Read Novel Full Chapter 1685: Hope
Chapter 1685: Chapter 1685: Hope
Now they all disdain following along, wouldn’t it be better if they came by themselves? That way, they could leave a lasting impression on the Emperor.
Cautiously approaching Taihe Palace, this isn’t a place they can casually enter, as the imperial guard is stationed outside.
The five young ladies see Eunuch Meng and respectfully bow, which is certainly giving face, for ladies to bow to a eunuch shows respect.
"Why are you ladies here?"
"Eunuch Meng, we wandered over and only realized this was Taihe Palace when we got close. Since we’re already here, wouldn’t it be too discourteous not to greet the Emperor?"
"Ladies, please wait a moment. I’ll inform the Emperor."
Eunuch Meng cautiously enters Taihe Palace, and the Emperor is indeed seriously reviewing memorials.
"Emperor, there are a few young ladies outside wishing to pay respects."
"Send them all back."
Eunuch Meng is startled, understanding the Emperor’s intent: not to send them back to Chuxiu Palace but back home.
He dares not say anything further. He withdraws respectfully.
"Ladies, you must go back and pack your belongings immediately. In half an hour, you’ll be sent back to your residences."
The young ladies waiting outside are still pondering how to attract the Emperor’s attention. Before they knew it, all their illusions were shattered.
"Eunuch Meng!"
At this point, several little eunuchs come over to escort them to pack.
Some truly unwilling, having come so close, separated only by a door, yet lacking the courage to barge in.
Su Yuanyuan learns of this news after a quarter of an hour.
"Cui Shanggong, you saw, I already tried. But it didn’t succeed."
Everyone actually understands that the key lies with the Emperor, yet unwillingness still prompts an attempt.
"Empress, you have to personally go persuade the Emperor. Having only a princess isn’t enough."
"Me persuade him? Will it work?"
Su Yuanyuan suddenly thinks it would be good if she got driven away too. "Alright."
"Empress, I’ll go discuss with Eunuch Meng."
Su Yuanyuan is indifferent, though now the servants mean to make decisions for the master, she has no objections.
Back at their homes, the young ladies are all crying, and you can’t say it’s because of the Empress’s jealousy. She legitimately facilitated their visit.
However, some think perhaps the Empress intentionally did this to make the Emperor dislike them.
Outside, more and more people speculate that the Emperor is ill.
Cui Shanggong and Eunuch Meng have already arranged for the Empress to invite the Emperor for a meal tomorrow noon.
Tan Shaoting, upon hearing the news, does not refuse.
Eunuch Meng has many conjectures in mind. The Emperor genuinely treats the Empress differently; perhaps there’s still hope.
They are all very competent servants, wholly considerate for their master.
"Cui Shanggong, bring the Princess too to dine together."
"Empress? This?"
"It’s fine, invite the Princess as well."
Who prefers having just the two of them dine alone? It’s less awkward with more people.
The chefs in the Imperial Kitchen finally have a chance to shine.
But there are instructions to prepare only six dishes, both cold and hot, which is quite challenging, feeling like they can’t fully exhibit their skills.
Tan Shaoting arrives at the harem, and the Princess is already there, the two bow together.
All are in the main hall. Yet nobody speaks, and it’s genuinely awkward.
After a while, the Princess cautiously says, "Father, the Minister of Ministry of Industry’s daughter invited me to incense offering. Since Mother and Brother passed away, I’ve been restless day and night, and this time I plan to perform rites at the temple for them."
"It’s very dangerous outside."
"Father, I really want to go."
The little girl says with a bowed head, sadly.
Su Yuanyuan just sits to the side, saying nothing, since it’s unrelated. Best not to get involved in this quandary.
Tan Shaoting frowns, "Outside is dangerous."
"Please, Father, let me go. I dream of them every night."
At this moment, the Imperial Kitchen arrives with lunch.
"Go ahead."
The three silently eat lunch, the Princess only taking a few bites, but since Father hasn’t finished, she truly doesn’t dare put down her chopsticks.
She now solely wants to leave immediately, avoiding interaction with the woman occupying her mother’s place, as Father indeed cares for her.
Tan Shaoting eats very little, just enough to sustain life. After such a long fasting, he’s not yet accustomed to bingeing.
Su Yuanyuan is frustrated, such good food, yet only a few bites, it’s really wasteful.
In the end, she can only put it down.
"Father, I’ll go out soon to stay at the temple for a few days."
Tan Shaoting nods, and the Princess withdraws.
The palace maid and eunuchs are very fast. The two sit down for tea.
Su Yuanyuan is due for a nap, really not wanting to waste time.
"Emperor, I invited you today mainly because of the rumors outside."
Tan Shaoting just quietly sits drinking tea, not even glancing at Su Yuanyuan.
She feels very awkward too, but aims to take a gamble, perhaps she’ll be sent away. So, she decides to speak bluntly, saying whatever sounds unpleasant.
"Emperor, outside there are rumors about your health. That you can’t fulfill marital duties, such things have very negative effects.
The main reason is there’s still no Crown Prince."
Tan Shaoting puts down his teacup, looking earnestly at Su Yuanyuan, "You suspect too?"
"What does it have to do with me?" Su Yuanyuan regrets after speaking, her expression a bit sheepish.
Tan Shaoting suddenly finds this life rather meaningless too.
"I’ve already arranged the issue of the Crown Prince, just focus on being the Empress." After saying this, he leaves.
Su Yuanyuan stands up, wanting to call him back to ask why she hasn’t been driven away? She’s truly disappointed.
Sending the Emperor off, Cui Shanggong looks at her mistress anxiously.
Su Yuanyuan sighs, she realizes she can’t leave here.
After dinner and just having bathed, she hears running sounds outside.
Soon there’s a knock. "Empress, something major has happened."
To Su Yuanyuan, a major event now means she can leave.
She quickly emerges, a palace maid drying her hair.
"Empress, outside the Princess has been murdered. The Minister of Ministry of Industry’s daughter is fine."
Su Yuanyuan is stunned, "What happened?"
"Now suspicion falls again on remnants of the Meng Family."
Su Yuanyuan nods, "Calmly wait, this isn’t our concern to intervene."
In truth, she already harbors conspiracy theories—is the Minister of Ministry of Industry colluding with the Meng and Sun Families?
That young girl too, swayed to go out and now lost her life.
Arriving here, she feels the insignificance of human life; they kill as if slaughtering a small animal.
Now the Emperor has truly become isolated.
It’s hard to judge others, at least the Princess and the other two Princes are innocent. They might have had plans but didn’t have time to execute, thus innocent too.