Cultivation Begins with Caring for Sister-in-law

Chapter 856: Chapter 861, Chapter 862: Conversation Between Liang Ji and Zhao Yushu (2)

You mean it might be considering the impact?

The former Empress, the former Crown Prince Consort of Prince Chong, the former Princess Consort Huai, even the former Empress Dowager, yet Chen Mo doesn’t seem to care about the impact at all.

Moreover, she had several chances to make Chen Mo act, but he didn’t take any inappropriate action towards her and maintained a gentlemanly demeanor.

But if it wasn’t Chen Mo’s doing, then today’s affair at the canal wharf truly means Chu Yi no longer wants her.

Zhao Yushu’s delicate body trembled slightly, finding it hard to accept.

Liang Ji held her shoulder, knowing she likely already has an answer in her heart, she immediately changed the subject: "Yushu, how are you feeling now?"

Of course, she already knew the situation; in this scorching weather, falling into the river and being rescued in time, except for swallowing a few mouthfuls of water, what else could be wrong?

Even though Zhao Yushu’s body is somewhat weak, it’s not to this extent.

Zhao Yushu shook her head.

Liang Ji knew she had a mental affliction.

To prevent Zhao Yushu from further developing suicide thoughts, Liang Ji softly said, "Yushu, ending it all is easy, but after you’re gone, who will serve your parents? Your younger brother is still young; can he support the family?"

Zhao Yushu tightened her grip on the handkerchief. She felt deeply guilty for her parents; during the years as Empress, in order not to make Chu Yi’s situation more difficult, she hadn’t helped the family. Reflecting now, it was rather unfilial.

Moreover, Liang Ji’s reminder made Zhao Yushu quickly realize that although she hadn’t actively helped her family, she still bore the title of Empress. Even if the Emperor is a puppet, both Lu Sheng before and Chen Mo after that, in order to uphold the Royal Family’s dignity, would still provide her father with an official position, allowing her family to live on the Emperor’s salary—making ends meet.

Even though she’s no longer the Empress now.

Chu Yi no longer wants her either.

She’s now reduced to a commoner.

The Great Wei Court, considering her previous status, and for its own reputation, surely won’t let her family suffer, at least not too much.

But if she were to die, then there’s absolutely no necessity for the Great Wei Court to care for them.

Liang Ji, seeing Zhao Yushu’s eyes no longer vacant, continued, "The Emperor of Da Wei said, although Duke Menghe didn’t take you with him, he won’t bind your freedom either. Once your parents arrive in the capital, you can leave the Imperial Palace. From now on, you can enjoy a life of freedom."

Upon hearing this, Zhao Yushu was startled and quickly said, "Really?"

Honestly, upon waking and realizing she was in the harem,

her heart skipped a beat, thinking she too would become like the former Princess Consort Huai and others.

She was even thinking of finding a chance to end her life rather than let Chen Mo take her.

But now, hearing Liang Ji’s words, he’s actually going to let her leave.

At this thought, Zhao Yushu’s face inexplicably flushed, realizing she had been "self-deceiving."

Liang Ji nodded.

Zhao Yushu let out a long sigh of relief; it was a blessing in disguise.

"However..." Liang Ji released Zhao Yushu, no longer holding her, but instead clasped both her shoulders, looking into her eyes, she lightly bit her lip and said softly, "Leaving the palace may not be the best choice?"

"?" Zhao Yushu looked at Liang Ji in confusion.

"Because once you leave the palace, the life of luxury you had will be gone for good," Liang Ji said.

The Zhao family where Zhao Yushu is from is just an ordinary family; otherwise, Lu Sheng wouldn’t have chosen Chu Yi as a puppet Emperor, seeing that Zhao family couldn’t assist Chu Yi in any way.

Of course, by now, the Zhao family has become relatively wealthy, but it certainly can’t compare to the Imperial Palace.

Zhao Yushu had accustomed herself to a life of luxury, and the lifestyle’s downgrade would be significant; Liang Ji didn’t believe she could adapt.

Zhao Yushu stated firmly, "I don’t care about that."

"You may not care, but what about your parents and your brother? Also, are you prepared to deal with trouble when it comes knocking?" Liang Ji said.

"My parents have lived through hard days before, and now that the Zhao family’s life has improved, they won’t care either. As for... the trouble the Empress Dowager mentioned, where would it come from?"

Zhao Yushu didn’t know what else to call Liang Ji besides Empress Dowager, so she continued calling her Empress Dowager.

"When considering matters, think comprehensively," Liang Ji lightly bit her lip and softly said, "Even though you haven’t actively helped your family, life’s gotten better for the Zhao family. Apart from the court’s previous care, they have definitely benefitted from your status; you’d be considered a mainstay for them.

But once you leave the palace, that support is gone. Then those who helped the Zhao family before, or those they offended, what will they think? They may believe the Zhao family has fallen out of favor; those who used to help won’t help anymore. Those the Zhao family once offended will surely seek revenge."

Being the legitimate daughter of the Liang family, Liang Ji, during her time in the waiting period at home, had witnessed many similar incidents.

But to Zhao Yushu, who hadn’t experienced such matters, what Liang Ji said wasn’t entirely clear.

Liang Ji didn’t want to say more; what if she was overthinking? She smiled, "Hope you won’t encounter such matters."

"Alright, it’s getting late, and I should leave. Don’t dwell too much; after all, the connection between you and me is quite deep. I came to persuade you not to act foolishly. In the Royal Family, there’s no room for sentiments; I hope you can truly move on."

Having said this, Liang Ji was ready to leave.

Zhao Yushu stopped Liang Ji, unable to help herself, and inquired if anything had ever happened between her and Chen Mo.

Liang Ji laughed, "If you stay in the palace, you’ll understand."

...

The next morning, a court assembly was convened, marking the first one since the establishment of the new dynasty in Great Wei.

This assembly wasn’t for discussing state affairs.

It was essentially about one thing, conferring titles and rewards.

During this assembly, merit was acknowledged and rewards distributed.

Among those granted the title of Duke, led by Geng Songfu, there were seven.

Those granted the title of Marquis, included Sun Meng, Shao Jinneng, Zhao Liang, among twenty-nine individuals.

Among those granted the title of Earl, were Zhang River, Luo Yong, Nangong Jin, Chang En, among thirty-two individuals.

Of course, regarding the conferring of titles to the Concubines of the harem, aside from the Empress which needs the ministers’ discussion and decision, the rest are drafted by Chen Mo himself.

Chen Mo hadn’t forgotten his promise to Nalan Yiren either.

In front of the assembly of ministers, he appointed Nalan Yiren as the first State Preceptor of Great Wei, stamping it with the Heirloom Seal of the Realm.

Following that, there were posthumous honors.

The first posthumous honor was for Chen Da, the elder brother of this body’s original owner, Chen Mo.

The second was for Xia Liangqing, who repelled the Celestial Master Thieves and eventually gave his life for the country; he was the biological father of Xia Zhiqing and Xia Zhining.

And this wasn’t just about Chen Mo honoring the sisters.

Even though Chen Mo was once a member of the Celestial Master Thieves, he had long severed ties.

Moreover, his current Imperial position was received through Emperor Yong’an’s abdication.

And Emperor Yong’an was the Emperor of Great Song, with the Celestial Master Army aiming to overthrow Great Song.

Thus, Chen Mo, for his own sake, had to consolidate Great Song’s "legitimacy," demonstrating the illegality of the Celestial Master Thieves. Therefore, Xia Liangqing, who sacrificed his life for Great Song, rightly deserved a posthumous honor.

Following that were generals who sacrificed themselves while defending against Jin Xia’s invasion, among others.

The morning court session lasted a long time.

...

In Xia Zhining’s bedchamber.

Xia Zhining had just woken up; last night, troubled by the turmoil caused by her fetus, she went to bed quite late.

Despite this, Xia Zhining, who had now awakened, still appeared as though she hadn’t had enough sleep.

Just as Xia Zhining was about to call for a palace maid to assist her in getting up for a toilet break, a series of urgent footsteps was heard from outside.

Xia Zhiqing entered the room without knocking.

Seeing Xia Zhining already awake on the bed, she couldn’t wait to share the news, her expression full of excitement.

"Zhining, Father... he... he’s been posthumously honored by His Majesty with the title ’Loyal and Solemn.’

"What?" Xia Zhining hadn’t quite processed the information.

Xia Zhiqing, excitedly said, "The reason for His Majesty bestowing the posthumous title upon Father was for his efforts in repelling the rebellion of the Celestial Master Thieves, protecting the lives and safety of the people, for which he laid down his life; showing loyalty and respect."