Chapter 333: Liu Shimei Is Already a Useless Pawn
Translator: EndlessFantasy Translation Editor: EndlessFantasy Translation
In the Eastern Palace.
As expected, Qu Yingrong came to the Crown Prince’s residence.
Huangfu He had just finished his dinner. Usually, he would be reading in his study to calm his mind at this time, but he was not in the mood to read today. He stood in the courtyard and looked up at the night sky.
That expression was a little lonely, causing Qu Yingrong’s expression to become a little gloomy.
However, that emotion quickly disappeared as she walked toward Huangfu He.
Seeing her approach, Huangfu He turned around and bowed with clasped hands, “Your son pays respects to the Empress Mother.”
“Yes.” Qu Yingrong went straight to the main hall with Huangfu He following behind her. Once inside, Qu Yingrong dismissed all the servants and attendants.
Seated in the main position, she fixed her eyes on Huangfu He and said sternly, “Look at you, the esteemed Crown Prince, wallowing in sorrow here. What kind of progress is this?”
She was very strict.
Her tone was severe, a manner of teaching she had employed since he was young. Huangfu He lowered his head, pursing his lips but remained silent.
“The matter is already settled. Instead of focusing on women, you should consider how to plan for the future!” Qu Yingrong’s voice was not loud, but her face was cold, devoid of the usual warm smile. “Liu Jun is ambitious, not content with being the top-ranked civil official. He aims to marry into the imperial family and can be of use to us.”
Her meaning was implied, and Huangfu He understood. He replied, “But… Liu Yan’er is not a capable person. If it weren’t for her interference, how could Shimei have…”
“Now, Liu Shimei is already a useless pawn!” Qu Yingrong’s expression grew colder, her gaze piercing. “Do you still intend to do something for Liu Yan’er, seeking revenge for Liu Shimei?”
Huangfu He froze when his thoughts were exposed.
He tensed up but managed to regain his composure instantly. He responded, “I understand. 1 will follow your intentions, Empress Mother.”
Seeing his cooperative attitude, Qu Yingrong softened her tone, saying, “1 have told you many times. Even if you are firmly seated on the throne as the Crown Prince, it is the result of our efforts over the years. It does not mean there are no dangers.”
She took a deep breath and continued, “In recent years, you have personally experienced numerous assassination attempts. If you want to firmly secure your position, you must gain the loyalty of courtiers. Ensure that your father, the Emperor, won’t be disappointed, and prevent others from plotting against you to bring you down!”
“Liu Jun may be only seeking personal gain, but he has many disciples, and that makes him useful. What we need is to strengthen our relationship with him. As for which daughter of his he gives you, it doesn’t matter. Do you understand?”
After listening to his mother’s lecture, Huangfu He still lowered his head and did not say anything.
Qu Yingrong continued, “If you make a reckless decision because of a woman, today’s fate of King Dun Yu will become yours tomorrow!”
At the mention of this, Huangfu He raised his head slightly and could not help but ask, “Mother, do you really not know about the former Empress and the witchcraft?”
Upon hearing this, Qu Yingrong’s previously relaxed expression instantly turned grave, her gaze sharp like a knife as she stared at him. “What do you want to know by asking that? The matter of the former Empress is in the past. Was she framed, or was she genuinely malicious? Do you intend to dig it up and seek justice?”
Huangfu He knew he had touched a nerve and chose not to speak any further.
Qu Yingrong continued, “I have been keeping an eye on Huangfu Lingyao’s side for you. Focus on your own matters.”
Huangfu He pressed his lips together but couldn’t resist saying, “But he took the woman I wanted to marry. Mother, didn’t you praise Shimei excessively before?”
“What was true in the past may not be true now. What are you trying to do now?” Qu Yingrong looked up at the Crown Prince standing there, her eyes even sharper than before. “Don’t tell me you still want to marry her! A woman who has lost her chastity and was played by your foolish brother.. If you marry her, do you think those courtiers who support you will continue to stand by your side?”