The Emperor was stunned. “What did you say?”
Prince Zhou spoke at an unhurried pace, “When the Imperial Grandson was born, Imperial father wanted to reward Fu Siyan for saving the Crown Princess and the Imperial Grandson from the difficult pregnancy. During the banquet, Imperial Father said that since she was a Siyan, you would grant her the permission of speech. From that time onwards, Fu Siyan was allowed to speak in front of Imperial Father. As the son of heaven, your words are law.”
“That’s right, Imperial Father, you should forgive Fu Siyan.” Prince Han backed Prince Zhou. As he spoke, he turned his head to look up at Fu Rou who was still standing upright. He hurriedly tugged hard on her sleeve.
Fu Rou kneeled but kept her back straight. She spoke respectfully, “In the first three years of the early Tang Dynasty, Li Daliang admonished the Emperor and spoke about his good and bad points. Not only did the Emperor not get angry, he was actually happy and praised him for being blunt and revealing exactly what he was thinking. The Emperor even encouraged him to continue being earnest and stay honest to the end. Many people said that the Emperor was one of the best rulers as he was able to accept admonishment and he was one of the most generous rulers since ancient times. Although my rank is low, I love my country. Regardless of gender or seniority, I am a citizen of Great Tang and should be loyal to my country and hence I have to speak frankly.”
She took a deep breath before continuing, “When Prince Zhao rebelled, not only did he betray his father, he also betrayed his mother. For parents to have such a child, they will feel pain and anger. If Your Majesty feels this, Concubine Xi must feel the same. Prince Zhao has already been executed. Will Your Majesty’s heartache be resolved if you kill Concubine Xi too? Wouldn’t it just be a greater heartache? After all, Concubine Xi has served Your Majesty for many years. If Your Majesty orders her to be killed in a moment of anger, would you really not regret it in the future? I hope that Your Majesty can think twice.”
Prince Han muttered, “Amitabha, please stop talking…”
Fu Rou’s expression did not change. “I have finished what I wanted to say. If Your Majesty thinks what I said was nonsensical and worthless, then please grant me death.” Now, she submitted to him.
The Emperor sat down and looked at her in silence for a moment. He suddenly said, “Prince Zhou, you have a good eye. What a pity that her fate is set and she cannot serve anyone of the Royal family. She can only remain as a court lady.”
The Emperor stood and walked out. As he walked past Empress Zhangsun, he paused. “Let Concubine Xi be demoted to a lady.”
A weight lifted off Empress Zhangsun. “Thank you for your benevolence, Your Majesty.”
Chapter 63.1: Forward
Fu Rou accompanied Empress Zhangsun back to Lizheng Palace. As she walked out of the palace, she was stopped by Prince Zhou who had been waiting for her. He dragged her to Lingxiao Palace.
“How can the parents be forgiven if their child is not taught well?” Prince Zhou pushed her down onto a swing and held the two ropes by her side.
“I spoke the truth.” Her body shivered along with the swaying of the swing but her eyes were icy cold.
“Even if Sheng Chumu turns a blind eye to you and you are depressed because of it, there is no reason for you to give your life away!” Prince Zhou roared. Did she think he would not be able to see what she was planning?
Fu Rou was instantly dumbfounded. Was that why Prince Zhou was reprimanding her? No, not at all! When she thought Sheng Chumu died, her heart had been broken into a million pieces. However, now she was only being ignored by him. She was not shortsighted and would not disregard her life just because she was heartbroken.
Prince Zhou reached his hand out and was about to touch Fu Rou’s face but she turned away. Prince Zhou sighed, “Forget it, I should not have mentioned Sheng Chumu.”
Fu Rou said, “Thank you for your concern.”
“Your tone makes it sound like you are not grateful for me.” His heart clenched.
“I was sincere with my words but if you do not take it in the right way, I cannot do anything about it.” She did not ask for his help anyway.
Prince Zhou’s gaze fell on Fu Rou for a while before he gently pulled back and released the swing.
“Why did you have to risk infuriating Imperial Father to speak for Concubine Xi? What relationship do you have with Concubine Xi?” She had foiled his plans but in that moment, he had only been worried for her life.
“When things are not in favor, some will run away. It was not in accordance to Great Tang’s laws if His Majesty punished a subordinate too severely out of his rage. Someone had to hold him back.” She could not be at ease if she did not speak her mind.
“Do not be so rash in the future. Imperial Father may not forgive you the next time. If you anger the dragon, you will die.” While it was a lucky thing that Fu Rou escaped unscathed this time, it would be hard for even the gods to save her the next time. Even the most brilliant person could die with a single wrong sentence. Words were gold but were also dangerous.
“Thank you for your advice, Your Highness. I will take my leave first.” Fu Rou stood up to leave.
Prince Zhou said, “I did it on purpose.” Fu Rou stopped in her tracks, waiting for Prince Zhou to continue.
“I know that I should not have mentioned Sheng Chumu but I purposely did it to see your reaction. If you showed anger upon hearing his name, it would be a good thing for me. At least, I would know that you hated him. If you cried, it would also be a good thing because it would give me the opportunity to comfort you. But you were silent and showed no response. The more you remain silent, the more it confirms to me that you have not let him go.”
“As Your Highness has said, I am indeed a person who does not know how to let go. This is my personality, who can change that?” Fu Rou continued to walk, and left the garden of Lingxiao Palace. Only after she walked to an empty corridor did she sigh and lean against the wall.
Chumu had returned and she had been happy at the thought of finally meeting him again. She wanted to explain what happened at Guangzhou but who knew that he would ignore her after the court session. At that moment, she felt that he had already let go off her hand and left her.
In the past few days, she had not been able to eat or sleep well. She felt her heart being torn apart. Today, she witnessed the Emperor’s indifference and the power struggle between the Empress and the princes. She did not understand why the Imperial family had to kill each other even though they were not a normal family. Was it that hard to love and care for each other? Even the Empress, a wife, had to be cautious all the time and kneel down to beg for forgiveness.
Sheng Chumu’s coldness and the Imperial family’s power struggle made her boil with anger. Out of boldness, she had spoken up, unafraid of death. She did not want to live such a life of oppression.
Her tears rolled down her face silently and the pain in her heart spread through her entire body like tiny knives. However, as long as she lived, she would not remain in the same spot.
She supported herself with the wall and slowly walked forward. As long as she does not change, she would persevere regardless of the difficulties.
Supporting her big belly, Fu Yin ambled towards Lu Qi’s room. She had been thinking a lot during the time that Lu Qi was on his military deployment. Lu Yingying’s words about moving forward were etched deeply into her mind.