

  The view from Sheng Xue’s third floor was excellent. If they stood here during the daytime, they could see all of the buildings in the palace. There was no moon tonight and the clear lake surface didn’t gleam with reflected light. The night was darker than usual until a loud explosive noise was heard from the lakeside. A brightly multi-colored firework suddenly blossomed in the sky. It was followed by firework after firework and the sounds overlapped each other. These fireworks lit up the sky above the lake as if it was daytime.

  ——–


  Wei Luo accompanied Empress Chen as they left the lake and walked to Qing Xi Palace. Just as they reached the bottom of Zhao Yang Hall’s stairway that led to the entrance, they saw that fireworks were being set off at the lake. Standing at the top of the staircase, they could see part of the fireworks show. At this time, Empress Chen wasn’t in a hurry to enter the hall. She stood by the entrance and surveyed the scene from an elevated position. Her eyes were overflowing with melancholy.

  Wei Luo called out, “Imperial mother, weren’t you feeling unwell? It’s windy outside. It’ll be easy to get sick if you stay outside for too long.”


  Empress Chen returned to her senses, turned around to face her, and smiled. In a calm and relaxed tone, she said, “Who said I was feeling unwell? I’m feeling perfectly fine.”


  Wei Luo blinked. Didn’t she say those words herself?

  Empress Chen didn’t mind saying the truth to Wei Luo. As she started walking into Zhao Yang Hall, she honestly said, “I was only lying to the emperor. If I didn’t say that, how would I be able to return here so early?”


  She saw down on the ironwood arhat couch and called Wei Luo to her side. “Ah Luo, you’re this empress’s daughter-in-law, so this empress will treat you as a trustworthy person. This is why I’m telling you this.”


  Wei Luo sat down across from her. After thinking, she asked, “Imperial mother, do you dislike attending the family banquets?”


  “It’s the same each year. Other than eating, it’s poetry games. There’s nothing new.” Empress Chen ordered people to bring tea and water. Perhaps, it was because she was thirsty. After she picked up the brightly color cup that had a pattern of daffodils and auspicious symbols, she drained the cup of jasmine honey water in one gulp.

  She paused after drinking, then she let out a heavy sigh and said, “Actually, it’s not that I dislike it. I just felt that it was especially unpleasant to look at Consort Ning tonight. If I had to continue to sit there, I would lose my self-control in front of the children. That’s why I thought about leaving early.”


  Wei Luo took a sip of the jasmine honey water. It was tasty and refreshing, with just the right amount of sweetness. She asked, “Why does imperial mother dislike Noble Consort Ning?”


  Right after she said these words, she felt that her question was stupid. Was there any woman that would like someone that stole her husband?

  However, Empress Chen’s words following words left her stunned.

  Empress Chen said, “A month ago, when House Li met with trouble, Elder Prince Gao Yang came here to plead with this empress. She told me something.” She stopped with her eyes full of guilt. “Guess why Liuli has been sick since she was a child.”


  Wei Luo held the colorful cup and slowly asked, “It is it related to Noble Consort Ning?”


  Empress Chen said, “Someone poisoned Liuli was she was only a year old. She almost didn’t recover. The imperial doctor had to treat her for three days and three nights to save her life. At the time, Consort Shu was the one that was found guilty of poisoning Liuli and His Majesty ordered Consort Shu’s death. This empress always felt suspicious and finally confirmed a few days ago that Consort Ning was the one that was responsible.”


  Wei Luo asked, “Since it’s like that, why doesn’t imperial mother tell His Majesty and ask His Majesty to hold Noble Consort Ning responsible?”


  Empress Chen laughed and said, “What difference would it make if I told him this? I don’t have any hope that he’ll stand on my side. I only ask that Liuli and Chang Sheng can peacefully live out their lives. I don’t have any other requests.” Moreover, she had something, but the emperor didn’t believe her. He was wholeheartedly determined to protect Consort Ning. She had long given up on having any hopes toward Emperor Chong Zhen.

  Wei Luo was extremely surprised. So, this was the sticking point between the emperor and empress. Empress Chen’s heart had died and Emperor Chong didn’t understand why. It wasn’t surprising that the empress remained indifferent no matter what Emperor Chong Zheng did.

  Empress Chen added, “As long as Chang Sheng succeeds in the future, this empress won’t worry about punishing Noble Consort Ning.”


  It wasn’t wrong for her to think this way. Zhao Jie was the son of the main wife. He should be inheriting the position of emperor. However, Wei Luo couldn’t help thinking about her past life. Why did the emperor pass on his position to Zhao Zhang? Why was Zhao Jie willing to be a regent?

  She carefully thought. At that time, Liuli and Empress Chen had died one after another. Zhao Jie’s originally cold temperament had become even more tyrannical. When people mentioned in him in the capital, they would tremble. Although Zhao Zhang was the emperor, Zhao Jie had the full support of the court officials and total control. During morning court, there was even another chair added next to the throne for Zhao Jie to sit in. It seemed as if the situation that had occurred for the Second Zhou Dynasty was appearing again. There had been gossip in the streets that Zhao Zhang wouldn’t be able to keep his position as emperor for long. Zhao Jie would be taking it soon.

  As for whether or not Zhao Jie was able to take back his birthright, Wei Luo didn’t know. She had already died by then.

  Would the same mistakes be made in this life? Or, would Zhao Jie successfully inherit the throne?

  Under the current circumstances, Zhao Zhang had already lost and wouldn’t be a threat unless Emperor Chong Zhen’s brain was broken and insisted on making Zhao Zhang the crown prince. If that were to happen, the court officials would be able to drown him just by the sheer amount of their complaints.

  Wei Luo suddenly thought of something and asked, “I heard that imperial mother has recently been looking for a husband for Liuli?”


  At the mention of this, Empress Chen’s expression eased. She sighed and said, “Liuli doesn’t like any of the people that I selected.”


  Wei Lui pursed her lips into a smile. Zhao Liuli’s heart already had a person. Of course, she wouldn’t be interested in anyone else. She persuaded, “Imperial mother, you don’t need to be anxious about this. Liuli has a noble and precious status. She can’t just randomly marry someone. Besides, is imperial mother willing to part with her?”


  Empress Chen was naturally unwilling. But, so what if she was unwilling? She couldn’t forbid her daughter from marrying for the rest of her life.

  Wei Luo said, “Liuli recently told me that she’s reluctant to separate from you. She wants to stay by your side and accompany your for two more years… But, she’s worried that you’ll be angry. That’s why she hasn’t said anything. She asked me to express her thoughts to you.”


  Empress Chen felt angry and helpless as she said, “This child… There’s nothing that she can’t tell me. What can I do to her? Eat her?”


  Wei Luo laughed and didn’t say anything.

  Wei Luo accompanied Empress Chen and had a long conversation with her. This was the first time they had such a long conversation while seated side by side after they had become mother-in-law and daughter-in-law. Their conversation was very carefree and they talked about everything. Without noticing, two hours had passed and the family banquet at Sheng Xue had ended a while ago.

  When Zhao Jie arrived at Zhao Yang Hall, he saw his young wife sitting at vermillion-lacquered table that was inlayed with gold and carved with spirals. She was drinking congee and eating daikon that had been marinated in a sweet liquid.

  Zhao Jie stepped forward, sat down on the couch, stretched his arms out, and brought her into his embrace, “Where’s imperial mother?”


  Wei Luo’s congee almost spilled out. She complained, “Big brother, why didn’t you say something first? Imperial mother went to sleep. I was hungry, so I had them prepare something in the kitchen and bring it over here.”


  Zhao Jie chuckled, “Why do I have to say something before I hug my wife?”


  Wei Luo smelled the scent of alcohol on his body and knew that he had drunk a lot. She scooped up a spoonful of chicken congee with shiitake mushroom and brought it to his lips, “You probably haven’t eaten much, right? Are you hungry? Do you want me to order people to bring more food over? Imperial mother said that I could tell them to make me whatever food I want.”


  Zhao Jie drank the spoonful of congee that she was holding, then he held her chin and kissed her. “Let’s stop eating and go home.”


  Wei Luo nodded and stood up from the couch, “Let’s go then.”


  Zhao Jie asked, “What did you talk about with imperial mother?”


  Wei Luo stopped moving for a moment. She thought of Empress Chen’s eyes that was as apathetic as clear water. She couldn’t resist honestly asking Zhao Jie, “Big brother, could you help me with two things?”


  Zhao Jie raised an eyebrow. “Tell me.”


  Wei Luo first mentioned the full story behind Zhao Liuli being poisoned. “If this matter is related to Noble Consort Ning, you have to let His Majesty know the truth…”


  Zhao Jie’s eyes darkened. Empress Chen had never mentioned this matter to him. He had only been eight years old when Liuli had been poisoned and didn’t know the inside story. Since Wei Luo had asked him, he naturally couldn’t let the matter go. He said, “I’ll have the matter clearly investigated. And the second matter is?”


  As for the second request, Wei Luo looked around and after confirming that there were no palace servants near them, she stood on her tiptoes and whispered into Zhao Jie’s ear, “Could you order people to make discreet inquires about Yang Zhen’s current situation? He’s been gone for two months. Liuli is very worried.”


  Zhao Jie turned his head to directly look at her. He pinched her cheeks and said, “You’re very attentive towards other people’s affairs.”


  Seeing that he was jealous, Wei Luo smiled and wrapped her arms around his neck to lean closer to his body. She loudly kissed his cheek and said, “Big brother possess remarkable abilities. These things are a piece of cake to you! Right?”


  Zhao Jie pointed at his lips, “It only works if you kiss here.”


  Wei Luo didn’t have another option. She stuck closer to his body and kissed him a few more times.

  When they left Zhao Yang Hall, Zhao Yang Hall’s palace servant girls had red faces that resembled cooked shrimp. Prince Jing and Princess Consort Jing had been so affectionate with each other. Prince Jing didn’t have any of his usual solemn appearance in front of the princess consort. The love in his eyes almost seemed like it would overflow and spill out. As the saying goes, everyone has a weakness.

  Shortly after Zhao Jie and Wei Luo left, Emperor Chong Zhen changed into a robe that was embroidered with dragons arranged in circular patterns and appeared at Zhao Yang Hall’s entrance.