Translator: Henyee Translations      Editor: Henyee Translations
The Empress Dowager persisted, explaining, âItâs not that the fifth princess didnât provide proper guidance; rather, itâs an inherent trait of her character.
This has nothing to do with the Empress.â
Given that the Empress was her own niece, it was only natural for her to defend her.
The Empress Dowager further noted, âRemarkably, the fifth princess bears a strong resemblance to her father and brother, both of whom possess an especially fervent disposition.â
The emperorâs countenance shifted, and he interjected, âMother, youâve misunderstood!â
The mention of the fifth princessâs father and brother alluded to himself and the crown prince. While they may have had numerous romantic liaisons, the emperor and the crown prince were men, not women.
The Empress Dowager retorted with a sneer, âYour Majesty, whatâs the distinction?â
âYour Majesty, are you suggesting that her primary advantage is being born as a woman? When this incident comes to light, the woman may bring shame upon the palace, while a man can continue to serve the royal family.â The emperorâs face flushed with embarrassment.
The Empress Dowager continued, âRegarding the Empressâs motivation to support the Crown Princeâs false testimony, there is a rationale behind it.â
âRecall what I did when you were vying for the throne. Then youâll understand Her Majestyâs perspective.â
âBefore your ascent to the throne, I, too, committed many deeds that stained her hands, all for your sake.â
âItâs not as though you havenât eliminated your own brother!â
The emperorâs complexion grew even redder.
The Empress Dowager was speaking the unvarnished truth. In their ruthless struggle for the throne, he had been willing to resort to the most malevolent actions. Failure to eliminate oneâs rival often meant oneâs own demise.
The Empress Dowager pointed out to the Emperor, âYou, too, do not wish to see the General Manorâs influence grow, do you?â
âIn that context, it is not unreasonable to allow the Crown Prince to exert authority over the Third Princeâ¦â
The Emperor interjected icily, âHe is not merely asserting authority over the
Third Prince; he desires the Third Princeâs demise!â
âMother, the Third Prince is also your biological grandson. Why this apparent partiality?â
âRecall what you did to the Third Princeâs mother back then!â
âI donât wish to entertain the idea that you might advocate the execution of all my sons solely to ensure the Crown Princeâs smooth path to the throne in the future!â
âThatâs not what I intendedâ¦â
âMother, let us cease this discussion!â
âGuards! Escort the Empress Dowager back!â
Upon learning of the Third Princeâs imprisonment within the palace, Old General Chen, representing the General Manor, personally sought an audience with the Emperor. His countenance betrayed his evident frustration.
âYour Majesty, what offense has the Third Prince committed to warrant his confinement in the palace?â Old General Chen inquired with a stern tone.
The Emperor offered an apologetic smile and responded, âMinister Chen, why do your words carry such a harsh tone? The Third Prince is not only your great-grandson but also my son. I would not restrict his liberty without just cause. I have summoned him and the Crown Prince to the palace because there are matters that require clarification.â
Despite the explanation, Old General Chenâs expression remained less than cordial. âIs this related to the incident in the imperial courtyard?â he asked.
The Emperor shook his head emphatically. âAbsolutely not! I hold no suspicion that the Third Prince had any involvement in that matter.â
âMinister Chen, I would kindly request that you return to the General Manor. I assure you, the Third Princeâs safety is not in jeopardy.â
Upon receiving this assurance from the Emperor, Old General Chen departed the palace.
Soon afterward, the elderly duke, the Empress Dowagerâs elder brother and the Emperorâs father-in-law, arrived to meet with the Emperor. The Public House had played a significant role in securing the Emperorâs ascent to the throne, and the elderly duke had been a paramount contributor.
Like Old General Chen, he was among the few individuals unafraid to express their discontent in the Emperorâs presence.
âYour Majesty, why have the Empress and His Highness the Crown Prince been restricted to the palace?â