Chapter 297: Don’t Keep Her
Translator: Henyee Translations Editor: Henyee Translations
The Emperor’s motivation for addressing the Empress Dowager in this manner stemmed from the counsel of a Daoist priest. The priest had cautioned him that harming his savior would incur karmic consequences, a fate he wished to avoid not only for himself but for the entire royal family.
Qin Zhenzhen had not only rescued him but also safeguarded the lives of both the Empress Dowager and the Crown Prince. The Emperor recognized that if any harm befell him, it would likely set in motion a chain of tragic events. He foresaw the Eighth Imperial Uncle orchestrating the assassination of the
Crown Prince, given their unusually close relationship, which left the Crown Prince vulnerable to manipulation.
The Empress Dowager, too, harbored deep-seated resentment toward Imperial
Concubine Jiang. Were it not for the late Emperor’s decree to treat Imperial Concubine Jiang kindly, the Empress might have already eliminated her. While she refrained from murder, Imperial Concubine Jiang had endured the Empress Dowager’s vindictiveness. With the Eighth Imperial Uncle poised to seize power, it seemed highly likely that the first person Imperial Concubine Jiang would target would be the Empress Dowager herself.
Recognizing the Emperor’s stance, the Empress Dowager felt too ashamed to persist in her desire to eliminate Qin Zhenzhen and Grandma Qin. She reassured the Emperor, saying, “Rest assured, Your Majesty, I’m not a fool.”
Although she had abandoned her plans to harm Qin Zhenzhen and the others, the Empress Dowager resolved to retain Qin Zhenzhen by her side. This arrangement would ensure that if she fell ill, Qin Zhenzhen could provide prompt care, potentially extending her life to a ripe old age. The Empress Dowager confided her intentions to the nanny in charge of her scheme.
The nanny in charge concealed her inner astonishment, delicately attempting to persuade the Empress Dowager. “Forgive my candidness, but while Miss Qin possesses remarkable medical skills, it may not be entirely appropriate to compel her to remain within the palace.”
The Empress Dowager, curious, inquired, “What concerns you? Please, enlighten me.”
The housekeeper, now emboldened, posed a question. “Empress Dowager, have you considered why Miss Qin is unwilling to return to the Jiang Family?”
The Empress Dowager pondered for a moment before responding, “It is likely that she wishes to avoid being exploited by the Jiang family. To put it plainly, she does not want to be treated as a mere tool by the Jiang family for their own gain. ”
This particular housekeeper had once served as her personal maid, brought from her maternal family, and had always remained faithfully at her side. Their bond transcended that of ordinary master and servant. She had earned the Empress Dowager’s trust and was privy to her innermost thoughts.
Furthermore, the nanny in charge had been integrated into the Chen family’s intelligence network due to her family’s financial difficulties. She had steadfastly refused to divulge information that could significantly harm the Empress Dowager, reinforcing the Empress Dowager’s faith in her.
While the Empress Dowager’s actions were often ruthless, she rarely made mistakes in her choices of personnel, especially when it came to those who offered valuable counsel. Consequently, the nanny in charge dared to voice her concerns to the Empress Dowager, who, in turn, maintained a relatively amiable demeanor in their interactions.
The nanny continued, “Miss Qin has consistently resisted residing within the palace. If the Empress Dowager compels her to stay and forcibly separates her from her husband, it may sow the seeds of resentment for the future.”
The nanny in charge stopped short, her heart racing with uncertainty.
She grappled with the dilemma of whether revealing this information would ultimately benefit or harm Qin Zhenzhen.
The Empress Dowager, visibly displeased, exclaimed, “She has the audacity!”
However, despite her strong words, a fleeting unease passed through her thoughts.
The nanny in charge’s concern held validity.
Observing Qin Zhenzhen’s bold and meticulous nature, as well as her capacity for strategic thinking and action, it wasn’t inconceivable that she could resort to poison without detection.
In the end, perhaps it was best not to keep her around after all..