Chapter 1109: The Return of an Old Friend (17)

Translator: Henyee Translations Editor: Henyee Translations

Emperor Yong Le hesitated for a moment before saying, “I’m sorry.”

“Your Majesty, you don’t have to apologize to me. There’s nothing to be sorry about.” Empress Xiande said, “Just now, Old Master Gao came over and told me that you have been struggling to hold on for more than a year. I want to ask why you are doing this? Why are you enduring the pain silently?”

“For the Daliang Dynasty.” Emperor Yong Le said, “I want to see Xie Jingxing conquer the world. I want to see the world unified and the people living a peaceful life. I hope to help my mother fulfill her wish in my lifetime. However… I don’t have much time left. I’m afraid I won’t be able to live to see that day.”

Empress Xiande was silent for a long time before replying, “I understand.”

“Qing Zhen,” Emperor Yong Le said, “Plan for yourself.”

“Your Majesty, how do you want me to plan for myself?” Empress Xiande suddenly turned around, her eyes flickering with tears. She said, “Do you want me to hide my identity and live an ordinary life? Or do you want me to live a luxurious life in the palace for the rest of my life? Or do you want me to find a good husband to remarry?”

With every word she said, Emperor Yong Le’s heart ached. He quietly grabbed the blanket under his hand and said indifferently, “As long as you’re happy.”

Empress Xiande suddenly turned her head away, but Emperor Yong Le could see a large tear fall on the back of her hand. When she spoke again, her voice was calm. She said, “I understand. Thank you, Your Majesty, for caring about me. I will do just as you said. Your Majesty, you should think about how to make the edict to pass down the throne right now. There are some things that you have to plan early.”

She stood up and said, “I still have something to do, so I’ll take my leave first. Rest well. When you are feeling better, remember to drink with me in the garden.”

She left the room.

Empress Xiande rarely got angry, especially these days. Emperor Yong Le got along well with her, and they had a smile on their face every day. However, when a calm person flared up, they wouldn’t kick up a fuss. Instead, they would be as stubborn as a mule.

After Empress Xiande left, Emperor Yong Le coughed violently. He grabbed the handkerchief and wiped his mouth. Eunuch Deng, who was standing at the side, quickly served him water and said, “Your Majesty, be careful.”

“Eunuch Deng.” Emperor Yong Le frowned. “Did I do something wrong?” A rare look of confusion appeared on his face, making Eunuch Deng feel a lump in his throat.

Eunuch Deng had been serving Emperor Yong Le for many years. He had watched Emperor Yong Le grow up. Looking at Emperor Yong Le, scenes of the past flashed across his mind. When Empress Dowager Xiao found out from the head of the Gao family that Emperor Yong Le would not live to be 35 years old, she hugged Emperor Yong Le and cried. At that time, Emperor Yong Le, who was still young, comforted Empress Xiao helplessly. He asked Eunuch Deng in confusion, “Eunuch Deng, is my poison very serious?”

The young man grew from a gentle crown prince to an unfathomable emperor, but one day, he would still ask the people around him in confusion if he did anything wrong.

Before Eunuch Deng could speak, Emperor Yong Le sighed and said, “I’m so envious of Jingxing.”

“Although our lives are both difficult, that kid is a little luckier than me. If I can survive…” He did not continue.

But there were no ifs.

In ten days, Xie Jingxing took down the capital of Ming QI.

Fu Xiuyi, the emperor of Ming Qi, was shot to death on the city tower..