Chapter 1212: Chapter 185: Confessing to He Lianfang
Chapter 1212: Chapter 185: Confessing to He Lianfang
The coronation ceremony of Prince Wei, although kept simple, was still very solemn.
Era name: Yong’an.
After Emperor Yong’an’s ascension, he immediately honored the Supreme Emperor, honored Lady Liang as Empress Dowager, and bestowed Zhao Yao the title of Eight Pearls Prince.
Previously, ministers who supported Emperor Yong’an were all given promotions. Officials who remained neutral also received rewards. All in all, with the new emperor’s ascension, the entire court was filled with a strong sense of celebration.
At this moment, in the Imperial Study of Zichen Hall, Zhao Yao was preparing to discuss with Emperor Yong’an about his intention to return to Swamp Prefecture.
“Are you really leaving? Aren’t you planning to stay and help me?” Emperor Yong’an habitually referred to himself as “I” in front of Zhao Yao.
“Brother, you don’t need my help.” Zhao Yao remained as carefree as ever in front of Emperor Yong’an, “Besides, I have many things to do, and no time to stay in the capital.”
Emperor Yong’an looked at Zhao Yao with amusement, “I know you well enough, you just want to avoid trouble.”
“Brother, since you know, why do you still ask?”
Emperor Yong’an laughed and said, “Just for formality.”
Zhao Yao was amused by Emperor Yong’an’s comment, and then his expression turned serious: “Brother, if there’s anything you need help with, feel free to ask.”
Emperor Yong’an replied, “Rest assured, I won’t be shy to ask.”
“Alright, then I won’t disturb you. I will go and inform our father and mother, the Supreme Emperor and the Empress Dowager, about my impending return to Swamp Prefecture.”
“I’ll join you.”
The brothers walked shoulder to shoulder towards Cining Palace, chatting and laughing along the way.
Yu Hai and Tong Xi walked behind them, happy to see the brothers as close as ever.
After ascending the throne, Emperor Yong’an had the Empress Dowager and the Supreme Emperor moved to reside in Cining Palace.
Before ascending, Emperor Yong’an ordered the rearrangement of Cining Palace to make it more comfortable for the Supreme Emperor and Empress Dowager. As for Princess Consort Li, now Empress Dowager Li, she was sent back to her original palace, where someone took care of her due to her severe illness.
The former Noble Princess Consort Ying, now Princess Consort Ying, continued to reside in her original palace.
In Cining Palace, Princess Consort Ying was conversing with the Empress Dowager. Seeing Emperor Yong’an and Prince Han arrive, she tactfully left.
The Empress Dowager, noticing the brothers had arrived, first had them drink a bowl of soup which she had personally prepared in the morning.
After drinking the soup, the brothers went to visit the Supreme Emperor. Under the witch doctor’s care, the emperor gradually regained sensation in his body but still could not speak.
After speaking with the Supreme Emperor for a while, Zhao Yao bid farewell to the Empress Dowager.
The Empress Dowager had long known that her son planned to leave the capital and return to Swamp Prefecture but was still reluctant. Despite her reluctance, she would not keep her son in the capital against his wishes.
She didn’t say much, only instructed Zhao Yao to take good care of himself and the Princess once he returned to Swamp Prefecture.
Emperor Yong’an, having memorials to review, chatted with the Empress Dowager and Prince Han for a while before leaving. Zhao Yao did not leave, for he had to stay for lunch.
Zhao Yao, holding the Empress Dowager’s hand, strolled with her through the gardens of Cining Palace, chatting along the way.
After walking for a while, they sat down in a pavilion by the lake, where Gui Xing promptly served tea and snacks.
“Mother, no matter what happens in the court in the future, no matter who comes to ask for favors, pay no heed,” Zhao Yao added, “Also, do not concern yourself with the harem’s matters.”
The Empress Dowager nodded and said, “Don’t worry, I won’t meddle in anything, only focus on taking care of your father.”
Looking at the distant clear blue sky, Zhao Yao pondered, “The court won’t be peaceful for long.”
The Empress Dowager understood Zhao Yao’s meaning, “Rest assured, I won’t interfere in any matters.”
“Mother, now that you are also my brother’s mother, you should be concerned when appropriate,” Zhao Yao stated seriously, “Speak up when necessary.”
“Alright.” The Empress Dowager knew well when to be concerned about Emperor Yong’an and when to advise him.
Zhao Yao instructed a few more things, which the Empress Dowager duly noted.
“I thought you wouldn’t agree to become Empress Dowager when my brother asked you.” After all, Lady Liang was not the biological mother of Prince Wei.
“The emperor wants me to be his mother, how could I refuse?” This was one of the reasons Lady Liang agreed to become Empress Dowager. “Besides, I’ve watched the emperor grow up, and he holds a place in my heart similar to yours.”
“It’s good that you became Empress Dowager and genuinely married my father.” This was why Zhao Yao agreed to Emperor Yong’an bestowing the title of Empress Dowager to Lady Liang.
The Empress Dowager didn’t expect Zhao Yao to say such a thing. She smiled slightly, “It is indeed good.”
“By the way, regarding the Li Family’s matters, do not concern yourself.” After being rescued by Zhao Yao, the Li Family did not return to teach at the Imperial College. After Emperor Yong’an’s ascension, he did not issue a decree for them to return. Understanding the emperor’s disfavor towards them, the Li Family prepared to return to their hometown.
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