Chapter 324: Dealing With Emperor Chu

Translator: EndlessFantasy Translation Editor: EndlessFantasy Translation

Seeing Yu Xiaoxiao running over, Chu Yuefu frowned imperceptibly, and a hint of displeasure flashed briefly in his eyes. He dodged to the side discreetly.

Yu Xiaoxiao missed her mark and felt extremely aggrieved. Then, she turned to glare at Yu Yunxi venomously.

‘It must be because of this b*tch! In the past, the Crown Prince was never so cold to me. It must be because of Yu Yunxi!’

Although Yu Xiaoxiao was stupid, it had to be said that her guess was very accurate this time.

Empress Qin walked over and took the initiative to hold Yu Yunxi’s hand. She patted the back of Yu Yunxi’s hand as she said, “Yunxi, I feel very guilty for being so aggressive during the palace banquet. In fact, I’ve been looking for a chance to apologize to you. Since you’re here today, I plan to explain the matter to you clearly.”

Yu Yunxi raised an eyebrow when she heard this.

‘What is she up to? It’s clear she wanted to deal with me during the palace banquet…

Empress Qin let out a long sigh before she said, “Yunxi, I’m sure you know that the current situation in Xichu is very complicated. Because of your mother, the Emperor holds a grudge against you. Although I’m the Empress, the mother of the country, the Emperor’s heart is no longer with me. Apart from that, there are also many people who covet Yuefu’s position as the Crown Prince. For all these reasons, I have to be very careful with my actions…’

“Do you understand my dilemma? If I openly helped you during the palace banquet, the Emperor would definitely look for trouble with me and Yuefu. Not only that, but the Emperor would be even more dissatisfied with you. At that time, you’d be in an even more difficult situation,” the Empress continued to say, “Although the Emperor Emeritus dotes on you, he can’t protect you all the time. Before I got married, your mother and I were good friends. I couldn’t help her back then, and the regret has stayed with me for more than twenty years.

Hence, I hope to protect you as much as I can now.”

Yu Yunxi’s eyelids twitched when she heard Empress Qin’s words.

At this moment, Nanny Han, who was standing at the side, smiled and quickly chimed in, “That’s right, Eldest Princess. When Princess Changing was still alive, she had the best relationship with the Empress.”

“Yunxi, can you forgive me for my actions during the palace banquet? Last night, I dreamed of your mother. She blamed me for being unable to protect you,” Empress Qin said sadly as tears glistened in her eyes.

Following this, Chu Yuefu and a few nannies spoke in unison. “Your Majesty, calm down. Your health is the most important.”

“Mother, don’t be too sad.”

However, Empress Qin’s eyes were fixed on Yu Yunxi the entire time. She asked sadly, “Yunxi, are you willing to forgive me?”

Yu Yunxi’s eyes flashed briefly when she met Empress Qin’s gaze. She replied lightly, “Since Your Majesty didn’t have a choice, how can I blame Your Majesty?”

“You’re such a good child. You’re just as understanding as your mother,” Empress Qin said as she continued to pat the back of Yu Yunxi’s hand. Her expression became even gentler than before.

Then, Empress Qin turned around and said sternly to Chu Yuefu, “Yuefu, your Sister Yunxi just returned to the capital. You must not let her suffer anymore, and you must protect her well.”

Chu Yuefu lowered his head and replied, “Yes, I understand.”

From the beginning until now, Yu Xiaoxiao had been completely ignored. The handkerchief in her hand was almost torn by her at this moment.

‘Yu Yunxi’s life is really good…’

Initially, Yu Xiaoxiao assumed that the Empress would deal with Yu Yunxi. Contrary to her expectations, the Empress was very kind to Yu Yunxi. Her heart was filled with hatred and jealousy.

At this moment, a eunuch said from the entrance, “The Emperor has arrived.”

Empress Qin’s expression changed drastically. Then, she said earnestly to Yu

Yunxi, “Why did His Majesty suddenly come to Fengyi Palace? Don’t worry,

Yunxi. I’ll think of a way to protect you.”

Yu Yunxi pursed her lips and silently lowered her gaze. She looked extremely docile at this moment.

Soon, a figure clad in bright yellow appeared.

Empress Qin straightened the phoenix headdress on her head before she quickly walked over and bowed.

“Greetings, Your Majesty.” Chu Yuefu bowed as well.

“Greetings, Imperial Father.”

Chu Zai, the Emperor, looked at Chu Yuefue and said, “The Crown Prince is here as well…”

Then, Chu Zai’s gaze fell on Yu Yunxi, who was standing behind Chu Yuefu. His expression was unreadable as he asked in a low voice, “What brings you here,

Yunxi?”

Since Chu Zai had noticed her, Yu Yunxi had no choice but to step forward and pay her respect. “Yunxi greets Your Majesty.”

Chu Zai asked in an unkind tone, “Didn’t you promise the Emperor Emeritus that you’ll pass the Capital Academy’s assessment? Why are you here instead of studying in your residence?”

Clearly, Chu Zai did not want to see Yu Yunxi.

Yu Yunxi already knew that Chu Zai disliked her so she was not affected by his behavior. She came to Fengyi Palace only to look for Qu Yu. Now that the Emperor was here, she would continue with her plan.

Yu Yunxi suddenly raised her head and said, “Your Majesty, a thief snuck into the King of Zhenbei’s Residence last night.”

Chu Zai narrowed his eyes and said coldly, “For such a small matter, just report this to the capital magistrate and let him capture the thief. Don’t you have a good relationship with him? He even captured Commander Ma’s legitimate son for you.”

Yu Yunxi frowned slightly. Clearly, Chu Zai blamed her for interfering with his minister’s affairs. She looked at Chu Zai and calmly said, “Your Majesty, Ma Wanyang, the legitimate son of the Ma family, disregarded the law and human lives. He rampaged through the bustling street in his carriage and acted arrogantly. If I didn’t look for Official Zuo in time, I’m afraid Ma Wanyang would continue to make mistakes. At that time, he would surely implicate the Ma family and Your Majesty.”

Chu Zai sneered. “You caused such a huge commotion. Commander Ma cries to me every day in my imperial study, and the people in the capital are also discussing this matter. You actually dare to imply that you’re helping me?”

“Your Majesty, you just said that the people in the capital are discussing this matter, right? This isn’t just a simple case of causing trouble and injuring people. The people think of this matter as a noble bullying a commoner. However, since Ma Wanyang has been taken away, the commoners will only think that Your Majesty is magnanimous and fair. With this, they’ll naturally admire you more,” Yu Yunxi replied solemnly.

Chu Zai scoffed and said, “Your mouth is even more powerful than that of

Changning.”

However, Chu Zai decided to let Yu Yuxi off for the time being. After all, he also wanted to teach the Ma family a lesson because of Ma Wanyang’s matter. Otherwise, the imperial court would lose its reputation.

Then, Chu Zai asked coldly, “Didn’t you say that a thief snuck into the King of

Zhenbei’s Residence? What else do you want to say?”

Before Yu Yunxi could reply, Yu Xiaoxiao suddenly said, “Sister, I was also in the residence last night.. Why didn’t I know that a thief snuck in?”