Chapter 214: Soft-Hearted

That year, Ji Xuan fought on the border, subduing the barbarians. His victory made him famous in a single battle, shaking the four kingdoms.

He did not stop there; instead, he continued his campaigns, with a clear intention of expanding the territory and influence of the Great Zhou.

The other two kingdoms grew uneasy and sent diplomatic letters to negotiate, aiming to jointly restrain Ji Xuan.

The Empress Dowager was not worried, for Ji Xuan had a great reputation. He was an outstanding prince of the Great Zhou royal family and was certain to be established as the heir. Moreover, he had a deep bond with Qi Min, making their marriage an alliance between the two countries.

She then sent someone to write to Qi Min, asking about the situation. However, the spy reported back that Qi Min had ended her relationship with Ji Xuan and married another man, which was orchestrated by the Great Zhou royal family—especially since Ji Xuan had given up the throne that was once within his easy reach.

If Ji Xuan had insisted on becoming Emperor, what could the Empress Dowager have done to stop him? As the ruler of the Great Zhou, why would he need anyone’s approval for whom he wished to marry?

“Wei Yang, stop thinking you can anger me.” The Empress Dowager, her face full of authority, said coldly, “I can depose you at any time!”

The Empress suddenly raised her head and looked directly at the Empress Dowager, her eyes brimming with tears. “Mother, even if you depose me immediately, I must speak a few words for my elder sister. You keep saying it’s for her own good, but do you truly know what she desires in her heart?”

“If she were greedy for power, how could she have given up the throne to me? To those with ambition, this position is the highest honor, but to someone like my sister, who longs for freedom and cares little for fame and wealth, it is nothing but a shackle, a prison.”

“Fifteen years, it’s been fifteen years since coming here. I am surrounded by my children, yet she has always been alone. Now that the end is near, even if she forgets everything, I want her to see the two most important people in her life and leave with clarity and peace.”

“I did nothing wrong; this decision is the right one. Wanwan’s medical skills are exceptional—she can cure my sister. As long as my sister can recover, anything is worth it.”

“If one day my sister remembers everything, she will realize that you were not acting for her benefit, but punishing her.”

Tears streamed down the Empress’s face as she stubbornly looked at the Empress Dowager. “My sister may not remember Ji Xuan, but when she saw him injured today, her heart ached. Can you put aside past grievances and reconsider Ji Xuan?”

The Empress Dowager cast a cold glance at the Empress, her face expressionless as she uttered, “Do you have even a shred of a ruler’s demeanor?”

With these words, the Empress Dowager left the Mingxin Hall.

The Empress wiped her tears. Although she knew the Empress Dowager had not a single kind word for her, she also understood that she had softened and would refrain, at least temporarily, from taking any autocratic actions.

—

The Empress Dowager went to Qi Min’s palace, standing before the partitioned door, peering through the small squares to see Qi Min weakly leaning against the headboard, slowly eating her dinner.

After just four or five bites, she turned her head away, unable to continue.

She was emaciated, nothing but skin and bones, with no vitality at all, and her eyes had lost their brightness. The Empress Dowager couldn’t help but recall how Qi Min had appeared when they first met. Back then, she had traveled all the way from Great Zhou, day and night, with stars as her companions. Though she was exhausted and worn out, her eyes were dark, bright, and full of energy.

Now, though only in her thirties, she looked like a frail old woman, seemingly on the brink of death.

The Empress Dowager couldn’t help but recall Wei Yang’s words, and a pang struck her heart.

A female attendant came out from inside, and upon seeing the figure at the door, she was startled and hurriedly bowed. “Your Majesty.”

“How is Minmin’s condition?” The Empress Dowager glanced at the tray of food, which seemed almost untouched, with very little eaten.

The female attendant replied in a low voice, “The imperial doctors are unable to help, but Miss Su says she has a way. She has been adjusting her treatment for three days and will proceed with further treatment afterward.”

The Empress Dowager raised her eyebrow. “Go and ask her to come here.”