Ninth Imperial Glorious Phoenix Chapter 388

Chapter 388 Parting Ways

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“But I didn’t add anything inappropriate to it. If I didn’t want your child to be born, there are many ways I could have handled it. For example, I could have added some spices to the charcoal basin, or I could have arranged a little accident for you to fall, or I could have let someone pick a fight with you. Any of these methods would have been easier to cover up than tampering with your food.”

The Great Empress Dowager felt troubled. Before, she had blamed Mingzhu for hiding things from her and developing rebellious thoughts. But now, she realized how difficult it would be to explain this issue clearly to Mingzhu. She was just grateful that Mingzhu hadn’t eaten that bowl of bird’s nest soup. Otherwise, once the accident occurred, even if she had a hundred mouths, she wouldn’t be able to explain it away, and the crack in their relationship would never be erased.

“I understand.” Mingzhu looked directly at the Great Empress Dowager and spoke calmly. “I’ll be honest with you, Aunt. When I heard the palace maid mention ‘bird’s nest soup,’ I felt a chill all over. I imagine the feeling was similar to when you learned I was pregnant and thought I intentionally hid it from you. But then I thought, it couldn’t have come to this. Even if I am foolish, I am not so blind and ignorant that I can’t see what kind of person my own aunt is.”

The Great Empress Dowager was surprised by Mingzhu’s composure. If it had been before, she would have been very relieved to see her beloved niece finally growing up. But at this moment, she just felt that fate was playing tricks on her. Perhaps she should have stopped Yuwen Chu from marrying Mingzhu at all costs, even if it meant marrying her off to Yuwen You. Then, this niece and aunt wouldn’t have ended up like this.

She sighed. “I indeed didn’t want your child to be born. He came at the wrong time. But I couldn’t bring myself to harm you. When I served you the bird’s nest soup, I wanted to ensure you wouldn’t go hungry or feel cold with an empty stomach. But I also wanted to see how much you were on guard against me and whether you still cared about me even a little.”

Mingzhu lowered her eyes and remained silent. She had indeed been in a difficult situation at the time. But the fact that the Great Empress Dowager didn’t have that intention didn’t change the fact that she had nearly been harmed terribly. The situation in the palace was too complicated.

Seeing her silence, the Great Empress Dowager thought she refused to believe her words. After hesitating for a moment, she said, “I’ll have Xianxian come here. You can ask her.”

Mingzhu shook her head. “No need. There’s nothing to ask.” Both Xianxian and Sang Shen had served her in the Great Empress Dowager’s palace before. They were both very familiar to her. If there was a problem with the bowl of bird’s nest soup Xianxian brought, Xianxian couldn’t escape responsibility, even if she didn’t die, she would be in trouble. Otherwise, it was the sick palace maid who had the problem. The Great Empress Dowager was even more anxious than her. She would definitely thoroughly investigate. Mingzhu didn’t want to get involved.

Feeling the awkward atmosphere, the Great Empress Dowager tried to lighten it. “Are you hungry?” Then she regretted it. What if Mingzhu refused to eat anything from her?

Mingzhu whispered, “I’m hungry, very hungry.” Her eyes turned red. “But I feel worse in my heart.”

At this point, all the accumulated words poured out naturally, without her needing to find additional reasons or excuses. “Can’t Aunt see the situation today? Someone is waiting to see us make fools of ourselves! This Winter Solstice banquet has been non-stop from the beginning! Why is Longsheng Great Eldest Princess so arrogant? Because she knows there’s a crack between me and Aunt!

Why did even the bowl of bird’s nest soup that Aunt had someone bring to me encounter a problem midway? Xianxian is someone you trust and someone I trust. There was no problem with the bird’s nest soup she brought to Hua Yang Wangfei, but there was a problem with the one she brought to me, or at least it was accused of having a problem. Aunt still can’t see why? In this troubled time, are we still the same as before?”

The Great Empress Dowager remained silent for a long time before slowly saying, “You may leave.”

Mingzhu had thought that even if the Great Empress Dowager couldn’t accept her words, she would at least express temporary reconciliation. Who knew she would receive such a response, leaving her momentarily stunned.

“I’ve said before, paths that diverge won’t converge. I can’t bring myself to harm you, after all, you’ve been my cherished child for over ten years.” The Great Empress Dowager gestured to her, “You were just this small when I first held you in my arms, looking at me with those black bean-like eyes, smiling. I had just given birth to a fully formed daughter, and suddenly I treated you as my own daughter. Over the years, aside from your marriage, aside from your mischievousness, you have indeed never disappointed me. You are filial and lovable, sincerely treating me, and fulfilling the duties of a daughter. I like that very much. But as children grow up, they must walk their own paths.”

Two tears slid down from the corner of the Great Empress Dowager’s eyes, her voice trembling slightly. “Our paths diverged. I know what your father and brothers are thinking, but we each have our own missions, our own thoughts. No one can persuade anyone, and no one can force anyone. I believe you didn’t intentionally deceive or hide anything from me, and I also believe that someone has been meddling in between us, trying to sow discord. But facts are facts. Our paths diverged, and eventually, there will be disagreements.”

Mingzhu stood up disappointedly. “Isn’t there any compromise we can reach?” She didn’t understand why the Great Empress Dowager insisted on supporting Yuwen Fu when Yuwen Chu would clearly make a better emperor for the country.

“No. Fu Er and the others have the blood of your cousin. I can’t just stand by and watch them walk down the path of death and ruin. I must fight for them. You are a Mother now, you should understand this protective instinct.” The Great Empress Dowager wiped away her tears and smiled. “You’re doing well. You’ve truly grown up, you can protect yourself now, understand how to maintain the overall situation, and handle things calmly. I’m very pleased. Ah Shang told me about your suggestion. I will discuss it with your father later and decree a grand celebration for my sixtieth birthday, requiring the princes to come to the capital to pay their respects. But don’t try to persuade me anymore for anything else. I won’t listen.”

At this point, Mingzhu knew she couldn’t persuade the Great Empress Dowager anymore. The best outcome she could hope for was to make the Great Empress Dowager more cautious of Zhongshan Wang and to try to get the Great Empress Dowager to join forces with them against him. She gave a courtesy to the Great Empress Dowager and didn’t try to convince her anymore. The Great Empress Dowager wearily waved her hand at her, “I won’t keep you. Perhaps it’s better for us to keep our distance. From now on, you walk your path, and I’ll walk mine. We’re no longer together.” 

Mingzhu walked away without crying. She was strong as a mother, unable to influence the Great Empress Dowager’s thoughts but capable of doing many things. Whether it was Min’s family, Jiang Shanshan, Yuwen You, or Zhongshan Wang, she wasn’t afraid. 

Mu Gugu brought in a bowl of hot noodles. Seeing the Great Empress Dowager staring blankly at Mingzhu’s back, her eyes turned red with tears. “Niang Niang, why torture yourself like this!” 

The Great Empress Dowager said faintly, “Just execute Xianxian. Changxin Palace can’t withstand any more trouble.”

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