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Chapter 450: Why Are You So Biased?
Translator: Henyee Translations Editor: Henyee Translations
The Empress Dowager persisted, explaining, “It’s not that the fifth princess didn’t provide proper guidance; rather, it’s an inherent trait of her character.
This has nothing to do with the Empress.”
Given that the Empress was her own niece, it was only natural for her to defend her.
The Empress Dowager further noted, “Remarkably, the fifth princess bears a strong resemblance to her father and brother, both of whom possess an especially fervent disposition.”
The emperor’s countenance s.h.i.+fted, and he interjected, “Mother, you’ve misunderstood!”
The mention of the fifth princess’s 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, “Your Majesty, what’s the distinction?”
“Your 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.” The emperor’s face flushed with embarra.s.sment.
The Empress Dowager continued, “Regarding the Empress’s motivation to support the Crown Prince’s false testimony, there is a rationale behind it.”
“Recall what I did when you were vying for the throne. Then you’ll understand Her Majesty’s perspective.”
“Before your ascent to the throne, I, too, committed many deeds that stained her hands, all for your sake.”
“It’s not as though you haven’t eliminated your own brother!”
The emperor’s 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 one’s rival often meant one’s own demise.
The Empress Dowager pointed out to the Emperor, “You, too, do not wish to see the General Manor’s influence grow, do you?”
“In that context, it is not unreasonable to allow the Crown Prince to exert authority over the Third Prince…”
The Emperor interjected icily, “He is not merely a.s.serting authority over the
Third Prince; he desires the Third Prince’s demise!”
“Mother, the Third Prince is also your biological grandson. Why this apparent partiality?”
“Recall what you did to the Third Prince’s mother back then!”
“I don’t wish to entertain the idea that you might advocate the execution of all my sons solely to ensure the Crown Prince’s smooth path to the throne in the future!”
“That’s not what I intended…”
“Mother, let us cease this discussion!”
“Guards! Escort the Empress Dowager back!”
Upon learning of the Third Prince’s imprisonment within the palace, Old General Chen, representing the General Manor, personally sought an audience with the Emperor. His countenance betrayed his evident frustration.
“Your Majesty, what offense has the Third Prince committed to warrant his confinement in the palace?” Old General Chen inquired with a stern tone.
The Emperor offered an apologetic smile and responded, “Minister 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.”
Despite the explanation, Old General Chen’s expression remained less than cordial. “Is this related to the incident in the imperial courtyard?” he asked.
The Emperor shook his head emphatically. “Absolutely not! I hold no suspicion that the Third Prince had any involvement in that matter.”
“Minister Chen, I would kindly request that you return to the General Manor. I a.s.sure you, the Third Prince’s safety is not in jeopardy.”
Upon receiving this a.s.surance from the Emperor, Old General Chen departed the palace.
Soon afterward, the elderly duke, the Empress Dowager’s elder brother and the Emperor’s father-in-law, arrived to meet with the Emperor. The Public House had played a significant role in securing the Emperor’s 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 Emperor’s presence.
“Your Majesty, why have the Empress and His Highness the Crown Prince been restricted to the palace?”
