Chapter 963: Chapter 959: The End of the Story (Part 3)
"Your Highness’s blessings are deep and boundless; you will surely be safe." Xiqiu replied, wiping her tears.
The Empress shook her head: "Life is fraught with hardships, constantly testing us with storms and trials. I am truly tired. If anything happens to my Yan’er, I have no desire to remain in this world." As she spoke, she clutched her chest again: "Besides, my body is failing. I genuinely wish to find a quiet place, to spend peaceful days with Yan’er and my mother."
"Your words are too heavy, Your Grace. You are the Queen Mother, unparalleled in dignity; even the gods will protect you and His Highness." Xiqiu sobbed uncontrollably.
Old Madam Shen sat beside the Empress, silent.
"You need not comfort me further; I am very aware of my own condition." She paused and glanced at Xiqiu: "Actually, speaking of it, Fourth Madam is much freer than me, at least without these worrisome affairs. I believe when Grand Commander Xiao returns, he should accompany you to find a quiet place to stay for a time, lest you remain at home every day, becoming overwhelmed by memories and ruining your health."
Xiqiu lowered her eyes, her gaze flickered slightly, then looked up at the Empress, tears making her expression puzzled, and the Empress continued: "I think Shu is nice, I’ve heard the climate there is excellent; Fourth Madam can have Xiao lead you to Shu."
"Shu is indeed nice." Old Madam Shen nodded: "The climate there is nurturing."
It seemed that Xiqiu finally understood the Empress’s implication: "Currently, I really can’t consider such matters; I have to wait for Fourth Master Xiao to return so I can discuss it with him." She appeared unable to make decisions.
"I think there’s no need to consult Grand Commander Xiao." The Empress exchanged a look with Old Madam Shen: "If he inquires, just say I suggested it, so he need not return to the Capital; wait for you in Shandong. I will send someone to escort you to find him. Seize this cool season for traveling and sightseeing—it will be excellent for nurturing the mind and spirit."
Such impatience indeed! Xiqiu bowed her head, sorrow evident: "What Your Grace says is very reasonable...only..." She choked: "There are affairs at home, the child’s funeral has yet to be properly arranged, Fourth Master Xiao has military duties. Even if we wish to leave, it’s difficult to do so at once."
The Empress grew somewhat impatient, suppressing her anger: "There are Lord Han and Lord Qian for military matters, and others in the Governor Mansion. You and your son can travel lightly, it’s very convenient. I will decide for you; write a letter to Grand Commander Xiao now, have him request an Imperial Decree from the Emperor. The Emperor, sympathetic to your child’s death, will surely agree. Even if he doesn’t, there’s still me."
From comforting Xiqiu in her grief over losing her child to instructing her to quickly go to Shu!
Xiqiu thought for a moment, gratefully looking at the Empress, nodding: "In that case, I am most grateful to Your Grace." As she finished speaking, Nanny Mao arrived with a set of writing tools, placing them on a round table carved with dragons and phoenixes. Xiqiu glanced at the writing implements, swaying as she stood up, walked to the table, picked up the pen, and looked at the Empress and Old Madam Shen.
Old Madam Shen displayed a kind smile: "Go ahead and write!"
Merely using courteous words to perform domineering actions!
Xiqiu turned back, hesitatingly looking at the Xuan paper, ink dripping slowly. She cried even harder, her hand holding the pen shaking, as Nanny Mao asked from the side: "Fourth Madam, are you alright?"
The Empress and Old Madam Shen both frowned.
Xiqiu shook her head, just as she was about to write, her body wavered, Nanny Mao quickly supported her: "Fourth Madam?"
"I’m alright." She said, yet appeared utterly drained by tears, which led Nanny Mao to ask the Empress: "Your Grace, this..." In such condition, not even speech, let alone writing a letter, was feasible.
The Empress frowned, her gaze fierce, tone no longer cordial: "Fourth Madam need not hurry; I am naturally not in haste either." She then instructed Nanny Mao: "Escort Fourth Madam to the Glazed Palace to rest, and call for the Imperial Physician. It’s not too late to write once Fourth Madam has recuperated."
This was already a threat!
Nanny Mao obliged, assisting Xiqiu to bid farewell to the Empress and Old Madam Shen as she exited.
Once she left, the hall fell silent, and the Empress angrily said: "I truly wonder if she’s genuinely oblivious or feigning ignorance; I’ve made it so clear!" Could she disregard her own life and death?
She now had a hundred ways to maneuver, without allowing Fourth Master Xiao even a slight misstep. She did not believe Xiqiu entirely failed to understand, yet her behavior left her uncertain: "Mother, I think she is clearly pretending."
Old Madam Shen remained composed: "Things have reached this point; she can’t afford to feign ignorance." With Xiao Huaimin’s threat gone, and pushing Fourth Master Xiao out of the Capital: "Send someone to the Marquis Mansion to inform Marquis Xuanning that Fourth Madam fainted in the palace, her health weak, so she will temporarily stay in the palace to recuperate. One, there’s the Imperial Physician present; two, as fellow mothers, you can keep each other company."
The Empress nodded, agreeing: "Please have someone check on Yan’er. The military reports have been vague. Until there’s confirmation of Yan’er’s well-being, I remain anxious."
"There won’t be." Old Madam Shen replied confidently: "I’ve already sent someone regarding Yan’er; rest assured, he will be fine." After exchanging a few words, Old Madam Shen took leave of the Empress, exiting the palace to return to Shen Mansion, where someone was waiting in the side hall. Separated by a screen, she asked: "Have you found anything?"
The person replied: "Not yet. Both the Ministry of War and the Communication Department are utterly clueless." Pausing briefly, they added: "Couldn’t locate any correspondence between Fujian and the Capital, as if those tense days were a dream, without any traceable clues."
Old Madam Shen showed no surprise, yet refused to accept it. She knew, given Fourth Master Xiao’s actions and the involvement of so many, it was impossible to leave any trace for her to follow. But the false military report that led to Shen Ji’s death was undeniable; without such a matter, Shen Ji would never have died. Whenever she thought of this, it felt as if she had swallowed a fly, with a hatred toward those responsible, wishing to tear them limb from limb.
"Keep investigating. If the Ministry of War is without leads, go to each official’s mansion; I refuse to believe there isn’t the slightest clue. After saying this, she snorted coldly. This vast deception couldn’t be flawless; if she painstakingly pursued it, she would definitely catch them red-handed: "And deal swiftly with those Death Warriors."
"Yes!" The person behind the screen bowed in agreement, then quietly retreated.
Xiqiu moved into a modest hall behind Fengwu Palace. Dim lighting flickered within the room, she leaned in silence against the bedhead, outside the door, nannies and female officials stood vigil, shadows dancing.
The Empress and Old Madam Shen, as expected, made threats using her safety to compel Fourth Master Xiao to voluntarily submit his resignation to the Emperor. Insisting she write a letter without delay, unwilling even for Fourth Master Xiao to return to the Capital. Now relieved of the threat posed by Min’s identity, and pushing Fourth Master Xiao away from the political center, the Grand Dowager would gradually reclaim her lost possessions and ultimately seek retribution for Shen Ji’s death.
