Chapter 2344 - 2341: Testing the Waters
Chapter 2344: Chapter 2341: Testing the Waters
"However, Mother also avenged Father. Ultimately, it was the scheming of the Beirong that led to the mishap. If they hadn’t harbored malicious intentions, such an event wouldn’t have occurred." Chu Ziluo made no effort to conceal her disdain for Beirong.
The Empress Dowager furrowed her brows and gently patted her hand. "Indeed, the people of Beirong are bold and reckless, and our Great Chu’s deterrence falls short. With your father’s capabilities, he could have trained a cavalry that would make Beirong hesitant. Unfortunately, it led them to hatch such vicious thoughts."
"Rest assured, the Emperor will certainly ensure justice for Lord Chu," the Empress Dowager comforted.
Chu Ziluo noticed that the Empress Dowager did not mention Mother’s act of killing Hera in connection with the Emperor, which left her feeling cold inside. Nonetheless, having mentally prepared herself beforehand, she wasn’t disappointed.
"Thank you for your concern, Empress Dowager. As a maiden, I believe Father will recover," Chu Ziluo sniffed, maintaining a brave demeanor.
"Ah, you are a good child." The Empress Dowager sighed lightly, her gaze showing a hint of guilt as she looked at her.
However, this emotion quickly vanished and was hidden away.
The Royal Family practices the art of balance. Even if they know a subject is innocent, circumstances sometimes dictate otherwise. The Empress Dowager, although personally inclined, would not oppose Emperor Xuanming, and therefore many words remain unsaid.
"As a maiden, I only hope for my family’s well-being and I shall be content."
The Empress Dowager offered more comfort.
Moments later, someone arrived outside the palace.
The nanny entered, whispering in the Empress Dowager’s ear.
The Empress Dowager paused briefly, tapping her forehead, and smiled, "Oh, it’s Prince Rong here to visit the Imperial I. Look at my memory, I’ve completely forgotten about this."
Chu Ziluo rose to her feet, "Empress Dowager, since the Prince is here to pay respects, I shall take my leave to avoid disruption."
"No need, no need, you sit down first." The Empress Dowager held her hand firm while summoning Li Chongjin inside.
"Greetings, Imperial Ancestral Mother," Li Chongjin entered and noticed Chu Ziluo seated next to the Empress Dowager without any change in expression, then averted his gaze.
"Come over and sit," the Empress Dowager gestured to him.
Li Chongjin quickly approached and took a seat beside her, coincidentally on opposite sides with Chu Ziluo.
Chu Ziluo promptly stood to salute him.
The Empress Dowager watched them and, in a good mood, smiled lightly, "This child’s behavior is so reserved. I recall when Jin’er was young and prayed with the Late Empress at the temple, having met Ziluo?"
"Indeed, we have met. At that time, His Royal Highness Prince Rong was still very young; the maiden was just over eight years old. I only remember a scholarly elder brother who came to visit the family, guiding the younger brother who was reluctant to read, and it was the Prince’s diligence that inspired our younger brother." Chu Ziluo did not deny the acquaintance.
Their attitude remained consistent as before.
Li Chongjin remained silent, merely listening.
The Empress Dowager remained intrigued, "Yes, Jin’er was always obedient and sensible since childhood, or he wouldn’t have left the palace early and continued his studies outside."
"How old is Ziluo this year?"
Chu Ziluo: "This year, as a maiden, I am fourteen."
"Ah, said without realizing, how quickly time passes; six years have flown by in the blink of an eye."
"Jin’er was just a child then, but he has grown quickly and will soon be able to assume responsibilities," the Empress Dowager sighed.
She smilingly urged Li Chongjin, "Jin’er, why aren’t you more lively, just listening to us talk? You and Ziluo are acquainted, surely you have much to talk about."
Li Chongjin: "Imperial Ancestral Mother, please don’t say that."