Chapter 8: Departure

At this moment, the Cining Palace was shrouded in gloom. Seated on the throne, the Empress Dowager was draped in a luxurious court robe, its golden brocade embroidered with intricate patterns symbolizing royal honor and prestige. Her crown, adorned with large, dazzling gemstones, radiated an air of opulence. Though fifty years old, her meticulous upkeep made her appear closer to forty. However, the strain from Sheng Qi’s scandal had nearly caused her to faint several times. Now, her eyes were slightly red, with dark circles that not even her heavy makeup could conceal.

Below her throne, to the left and right, sat Emperor Sheng Yao and Empress Wang Xuan. The Empress, eldest daughter of Prime Minister Wang Lin, was a true aristocratic lady, celebrated for her poise and grace. Yet, at this moment, the three sat in heavy silence, awaiting Sheng Qi’s arrival.

Finally, Sheng Qi arrived—fashionably late.

“His Highness, Prince Qi, has arrived!” The sharp voice of the eunuch shattered the stifling silence in the hall.

With long, confident strides, Sheng Qi approached the center of the hall. Kneeling, he bowed deeply toward the Empress Dowager, performing three kowtows with resounding force.
“Your unfilial son, Sheng Qi, greets Mother. May your noble health remain ever radiant.”

Before the Empress Dowager could respond, Sheng Qi turned to the Emperor and repeated the ritual, his voice steady and sonorous.
“Your servant Sheng Qi greets the Emperor. Long live His Majesty, long live His Majesty, long live His Majesty.”

Then, like a steadfast pine tree, he straightened his back, remaining kneeling in the center of the hall.

The Empress Dowager’s emotions vacillated between anger and distress. Unable to look at him, she turned her head away.

The Emperor cleared his throat, breaking the tension with a sharp cough. Waving his hand, he addressed Sheng Qi.
“Rise. Take a seat.”

Eunuch Huang quickly stepped forward, setting a chair in place before gesturing for the other attendants to leave the hall.

The great hall returned to its earlier oppressive silence. The atmosphere was so heavy that even the sound of a pin dropping would have been deafening.

Finally, the Empress Dowager spoke, her voice cutting through the stillness.
“Qi’er, tell me—are the rumors true or false? Think carefully before you answer.”

Sheng Qi, unhurried and composed as ever, maintained his austere demeanor. His cold, noble air was unwavering as he replied.
“They are false. The rumors were spread to avoid the selection banquet.”

As soon as the words left his mouth, the Empress Dowager’s face twisted with fury. She grabbed the tea cup at her side and hurled it at Sheng Qi.

Smash! The cup struck his forehead, and blood began to trickle down almost immediately.

The sight left everyone in the hall stunned.

The Emperor quickly rushed forward, pulling Sheng Qi to his feet.
“Summon the imperial physician! Hurry!” he bellowed, his voice echoing through the chamber.

The Empress Dowager, both furious and heartbroken, hurriedly descended from the throne. She grabbed Sheng Qi’s trembling hands, her eyes reddened, and used a handkerchief to wipe the blood that had trickled down his forehead to his cheek.

“You unfilial grandson! Do you realize how you’ve ruined yourself over such rumors? You’ve become the laughingstock of the people of Dayu and the entire court of martial officials. You’ve completely tarnished the reputation of the Sheng family…”

The Empress Dowager was visibly agitated, and her body swayed with emotion. The Empress, quick to act, supported her and guided her back to her seat.

At that moment, a group of imperial physicians rushed in.

“Long live the Emperor! Long live the Empress Dowager! Long live the Empress! Long live Prince Qi!”

“Rise,” the Emperor commanded. “Let the physicians examine Prince Qi.”

The chief physician, Du, stood and moved forward.

In a short while, the wound was treated, the blood clot cleaned, and the injury was bandaged with medicine applied.

Du, the chief physician, knelt before the Emperor.
“Your Majesty, Prince Qi is not seriously injured. With rest for two to three days, he will recover. He must avoid water touching the wound for the next few days.”

“Very well, you may leave now,” the Emperor said, signaling for everyone to exit. The grand hall was soon empty, leaving only the four of them.

“Alright, Qi’er, tell me, why did you do this? Speak up, and your elder brother will stand by you,” the Emperor said softly, casting a glance at the Empress Dowager before looking at the silent Sheng Qi seated in front of him.

Shaking his head, the Emperor sighed. His younger brother had always been strong-willed and difficult to control, which had always been a source of frustration. His mother, too, was an assertive woman.

Sheng Qi calmly recounted the events of that day, explaining everything clearly. In the end, he simply said one sentence:
“This life, I will not choose a concubine except for Lin Qing.”

And then he left.

Finally, the Emperor issued a decree.
“From this day forward, Prince Qi will head to the border to defend the empire and protect the lands of Dayu. He is not to return to the capital unless summoned.”

This decision was made with consideration. Firstly, with Prince Qi away, neighboring small nations had started to stir, taking advantage of his absence at the border.

Secondly, the Emperor hoped that by sending him away, Sheng Qi might go in search of Lin Qing…