Chapter 606: You Can’t Do This

Translator: Henyee Translations Editor: Henyee Translations

However, the new emperor asserted, “I didn’t explicitly state that I would inevitably end Qin Zhenzhen’s life. As long as she complies obediently, I will spare her and allow her to continue managing business to replenish the treasury.”

The Empress Dowager comprehended the new emperor’s underlying intentions. She discerned that, camouflaged under the pretext of avenging his royal sister, he actually aimed to include Qin Zhenzhen in his harem.

Unable to withhold her counsel, the Empress Dowager addressed the new emperor, “Your Majesty, Lord State Duke has a valid point!”

“If Governor Su faces execution, Mrs. Su is bound to harbor profound resentment. She might devise schemes against the throne, rather than contributing to the imperial treasury.”

As the Empress Dowager, she harbored no reservations in expressing her thoughts to the new emperor.

However, her words displeased the monarch.

“What nonsense are you spouting? People value their lives. I will permit her existence and treat her generously, providing a lifetime of prosperity. She ought to be grateful to me!”

The new emperor’s words laid bare his true intentions, causing even the Empress Dowager’s countenance to darken.

“What goes on in His Majesty’s mind? It eludes my comprehension!”

“Su Bin holds a special place in Mrs. Su’s heart. If the emperor proceeds with her execution, will she still accept your benevolence and bestow wealth upon the throne?”

“Had she been a superficial woman, she would have clung to the emperor’s wealth and glory when he expressed interest in her. Instead, she remained loyal to Su Bin, disregarding the opulence offered by the emperor.”

“Mrs. Su is a woman of integrity!”

“Simultaneously, she is a harbinger of good fortune!”

“Your Majesty, it would be prudent to heed Lord State Duke’s counsel and discard any impractical notions!”

After a stern rebuke from the Empress Dowager, the new king appeared to recognize his error. His tone softened, yet he persisted in advocating for Su Bin’s return to the capital.

Even if he refrained from relocating Su Bin, he intended to bring Qin Zhenzhen into the palace to attend to his sister’s ailment.

Internally, he resolved, “No matter how much persuasion I face, I must meet Qin Zhenzhen! ”

The ensuing consequences were beyond their control.

And he had no desire to exercise control over himself.

“I yield to your counsel! Su Bin shall go unpunished, and I won’t transfer him back to the capital for now.”

“But I grieve for my sister!”

“Subsequently, I shall issue an imperial edict summoning Qin Zhenzhen to the palace for the treatment of my royal sister. Until her recovery, she will not be allowed to leave the palace!”

The Empress Dowager was incensed. “Your Majesty! Can’t you exercise restraint!”

“You, you, you! This is infuriating!”

That night, she dismissed all the palace maids and eunuchs, engaging in a lengthy conversation with the new emperor. They discussed the ambitions of the Public House and the necessity of remaining vigilant against their attempts to seize the throne. They deliberated on strategies to counter the Public House and fortify their own position, vowing not to repeat the mistakes of the late emperor, who fell victim to the Public House’s machinations.

The new emperor had pledged to strengthen his rule and resist being a mere puppet monarch.

Yet, in the end, his thoughts were consumed by desires for a romantic liaison.

He neglected political affairs and the Empress Dowager’s guidance, even overlooking Mrs. Su, who had borne him a child. He was determined to possess her.

At this pace, the Chu family’s empire seemed destined to be wrested away by her family sooner or later.

How would she face the ancestors of the Chu Clan after her demise?

“Your Majesty, you must reconsider!”

The old duke, too, was furious. Though he had silently cursed the new emperor countless times, he could only diplomatically offer his persuasion on the surface.

“I implore Your Majesty to heed my counsel..”