Chapter 317: Not Tolerating
Translator: Henyee Translations Editor: Henyee Translations
The Empress Dowager attempted to approach the issue from a different angle to expose Qin Zhenzhen’s scheme.
“It’s highly probable that Qin Zhenzhen discovered not just a few Immortal Pills, but a significant quantity of them. She may have intentionally mystified the situation by claiming that Immortal Pills are a rare find, then proceeded to amass a fortune from us!”
The Empress Dowager’s argument seemed rather superficial and lacked a sound basis.
Frowning, the Emperor responded, “Mother, the ancient texts clearly state that Immortal Pills don’t grow in abundance. Only two of them appear each time, and they won’t reappear nearby.”
Despite the Emperor’s counterargument, the Empress Dowager still wished to assert her viewpoint. However, the Emperor questioned her directly, “Mother, do you desire more Immortal Pills or do you wish to see Qin Zhenzhen punished?”
This unexpected defense of Qin Zhenzhen left the Empress Dowager momentarily taken aback. She didn’t anticipate the Emperor coming to her aid.
The Emperor continued, speaking earnestly, “Mother, the palace possesses vast amounts of gold and silver. The 1100 gold is truly an insignificant amount.”
Confused, the Empress Dowager hesitated and replied, “I cannot let this matter go.”
The Emperor inquired further, “So, are you more concerned about the gold or do you harbor ill feelings toward Qin Zhenzhen?”
Once again, the Empress Dowager was caught off guard. She didn’t expect the Emperor to defend Qin Zhenzhen in this manner.
The Emperor continued with a sincere tone, “Mother, there is an abundance of wealth in the palace. The 1100 gold is but a small fraction. I fail to comprehend why you ordered someone to tail Wang Er.”
“Do you know how these rumors have spread?”
The Emperor began to realize that refraining from pursuing this matter further was the wisest course of action. Pushing it would only lead to more significant consequences and worsen public opinion against him.
He couldn’t resort to violence and eliminate everyone spreading rumors about him; it would ultimately alienate his subjects.
The Empress Dowager retorted, “It’s precisely because of those rumors that I can’t ignore this situation! Has the Emperor ever considered that these rumors might have been deliberately spread by Qin Zhenzhen and her associates?” Exhausted, the Emperor questioned, “Then what would you suggest, Mother?” “Are you implying that we should execute Qin Zhenzhen and Su Bin?”
“Or perhaps we should arrest and imprison all those who have discussed this matter as a form of punishment?”
At last, the Empress Dowager fell into silence.
The Emperor had already made it clear that Qin Zhenzhen was the savior of the royal family, making her untouchable. Killing her would only bring bad karma.
Su Bin was also off-limits; he was the young master of the Marquis Mansion, highly valued by the Old Marquis. Despite the Marquis Mansion’s decline, they still possessed a “get out of jail” card, thanks to their ancestors’ contributions to the Chu Family’s rule.
Arresting everyone discussing this matter would lead to utter chaos, considering their numbers.
Observing the Empress Dowager’s silence, the Emperor continued, “I believe this is the most appropriate course of action. We must immediately halt the search for Wang Er within the capital and release an official statement.”
“The statement should refute any claims that the royal family ever dispatched agents to tail or monitor Wang Er. We must deny any suspicions regarding a hidden hand behind Wang Er.”
“If Mother, you truly wish to act in my best interest, please refrain from further involvement in this matter!”
The Emperor’s final words carried a resolute tone as he aimed to rectify his mother’s misconceptions.
Previously, the Empress Dowager had been neglected by the late emperor and secretly cried. The Emperor saw this and felt pain in his heart, so he was more obedient to his mother.
Over the next ten years, the Empress Dowager continued to suffer from crippling headaches, which caused her to become increasingly irritable and prone to acts of violence, sometimes even endangering lives.
Despite these challenges, the Emperor remained patient with her.
But now, his mother’s condition had nearly been completely cured. Only one last acupuncture session remained, and the imperial physicians had prepared the necessary pills for her subsequent recovery.
This should have been a cause for celebration, and the Empress Dowager should have felt grateful towards Qin Zhenzhen.
However, the Empress Dowager’s reaction was quite the opposite. The Emperor could no longer tolerate his mother’s behavior..