The guards and palace servants in the hall dared not step forward. None of these residences were ones they could afford to offend. Above them was the high and mighty Empress Dowager, whom even the Emperor treated with deference. With the Empress Dowager as their backer, the Lin family wouldn't fall so easily. As for the Chen Prince's residence, the Prince and Princess Chen were so audacious, yet the Emperor hadn't reprimanded them; they too dared not offend them.
At this moment, Dongxue stepped forward quickly and raised her hand to slap Lin Chenghuan hard. Lin Chenghuan tried to resist, but Baili Chen said coldly, "Although the Lin clan leader is a powerful clan leader, he has neither authority nor official rank and is just a lowly commoner. He dares to disrespect Princess Chen and should be sentenced to death. I beg Father Emperor to determine the punishment."
The Empress Dowager's muscles twitched rapidly. Her gaze towards Baili Chen and Ouyang Yue was dark and fierce, as if she wanted to pierce two holes in them. Finally, she gritted her teeth and laughed: "In the end, we are all family. Clan Chief Lin acted impulsively out of love for his younger brother who was suffering. Seventh Brother and his wife are sensible and kind people, so please don't hold it against him. Clan Chief Lin, why don't you quickly apologize to Prince Chen and Princess Chen?"
Lin Chenghuan's face twitched, but he gritted his teeth, knelt heavily on the ground, and slammed his head down three times. He spat out each word with great fury: "This humble subject was momentarily confused and offended Prince Chen and Princess Chen. I only care about my family and hope that Prince Chen and Princess Chen will forgive me."
Baili Chen said disdainfully, "What if I don't want to?"
Lin Chenghuan suddenly raised his head, his eyes darkening before he looked away again: "This humble subject knows his crime, please forgive me, Prince Chen."
The Empress Dowager said to Emperor Mingxian, "In the end, it is also a matter of deep brotherly affection. It is the same as with the third and seventh princes. I hope Your Majesty will not pursue the matter further."
Emperor Mingxian then asked, "Seventh Prince, do you have any other evidence against the Lin Prince's Mansion?"
Baili Chen said, "Lin Chang's words suggest that the assassination attempt on me is also closely related to the Lin family's eldest branch. Even if I let him off this time, he will still die."
Lin Chenghuan immediately raised his voice and said, "Your Majesty, I am innocent! I have absolutely not done anything to harm Prince Chen. There must be a misunderstanding in this matter, Your Majesty."
At this moment, a person rushed into the main hall and whispered something to Baili Chen. Baili Chen sneered, his eyes sweeping over the Empress Dowager and the others before landing on Lin Chenghuan and Lin Chenglu. He said with sarcasm, "Father, I just received news that Lin Chang committed suicide in prison out of fear of punishment. Before he died, he left a letter saying that everything he said before was a deliberate attempt to frame the Lin family because he resented them for not helping them at a crucial time. He did it all himself to frame the Lin family."
Baili Chen laughed: "What a coincidence! Lord Lin just confessed his crimes, and Lin Chang confessed his crimes over there. Is it fate? Heaven really does have a lot to do with things. Why didn't a bolt of lightning strike down and hit a few people for fun?"
Upon hearing this, everyone's expression changed drastically. Ning Xishan and the others lowered their heads, and even the Empress Dowager's face trembled rapidly.
Ouyang Yue said, "Although Lin Chang denied the matter, there is conclusive evidence that the Empress framed the royal offspring. I urge Father to issue an order to investigate and seek justice for those deceased brothers and sisters. They may be watching and waiting right now."
Emperor Mingxian's eyes twitched. What was Ouyang Yue saying? She really didn't hold back at all!
Emperor Mingxian examined the evidence in his hand, which included testimonies from numerous palace maids and concubines, all bearing their fingerprints. If any few of these testimonies matched, the Empress's crimes would be undeniable. He put down the evidence and looked at the Emperor: "Lin Chenglu has framed loyal officials and plunged the court into injustice; his death sentence is unavoidable. He is to be executed by slow slicing for three days, and his family members will be enslaved for life, exiled three thousand li away, and forever barred from holding office or entering the capital. The Empress has harmed the royal heirs and is to be executed. Since there is no one to rule the palace, this matter will be handled by the Empress Dowager."
"suck!"
As soon as the Emperor's decree was issued, everyone in the hall was shocked. Lin Chenglu's punishment was already very severe. Lingchi (death by a thousand cuts) was an extremely cruel punishment, where the flesh was cut with a knife while keeping the victim in pain for three days until he died in agony. It was extremely cruel and torturous. This was a form of extreme punishment that the Great Zhou Dynasty rarely used. This also showed how much Emperor Mingxian hated what Lin Chenglu had done.
Xuanyuan Hu was not only the emperor's uncle, but also a great general of the Great Zhou Dynasty. If Emperor Mingxian had had Xuanyuan Hu's assistance when he ascended the throne, the court would have been more stable, and the near-assassination attempt would not have happened. Killing Xuanyuan Hu was like cutting off one of his allies. Although Xuanyuan Hu held a large army, he never had any intention of rebelling. Generally speaking, the military power was still in the emperor's hands, which was an asset to him. Even if he was wary of him, he would not use it, because the Xuanyuan family was more beneficial to him than the military power of the powerful families of the Great Zhou Dynasty that were eyeing him covetously.
Lin Chenglu must die, and die a horrible death, so that the world may see the consequences of betraying him.
The Empress had been married to the Emperor for many years. Although the Emperor didn't specify the reason for her execution, there were many cruel ways to die in the palace that were not known to outsiders. And the cruelest of all was entrusted to the Empress Dowager. Emperor Mingxian's reasoning was sound: with the Empress dead, there would be no one in charge of the palace. However, the Empress Dowager was the Empress's aunt, and with the Lin family experiencing one misfortune after another, she must be in immense pain. Now, to have to watch her own niece die before her eyes was something most people couldn't bear.
What shocked the Empress Dowager even more was not what these people were thinking, but that the Emperor had clearly begun to doubt her. The main reason she had been so successful in the past was that Emperor Mingxian still trusted her, at least outwardly he still showed her the respect she deserved. But this time, Emperor Mingxian was furious!
She has crossed Emperor Mingxian's bottom line!
☆、284、The Empress Dies Tragically!
The Empress Dowager was shocked and in a state of great confusion, but she had to pretend to be extremely heartbroken: "Since the Empress has committed such an act of harming the royal offspring, even though I am her aunt, I have no choice but to do the right thing and put aside my own family. Your Majesty, please do not be too saddened by this. Leave this matter to me."
Emperor Mingxian said gratefully, "Thank you, Mother Empress. When I think of those innocent princes who died so cruelly, who left me before they could even be with me, it pains me to no end. I am so grateful for your understanding." He turned to look at the Empress, who was lying slumped to one side, her expression twitching and trembling. Emperor Mingxian sneered inwardly, but on the surface, he said with a hint of heartache, "After all, the Empress and I have been husband and wife for many years. I was tempted to soften my heart, but Mother Empress is right. The Empress's actions are outrageous and heinous. Although I cannot bring myself to do it, this is all I can do. Empress... sigh..." After saying this, he shook his head and left.
But a flicker of hatred flashed in the Empress's feigned madness. She glanced at the Empress Dowager, her teeth nearly grinding to powder. Although she knew the Emperor's words were not very credible, she knew the Empress Dowager's character even better. She spoke as if she were willing to share Emperor Mingxian's burdens, but could she really sacrifice her life so easily? How could she not hate her? For so many years, she had served under the Empress Dowager, receiving guidance and even instigating many things. The deaths of many unborn princes and princesses in the palace were also orchestrated by the Empress Dowager. Now, she was to bear the brunt of it all. The Empress also harbored hatred because there was no evidence for those accusations. Her accusations alone were not convincing. It could be said that the Empress was guilty, but half of the blame lay with the Empress Dowager. And the Empress Dowager spoke with such cold-blooded cruelty and ruthlessness—how could she not hate her?
Even the members of the Lin family felt a chill in their hearts. The Empress Dowager had no intention of pleading for the Empress, and the second branch of the Lin family would be completely wiped out after this incident, leaving only the eldest branch's patriarchal family. Without any support for future Lin family members seeking official positions in the court, the Lin family would face immense difficulties. This was a huge blow, and the Empress Dowager, too, did not plead for leniency. Even though the evidence was irrefutable and her pleas were futile, it was still difficult for people to accept.
Emperor Mingxian had already given the order, and the Empress and Lin Chenglu were taken away one after another. Lin Chenglu's family, the second branch of the Lin family, also sent a team of guards to the Lin residence to arrest him and send him out of the city. Lin Chenglu was imprisoned for a day and then tortured immediately.
The various princes and imperial relatives in the main hall watched as the Lin family lost a branch in an instant, each with their own thoughts. This was the power of the emperor. No matter how large the mansion or how high the official rank, they were all powerless in the eyes of Emperor Mingxian. He held the lives of all the people in his hands, which was why the princes were vying for power. The temptation of being above all others was too great; who could resist it so easily?
Baili Mao clasped his hands together, a hint of madness flashing in his eyes. The defeat of the Lin family didn't really matter much to him. Originally, the Lin family and the Sun family were at odds and neither could fully help him. He was also unwilling to give up any of his forces. Now that the Lin family had been defeated, it couldn't be better.
He gained the Ning family's help by marrying Ning Xishan. The Leng family hadn't made a statement yet, but they were related after all. Even if they didn't help him, they wouldn't harm him. In addition, he held most of Baili Jian's former power, and the Sun family had been secretly dealing with him for a long time. Among the princes in the court, he had the most power. This throne was his, and it would definitely be his. He would no longer hide himself; he would fight to the end!
Granny Zhan helped the Empress Dowager leave, but as they were leaving the side hall, Ouyang Yue was already there supporting Princess Shuangxia. The Empress Dowager said with heartache, "Sister Xia, I really don't know what to say. I never expected that I would have such audacious descendants. My heart is filled with pain. It is the Lin family that has wronged you."
Princess Shuangxia sneered: "You've wronged me more than just a little bit; even if you die, it won't be enough to make up for it."
Granny Zhan immediately roared in anger, "How dare you...!"
"Smack!"
However, Ouyang Yue suddenly released Princess Shuangxia, slapped Zhan Mama hard across the face, and said coldly, "Who are the Empress Dowager and Grandmother? How dare you, a lowly servant, interrupt and scold them when they are talking? You have committed a capital offense!"
Granny Zhan tasted the metallic taste of blood from the rust at the corner of her mouth. She was shocked and filled with rage. She had served the Empress Dowager for many years and had never been so mistreated or disrespected. To put it nicely, she was the Empress Dowager's servant, but to put it bluntly, her status was higher than some of the concubines in the palace. Over the years, very few had dared to speak to her and reprimand her. Even Empress Bai and Empress Lin had never done so. Now, she had been beaten by Ouyang Yue. She could not swallow this insult.
Granny Zhan straightened up, her back ramrod straight: "The Empress Dowager is the mother of the Great Zhou Dynasty, the most noble person. Anyone who dares to curse her to die is guilty of a capital offense."
"Slap!" Another slap landed on Zhan Mama's other cheek. She sneered, "Cursing the Empress Dowager? Who heard that? You lowly servant, you dared to deliberately sow discord between the Empress Dowager and my grandmother! You deserve to die!"
Granny Zhan's heart tightened, and she angrily looked up, only to see the palace servants standing far away, deliberately avoiding looking in her direction. These servants were far too weak; they were so weak that no matter who the Empress Dowager, the Empress, Ouyang Yue, or even Granny Zhan uttered a single word, they would all be doomed. The Empress Dowager and Princess Shuangxia were people they couldn't afford to offend, so it was better to pretend they hadn't seen or heard anything.
Granny Zhan was furious. Ouyang Yue sneered, "Granny Zhan, what else do you have to say? You deliberately sowed discord between the Empress Dowager and my grandmother. A scheming and vicious lowly servant like you should be put to death. The Empress Dowager should have executed such a hypocritical and wicked person by her side long ago. The Empress Dowager is reluctant to part with you because you have served her for many years. So, I can only serve you as a junior in this matter. Dongxue, beat her to death for me!"
Without a word, Dongxue rushed over and kicked Zhan Mama in the face. The kick sent Zhan Mama flying, and she fell heavily to the ground with a cry of pain. Before the Empress Dowager and her entourage could even react, they saw Zhan Mama lying on the ground, being heavily beaten and pounded, screaming in pain. She was in a miserable state.
"Stop! Stop! Stop right now!" The Empress Dowager roared angrily, her body trembling with urgency.
Seeing this, Ouyang Yue quickly went over to support her, saying, "Grandmother, please don't be angry. Yue'er knows you're angry at this wretched maid. She certainly deserves a beating for daring to do such a terrible thing. But don't worry, Dongxue is a sensible person and won't let this old woman have another chance to go around spreading rumors and ruining your relationship with Grandmother. Yue'er has heard that you two were inseparable best friends when you were young. Yue'er was so envious back then. No wonder Grandmother loved Yue'er so much at first; it was all for Grandmother's sake. Yue'er is so happy." Ouyang Yue's words came out like cannonballs, 'bang bang' nonstop, leaving no room for anyone else to speak.
The Empress Dowager was so anxious that she kept trying to push Ouyang Yue away and tell her to stop, but Ouyang Yue held her arm tightly and kept talking and laughing, suppressing the Empress Dowager's words. Even the Empress Dowager, who had spent most of her life in the palace, was so angry at Ouyang Yue that she twitched and wished she could slap Ouyang Yue.
"Stop! Stop right now! Seize this audacious lackey!"
Seeing this, Ouyang Yue hurriedly said, "Dongxue, quick, why don't you restrain that wretched maid Zhan? You're so inexperienced, look how angry you've made the Empress Dowager. Be quick, this wretched maid is too hateful." Then she smiled and looked at the Empress Dowager, saying, "Empress Dowager, I've already had Zhan Mama subdued. How does the Empress Dowager plan to deal with this wretched maid? Although this wretched maid is a terrible person, daring to deliberately sow discord between the two grandmothers, she is still a servant who serves the Empress Dowager. The Empress Dowager must be in great pain right now. Yue'er thinks it's better to forgive her this time. Dongxue beat her up and taught her a lesson. I doubt she would dare to do it again. What do you think, Empress Dowager?"
The Empress Dowager stared coldly at Ouyang Yue, who merely smiled gently, her face full of flattery, waiting to be praised. She seemed blind to the Empress Dowager's anger. Of course, the Empress Dowager knew that Ouyang Yue was not blind; in fact, her eyesight was excellent. She was deliberately trying to provoke her, deliberately putting on a show for her.
Princess Shuangxia sneered, "The so-called evil people will be punished by the evil people. In this world, cause and effect are cyclical, and there will be retribution sooner or later. I know very well how you treated me back then. I want to see what kind of result you will have in the future. When the time comes, I will definitely bring a chair and go there to see how you die!"
This time, Princess Shuangxia didn't name names, but her eyes were coldly fixed on the Empress Dowager, her meaning clear without being explicitly stated. This time, no other Zhan Mama dared to speak. Ouyang Yue dared to hit the Empress Dowager's people in front of her; who would dare to provoke her? That would be tantamount to courting death.
Granny Zhan was groaning in pain all over her body. Dongxue was an assassin by trade; she knew very well that her attacks would cause excruciating pain without killing the target. If Granny Zhan were to stand up and start cursing now, Dongxue should probably commit suicide to atone for her sins.
The Empress Dowager no longer pretended to be kind and magnanimous: "So what? You've been deceived by me for so many years, but I feel good about it." As she spoke, she leaned close to Princess Shuangxia's ear and chuckled, "Do you know what I did with Ah Hu before I entered the palace? I doubt you would know. He betrayed his wife and wouldn't tell you."
A hint of murderous intent flashed in Princess Shuangxia's eyes. The Empress Dowager sneered, "You have always been arrogant, but in the end you still lost to me. And you will lose again in the future."
The Empress Dowager stood up and looked coldly at Ouyang Yue: "You are bold and clever, but unfortunately, people like you don't live long in front of me."
Ouyang Yue smiled sweetly and bowed to the Empress Dowager: "Yue'er thanks Grandmother for the praise. Grandmother, have you ever heard of the saying that evil lives on for a thousand years? Ever since Yue'er married the Prince, I've never stopped being called a jealous and shrew. I suppose I can't be a virtuous princess, so being a scourge is not bad. At least I'll live longer. Compared to those hypocrites, I'll definitely live a long, long life. Don't you think so, Grandmother?"
The Empress Dowager sneered, "Oh, I shall wait and see."
"Yes, it must be seen by the Empress Dowager." Ouyang Yue smiled charmingly, her smile was very beautiful, but it earned her a cold look from the Empress Dowager, who then had two palace maids carry Zhan Mama away.
Princess Shuangxia and Ouyang Yue looked at the Empress Dowager's back with even colder eyes. At this point, there was no need to pretend anymore. They knew what kind of person she was. Ouyang Yue looked at Princess Shuangxia's suppressed emotions and said, "Grandmother, what she said can't be true. You should know in your heart how much Grandfather feels for you."
The feelings between a man and a woman should be truly understood by those involved, especially a couple in love. They might be very perceptive to even the slightest change in their partner. Of course, there are exceptions, such as those who are masters of manipulation and can truly deceive their partners, but such people are few and far between. Even if Ouyang Yue only knew a few words about Xuan Yuanhu, such a general who has guarded the pass for many years might be good at military strategy, but he is clearly not a master when it comes to matters of the heart. If we're talking about such a master, it would be Emperor Mingxian. The Empress Dowager's words were clearly meant to anger Princess Shuangxia.
Princess Shuangxia took a deep breath: "I know, but I still felt a pang in my heart just now."
Ouyang Yue held her arm and said, "That's because Grandmother loved Grandfather deeply, and that's exactly what she thought of. If she really had a chance, why would she have hurt Grandfather in the first place? This woman is insidious, vicious, and promiscuous." As she said this, Ouyang Yue gritted her teeth and felt extremely resentful.
They naturally knew everything that Gui Sha had confessed when he was brought here. They were just here to repeat it once again. At that time, Gui Sha noticed that the Empress Dowager's expression was not right, and Baili Chen and Ouyang Yue could also sense that the Empress Dowager had a strong desire to kill Gui Sha. Not only them, but probably Emperor Mingxian and other people who were interested could also see that when Lin Chenglu killed someone, he was not actually a scapegoat. The mastermind behind this was very likely the Empress Dowager.
Even though the Empress Dowager had been very patient and loving all these years, Emperor Mingxian respected her but was not intimate with her. How could Ouyang Yue and the others not be suspicious? Only now could they truly be certain that this Empress Dowager had always been a wolf in sheep's clothing, and that she was the most terrifying one.
Ouyang Yue had pondered many things about why Princess Shuangxia and the Empress Dowager had fallen out back then, but Princess Shuangxia was unwilling to say anything. Just now, the Empress Dowager herself had explained it to her. The Empress Dowager had tried to seduce Xuan Yuanhu back then! As for her purpose, she didn't know, but because the seduction failed, not only did the sisters turn against each other, but she also tried to kill Xuan Yuanhu, which led to a true enmity. However, in recent years, neither the Empress Dowager nor Princess Shuangxia had mentioned this matter again, and they rarely appeared in public, so people all thought that it was just an accident back then.
Princess Shuangxia had no evidence back then, but now that she does, she will certainly not tolerate it any longer.
The Lin family suffered heavy losses, and the Empress Dowager would no longer sit idly by. Now the two sides are locked in a life-or-death struggle, so there's no need for anyone to pretend anymore.
On the carriage ride back from the palace, Princess Shuangxia said, "She has always been very proud and arrogant. Her childhood dream was to be the most honored woman in the palace, and that has always been her goal. In fact, she is no less talented or beautiful than me; we are evenly matched. However, she aspires to the palace, while I yearn for life outside. If she had participated in the beauty pageant in Langya Continent, there would have been a fierce competition between us. But she didn't participate, and I unsurprisingly became the champion that year. But I never thought that someone as proud and arrogant as her would fall for Brother Tiger."
Ouyang Yue comforted her, "Grandmother, if Grandfather wasn't outstanding, why would you fall in love with him?"
Princess Shuangxia was taken aback: "Love? I can't really explain it. Part of the reason I married him was because of my brother and the court. I wasn't truly sincere towards him, but he knew that, yet he treated me so well. I felt a little guilty, but as time went on... I don't know if it's a lack of love. I don't know what she's jealous of. Although Tiger is a powerful and ruthless man, I can't say anything about his looks. She wouldn't be interested in him. But once, she came to the manor to find me while I was out. Tiger was a little drunk at the time, and she almost... Tiger almost mistook her for me, but he sobered up in the end." "When I returned and saw that scene, I truly couldn't explain my thoughts. She was already a concubine in the palace. She not only betrayed our friendship but also betrayed my brother, the Emperor. I felt guilty; if it weren't for me, she wouldn't have been able to leave the palace so easily. Yet, she did such a thing. I tried my best to stop her from accepting my brother again. But by then, my brother was already infatuated with her, and soon became pregnant. Saying anything more would only make him hate me more. I never expected her to hold such a grudge and do something like this! I hate her!"
Xuanyuan Hu's death could be due to his refusal of the Empress Dowager, which angered her, or it could be a deliberate act of revenge against Princess Shuangxia. Ouyang Yue could tell that this woman was extremely crazy, and she couldn't figure out what she was up to.
Princess Shuangxia and the Empress Dowager were once inseparable, their relationship as close as honey. With Princess Shuangxia's help, the Empress Dowager thrived in the palace. Although she gradually solidified her position, Princess Shuangxia had served two emperors, and her influence was far greater than imagined. Only a fool would oppose such a powerful opponent. Why did the Empress Dowager change her ways? If she was going to pretend, she should have done it for longer. Being exposed at this moment was not something a clever person like the Empress Dowager would do. Ouyang Yue felt there was something she had overlooked, but one thing she knew for sure was that the Empress Dowager was definitely not simple, and was extremely formidable.
In Chengxiang Hall, Zhan Mama was helped into a small room and immediately knelt down: "This servant is guilty and has caused the Empress Dowager to suffer."
The Empress Dowager narrowed her eyes, staring at something unseen, her gaze terrifying. After a long while, she said calmly, "I have always been extremely jealous of her. I wish she were dead, but that matter..." She paused again at this point.
After a pause, the Empress Dowager looked at Zhan Mama, whose face was red and swollen from the beating and whose clothes were disheveled, and said, "Go and wash up first. I'm sorry to have troubled you."
"It's my fault! I was too impulsive. I couldn't stand their disrespect for the Empress Dowager, so I spoke up. I didn't expect them to be so bold as to go out!" Granny Zhan's eyes were red with anger.
"They're deliberately trying to establish my authority. Even if you don't speak, they'll find a way to deal with you. If it were any other way, you might lose your life," the Empress Dowager said calmly. Granny Zhan stiffened. In truth, it was impossible for her not to be afraid, because every time Dongxue hit her, she felt as if her whole body was falling apart, a pain that felt like it could kill her. She was genuinely afraid that Dongxue would strike her and take her life. She believed the Empress Dowager's words.
If Ouyang Yue had even the slightest thought, she would have died in front of the Empress Dowager.
The Empress Dowager sneered: "Back then, I was able to establish a firm foothold in the palace, and I was able to kill that clueless fool Xuanyuan Hu who refused to submit to me. I will not tolerate such people being arrogant in front of me."
Granny Zhan lowered her head and remained silent. Looking at the Empress Dowager's light smile, she felt a chill run down her spine. Having served the Empress Dowager for many years, she vaguely knew that the Empress Dowager harbored a grand ambition, which was quite astonishing.
"Alright, go and get ready, then come with me to the Palace of Peace and Joy."
"Yes, Your Majesty."
Granny Zhan quickly tidied herself up. Although she was still in great pain, she dared not delay for a moment. Her ability to stay by the Empress Dowager's side was not only due to their years of friendship, but also because she took the Empress Dowager's interests into account in everything she did.
This time, the Empress Dowager did not bring many people with her. She only brought Zhan Mama, two personal maids, and four strong nannies to Anle Palace. Anle Palace was already guarded by soldiers. Since Emperor Mingxian had already ordered the execution of the Empress, he would not allow her to have a chance to escape. All the original servants of Anle Palace were taken away one after another. The palace was almost full of guards, and there were even fewer eunuchs. Only two people stood in front of the main hall to wait for the Empress Dowager.
"This servant greets the Empress Dowager."
"Get up and go prepare. I'd like to see the Empress first."
One of the two eunuchs immediately stepped back, while the other opened the door for the Empress Dowager. The windows and doors around the hall were all closed, and the hall was dimly lit due to insufficient sunlight. At this moment, the Empress sat blankly on the throne. When the hall door opened, she frowned slightly, which was somewhat inappropriate, but she remained unmoved.
The Empress Dowager entered with only Granny Zhan and two other sturdy nannies. The three women closely protected her, while the Empress Dowager remained remarkably composed, merely glancing calmly at the Empress. She stopped five steps away from the Empress and said, "Empress, you have disappointed me greatly. You have always been impulsive in your actions. I have advised you countless times, but have you listened? I have also told you before to wait for an opportunity, and that I would help you avenge that grudge sooner or later. But what have you done? You have miscalculated time and time again, and now you have ended up in this state. This is the result of your impulsiveness. Do you regret it now?"
The Empress Dowager spoke with a somewhat stern tone, while the Empress sat there blankly. Just as Zhan Mama was about to step forward to speak, the Empress suddenly exhaled, her lips curled into a smile, and she sat up straight in her chair, suddenly saying, "Do you remember what you said when you chose me to enter the palace?"
"I am not only the Empress Dowager, but also your aunt. What 'you' and 'your' are completely unacceptable!" the Empress Dowager rebuked.
The Empress sneered: "You old hag, you really know how to flatter yourself. You dare to call me aunt? What kind of aunt would push her own niece into a fire pit? I see you now. You've been a selfish, treacherous, and vicious woman from beginning to end."
"When I entered the palace, you not only promised me the position of Empress, but also the Emperor's favor and the position of Empress Dowager. You said you would ensure that the Lin family would enjoy three generations of honor and wealth. In fact, we were all deceived. You had much greater ambitions. After entering the palace, when did you fulfill your promises? Yes, I eventually became Empress, but your method only made the Emperor think I lacked self-respect. For so many years, some old people have been secretly mocking my methods. Is this what you wanted? No, you never intended for me to truly enjoy the position, did you? You clearly had many more ways to get me into the palace, a hundred ways to make Empress Bai die and me succeed to the throne. Why did you lure me into doing such a despicable act to enter the palace? You did it on purpose. How hateful! I've only just realized it."
The Empress said with a mocking expression, "You certainly have many methods and are very cunning. I have been used all along. I have thought of them, but I have no way to implement them because I have to rely on you. However, since Cheng'er died, your attitude has made me realize that I will not pay any attention to you unless it is beneficial. Because Cheng'er is dead, it is not worth ruining your plans in order to avenge him. Your request for me to wait is just an excuse. You have already given up on Cheng'er."
"You old hag, you were born into the Lin family, yet you betrayed your principles! What are you trying to do?!" the Empress said angrily.
The Empress Dowager remained calm, only looking at the Empress's face, which was twisted with anger: "You have been misunderstanding me all along. I had a complete plan to deal with the Prince Chen's mansion. At that time, I would not only avenge Cheng'er, but also make sure that everyone in the Prince Chen's mansion would suffer a terrible death. Unfortunately, you were too clever for your own good, and you have brought this result upon yourself. You have no one to blame but yourself."
The Empress chuckled softly, "Even at a time like this, you still pretend with me. You old hag, even in death, I'll curse you to a terrible end. Baili Chen and Ouyang Yue are clever men; I believe you'll fall into their hands one day. You'll die a hundred times, a thousand times worse than me. You damned old hag, I'm waiting down there, watching. I'll be clapping and laughing when you die, hahaha!"
"Smack!"