Xiao Zhanping arrived, already anticipating that Yu Qingyuan would not accept the situation, even expecting her to behave presumptuously and talk back to him.
He was well-prepared for this.
So he did not get angry at this moment.
He even appeared very benevolent and tolerant.
He said, "The Empress’s feelings, I can understand. When it was found out to be the Crown Princess Consort, I also found it hard to believe, but the fact is right before our eyes, and we cannot but believe it!"
The Emperor’s voice grew increasingly stern and imposing.
His status naturally did not allow anyone to truly offend him.
But at this moment, Yu Qingyuan could no longer care about that.
She had even thought about forcing the palace, let alone just having an argument with the Emperor now.
The death of her son was already a devastating blow to her, and now to have the crime pinned on her own person, the Crown Princess Consort, who was of her own family, and the Crown Prince’s wife – the Emperor was not only favoring Xiao Jinsen but also blatantly slapping her in the face. She would never accept it, even in death.
Her sharp voice, devoid of the Empress’s grace, "Just because the Emperor says it’s the Crown Princess Consort, it has to be her?! Where is the evidence? Where is your evidence, Your Majesty?!"
"I have just said, I have discovered it, naturally, there is evidence of Gao Jingyi committing murder," Xiao Zhanping said coldly, "I, as the emperor, hold my dignity high. Does the Empress really think that I would favor someone unjustly?!"
"Whether the Emperor has shown favoritism or not, Your Majesty knows best!" Yu Qingyuan retorted sarcastically, "Where is Your Majesty’s evidence?! Without evidence, I will absolutely not let Your Majesty take away the Crown Princess Consort! Even if I die here in Kunde Palace, I will never let Your Majesty take her away!"
In the end, Xiao Zhanping still became angry.
For many years, due to the influence of the Empress’s family, he was restricted at every turn, but in the end, when facing him, the Empress had always been proper and respectful. Now, she dared to confront him so aggressively.
"Empress, I have given you great leeway thinking of you as my wife and acknowledging the hard work you put into managing the entire harem, and considering our past affection for each other. But you should not become arrogant due to favoritism, losing all sense of propriety and making undue demands before me!"
"If Your Majesty truly cherishes our past affection, if you remember how my Yu family helped you seize this kingdom, you would give the Crown Prince a fair trial, and certainly not let anyone take the fall for Xiao Jinsen. Over the years, Your Majesty has forgotten how I helped you ascend to the throne, and how you once promised to grant me a lifetime of happiness..."
"Impudence!" Xiao Zhanping roared furiously.
It seemed he no longer wished to hear any more.
Yu Qingyuan sneered sarcastically.
Clearly, Xiao Zhanping was feeling guilty.
Years ago, Xiao Zhanping had bloodily seized the title of Emperor from his own brother. Aside from the later support from Marquis, who turned against his former allies to assist him, the family of the Empress had also been steadfast supporters who helped him clinch the kingdom of Daxuan Kingdom.
After Xiao Zhanping ascended to the throne, overwhelmed with joy, he generously granted power to Yu Qingyuan’s family. Since they had contributed to the victory, they carried an air of entitlement. During Xiao Zhanping’s reign, they interfered with state affairs, which Xiao Zhanping could not stand as time passed. Subsequently, he began to contemplate dealing with the Yu family and shifted his favor to other concubines, like Zhao Mengyu, and other concubines.
Over the years, the relationship with the Empress had also been one of keeping up appearances.
And now, at this moment.
Decades of their tense relationship were finally exploding.
"Empress, in light of your grief over the loss of your son, I will overlook today’s matters. Take care of yourself." Xiao Zhanping did not wish to offer Yu Qingyuan any further explanation, and he coldly ordered, "Take Gao Jingyi away!"
With those words left hanging.
Xiao Zhanping turned and walked away.
"Stop!" Yu Qingyuan yelled out loud at Xiao Zhanping.
Disregarding all decorum, she was being utterly rebellious.
She had already lost all will to live.
Now Xiao Zhanping was insulting her , how could she let him succeed.
Xiao Zhanping’s departing footsteps paused for a moment, his face already horribly grim, "Empress, do not make me lose the last bit of feelings I have for you!"
"When has Your Majesty ever cared for my feelings, when has Your Majesty kept my feelings in his heart?! How I was towards you in the early days, can’t you feel it, Your Majesty?! Why our affection waned over the years, isn’t it because of Your Majesty’s purposeful doing?! In Your Majesty’s eyes, what is more important than power, even love for children and family fades."