Traveling Into a Book, Enticing Him to Rise to Power
Traveling Into a Book, Enticing Him to Rise to Power Chapter 35

Chapter 35

Kunning Palace

“Greetings, Mother.”

Jun Zechen walked forward steadily. His tall and upright posture resembled a proud pine tree, exuding the dignity of royalty in every movement.

The Empress sat gracefully on her phoenix throne, calm and composed. She reached out elegantly, picking up her teacup.

She gently blew on the surface of the tea, the rising steam swirling around her face. Then, she tilted her head slightly and took a slow sip, savoring the taste.

Her expression remained composed, her eyes reflecting the wisdom and tranquility gained from years of experience.

“What brings the Crown Prince to my Kunning Palace today?”

Her voice was calm yet authoritative, like a clear mountain stream—gentle, but carrying an undeniable strength.

Jun Zechen frowned slightly, a trace of worry and urgency appearing between his brows.

Earlier this morning, after leaving Xiyan Palace, he received news from Anshun about his mother’s punishment for Ling Yue. His heart immediately tightened with concern.

“Mother, it was I who personally asked Father to grant the title of Crown Princess to her. If you take away her official title, wouldn’t that mean denying her status?”

“Prince!”

The Empress’s voice became stern, and her expression turned serious in an instant.

“The Crown Princess has not conceived in two years, but because you love her, I have not made things difficult for her.”

Her voice was firm and strong, each word striking heavily on Jun Zechen’s heart.

“Not only has she failed to bear you an heir, but now she has also caused your second child to almost be lost. Doctor Li said that Tang Fengyi’s pregnancy is very unstable. Even making it to six or seven months would depend on luck.”

If Tang Fengyi could carry the child until the seventh month, the Empress would choose to save the child over the mother because the royal bloodline was the most important.

“Mother, I know the Crown Princess well. She would never harm my child.”

Jun Zechen’s voice was firm, and he looked straight into the Empress’s eyes.

He knew Ling Yue’s character. She might be careless and sometimes make mistakes while trying to help.

But she was never malicious.

The Empress looked at her son with disappointment and helplessness in her eyes, like a deep well filled with endless thoughts.

After decades in the palace, she had seen too many women who pretended to be kind and gentle on the surface but were ruthless behind the scenes.

And now, she realized her own son was just like his father—easily deceived by a woman.

She lifted her head slightly and spoke with a hint of sorrow in her voice.

“As the Crown Prince, do you think just saying you believe in her is enough to convince me?”

“I am always fair in rewards and punishments. The evidence against the Crown Princess is clear. She secretly took pregnancy-stabilizing medicine from the imperial pharmacy and gave it to Tang Fengyi, then shamelessly claimed she didn’t know about it.”

The Empress’s tone became sharper, and each word seemed to be forced out through clenched teeth.

Her fingers gripped the armrest tightly, knuckles turning white, showing her anger and dissatisfaction with the Crown Princess.

“Even if she didn’t mean to harm anyone with the pastries, she still committed the crime of concealing the truth and failing to manage her responsibilities properly. As the Crown Princess, she lacks the virtue and ability to lead. What is wrong with me taking away her title?”

Her voice was like thunder in Jun Zechen’s ears, growing stricter with each word.

His expression turned serious.

He knew that Ling Yue was indeed inexperienced in managing palace affairs.

After all, she had never received proper noble training and had no experience in running a household.

Now that the Eastern Palace had many new women, she needed time to learn and adjust, not have her title stripped away immediately.

Jun Zechen took a deep breath and looked at the Empress again, his voice filled with sincerity.

“Mother, I knew from the start that the Crown Princess was not skilled in managing the household when I married her.”

His tone was slow but determined, showing his deep support for Ling Yue.

“You should guide her patiently instead of taking away her title so decisively.”

The Empress spoke again, her words heavy.

“You are willing to give her a chance to learn, but at what cost? Your second child might not even be born safely.”

“Are you really okay with that? Must Su Side Consort’s child become a sacrifice for the Crown Princess’s growth before you realize the mistake?”

Her words were sharp, like daggers stabbing into Jun Zechen’s heart.

People always hope for the best in difficult situations.

But when the worst happens, regret comes too late.

At this moment, the Crown Prince was blinded by his love for the Crown Princess and refused to see the truth.

But as an outsider, the Empress could see everything clearly.

She would never allow anything to endanger her grandchild.

Jun Zechen trembled at his mother’s words.

He wanted to argue but found himself unable to say a word.

Her reasoning was sound, and he couldn’t refute it.

Yaoyao was due to give birth in two months, and any further complications would be disastrous.

As Crown Princess, Ling Yue held great power. She could command the Eastern Palace’s servants and even interfere in some imperial affairs.

But she was too simple-minded and careless, making her easy to manipulate.

Thinking of this, Jun Zechen pressed his lips together tightly and remained silent.

“Last night, after handling the Crown Princess’s punishment, I also investigated the incident with the Side Consort’s poisoned dress.”

The Empress’s voice carried exhaustion and seriousness.

“I discovered that the palace maid, Ruer, not only had the Crown Princess’s golden hairpin but also An Liangdi’s handkerchief.”

“Last night’s events are full of suspicious points. I have reason to believe that the real target was not just Tang Fengyi but also your Side Consort.”

The Empress’s tone became even more serious, her face filled with concern.

“Doctor Li was called to take care of Tang Fengyi in the Taihe Hall. If Su Side Consort’s baby hadn’t been strong, she might not have survived the night…”

She paused, not saying more, but her eyes spoke volumes.

Jun Zechen remained silent, his face expressionless.

He had no way to argue against his mother’s words.

Deep down, he knew Ling Yue was not suited to be the Crown Princess.

But he had married her. Seeing his mother punish her so harshly only made him feel more guilty toward her.

Maybe his mother had been right all along.

Love does not always mean compatibility.

By marrying her, perhaps he had only brought her misfortune.

A look of pain crossed Jun Zechen’s face. He lowered his head slightly, his fists clenched tightly, full of regret.

He sighed in his heart, his face showing a trace of helplessness.

Since it was his mistake, he shouldn’t let Ling Yue bear all the consequences alone.

“Mother, I will arrange for someone to carefully teach the Crown Princess. Please keep her golden decree safe for now. When she has improved, I ask that you grant it back to her,” Jun Zechen said slowly. “As for the incident with the Side Consort’s dress being tainted with motherwort, I will investigate thoroughly and ensure no clue is overlooked.”

A sharp glint flashed in Jun Zechen’s eyes.

The Empress looked at her son, her tone filled with disapproval and concern.

“Zechen, you are my son. I do not favor the Crown Princess for two reasons. First, she cannot give you heirs. Second, she brings you unnecessary stress and trouble,” she said firmly.

Jun Zechen frowned slightly, confusion flashing across his face.

What did his mother mean?

The Empress sighed softly.

“Your father is gravely ill. All the affairs of the state now fall upon you. You spend more than half of your day handling politics. When you return to the Eastern Palace, do you still want to be entangled in the trivial struggles of the women in your household?”

“Your focus should be on the empire’s 108 cities, on the well-being of the people, and on governing the country.”

“In all my years as Empress, I have never burdened your father with harem matters. I have always been decisive, capable, and virtuous,” she continued, her expression unwavering.

“But what about your Crown Princess?”

The Empress shook her head, no longer willing to argue about the Crown Princess. Instead, she turned to the matter of Su Jingyao.

“I will investigate the Side Consort’s matter thoroughly. You do not need to intervene. Since your Crown Princess is so incapable, as your mother, I will manage the inner court for you,” she declared, her tone firm and unquestionable.

Jun Zechen knew his mother was strong-willed, and once she made a decision, it was difficult to change.

Besides, everything she said was for his own good. How could he argue with that?

Even so, he would continue to investigate the Side Consort’s case.

“Mother, I will also look into this matter. No matter who harmed her or my child, I will not let them go unpunished,” he said with determination.

The Empress shook her head in resignation. She didn’t want her son to waste his energy on harem disputes.

But she also understood that, like his father in his youth, the Crown Prince held unrealistic expectations about love.

She never doubted his ability to govern the country, but when it came to women, he was still too naive.

She had seen enough scheming women in the palace to know that no woman’s heart was purely good or purely evil. It was always more complicated than that.

“Do as you wish, but I will not let the culprit escape either,” the Empress said tiredly.

“Yes, Mother. I take my leave,” Jun Zechen bowed and turned to leave.

As he stepped out of Kunning Palace, he felt an unbearable weight on his heart, as if a heavy stone pressed against his chest.

His brows furrowed with worry, his mind clouded like a sky filled with dark clouds.

How should he comfort Ling Yue?

Just imagining her sad, heartbroken expression made him feel lost.

He still needed to uncover the truth behind Su Jingyao’s incident, and a mountain of official documents awaited him in the study.

To handle everything, he had even rescheduled his meeting with officials to the evening.

Though his heart was troubled, after years as Crown Prince, he had mastered the art of keeping his emotions hidden.

No one could see his vulnerability.

To the world, he was always the dignified heir to the throne—lofty, untouchable, and invincible.

He walked slowly toward the Ci Luan Palace.

Inside, Ling Yue sat on her couch, exhausted. Her face was pale, her expression lifeless, like a still pool of water without a single ripple.

Her once-bright eyes had lost their light, filled with sorrow and helplessness.

She never imagined the Empress would decisively take back her golden decree, stripping her of her title and authority as Crown Princess.

Did Aze know about this?

Or… did he agree with the Empress’s decision?

Her mind was in chaos, thoughts spinning endlessly, making her even more anxious.

“Master, His Highness is here,” her maid, Meixiang, whispered, her tone carrying a trace of happiness.

She knew her mistress was heartbroken, and perhaps His Highness’s presence would bring her some comfort.

Ling Yue’s heart trembled when she heard that the Crown Prince had arrived.

She quickly got up from the couch.

Without even fixing her slightly disheveled appearance, she hurried forward.

As soon as Jun Zechen entered, she threw herself into his arms, holding him tightly around the waist.

Tears welled up in her eyes as she choked out her words, her voice filled with sorrow and grievance.

“Aze, I really didn’t harm Tang Fengyi’s child. She is carrying your child—I would never do such a thing. Please believe me, Aze!”

Her voice trembled as tears streamed down her face, soaking his robes.

Jun Zechen’s eyes darkened with struggle and helplessness, emotions swirling within him.

He had always believed in her, but…

“I trust you,” he said in a low voice. “But Mother took back your golden decree not just because of Tang Fengyi’s child. There were other reasons as well.”

He paused briefly before continuing.

“Yue’er, you need to learn how to manage the household. I will arrange for tutors to guide you. Once you improve, and Mother sees your progress, she will return your golden decree.”

When Ling Yue heard Aze say he believed her, a surge of joy filled her heart—a happiness that came from being trusted.

But why couldn’t Aze get her golden decree back?

Without the golden decree, was she still the Crown Princess?

This thought kept circling in her mind, making her feel lost and heartbroken.

Suddenly, Ling Yue pushed Jun Zechen away. Her eyes were filled with anger and grievance, and tears welled up, ready to spill at any moment.

“Aze, I did nothing wrong! Why did Mother take away my golden decree? Without it, am I still your Crown Princess?”

Her voice was full of unwillingness and sorrow.

“If you believe me, why don’t you ask Mother to return it?”

Her voice grew more emotional, and she seemed on the verge of breaking down.

“Aze, do you still remember the promise you made to me?!”

She shouted with all her strength, her voice filled with pain and frustration.

Her body trembled from the intensity of her emotions, and her desperate cries were heartbreaking.

Everything that had happened recently had drained her, both physically and emotionally.

Her husband was drifting away from her, yet she had to suppress her fears and try to please him.

Yesterday, he had shown so much concern for Su Side Consort, but when she was kneeling, about to be punished by the Empress, he ignored her and left without looking back. That moment had shattered her heart.

Today, he said he believed her, yet he still let the Empress take away her golden decree.

Why was he being so cruel now?

Jun Zechen’s face darkened. He felt torn and guilty precisely because of the promises he had made to her before.

But she didn’t understand his struggles at all. Did she think he was only her husband?

“Yes, I failed to keep my promise to you,” he admitted, his voice low and hoarse. “But Yue’er, we are not an ordinary couple. Managing the inner court is your duty as the Crown Princess, just as ruling the empire is mine.”

His deep, dark eyes locked onto Ling Yue, filled with complicated emotions.

But Ling Yue seemed too lost in despair to hear his words.

She looked like she had lost all hope, drowning in sorrow.

Jun Zechen took a deep breath.

“I am the one who trapped you in this palace like a caged bird. If you regret it, I can let you go,” he said.

Ling Yue’s eyes widened in shock.

Let her go?

Was he going to cast her aside?

Tears flooded her eyes, flowing down uncontrollably as her body trembled.

Then, without hesitation, she threw herself into his arms, holding onto him tightly.

“Aze, are you abandoning me?”

“You promised I would be your wife for a lifetime. You can’t go back on your word!” she sobbed.

Her cries were heartbreaking.

“Yue’er, being my wife… this path is difficult,” Jun Zechen said softly.

Much harder than he had ever imagined.

He once thought he could protect Ling Yue from everything, but now he felt powerless.

And it wasn’t just that—he felt himself changing. He wasn’t even sure what he still loved about Ling Yue.

Before, being with her felt light and carefree, as if she could take his mind off the burdens of the court.

But now?

“Aze, I’m not afraid! I will grow up, I will study hard with the tutors, I will become a worthy Crown Princess, and I will earn Mother’s approval!”

Ling Yue spoke anxiously, her eyes filled with sincerity and determination.

She clung tightly to Jun Zechen’s robes, as if afraid he would leave her.

Jun Zechen sighed deeply. His large hand slowly rested on her back, but his eyes held a mix of emotions—uncertain and unreadable.

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