NFBE Chapter 250 Raising Her Heart
Chapter 250 Raising Her Heart
After spending three comfortable days in the imperial palace, Crown Prince Canglan Jingyun finally packed his bags and, with a group of well-trained and skilled attendants, prepared to embark on his journey to the imperial mausoleum to visit Consort Zhuang.
Just before setting off, the Empress called Canglan Jingyun to her side and gave her many instructions, her concern evident in her words.
She held her son's hand tightly, her eyes filled with worry, and said earnestly, "Jingyun, you must be very careful on this journey and pay close attention to your safety. If you encounter any trouble along the way, resolve it with force if possible, and don't waste your time thinking about other things." After saying this, the Empress added, "You must remember what your Consort Zhuang once said—'Masters often die from talking too much.' When facing an enemy, don't say anything useless, just take action."
Upon hearing this, Canglan Jingyun smiled slightly and quickly reassured his mother, "Mother, please rest assured. On this trip, I have not only brought many highly skilled attendants, but also have the Dark Dragon Guards sent by Father Emperor to protect us secretly. There will definitely be no mishaps." However, even after hearing her son's confident assurance, the worry on the Empress's face did not completely disappear.
Seeing his mother so worried, Canglan Jingyun felt a little sorry for her, so he tentatively asked, "How about... I don't go this time? Father can send someone else to read out the imperial edict of my fifth brother's investiture?"
Unexpectedly, as soon as these words were spoken, the Empress, who had been looking worried, immediately put on a serious face and said solemnly, "Nonsense! Go quickly! Don't keep Consort Zhuang waiting too long."
Seeing his mother's face change in an instant, Canglan Jingyun couldn't help but smile slightly. He knew very well that as long as he mentioned Consort Zhuang, all of his mother's worries about him would vanish in an instant.
"Your subject will now take his leave. Your Majesty, please take good care of yourself," Canglan Jingyun said slowly, bowing respectfully.
The empress waved gently at her beloved son, her lips slightly parted but she did not utter a word.
Not long after Crown Prince Canglan Jingyun left the palace, Yingchun hurriedly walked in. She went straight to the Empress and deliberately lowered her voice to report, "Your Majesty, it seems that Consort Qin has made some new moves."
Upon hearing this, the Empress looked coldly at the peonies blooming beautifully in the courtyard, a sneer appearing on her lips. She snorted and said, "Hmph, when I first made her a Noble Consort, I thought she would be well-behaved. I never expected that this would only make her ambition grow bigger and bigger."
Seeing this, Yingqiu quickly and cautiously stepped forward, also lowering her voice to ask, "Your Majesty, how should we deal with this?"
The Empress narrowed her eyes slightly, a hint of coldness flashing in them, and coldly replied, "Since she dares to plot against my Yun'er, then don't blame me for showing no mercy. Previously, I treated them with courtesy and even gave them a warm welcome because they had a prince. But now it seems that they have taken this tolerance and forbearance for weakness and vulnerability."
"Since that's the case, then I will definitely teach them a lesson. I can ensure they give birth to dragons and phoenixes, and I can certainly make them wish they were dead!" As she finished speaking, the Empress's tone grew colder, as if the surrounding air had frozen into frost because of her words.
"Hmph, does she think I don't know what she's thinking? She's just hoping that her precious son—the Fourth Prince—can compete for the position of Crown Prince. Since that's the case, then I'll make her taste the bitterness of heartbreak."
However, I wouldn't go so far as to take the Fourth Prince's life directly. I'll find a way to make him suffer the same fate as the Second and Third Princes.
At this moment, Yingchun, who was standing to the side, quickly stepped forward, bowed slightly, and replied in a low voice, "Your Majesty, the Fourth Prince has always been lively and active by nature. Although Consort Qin has been quite strict with him lately, as the saying goes, it's easier to change mountains and rivers than to change one's nature. His personality is already set. I suppose the Fourth Prince is probably already going crazy from being cooped up, and is definitely looking for a good opportunity to sneak out and play."
Upon hearing this, the Empress nodded slightly, indicating her agreement with Yingchun's words. She then solemnly instructed, "Remember, this operation must not implicate any innocent people. Although I am in the midst of the palace's power struggles, I do not wish to wantonly create bloodshed and sin. Otherwise, how could so many imperial heirs have been born safely?"
Yingchun quickly and respectfully replied, "Yes, Your Majesty. Yingchun understands. Please rest assured, Your Majesty, I will act with caution." After saying this, Yingchun bowed and took her leave, hurriedly departing to arrange the relevant matters.
After Yingchun left, the Empress slightly turned her graceful body and turned her gaze to Yingqiu, another personal maid behind her. With a solemn expression, she instructed, "Yingqiu, immediately mobilize the Phoenix Guards to secretly and closely guard His Highness the Crown Prince. If anyone is found to be a threat to the Crown Prince, do not report it; kill them without mercy!"
Ying Qiu dared not be negligent in the slightest. He immediately bowed, then quickly got up to accept the order and hurried off to arrange the guards.
The Queen took a deep breath, as if trying to inhale all her worries and anxieties into her chest. She closed her eyes tightly, feeling the cool air enter her body through her nose, and then slowly exhale. This breath seemed to calm her down a little.
Then, the Queen slowly opened her eyes and walked lightly to the table. Her movements were elegant and composed, each step carrying an indescribable majesty. When she reached the table, she gently sat down.
The Empress extended her slender, jade-like hand and gently picked up the teapot on the table. She tilted the pot slightly, and a stream of clear tea flowed from the spout, falling precisely into the teacup before her. As the tea was poured, a delicate aroma filled the air, refreshing and delightful.
After pouring the tea, the Empress put down the teapot, picked up the teacup with both hands, brought it to her lips, and murmured to herself, "Why must you force me to take action? Can't we just live in peace?" Her voice was soft but carried a hint of helplessness and sorrow.
After saying this, the Queen gently shook her head, as if trying to shake those worries out of her mind. Then, she raised her head and gazed out the window at the distant scenery.
Outside the window, the sun shone brightly, the trees were lush and green, and birds sang merrily—everything was so beautiful and peaceful. However, at this moment, the Empress's heart was turbulent and restless.
"Consort Qin, Consort Qin, three months ago, wasn't it you who dealt with Yun'er?"
"Hmph, do you really think I don't know it was you who did this?" The Empress's lips curled into a cold smile. "But don't rush, we'll take it slow. I have plenty of time to play with you all. I just hope that in the end, you can withstand my methods."
"Consort Zhuang is the best. Not only does she make my life easier, but she also helps me tutor the Crown Prince."
After saying this, the Empress picked up her teacup and leisurely savored the fragrant tea, as if the hustle and bustle of the outside world had nothing to do with her.