novelaction Chapter 639 The Calamity of That Year?
Chapter 639 The Calamity of That Year?
When the news reached Yanzhou, Duanmu Chuze remained silent in his room for a long time, ignoring everyone who called him. Even when it was time for his meal, he did not come out.
Even Zi Yi could only stand guard outside the door.
Mu Xin Nuan waited and waited, but Mu Xin Nuan didn't come. When she heard the servant's reply, she wondered if there was some trouble.
Mu Xin Nuan carried Xiao Zong Hua to the door of the study.
Seeing Zi Yi constantly giving her meaningful glances, but not daring to go inside, she simply moved the door slightly and pushed it open.
Mu Xin Nuan smiled at him, then went inside with the child in her arms.
Inside the house, in the east wing.
Duanmu Chuze sat alone behind his desk, lost in thought, seemingly oblivious to what he was thinking.
Even when Mu Xin Nuan went in, she had no idea.
"Aze, what's wrong?"
Mu Xin Nuan lowered her voice slightly, afraid of startling him again.
Duanmu Chuze then came to his senses. When he saw that she had come with a child, a smile immediately appeared on his face. He got up and took the child from her arms. "Why did you come here? Little Zonghua, have you admired all the flowers in the backyard and felt there was nowhere else to play, so you came to your father's study?"
"Aze, we've asked you to have your meal several times, but you haven't gone yet. I was worried, so I came to check on you."
"Oh, it was my oversight. You've been waiting all this time?"
Duanmu Chuze looked up and realized that the light in his room was really dim. He helped Mu Xin Nuan and walked out.
The two left the study and walked slowly down the corridor.
"You have something on your mind?"
Duanmu Chuze hesitated for a moment, knowing that he couldn't hide his secret from him.
"The Emperor's treatment of the Xie family has already shown his intentions. What he wants to protect is naturally the Crown Prince, but the Crown Princess's family is too powerful, which may not be good for Duanmu Chen's future succession. Therefore, he wants to take advantage of the fact that he still has the energy to first cut the Xie family to pieces."
"You mean the Emperor has already considered Duanmu Chen?"
"Duanmu Chen grew up by his father's side since he was a child. As I said before, Duanmu Chen is the one who is most like his father. The Crown Prince is somewhat mild-mannered, which is not what his father likes to see. Fortunately, the Crown Prince is quite steady and will not act too rashly, so when the Great Yong Dynasty comes into his hands, there will naturally not be any major problems."
Mu Xin Nuan frowned slightly. "I understand. Is the Emperor doing this because he's worried about future interference from the Empress's relatives in politics?"
"clever!"
"But if the crown prince ascends the throne in the future, won't his sons fight for the crown prince position?"
Duanmu Chuze chuckled lightly, "That's exactly what Father Emperor considered. That's why he only ruthlessly destroyed the Xie family, but didn't uproot them completely. In the future, Duanmu Chen will still need their help."
"The Emperor's thoughts run too deep. I can't possibly think that far ahead. So, it's better for us to live like this. Without the burden of the empire, at least our lives are peaceful and tranquil. Let them fight it out."
Mu Xin Nuan's somewhat playful appearance earned her a light laugh from Duanmu Chu Ze.
“Anuan is right. We just need to live our own little lives well.”
"Speaking of which, Aze, Wang Ziyu was quite helpful this time. I heard that the Crown Princess claimed to be ill and didn't stay home. The Emperor considered Duanmu Chen's status, so naturally he wouldn't demote her. Therefore, I'm wondering if the Crown Princess might cause any more trouble during this time?"
"Are you talking about whether the Crown Princess will die of illness?"
Mu Xin Nuan nodded. Now, although she knew that this matter had not caused too much of a stir, at least it had not affected the Prince Ming and the Crown Prince, it had actually served as a significant warning to both sides.
As for Prince Ming, he could certainly understand the Emperor's actions.
Therefore, the Emperor summoned him to the capital for two reasons. First, to give both sides an explanation and demonstrate his impartiality. Second, to warn Prince Ming that the future of the Great Yong Dynasty would belong to the Crown Prince and Duanmu Chen.
Others must not harbor any illusions. Even if they dared to covet that throne, it would be futile!
Besides disappointment and frustration, the most likely outcome is failure and total annihilation!
Since entering the capital, King Ming has only visited the palace once.
To be precise, he only had one audience with the emperor by imperial decree. He did visit the empress's palace several times.
Women, after all, have soft hearts.
Upon seeing her son, whom she hadn't seen for so long, return, the Empress was naturally quite excited. She had many gifts prepared and instructed Prince Ming to take them back to his grandchildren in Xingzhou.
"Mother, I don't know when I will be able to return to the capital after this departure. Please take care of your health. If you miss me, just send me a letter. If you miss your grandson, I will ask the Princess to arrange for him to be sent to the palace for you to enjoy your company when I return."
The Empress was slightly taken aback. Ming Wang's words were not merely to demonstrate his filial piety.
Sending his son to the palace to accompany the empress was not only a way to fulfill his filial duty, but also, more importantly, a way to express his own feelings within the royal family.
Sending the child to her side is tantamount to using her son as a hostage.
If she and the Emperor are unharmed, then there is nothing to worry about. But once they pass away, the child will naturally be handed over to the Crown Prince.
It seems that King Ming has come to a lot of understanding this time.
"Good child! Your mother understands your thoughts. Your mother knows you are filial. It was already difficult for you to have children, and now that you have finally had a son and a daughter, how could your mother take away your right to be a father? Just let them grow up well by your side and the princess, and know that I care about them."
"Yes, Queen Mother."
On the day Prince Ming left the capital, the Emperor and Empress made an exception and saw him off at the city gate.
This has never happened before.
Perhaps it was because of Ming Wang's confession that the emperor felt he owed his son something, which is why he acted this way.
The Empress sighed softly, "To be honest, this child's hatred for the Crown Prince isn't something that just started today. In retrospect, it's also my fault as the Empress Dowager; I failed to protect the child that Princess Ming was carrying back then."
"How can you blame yourself? It was her own carelessness. This child, Prince Ming, is determined to believe that it was the Crown Princess who did it, and there's nothing we can do about it."
The Empress hesitated for a moment, her voice almost inaudible, "I had someone investigate that matter, and it is indeed related to the Crown Princess."
The Emperor was standing right next to her, so naturally, she heard what he said.
Although he is old, he is still hard of hearing!