Right now, amidst the chaos in the capital city, although she hasn’t obtained evidence to prove it’s the emperor’s conspiracy, public opinion has already been pushed to this extent, and regardless, a conclusion must be reached.
Ever since learning about Yang Yi’s hardships over the years, and subsequently hearing the truth about Huzhou from the Empress, Fu Zhen completely understood Yang Yi’s choices and could fully comprehend his resistance towards the emperor.
But personal matters are personal matters, and national affairs are national affairs.
No matter what, he is the only Prince of the Empress currently, and he is also a subject of Great Zhou. Can this turmoil be resolved perfectly? How should it be resolved? At the very least, Yang Yi cannot stay uninvolved.
In the subsequent time, she became distracted.
Sitting with Su Xinger across from the beaded curtain, they accompanied the guests until they had a few rounds of drinks. Finally, when the moon shifted westward, they rose to end the banquet.
Fu Zhen went up to send off the guests, and as she reached Yang Yi’s side without making a mark, she stopped and said, "Brother Yang, I want to say a few words to you."
Saying this, she pointed to the side.
Yang Yi paused for a moment and then moved along with her.
Under the bright stone lantern, Fu Zhen looked at him: "Brother Yang, the court does indeed need a suitable person to inherit the throne now, even more so a first prince of distinguished ability like you, whose identity carries persuasive power, to shoulder the important task of reviving Great Zhou. I know it’s not easy for you, but I wonder whether you would consider, for the sake of Great Zhou’s countless citizens, staying with us to fully deal with this crisis together?"
In the night sky, Yang Yi’s gaze was dark: "If you all considered the first prince from twenty-four years ago as already dead, you wouldn’t have these troubles."
"But he’s not. Heaven has been compassionate to Great Zhou, compassionate to the people suffering from numerous disasters, which is why he allowed you to return to us. We cannot pretend you don’t exist."
Yang Yi took a deep breath and walked to the railing. "This is something the officials in the court should be worried about. Why should you worry about these things when you’re not in good health?"
"But behind me, there is also my family, my loved ones!" Fu Zhen looked at his back. "How could any eggs remain unbroken when the nest is overturned? Without a rightful heir to succeed the throne in Great Zhou, or forcing someone unsuitable into such a role, he will eventually not be able to suppress the virtuous ministers of the whole court.
"We all have read history books and know that the principles of major servants overpowering the host in the inner court can also be applied above the court; once the ruler is weak and the ministers strong, there is bound to be an underground resurgence.
"A weak, illegitimate hand holding supreme power over the land would be a misfortune for the world. Even if he does not commit evil, someone will exploit him to do evil.
"Whether it is our Pei family or the Ning Family, now we are both prominent families in Great Zhou; once the political situation is unstable, it will inevitably impact me. How can I not worry, not be concerned?"
Yang Yi was momentarily speechless.
Fu Zhen stepped forward to lean against the railing and said to him, "This is only concerning us. For you, Brother Yang, the danger is even greater.
"You are the person in this world most deserving to ascend the throne. All of us believe you have no ambition for imperial power, but will the one who ascends that throne believe you?
"Will he be at peace?
"What will he do to you at that time?"
Yang Yi paused, and his broad waist and back suddenly stiffened.
Fu Zhen gazed ahead and continued, "If you say you are not afraid, that you have a clear conscience, do you also not care about He Zhao and Chen Song?
"He Zhao already has a wife and children, should you, Brother Yang, encounter trouble, who would they choose, you or their family?"
In the dark of night, Yang Yi’s silence turned him into a black tower.
"So, are you trying to persuade me to compromise and enter the palace?" After a long time, he turned with each word he uttered heavier and slower, "Even you want to persuade me."
"I do not want to force anyone to do what they don’t want. I just hope Brother Yang you will not regret the future."
Fu Zhen straightened her posture, looking back fearlessly, "If you were truly a cold-blooded and ruthless person, that would be it. But you are willing to expose yourself for the sake of quelling threats against Great Zhou.
"Clearly, you are a person of fiery passion, with a heart for the world and its people, something nurtured from growing up amidst battles.
"If the insistence on withdrawing today becomes the cause of future troubles, I guarantee you will not forgive yourself then.
"To bring it back, rather than bearing the future pain of being a thorn in others’ eyes, why not from now on, ensure you do not become that thorn?"