The Rebirth of the Malicious Empress of Military Lineage Chapter 231: Return Of An Old Friend (Part 13)

“Your Majesty…” The elder official persisted, attempting to speak further.

“My beloved Official Xu, Zhen recalls your household boasts two young granddaughters who are of suitable age,” Emperor Xiao Jing stated.

The official froze, a knot of anxiety forming in his chest, yet a flicker of hope momentarily surfaced. This joy, however, vanished in the next instant as he heard the Emperor continue, “How about Zhen bestowing them to the Young General Song at the Wu border?”

That Young General Song, though young and displaying great promise, had unfortunately lost an eye on the battlefield, rendering any future prospects bleak.

Official Xu’s countenance turned ashen.

“Zhen is not here to entertain your opinions, nor to receive your critiques. Zhen is here to announce the decision,” he declared, ensconced on his throne and gazing down upon the assembled officials. “Zhen is the Son of Heaven and the sovereign ruler. If any among you possess views on matters of state, speak freely. However, concerning the management of Zhen’s Inner Palace or Zhen’s personal affairs, Zhen will most certainly,” he paused, considering his words before adding, “Repay such interference with compounding interest.”

“At that juncture, do not blame Zhen for hastily arranging marriages,” he remarked, a smile that did not reach his eyes playing on his lips.

He was indeed unlike a typical Emperor, lacking in solemnity and gravity, yet possessing a danger far exceeding that of past rulers. In no aspect was he inferior to Emperor Yong Le. The more indifferent he appeared, the more unsettling it became, causing hearts to race. It was common knowledge how cunning this Prince Rui of First Rank truly was; once he set his sights on someone, they would perish without even realizing how.

What was most alarming was his utter disregard for tradition and reputation, showing no fear of consequence. Everyone was convinced that Emperor Xiao Jing would not hesitate to marry an official’s granddaughter to another official’s younger brother, or arrange for a grandson of a high-ranking official to wed the daughter of their sworn enemy.

Even an mismatched union would be acceptable. What was truly feared was the potential for this to be a method of control. If this was a tactic to restrain them, they might not even grasp how their family lineage would gradually weaken and ultimately perish.

None dared to risk their entire family lineage as a wager.

A collective decision formed to withdraw their opposition. Currently, the atmosphere was one of complacency, and it was best to let Emperor Xiao Jing indulge his whims. Perhaps in time, he would grow weary of it or become captivated by new beauties. Men, it was often observed, loved intensely when they loved, and were utterly detached when they did not. Why then, engage in such thankless opposition?

With these thoughts dawning upon them, the officials seemed to reach a consensus. They ceased their protests, and some even began to offer praise, proclaiming the profound and legendary love between Emperor Xiao Jing and Furen.

Xie Jing Xing observed the officials’ faces with a cold, detached gaze, as if viewing a gallery of colorful masks obscuring the true world. He found it absurd, yet tinged with a sense of pity.

He knelt on one knee before Shen Miao.

For any man, even an ordinary one, to adopt such a posture would be astonishing. Thus, the shock reverberated through the assembled crowd when it was revealed that this kneeling figure was not ordinary at all, but none other than the Emperor of Great Liang, the supreme ruler of the lands under Heaven. Yet, he knelt before a woman with such profound devotion.

Shen Miao, supported by him, was seated in the highest position. Tao GuGu had dressed her in resplendent, noble palace robes, and a fine dusting of gold powder at the edges of her eyes lent her an air of unyielding arrogance. She was adorned in the bright golden attire of an Empress, her eyes closed, long lashes casting delicate shadows, appearing to be lost in a profound slumber.

She was, undeniably, a woman of great beauty and formidable spirit. Gao Zhang had once remarked that Shen Miao harbored an unfulfilled aspiration, which fueled her will to cling to life until her very last breath, a will that Gao Zhang had managed to preserve.

But what was her final wish?

Was it to gaze upon Xie Jing Xing one last time? To witness Chu Yi and Shi Wu grow to adulthood? Or perhaps to bid farewell to Shen Xin and the others?

Xie Jing Xing leaned closer, his voice a soft murmur by her ear, “I have brought you here as an Empress; why not open your eyes and take a look?”

Shen Miao remained unresponsive to his words. She slept, enveloped in her own world, as if destined to slumber for an incredibly long time, perhaps for an eternity.

Xie Jing Xing’s gaze lingered on her, “I know you are weary. Awaken when you have rested enough. Chu Yi and Shi Wu are searching for their mother.” He reached out, gently taking hold of Shen Miao’s ice-cold hand. “I miss you too.”

The court officials observed in silence as the young Emperor orchestrated events. Having navigated the treacherous currents of the Imperial Court for many years, they understood the depth of political intrigue, the interplay of reality and deception, sincerity and pretense. At times, distinguishing one's own heart proved difficult, let alone discerning the motives of others. Furthermore, Prince Rui had never been a benevolent figure; many present had suffered immensely due to his past actions, to the point of harboring deep-seated resentment.

Yet, at this precise moment, they found themselves hesitant to disrupt the unfolding scene. It was as if, through this tableau of the Sovereign and his Consort, they glimpsed echoes of their own youthful affections.

Every soul had experienced love. The question that lingered was whether that love could endure a lifetime. So arduous was the journey that many surrendered midway. It was a rarity to persevere until the very end.

Could Emperor Xiao Jing achieve such a feat?

With deliberate grace, Xie Jing Xing settled the weighty Empress crown upon Shen Miao's head, his movements imbued with a solemnity that mirrored his other actions.

He inclined his head, bestowing a gentle kiss upon the Empress's eyes.

Time seemed to warp and rewind, hurtling back to a specific juncture in the past. He, a proud youth astride his steed, and she, meticulously weaving intricate schemes against the Ming Qi Imperial family while safeguarding the Shen lineage. He had once posed the question: “Shen Miao, do you aspire to become an Empress?”

None could have predicted his eventual ascension to the throne, nor that she would indeed attain the position of Empress.

Though the world had witnessed countless unexpected turns, all paths ultimately led back to their origin.

Behind the gilded halls, Luo Tan, who had been surreptitiously observing, pressed a hand to her mouth. Her expression a mixture of tears and laughter, she whispered, “He truly has crowned my Youngest Biao Sister as Empress… Youngest Biao Sister did not misjudge him…”

From behind, Pei Lang offered a soft smile, a gentle expression tinged with relief and a touch of melancholy, yet overflowing with profound gratitude. “It is as it should be.”

*****

During the spring season, apricot blossoms unfurled in riotous bloom. With each gust of wind, petals descended like a fragrant snow, perfuming the air. Birds, perched upon the branches, chirped energetically, their eyes alight with the vibrancy of the day.

Half a year had elapsed with astonishing swiftness, a passage of time so ephemeral that few could truly grasp its fleeting nature.

For the common folk of Long Ye, the preceding six months had been marked by contentment. Perhaps it was the complete subjugation of Qin and Ming Qi, or perhaps the new Emperor's distinct approach to governance. Regardless, Emperor Xiao Jing proved himself a remarkably capable ruler.

His benevolence extended generously to the populace, and several of his new imperial edicts elicited widespread approval and celebration. A prevalent rumor in the marketplaces suggested that Emperor Xiao Jing's youthful propensity for traveling across the land had afforded him a deep understanding of the people's struggles, thus enabling him to consistently empathize with their plights.

Consequently, Emperor Xiao Jing garnered a reputation among the commoners as their steadfast protector.

However, within the hallowed halls of the Imperial Court, the perception was starkly different.

While Emperor Yong Le, during his reign, had always shown consideration for the officials' standing, Emperor Xiao Jing presented himself as an unfettered sovereign. His generosity towards the commoners was matched only by his severity towards the court officials, with whom he displayed no semblance of personal affection. Even seasoned veterans found it impossible to gain any advantage with him.

What was even more disconcerting was his uncanny ability to maintain a delicate balance of power and his acute perception, which surpassed that of a rodent. Not only were overt actions detected, but even the most subtle nascent thoughts were unearthed by him. The officials lived under a constant cloud of suspicion, questioning the loyalty of those within their own residences and frequently conducting thorough searches.

Their most significant grievance against Emperor Xiao Jing stemmed from his resolute refusal to accept any consorts into the Inner Palace during these past six months. Only Empress Shen, slumbering peacefully, occupied the entirety of the Inner Palace.

This unprecedented situation baffled many. Initially, some speculated that his promise to Empress Shen was born of guilt, and that while her position as Empress was unassailable, taking other ladies into his favor should not pose an issue. Yet, as time wore on, the Inner Palace of Emperor Xiao Jing remained so pristine that it seemed capable of nurturing avian life. It then became evident to all that his actions were not mere pretense.

Some harbored the suspicion that his earlier pronouncements were merely boasts, and that he was now unwilling to retract them, fearing a loss of face. To 'assist' him, they 'considerately' offered their own daughters, only to find that the following day, Emperor Xiao Jing arranged marriages between these young ladies and the sons of their sworn enemies. This maneuver sent the officials into an uproar.

Emperor Xiao Jing's methods were undeniably ruthless; arranging marriages to sworn enemies was a potent tactic. Not only did he swiftly dispense with the women he did not desire, but he also skillfully managed the situation, issuing a clear warning to any officials harboring ambitions. It was a masterful stroke that struck multiple targets with a single blow, demonstrating an almost malevolent cunning.

Over the passage of time, officials grew hesitant to present beauties to Emperor Xiao Jing.

Yet, the rumors persisted. Whispers circulated about a passionate young man who had no woman other than his comatose wife, leading some to question if he was romantically inclined towards other men.

However, the spread of these rumors seemed to have little impact. The Emperor being a 'broken sleeve'? He already had two sons, and the succession of the Empire was not a concern. Furthermore, this individual was known for his wickedness, and as the saying goes, the wicked often live long lives, so there was a fear that he would indeed reign for an extended period.

Ultimately, the common folk paid it no mind, and the officials became compliant.

The morning sun shone with particular brilliance as Tao GuGu, carrying two children, approached Xie Jing Xing with evident concern. “Your Majesty is truly taking the two Princes out... for a trip?”

With a child in each arm, Xie Jing Xing stepped into the carriage, responding with a simple, “En.”

Inside the carriage, Shen Miao was asleep. Xie Jing Xing gazed at her with a headache, remarking, “You’ve been sleeping for half a year already, are you some kind of pig?”

Chu Yi and Shi Wu waved their tiny hands, observing Xie Jing Xing with curiosity. Xie Jing Xing then called out to those outside, “Depart!”

Tie Yi picked up the horsewhip. After his Master ascended to the throne as Emperor, he, the leader of the Mo Yun Army, found himself relegated to the role of a stable hand.

Xie Jing Xing had a particular fondness for taking the children on excursions. Despite the best efforts of Deng GongGong and Tang Shu to dissuade him, their attempts were futile. His martial arts prowess far surpassed theirs, rendering him unstoppable. He always stated that by allowing the children to witness the world's landscapes from a young age, they would be less susceptible to being deceived by its dazzling allure in the future, enabling them to discern their true desires in life.

In truth, this was merely a pretense. His genuine desire was to take Shen Miao out for some enjoyment.

The horse carriage came to a halt in a shaded area of the mountain. The scenery at the mountain's base was indeed quite lovely.

Xie Jing Xing carried the children out, and Mo Qing thoughtfully presented small bowls of rice paste. Recently, Chu Yi and Shi Wu had begun learning to eat rice paste, but both children were so terribly finicky that coaxing them to eat it felt more challenging than reaching the heavens.

Tie Yi held Chu Yi while Mo Qing held Shi Wu, as Xie Jing Xing attempted to feed both children the rice paste. Neither child seemed pleased with the endeavor, eliciting a pang of sympathy in one's heart.

Growing frustrated, Xie Jing Xing declared, “Hand the children over to me.”

He casually retrieved a red strip of cloth that Jing Zhe had used to tie the food basket, placed Chu Yi into the basket to carry on his back, and held Shi Wu in front, 'forcing' the younger child to consume the rice paste.

Shi Wu began to fuss and cry, and Xie Jing Xing pushed the Mo Yun Army personnel aside, forbidding their interference. He genuinely commenced a struggle with the two children.

Here was a country's Monarch, with an infant strapped to his back and another held in his arms. A strip of red cloth was tied haphazardly as he administered the food, as if engaged in a bitter feud.

Every member of the Mo Yun Army found it impossible to continue observing.

Shi Qu erupted into tears, and Chu Yi, positioned at his back, seemed to sense the distress and also began to wail. It wasn't just the crying, as Xie Jing Xing felt a warm stream cascade down his body.

That was just fantastic. It was urine.

Furious, he was about to reprimand the two 'stinky fellows' when he suddenly heard Jing Zhe exclaim in shock, “Someone laughed!”

Everyone present was taken aback.

Jing Zhe's voice quivered slightly with excitement as she pointed towards the horse carriage, “I just heard it!”

Shen Miao was still asleep within the carriage.

In an instant, the surrounding area fell into a profound silence.

The mountain breeze seemed to caress everyone's face; it was warm, yet carried a subtle tickle, as if the very sunlight was too charming.

In the ensuing quiet, everyone clearly heard it this time: a sound of laughter indeed emanated from within. It was a gentle, familiar laugh, imbued with a sense of closeness.

After a considerable pause, Xie Jing Xing strode over.

His hands trembled slightly, but ultimately, he steeled his resolve and pulled open the carriage's curtain.

Her brows were soft, reminiscent of a begonia in its first bloom, and her voice remained languid, yet a faint brightness danced in her eyes, betraying her excitement.

She turned her head and offered a gentle smile, “Long time no see, Young Marquis Xie.”