Chapter 127   The Imperial Villa

The palace suddenly became lively as the Ministry of Rites and the Ministry of Internal Affairs began preparing for the Crown Prince’s enthronement ceremony next month.

As for the palace concubines, the Emperor would take them all to the Xishan Palace. Therefore, they were also packing their belongings. This journey meant they wouldn’t be coming back, so everyone packed meticulously.

The Fifth Prince had thought he would stay in the palace, but to his surprise, the Emperor wanted to take him and the other underage princes and princesses to the Xishan Palace.

The Fifth Prince wanted to seek the Consort’s help to plead his case. He said, “Mother, if I also go to the Xishan Palace, it will be difficult to intervene in court affairs. I won’t be able to help you in the future.”

The Consort harbored resentment towards the Fifth Prince’s aloof attitude after the Peng family incident. However, she knew that as a consort, she would have to go to the Xishan Palace with the Emperor’s abdication. Now, the Fifth Prince was her only pawn. She hoped he would stay in the palace, create obstacles for the Crown Prince, and maybe, in the future, play a small role if circumstances changed.

“Now that the Peng family is in trouble, and the Emperor refuses to see me, there’s nothing I can do for you. However, over the years, you’ve always been by the Crown Prince’s side. Perhaps, you can go and plead with the Crown Prince,” the Consort suggested.

The Fifth Prince lowered his head, feeling a bit disheartened. He said, “I don’t know what’s wrong with the Crown Prince. Ever since his marriage, he hasn’t seen me much. When I do see him, his attitude is cold and distant. Last time I went to the Palace to see the Crown Princess, her attitude was the same, and she didn’t even let me stay long in the Palace.”

The Consort listened thoughtfully and said, “Perhaps you’ve already exposed yourself to the Crown Prince.”

The Fifth Prince had long suspected this.

He just couldn’t understand where he had slipped up.

“But I’ve been very careful, not daring to make any obvious moves,” the Fifth Prince said.

Suddenly, the Consort asked, “Since the disappearance of the woman you recruited, Zhao Qing Qing, from the Peng Mansion, have you not found her since?”

The Fifth Prince was struck by a sudden realization and exclaimed, “Are you saying…?”

He had been worried that if Zhao Qing Qing fell into the hands of  the prince, it would be a disaster for him!

But with no news for so long, he had assumed Zhao Qing Qing had met an unfortunate end. Now, it seemed she had mistakenly fallen into the hands of the Crown Prince!

Calculating the timing, it seemed to make sense.

The Fifth Prince murmured, “No wonder…”

He broke out in a cold sweat, “If I stay in the palace, the Crown Prince might have me killed without a clear reason. Even if the Emperor knew the Crown Prince killed me, he probably wouldn’t even question it!”

Seeing the Fifth Prince so frightened, the Consort felt relieved.

She maintained a gentle and loving expression on her face and asked, “So, do you no longer want to stay in the palace? But if you go to the Xishan Palace with the Emperor, it will be difficult to come back. Once the Crown Prince secures the throne, I’ll be at his mercy, and you’ll be like fish on a chopping block.”

The Fifth Prince shook his head firmly, “Mother, I can’t stay in the palace. If I stay, I could die at any moment. But if I go to the Xishan Palace and show the Crown Prince that I have no intention of competing, perhaps he will let go of his murderous intent.”

“As for opportunities, we’ll have to wait for the future!”

The Consort’s smile gradually turned sinister, “You were worried just now that going to the Xishan Palace would mean you couldn’t help me, right?”

However, with the loss of the Peng family and the Emperor’s imminent abdication, the Consort knew she had little influence left. The Fifth Prince no longer saw her as significant, but he maintained a respectful and fearful demeanor, “Mother, the situation has changed. I need to protect myself first before I can help you.”

The Consort smiled brightly,

Consorts and all the Princess followed the Emperor to the Xishan Palace.

Fortunately, the Xishan Palace was spacious and well-maintained, suitable for the Emperor’s visit. The preparations for the abdication and the rearrangement of the palace had been done meticulously, ensuring that even with more princes and princesses, there would be no inconvenience.

Princess Pingyi, soon to be married, would not go to the Xishan Palace and remained in the palace, awaiting her wedding day.

Consort Xin felt a pang of sadness but understood that her daughter finding a good home was more important than their temporary separation.

“I thought I would witness your wedding, but now I can’t! It’s okay, with your Crown Prince brother by your side, you should get closer to him in the future.”

“Stay in your princess mansion as much as possible, avoid going to the Yongchang’s mansion, but observe the necessary etiquette. Remember, it’s better to maintain a good relationship from a distance.”

Princess Pingyi nodded, trusting her mother’s words.

However, she couldn’t bear to part with her mother, “I understand, Mother. If you go to the Xishan Palace, will it be difficult for me to see you in the future?”

Consort Xin smiled, “Silly child, as long as you’re doing well, whether we meet or not, I’ll be happy.”

“If you really miss me, write me a letter, and I’ll ask your father to send someone to bring you to the Xishan Palace for a few days. Remember, you’re a royal princess. In the future, your father will be the retired Emperor, and your brother will be the Emperor. As long as you act with reason and follow the rules, no one can harm you.”

Princess Pingyi nodded earnestly, keeping her mother’s words in her heart.

After a busy month in the palace, the Emperor and the palace concubines were finally ready to depart for the Xishan Palace.

Although the palace concubines didn’t understand and weren’t truly happy, it didn’t dampen the Emperor’s inner joy.

He had never dared to imagine he could retire so early.

After being Emperor for so many years, he had grown tired. Since the death of the Filial and Virtuous Empress, he felt that true power was elusive in this world!

There were compromises he had to make and lives he couldn’t control!

Moreover, he knew his health was failing. Instead of enduring for a few more years, watching his sons fight each other, and losing control when he couldn’t handle it, ruining his years of hard work, he decided to resolve these issues now.

The Emperor’s procession, along with the palace concubines and numerous luggage, as well as the escort of the Imperial Guards, formed an extremely large entourage.

Shu Yuwan and the Crown Prince, accompanied by their son, led the officials in bidding farewell to the Emperor.

Shu Yuwan deeply admired the Emperor for making such a decision at his age, a rare sight in the annals of history.

The Emperor hugged his grandson before turning to the Crown Prince with a smile, “I’m leaving, take care!”

“Father!”

Shu Yuwan heard a hint of emotion in the Crown Prince’s voice.

She discreetly held the Crown Prince’s hand under the wide sleeve.

Without hesitation, the Emperor waved to the officials and the direction of the palace, then entered the carriage without looking back.

Behind him, the Crown Prince led the officials, who knelt on the ground.