Free Web NovelChapter 1305: Chapter 1294: Illegitimate Son
In fact, the Crown Prince did think about how to deal with Ye Qiu, because the military power Ye Qiu held was truly significant, and to say he wasn’t apprehensive would be a lie.
However, after careful consideration, he chose not to act. Firstly, he didn’t have the confidence to ensure the border’s stability while moving against Ye Qiu. Secondly, as Ye Qiu had thought, he was somewhat considerate of Ye Jing and his son Xiao Rui.
Since marrying him, Ye Jing had always adhered to the rules, never overstepping by the slightest bit. During their time in Nanyue, she even endured years of hardship with him. After returning to the capital, she was neither arrogant nor did she disregard the Princess Consort relying on her son’s status. Even his subordinates praised her greatly.
And his son Xiao Rui, who was not only his eldest son but also the most intelligent and capable among his children, was whom he placed high hopes on. Besides his eldest son, he’d never considered establishing another son as the Crown Prince in the future.
Ye Qiu was not only Ye Jing’s elder brother but also the maternal uncle of the son he valued most, so he was destined not to act lightly.
He wasn’t worried about Ye Qiu rebelling; what concerned him was the foreign relatives seizing power after his death, fearing his son might not be able to control them. However, sometimes observing the relationship between his son and Ye Sian, he felt he might be overthinking.
What completely dispelled Xiao Hong’s thoughts of dealing with Ye Qiu was a letter from Ye Qiu, stating the border was stable, commerce was exchanged between both sides, and the war shouldn’t be waged lightly in the future. Ye Qiu expressed his wish to return to the capital for retirement.
Since he voluntarily gave up military power, what was there for Xiao Hong to worry about?
Upon this reassurance, he couldn’t help but think of the advice Ye Qiu had given him over the years, which had helped him smoothly ascend to the position of Crown Prince and seize control of World’s power.
The more he thought about it, the more he felt guilty towards Ye Qiu, and amidst the guilt, he had already drafted an edict to bestow the title of Duke upon Ye Qiu. He even thought of letting Ye Qiu succeed as the Minister of War after the current one retired, so that people wouldn’t look down on him or call him ungrateful.
In early October, as the first cold wave hit, the old Emperor fell critically ill, and the Imperial Hospital was at a loss, leading to the Crown Prince flying into a rage and lashing out at several Palace Attendants.
By late October, the old Emperor could no longer hold on and passed away amidst the tears of the Crown Prince and Empress, leaving the entire court in deep sorrow. The Crown Prince ordered a nationwide ban on weddings and feasts for a year and a hundred days of mourning for officials and citizens in the capital.
On the tenth of November, an auspicious day calculated by the Observatory, Crown Prince Xiao Hong ascended the throne. On the twelfth, the new Emperor conferred Empress Dowager title upon Mrs. Dong, the Empress, and appointed Lady Rong Ye as the Empress. He named Princely Heir Xiao Rui as Crown Prince, while considering the period of mourning for the late Emperor, simplifying all ceremonial procedures.
Meanwhile, the Princess Kang at Prince Kang’s Mansion seemed forgotten, and no one dared to mention her. When the news of the Empress’s conferment reached her ears, she let out all the profanity of her life, but no one cared about her anymore.
This year passed quietly due to the old Emperor’s death, yet the court officials all breathed a sigh of relief. It was finally over, and they no longer had to be on edge over choosing sides.
Moreover, the new Emperor seemed to be very benevolent, only placing the three rebellious Princes under house arrest without involving many other officials, causing them a bit of guilt, as not many had held much hope for the new Emperor back then.
Thus, one after another, they exerted themselves to achieve political accomplishments, eager to demonstrate their loyalty. Suddenly, the entire Rui Dynasty progressed towards a state of prosperity.
At Prince An’s Mansion, Ye Sihui was keeping vigil alone in the courtyard with her son. Since Prince An’s rebellion, he had been placed under house arrest in the Heavenly Prison and never returned. The Princess Consort’s attitude towards them was ambiguous, perhaps out of respect for her being the Empress’s legitimate sister or maybe because the Princess Consort was too busy running around for Prince Wang to care about them. Regardless, they lived a relatively stable life during this period.
"I didn’t expect she would reach this point, something I never could have imagined back then," sighed Ye Sihui. "Rui’er, my former relationships with your uncle or the Empress were never quite good, and I might not be able to help you much in the future."
"It’s okay, Mother. Even if I only end up as a leisure prince of the royal family, it’s alright," Ye Rui comforted.
Though he spoke so, the disappointment in his heart was known only to him. Yet indeed, neither Ye Qiu nor Ye Jing bore any grudge against her now. Ye Sian and Xiao Rui held no prejudice against Xiao Rui.
However, with the new Emperor just ascended, Prince An still imprisoned for rebellion, promoting Xiao Rui clearly seemed untimely. Besides, Xiao Rui’s psychological position might still be unbalanced, considering the significant opportunity he once held to become Crown Prince. It wouldn’t be late to entrust him with some duties once he adjusts to his current position.
The following summer, Ye Qiu requested to return to the capital for retirement, citing border stability and his advanced age. This reason was rather ludicrous. Advanced age? He was just a little over forty. If he was considered aged, what about the white-haired elders in court?
Nonetheless, his request to return to the capital came as a relief to some. He had been at the border for too long. Wouldn’t it eventually become his fiefdom as a Minister if this continued?
Despite the suspicion over the timing, was he supporting the new Emperor all along? If not, why choose this specific period?
Moreover, when the matter of establishing the Crown Prince arose last year, it was him who sent an urgent report from the border about the barbarians gathering an army for an invasive attack. After the Crown Prince was successfully established, he reported uncovering the barbarians’ conspiracy and leading to a great victory.
Who would believe there wasn’t some scheme involved, connecting today’s instances?
Even if they guessed the truth, who dared to speak out loud? Fortunately, the new Emperor appeared to be a good ruler, and Ye Qiu didn’t seem particularly attached to power.
But how should the new Emperor arrange for Ye Qiu’s return to the capital? To truly allow him to retire at forty-something seemed quite indefensible.
Soon, an edict was issued, granting Ye Qiu the title of Duke, also annexing and expanding the properties around his original Marquis Mansion. Additionally, Ye Sian, Ye Qiu’s son, was summoned as the Prince’s study companion and appointed Junior Minister of the Ministry of Justice.
It blatantly declared to all that though Ye Qiu no longer held military power, he still carried the imperial grace, and his son was well arranged for.
Yet, despite the son’s Dukedom, the grandson being honored, the daughter as Empress, and the grandson as Crown Prince, Ye Sheng still couldn’t be happy. None of this glory concerned him. Now in his old age, none of his descendants were close to him, and they despised his arrogant, ostentatious nature.
None of those he introduced were utilized. On the contrary, they were warned, gradually diminishing the people around him, with even his legitimate wife mocking him with cold disdain.
