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墨書 Inktalez
Upon hearing this, not only did Consort Rong stand in disbelief, but even the Empress Dowager and Green Wisteria were somewhat surprised.
The Empress Dowager had also considered deposing Consort Rong, but given that she had been in the palace for many years and had not committed any major offenses, she thought it would suffice to strip her of her title as a form of punishment.
Who would have thought that the Emperor would be so merciless? It was clear that the events of the previous court still displeased him. With this in mind, she felt it unnecessary to say more; there was no need to damage the mother-son relationship over a woman who was merely a facade.
Green Wisteria, being an outsider, knew little about the palace's secrets and preferred to avoid unnecessary troubles. However, looking at the handsome man in bright yellow attire before her, exuding such authority and charm, she felt her heart racing for some unknown reason.
Consort Rong's cries were filled with terror and disbelief: "No, Your Majesty, I know I was wrong, truly wrong. I beg Your Majesty for mercy, please show me mercy!"
"If you had been less arrogant and more accommodating, I would not have been so unforgiving. If you truly regret your actions, then go to the Cold Palace and reflect on your behavior," Li Ye said solemnly, not entirely devoid of compassion.
"No, I do not want to go to the Cold Palace. I would rather die than go there."
Consort Rong's face had long lost its color. The mere thought of that desolate place filled her with fear; how could she waste her youth and life in such a place at her tender age? No, absolutely not.
"Impudent! You dare defy my orders!" Li Ye exclaimed in anger.
Consort Rong shook her head, tears streaming down her face: "I do not dare. I only ask Your Majesty to forgive me this once for the years I have served you. I am willing to apologize to Green Wisteria and plead for forgiveness from the Empress Dowager. Please show me mercy."
Li Ye's patience had already worn thin. He waved his hand impatiently, "Zhang Zehai, how could you mess this up? Hurry and drag her out."
Caught off guard, Zhang Zehai quickly stepped forward to cover Consort Rong's mouth and dragged her away. The young eunuchs clumsily followed suit, pulling away the little palace maid beside Consort Rong.
In the main hall, only the Empress Dowager, the Emperor, and Green Wisteria remained, enveloped in a thick silence amidst the rich fragrance of incense.
"Is this Green Wisteria?" Li Ye asked, looking at the graceful woman in the green robe inside the room.
Green Wisteria was indeed raised in a temple, where there were distinctions between men and women. Moreover, due to her inner feelings, after performing a greeting, she remained silent.
Li Ye understood that it was her first time meeting the emperor, so it was natural for her to be a bit impolite, and he did not take it to heart.
The Empress Dowager glanced at Green Wisteria for a moment before looking at the emperor and chuckling to herself, "The emperor has been abrupt. Green Wisteria has suffered such grievances; naturally, she feels anxious. What will the emperor reward Green Wisteria with?"
Li Ye had not thought much of it, but since the Empress Dowager had brought it up and he had always been filial, he nodded and said, "Very well. I do not know what Green Wisteria lacks, but I can offer something in her honor."
Green Wisteria, having never conversed with a man like this, felt even more bashful. She could only stare at the patterns on the ground, her hands spinning the prayer beads faster.
The Empress Dowager chuckled lightly and patted her son's hand: "You are still as mischievous as you were when you were young. While Green Wisteria is here with me, how could I possibly neglect her?
You should sincerely ask if Green Wisteria has any wishes. If they are not too difficult to fulfill, then granting one would be no trouble." Her words were half teasing and half serious, causing Green Wisteria to blush.
Li Ye, who had no particular thoughts on the matter, simply asked out of concern for the grievances suffered by the Honored Guest of Wansheng Temple. He did not expect the Empress Dowager to joke like this, which made him look at Green Wisteria again. Upon closer inspection, she seemed somewhat familiar; he quickly understood the Empress Dowager's intentions.
After some thought, he said, "Since the Empress Dowager has mentioned it, I will grant Green Wisteria one request today. Whatever you wish for, feel free to speak."
While the Empress Dowager spoke of wishes, Li Ye cleverly rephrased it as a request; the implication was clear without needing further explanation.
Neither of them was foolish; some things were better left unsaid.
The Empress Dowager did not press further but smiled gently and nodded: "That sounds wonderful. Green Wisteria, please go ahead."
With both the emperor and the Empress Dowager, two of the most esteemed figures in the realm, looking at her like this, even if Green Wisteria was reciting prayers in her mind, she felt a bit uneasy. After some contemplation, she steadied herself and knelt down.
“Green Wisteria has no father or mother, and was adopted by a master at a young age. She recites scriptures and worships Buddha, never worrying about food or clothing, and has the great fortune to see the emperor's face. She asks for nothing, but…”
Li Ye felt somewhat disheartened upon hearing this. All women are like this; they speak grandly, yet in the end, they still want everything. It's quite boring. He said, “Feel free to speak your mind.”
Green Wisteria nodded: “The emperor's grace is vast, and the common people are deeply grateful. However, the Lin Family Woodlot near Wansheng Temple has steep terrain, and many farmers rely on hunting for their livelihood.
Over the years, many hunters have perished in the mountains, leaving behind numerous orphans who struggle to make ends meet. Not to mention that they cannot read or write. Therefore… Green Wisteria dares to request that the emperor establish an orphanage so that these children can be fed and learn the teachings of the sages, allowing them to serve the country in the future.”
After she finished speaking, not only Li Ye, but even the Empress Dowager was somewhat surprised.
Having an opportunity to ask the emperor for anything is something many people could not achieve in several lifetimes. Is this girl truly foolish or pretending to be? Why would she throw away such a good opportunity?
Li Ye looked at the woman in green robes, scrutinizing her closely. Perhaps due to her long-term vegetarian diet, she was more slender than many women in the palace. Her skin was fair, her fingers long but not delicate; upon closer inspection, one could see thin calluses on her joints from years of writing.
Her features were indifferent; if she were trying to be unnoticed, it would be easy for others to overlook her presence. Yet between her brows, there was a resemblance to the ethereal beauty of Mo Xier, and when she spoke these words, a holy light surrounded her, adding even more color to her presence.
For a moment, he found himself entranced.
“Ahem.” The Empress Dowager lightly cleared her throat and smiled: “It’s rare for Green Wisteria to have such a compassionate heart. Your Majesty, this matter should be discussed with officials from the Ministry of Revenue. It concerns national finance and people's livelihoods and must not be taken lightly.”
“I understand,” Li Ye replied and looked at Green Wisteria, nodding with a smile. His expression softened slightly: “Very well, I will remember what you said.”
Green Wisteria lowered her head, a blush rising on her face: “Thank you, Your Majesty.”
“However, this is your request for the welfare of the common people and does not count as your own wish. I grant you this opportunity; you should think carefully about what you truly want. I will give you time—any time. Whenever you think of it, you may present it to me.”
It was rare for Li Ye to be so indulgent with an open-ended request regardless of time or place. He was also curious about what kind of surprise this woman would ultimately bring him.
The Empress Dowager observed everything and, although she felt uneasy, the situation had unfolded according to her wishes. Therefore, she said nothing more, giving a few instructions to Green Wisteria before allowing her to kneel in peace.
Li Ye saw that there was no one around and no longer concealed his intentions. He spoke loudly, "Does the Empress Dowager have something to say to her son?"
"I am old and prefer not to speak of certain matters to avoid being bothersome. However, Emperor, regarding this incident, if I do not speak, I fear you may become confused and disrupt the court's order."
The Empress Dowager raised an eyebrow; the previous warmth in her expression vanished, replaced by a stern demeanor.
Li Ye knelt down but kept his body straight. "I will heed the Empress Dowager's teachings. I hope the Empress Dowager will not be angry, for it may harm your health."
"The Former Emperor passed away early. We are both orphans, though our status is noble and esteemed, we are often at the mercy of others. There were rebellions from the princes and treachery from the regents. Living in such a precarious situation, I know you have suffered many grievances."
Perhaps recalling her hardships from youth, the Empress Dowager's voice became slightly choked with emotion.
Li Ye felt even more passionate; as a man of stature and the Sovereign, he had still been subject to others' control in his youth.
Even when meeting with the Empress Dowager, there were spies from the princes watching nearby. His life could not be described as anything but humiliating. Although times had changed, seeing the usually dignified Empress Dowager so emotionally affected only fueled his hatred for those who had wronged them.
"Night Star has been like a brother to you since childhood and has become your right-hand man as you grew up. If used wisely, he can be a powerful ally in eliminating your enemies. Do you not remember this?" The Empress Dowager shifted her tone and looked at the Emperor.
Li Ye lowered his head. "I have not forgotten."
The way of using people was a lesson taught to him by the Empress Dowager since childhood; how could he forget?
"You haven't forgotten?" The Empress Dowager scoffed. "You nearly jeopardized your long-standing friendship for a woman, creating discord between ruler and subject. That Demoness shall never set foot in the inner palace."
"Empress Dowager," Li Ye exclaimed passionately, "she is not a Demoness; she is the Physician I appointed."
"Scoundrel!" The Empress Dowager spoke sternly for the first time to the Emperor. "The Ministry of Revenue and the Ministry of Rites have not reported anything. Do you understand that your momentary impulse will be recorded by the Historian?
I want your life to be completely untainted, without a hint of blemish. That woman's existence will only tarnish your life and cast a shadow over your relationship with Night Star, which is something I absolutely do not want to see."
"But this is the first time I desire a woman," Li Ye argued for himself. "As the Emperor, I am also a son of the people, a ruler of this realm, and above all, a man. Is it wrong for me to want a woman?"
"I never expected that even now you remain so stubborn. This shows just how terrifying that Demoness's ability to seduce is. You have never defied me from childhood until now, yet today you dare to be so reckless," the Empress Dowager said, her anger causing her to gasp for breath.
Li Ye felt a pang of fear and immediately rushed forward. "Empress Dowager! Someone, call for the Imperial Physician."
"No need," the Empress Dowager sat up with the Emperor's support, taking a few deep breaths to calm herself. "I know my own body well enough. When those physicians come, they will only prescribe some tonics; I'm tired of that same old taste."
"Those useless scoundrels! I will issue an imperial decree tomorrow to seek renowned doctors to treat you, Empress Dowager," Li Ye said with concern.
"Your concern is enough to satisfy me. Cough cough..." The Empress Dowager cleared her throat twice. "Promise me you won't think about that Demoness anymore; she is certainly not your true partner."
"Must you really force me like this, Empress Dowager?" Li Ye hesitated to agree. "I am willing to make any concession for you, but this matter is one I cannot yield on. I ask for your understanding."
"You..." The Empress Dowager was taken aback by her son, whom she had raised with care, showing such disobedience and ingratitude because of that Demoness. She trembled with anger!
"Fine, you want that woman to enter the palace? I will allow her in; I want to see what tricks that Demoness can play right under my nose."
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