Chapter 607: Roping In (1)
Translator: Henyee Translations Editor: Henyee Translations
“Your Majesty, recall the time when the fifth princess fell ill, and you sought Mrs. Su’s assistance. However, Mrs. Su, acknowledging the fifth princess’s mental ailment, expressed her remorse and helplessness.”
“It was emphasized that the fifth princess could heal if she forgave herself, avoiding the need for medication. Yet, if she remains trapped in trauma, her recovery will remain elusive.”
“But now, with this imperial edict, aren’t you complicating matters for her?”
“Revealing this incident would not only disappoint the civil and military officials but also expose the emperor’s true sentiments. You are aware of the potential consequences!”
The old duke’s patience had worn thin. Initially, he tried to diplomatically persuade the new emperor, but seeing the king turn a deaf ear and persist in his intentions, the old duke’s frustration boiled over. His final words were stern, lacking any pretense of deference.
He adopted a threatening tone, indicating that if the new king persisted, he would face a fate akin to the previous emperor’s.
“I trust Your Majesty comprehends the gravity of the situation. I shall take my leave.”
With a somber expression, the old duke departed from the inner hall. The civil and military officials outside refrained from questioning him, given his stern demeanor.
Only the old duke’s trusted minister cautiously approached.
The old duke tersely stated, “There’s nothing more to discuss. Kindly depart!” Only after the old duke’s departure did the civil and military officials disperse, one after another.
Inside the hall, the Empress Dowager pointed at the new emperor, admonishing him sternly.
“Why can’t you set aside your inappropriate thoughts! You are the emperor! Periodically, a procession of beauties enters the palace. You can choose any woman you desire. Why fixate on Mrs. Su?”
“If you are wise, express goodwill towards Su Bin and Mrs. Su. Gaining their support would undoubtedly hasten the downfall of the Public House!”
“Instead of devising plans against them, focus on how to bring Su Bin and Mrs. Su into your alliance.”
The new emperor’s arrogance had dissipated upon the old duke’s departure, his ears ringing with the gravity of the warning. He couldn’t dismiss the fear of facing a fate similar to the late emperor.
He was genuinely apprehensive, especially when the old duke, losing patience, departed with a flick of his sleeve—sending shivers down the new emperor’s spine.
Fortunately, the Grand Empress Dowager remained unaware of his visible trepidation. Otherwise, he might have sought refuge in a crack in the ground.
Hearing the Empress Dowager’s counsel, the new emperor felt dejected. “I’ve considered this approach, but I fear Su Bin’s resentment. After all, I once…”
He had harbored intentions toward Mrs. Su and almost succeeded, causing natural animosity from Su Bin.
“That’s why I contemplate removing Su Bin from the equation.”
“If this continues, their wealth could rival a nation’s. If they harbor ill intentions, won’t they be harder to control in the future?”
The Empress Dowager sympathized with the new emperor.
She reassured him, patting her chest. “Fear not, Your Majesty! Release your feelings for Mrs. Su and ally with them. Allow me to handle it!”
Even confined within the deep palace, she remained well- informed about external affairs. Having cultivated her own influence during her time as empress, her power remained a well-kept secret, unknown to both successive emperors and members of the Public House.
When the time came, her discreet decrees would reach Su Bin and Mrs. Su..