Translator â Xiao He Lian
Chapter 89.2
The emperor pulled the corners of his mouth and said slowly: âBack then, the Hua family helped the late emperor to win the throne in such a precarious situation. The Hua familyâs contribution is indispensable for the royal family to develop into what it is today. The longer you grow, the more ambitious the Hua family will be, isnât it?â
As he said that, the emperor coughed a few times and under the careful comfort of the eunuch, he continued, âOutsiders think that the Hua family does not interfere in the government affairs. Who would have thought that both the palace and the court are full of the Hua familyâs spies, even my empress is also a member of the Hua familyâ¦â¦ the empress has passed away for a long time, but I cannot get rid of her influence on me. Even after so many nights, I can still clearly recall her face, I am really⦠tired.â
Shi Ye stared straight at the emperorâs face, as if he had just realized something, he took a step back: âYou knew all this a long time ago.â
The emperorâs gaze moved with Shi Yeâs figure and he chuckled lightly: âI also know that your mother conspired to cause the fire. She wanted to leave the palace, she wanted to follow your father, so I let her go⦠is your mother doing okay?â
Shi Yeâs face was pale and there was a layer of coldness over his exquisite facial features. He laughed and said casually, âDied long ago.â
The emperor was stunned.
Shi Ye laughed even louder: âI killed her. I cut off her head with bamboo slices. Speaking of which, she was the first person to die by my hands.â
Shi Yeâs unbridled laughter echoed in the silent air, the emperor was transfixed and speechless, the eunuchs and palace maids behind him were so frightened that they did not even dare to breathe.
The emperor stared blankly at Shi Yeâs face, which was very similar to his motherâs, and suddenly felt his heart ache. He quickly closed his eyes but hot tears still oozed from the corners of his eyes.
Although, it was obvious that there was no fluctuation in his heart and he didnât care whether the woman who betrayed him was dead or alive, yet his reaction was so sad.
The emperor did not open his eyes. After a long time, he let out a sigh: âI have not been a competitive person since I was a child, being this emperor is also just a coincidence. If the Hua family wants the throne, I will give it to them, I only have one request â¦â¦â
Shi Ye was silent.
The emperor continued: âMy children are your brothers and sisters in name and they have been calling you royal brother for so many years, considering this and let them live.â
Shi Ye remained silent.
The emperor didnât seem to expect Shi Ye and turned his head: âYou should leave, Iâm tired.â
After a long while, Shi Yeâs emotionless voice broke the silent air: âThis son will excuse himself.â
After saying that, he turned and left.
Shi Ye walked away in a hurry, as if there were wolves, tigers and leopards chasing behind him. This was the first time in his life that he lost control in front of the emperor.
When he reached the outside of the hall, he saw a man waiting outside.
That person came back from afar and he had come here in a hurry without going back to his residence to rest and change his clothes. His whole body was full of exhaustion and covered with dust. Seeing Shi Yeâs figure walking out, that personâs tired face showed a radiant smile.
âRoyal Brother, youâre here to see Emperor Father too.â Shi Jin walked up to Shi Ye, âHow is Emperor Fatherâs condition? Itâs all my fault that I was delayed on the road for too long and couldnât come back in timeâ¦â
Before he finished speaking, Shi Jinâs eyes inadvertently swept over Shi Yeâs leg and his voice stopped abruptly.
Shi Ye didnât seem to notice Shi Jinâs gaze and said expressionlessly: âFatherâs condition has worsened, you go in, he will be very happy that you, his son has come back to see him.â
Itâs a pity that Shi Jin didnât understand the implication of Shi Yeâs last words. He stared at Shi Yeâs legs intently and he stammered for a long time before saying, âRoyal, Royal Brother, your legsâ¦â
Shi Ye followed his words: âItâs better.â
Shi Jin was shocked and said, âHow much better is it?â
Shi Ye said concisely: âAs good as it can get.â
Shi Jin: ââ¦â
He could not be blamed for making a fuss, there was really nothing more shocking than the fact that his imperial brother, who had been in a wheelchair for several years, suddenly stood up. But then he thought of the special abilities of those in the Hua family that he had vaguely heard about and was a little reassured.
Unexpectedly, the Hua family can even heal a pair of disabled legs, what kind of ability is thisâ¦
But now is not the right time to think about these things. Shi Jin withdrew his thoughts, bowed to Shi Ye and hurriedly followed the eunuch to the inner hall.
****
Shi Ye returned to the East Palace, he was followed by a large group of eunuchs and palace maids.
He didnât go back to the study directly but went to the bamboo flute residence first.
Although Eunuch Zhu had already arranged a new courtyard for Wen Chi, Wen Chi followed Shi Jin and General Lin to Jinzhou before he could live in it and now both courtyards were empty.
However, the two courtyards are inhabited by palace maids and eunuchs, and they are maintained and cleaned every day. They are actually cleaner than before but it is a pity that they are less lively.
In the bamboo flute residence, Ruo Tao was sweeping the courtyard with a broom. After hearing footsteps, Ruo Tao looked back and saw Shi Ye leading a group of people and hurriedly lowered her head and greeted, âYour Royal Highness.â
Shi Ye didnât even look at her and walked straight into the house.
Ruo Tao hesitated for a moment but seeing that the eunuchs and palace maids who had followed Shi Ye had followed him, she was also ready to follow.
Shi Ye said without looking back, âYou all wait outside.â
The eunuchs and maids immediately stopped in their tracks and said yes in unison.
Ruo Tao had no choice but to continue cleaning the courtyard.
The house was also cleaned up by Ruo Tao and the others but many things remained untouched and whatever was there when Wen Chi left still remained.
Shi Ye walked through the archway with ease and came to the bedroom. He laid down on the bed, buried his face in the neatly folded quilt and took a deep sniff.
Maybe itâs because the bedding has been changed several times by Ruo Tao, so the scent left by Wen Chi on it was already very faint.