eurekapd Chapter 147 The Dark Room’s Explicit Words
Chapter 147 The Dark Room’s Explicit Words
Jing Fengyao had his eyes half-closed, and he heard Jing Anle's voice in his ear.
"Brother, let me tell you a story."
Jing Anle knew that Jing Fengyao was listening, and continued, "A long time ago, there was a very favored princess. Her father and brothers doted on her, the servants respected her, and she also had a lover who had eyes for her."
"But just when she thought she was the happiest person in the world, on her wedding night, her father, brother, and relatives were all killed by her uncle who had always coveted power, and she died with her eyes wide open in disbelief."
"Overnight, everything changed."
As Jing Anle spoke, her fingernails dug painfully into her palms, and all sorts of past events flashed before her eyes. She tried her best to suppress herself, not daring to let her emotions out.
A gust of cold wind blew by, and Jing Fengyao involuntarily shivered, sobering up a bit. He also noticed the melancholy in Jing Anle's voice. He blinked, wanting to comfort her, but couldn't help teasing, "Where did you hear those stories again?"
The wind had just extinguished several candles, making the already dim inner chamber even darker.
There was a moment of silence in the air.
"Your Majesty thinks it's just a story?"
Jing Fengyao paused, opened his mouth, then remembered Emperor Jing's scolding of him, and his mood, which had just improved, became irritable again. "Otherwise what?"
“Royal brother.” Jing Anle straightened up and turned his head to look at Jing Fengyao. In the dim light, their eyes were exceptionally bright.
"Don't you think I'm quite similar to the princess in that story? She was also pampered and incredibly noble, only to be betrayed by wicked people..."
"Nonsense!" Before Jing Anle could finish speaking, Jing Fengyao interrupted him, his brows furrowing slightly, preventing Jing Anle from continuing.
"You must not say such unlucky things again."
Jing Anle smiled slightly and grasped Jing Fengyao's wrist with her right hand. "I know that Your Majesty is protecting me, but does Your Majesty really not know what Anle wants to say?"
"Who is the villain Anle is referring to? Has Your Majesty truly never noticed?"
The barrage of questions left Jing Fengyao somewhat bewildered. His eyes widened in surprise, but he quickly recovered.
"Have you heard about the matter concerning the salt fields in Yanzhou today, Your Majesty?"
Another problem.
Jing Anle released Jing Fengyao's hand and picked up the wine bottle next to him. "That's right, my brother is only concerned with getting drunk, how would he know?" As he spoke, he tilted his head back to drink, but before he could even touch his lips, Jing Fengyao snatched it away.
"Of course I know." Jing Fengyao casually tossed the wine bottle far away; the glass was fragile, and the sound was deafening.
Mu Ping and A Fang, who were outside the door, were startled and quickly knocked on the door, calling out, "Princess? Is the princess alright?"
A calm voice came from inside the room, "I am fine. I am discussing matters with my elder brother and should not be disturbed."
The shouting outside stopped.
Jing Fengyao's answer surprised Jing Anle.
"But what does it matter?" Jing Fengyao asked back.
"Who is behind Luo Xun, who is illegally controlling the salt fields? Your Majesty will know once you think about it carefully."
Jing Fengyao looked up at Jing Anle, a few fragmented pieces of information flashing through his mind.
"You mean Prince Qing?"
"There are many things I can't explain clearly in a short time. Does Your Majesty know why Father punished you?"
Perhaps because of the alcohol, Jing Fengyao felt a throbbing pain in his temples. He couldn't help but press his right hand against his temples, his head lowered, seemingly lost in thought.
Jing Anle sighed softly, "The Empress Dowager's favoritism towards Prince Qing is common knowledge in the court. If Prince Qing harbors disloyal intentions, wouldn't the Empress Dowager know it?"
Jing Anle's words struck Jing Fengyao like a blow to the head, leaving him feeling numb all over.
“No wonder Father was so angry that day.” Jing Fengyao felt weak all over and slumped down, but was pulled back by Jing Anle.
We've said enough, but there's no need to say everything.
“You are the Emperor’s eldest son, the pillar of the Jing Kingdom. His love is deep, and so are his strict discipline. The Emperor wasn’t angry that day because you spoke up for the Empress Dowager, but rather…”
Before Jing Anle could finish speaking, Jing Fengyao interrupted, "He's angry that I can't see the situation clearly."
No wonder Emperor Jing was so angry even though he hadn't done anything wrong. Over the years, as the eldest son, he hadn't known anything and had only acted on impulse. Anyone would be angry in his place.
Jing Fengyao lowered his head, looking utterly dejected.
"elder brother……"
Jing Anle comforted her softly. Actually, she had a lot to say, but she didn't know where to begin. The key to it was something he would have to figure out for himself.
When they came out of Mingde Hall, it was already incredibly dark. Afang was already waiting with a lantern. Muping draped the cloak that she had prepared earlier over Jing Anle's shoulders, and she immediately felt much warmer.
The palace servants outside the door quickly bowed, "Princess."
"It's been cold lately, please take good care of your elder brother."
The remaining palace servants quickly replied, "Yes, Princess."
Mu Ping glanced back into the inner hall, hesitating to speak, "The eldest prince..."
After all, Jing Anle stayed inside for so long, so she must have said a lot.
Jing Anle simply looked up at the sky in silence, her eyes filled with sorrow.
"Let's go back to the palace."
Mu Ping and A Fang exchanged a glance and then said nothing more.
……
Two days later, at Cixi Palace.
The Empress Dowager has always been in good health and has almost recovered, but given her status, she naturally has to put on airs.
"Your Majesty, the nourishing soup is ready." Su Rong said as she reached out to help, and the Empress Dowager took Su Rong's hand and led her to the table.
The dishes on the table were exquisite; ordinary people would probably never have even seen them, let alone eaten them. Yet, the Empress Dowager's expression was not pleasant.
The head chef, oblivious to the situation, said, "We know that Her Majesty is a devout Buddhist and cannot eat meat, so the imperial kitchen is extremely careful."
Su Rong naturally understood the Empress Dowager's meaning and said, "You may leave now."
"Yes."
After watching the person leave, Su Rong spoke up, "Your Majesty, please rest assured. The diet should indeed be lighter these days. We will prepare some more in the small kitchen in a few days."
Hearing Su Rong say this, the Empress Dowager's expression softened somewhat.
"It's all Anle's fault, she's the only one I can eat."
Su Rong didn't respond, but simply picked up the nourishing soup on the table. "This is a nourishing soup made from the tonics that His Highness Prince Qing sent over before. It's the best for strengthening the body and replenishing vital energy. Your Majesty should try it first."
The Empress Dowager nodded and was just about to drink when a palace servant came to report, "Greetings, Your Majesty the Empress Dowager."
"What's wrong?" Su Rong asked sternly as always.
The palace maid who came to report became even more respectful, "It is Princess Qing who requests an audience with the Empress Dowager."
Su Rong and the Empress Dowager exchanged a glance.
"Summon Princess Qing to come in."