Chapter 227: In the Name of Love

The prejudice Wei Liuyin harbored toward Su Wan dissolved entirely, replaced by a growing curiosity that compelled her to seek Su Wan out.

Su Wan had just finished removing the gu poison. Her face was pale as she sat weakly on the chair, making sure everything was properly arranged. Supported by the female official, she left. Despite her disheveled state, her back remained impeccably straight.

Especially after overhearing the conversation between the Empress and Master Mingjue, Wei Liuyin came to realize that Su Wan’s resilience and strength of character were far beyond her own.

“Royal Father, I don’t want to become like Aunt,” Wei Liuyin said. Though she was only ten years old, her maturity far surpassed that of her peers.

Fan Yuheng let out a sigh of relief. He had been worried that his daughter might feel resentment or entertain improper thoughts that could ruin her future.

The Empress affectionately pinched her cheek. “It brings me great comfort to know you understand this,” she said tenderly.

“Mother Empress, Royal Father, let’s go,” Wei Liuyin urged. “Let’s go see Big Sister.”

At that moment, a palace maid hurriedly announced from outside, “Your Majesty, Young Lady Su refused to wear the attire you prepared and was very angry.”

The palace maid mimicked Su Wan’s words verbatim, repeating them without missing a single detail.

The atmosphere in Mingxin Hall instantly turned cold and heavy.

The Empress rubbed her temples and sighed, “I knew it.”

“Let’s go and see her,” Fan Yuheng decided.

The group made their way to Yaoguang Hall to find Su Wan.

If Su Wan felt this was too abrupt, starting as the Crown Princess could also be an option.

——

The Empress Dowager’s decision to push Su Wan onto the throne was made after careful deliberation.

The safest approach was to first confer the title of Crown Princess upon Su Wan, then have the Grand Tutor teach her the art of ruling—how to govern a nation and master the art of managing people.

From a single game of chess, the Empress Dowager had discerned Su Wan’s temperament. Therefore, while Qi Min and Ji Xuan had yet to reconcile, she decided to eliminate any possibility of future complications by first firmly placing Su Wan on the throne.

After all, Su Wan was still young, and the Empress Dowager could guide her step by step.

Su Wan’s refusal was immediately reported to the Empress Dowager. 

Her face darkened, though she wasn’t surprised. Resolving to handle the matter personally, she prepared to meet Su Wan.

However, Qi Min arrived at Jing’an Hall first. “Mother Empress, your daughter has something she wishes to discuss with you.”

She knelt before the Empress Dowager, her gaze sincere as she said, “I’ve muddled through life for over a decade before realizing I have a daughter. Perhaps the bond of blood is too profound to comprehend. Even though I don’t remember her, the moment I see her, I feel an instinctive desire to be close to her and treat her well.

I’ve been absent from her life for over ten years. Investigating her life in Great Zhou has made me realize how much I’ve failed as a mother. I don’t even know how to face her. I fear seeing her estrangement, her rejection, and her discomfort.”

She gave a bitter smile. “But after meeting her a few times, I’ve come to realize that what I fear most is her unwillingness to hurt my feelings. She tries her best to accommodate me, carefully hiding her unfamiliarity and distance.”

“I want to make amends, to repair this mother-daughter bond, but I don’t know where to start. She’s already grown up and is doing well without the shelter of her parents.”

“I don’t want to be a useless mother to her, much less become a burden.”

Qi Min’s heart ached as tears welled up in her eyes. “Your daughter is willing to obey your arrangements, but I beg you not to harm Zhao’er.”

The Empress Dowager leaned back slightly, her tone cold and unfeeling. “Even if it means you cannot reconcile with Ji Xuan?”

“Has Mother Empress forgotten? To me, he is nothing more than a stranger.” Qi Min tugged at the corners of her lips, as if trying to smile, but the smile never came. She gave up maintaining the facade, offered a bow, and prepared to leave.

As she reached the doorway, Qi Min suddenly stopped in her tracks. With her back to the Empress Dowager, she said, “I’ve never truly experienced a single day as a mother, but maternal love is an innate instinct. Mother Empress, as long as my child is happy and content, I am willing to give up everything, even my life.”

“No one, under the guise of love, should impose their thoughts upon a child. Everyone has their own independent will. They are not puppets or marionettes.”