Chapter 355
**Chapter 353: Trouble Arises**
Li Yuanjing let out a long, cold snort.
The sky was still bright, and Li Yuanjing first went to the training grounds to practice horseback riding and archery, sparring with the military officers. After about an hour of training, he made his way to Cining Palace to visit the Empress Dowager as dusk approached.
The princesses and princes were all studying at the Guangwen Academy, leaving Cining Palace in a serene quiet. Granny Qian was assisting the Empress Dowager as they strolled through the lush garden, admiring the flowers.
"Is your health any better, Mother?" Li Yuanjing stepped forward to greet her, and Granny Qian discreetly stepped aside. Supporting the Empress Dowager, the mother and son walked through the verdant backyard.
The Empress Dowager smiled, "Concubine Chen comes to care for me regularly, with such attention to detail. I feel much better now."
The gardens of Cining Palace, both front and back, were beautifully designed, with pavilions, towers, and flowing streams, rivaling even the Imperial Garden.
The renovations of Cining Palace were all managed by Shen Wei, tailored to the Empress Dowager's preferences. Each step revealed a new scene, with the changing seasons offering their own unique beauty, allowing the Empress Dowager to enjoy the sights without leaving her home.
Taking a break in the Rain Pavilion of the backyard, the palace maids brought tea and snacks. Li Yuanjing sat across from her at the stone table, absentmindedly gazing at the spring scenery all around.
The Empress Dowager asked, "Is the case of Duke Lu settled? Have the officials from the Ministry of Rites conducted a thorough investigation?"
Li Yuanjing replied, "The Lu family's assets have been sealed, totaling three million taels of silver, all of which will go into the national treasury. As for the Ministry of Rites, I've instructed the Tiger Guards to investigate thoroughly; we should be able to uncover the spies from Yue within this month."
The Empress Dowager took a sip of spring tea and nodded slowly, "The Ministry of Rites is a minor issue; take your time with it. With the fall of several major families, there will be no more obstacles in the court. The two children, Cheng Tai and Cheng You, are smart and ambitious, so you need not worry. The new policies you planned years ago can now be fully implemented within the borders of Qing."
Externally, the borders were peaceful, with a strong military presence and many capable generals; internally, the powerful families had been cleared out, the treasury was full, and there were successors to carry on.
It was indeed a prime time to usher in a prosperous era.
Li Yuanjing nodded lightly, "I understand, my son."
The Empress Dowager said with satisfaction, "Your father and your brother in heaven will surely bless you and our great Qing."
The mother and son chatted for a while.
A warm spring breeze swept through the pavilion, and the setting sun cast a brilliant golden glow over the garden. Granny Qian brought a cloak for the Empress Dowager. Setting down her teacup, the Empress Dowager changed the subject, gently saying to Li Yuanjing, "It's getting late; you should head back."
Li Yuanjing touched his nose, "Today is leisurely; I want to stay and have dinner with you, Mother."
In other words, Li Yuanjing wanted to remain in Cining Palace to accompany the Empress Dowager for dinner, not wishing to leave just yet.
The Empress Dowager could see through Li Yuanjing's intentions. Today, Shen Wei had gone to An Guo Temple for a day trip, both to pray for the Empress Dowager and to return with news tonight.
If Li Yuanjing stayed for dinner, they would have a chance to meet.
The Empress Dowager sighed, "Shen Wei is truly a remarkable child. This time, your stubbornness has genuinely hurt her feelings. Since you know you were wrong, you should soften your attitude."
Li Yuanjing's handsome face showed embarrassment, "Mother! I—I am the Emperor!"
The Empress Dowager retorted, "And what of being the Emperor? One should learn from goodness and correct their mistakes; failing to change is the true fault. When you were a carefree prince at the Yan Wang residence, you didn’t care so much about your pride."
Now that he was Emperor, with power and status, he had begun to care about appearances.
Li Yuanjing fell silent.
The Empress Dowager raised her hand, pointing to the blooming peonies in the garden. The luxurious peonies were in full bloom, with butterflies fluttering around them. The Empress Dowager said, "When the peonies bloom, bees and butterflies come. You can blame the butterflies and bees for intruding, but you cannot criticize the peonies for being beautiful."
"Shen Wei is beautiful, kind-hearted, and wise—such a girl is hard to come by. Even if she doesn’t marry you, there are many good men in Yanjing who would want her. It’s only natural for Li Yuanli to covet Shen Wei; how can you vent your anger on the innocent Shen Wei?"
"Being born into royalty, true feelings are rare. You are fortunate to have met such a good girl. If you don’t cherish her, you will regret it in the future."
Every word of the Empress Dowager fell on Li Yuanjing's ears like a heavy weight.
His heart was in turmoil.
Shen Wei had been by his side for many years; they had faced life and death together, their bond deep. In the treacherous court, with internal strife among officials and in the harem, and national affairs piling up, power could easily turn an emperor cold and gloomy.
Fortunately, he had Shen Wei.
After each tiring day, he would return to Yongning Palace. The warm candlelight there was the only place where he could sleep peacefully, and Shen Wei was the only woman with whom he could share his heart.
"Mother, I understand," Li Yuanjing sighed inwardly, planning to have a good talk with Shen Wei tonight.
At worst, he would just have to lower his head a little and admit his mistake.
After all, once the door was closed, no one would know that the esteemed emperor had taken the initiative to bow his head.
It wouldn’t be so shameful.
The Empress Dowager glanced at her son, picked up her teacup, and pretended to sip, hiding a smile at the corners of her lips.
...
The sky was painted with colorful clouds as the children studying at Guangwen Academy joyfully returned to Cining Palace.
"Father!" Le You was the first to spot Li Yuanjing, running over with small legs, arms wide open for a hug.
Li Yuanjing bent down and picked up his soft, adorable daughter, his heart melting completely.
With the children back, Cining Palace buzzed with life once more.
Li Chengyou ran to find the Empress Dowager, eagerly asking what delicious dishes would be served for dinner that night.
Le You took Li Yuanjing's hand, enthusiastically leading him to see the poems her sisters had copied.
Li Chengtai peered at the entrance of Cining Palace, asking Granny Qian, "It's getting dark; hasn't Mother returned yet?"
Granny Qian replied kindly, "The scenery at the back mountain of An Guo Temple is lovely. After Concubine Chen prays, she will surely take a stroll in the mountains. Don’t worry, Your Highness; the Concubine will be back soon."
Li Chengtai furrowed his little brows, a hint of worry creeping into his heart as he stood at the entrance, craning his neck to look.
Above the towering palace walls, colorful clouds filled the sky, and a few birds flew across.
At that moment, Li Chengyou joyfully ran to the entrance, telling Li Chengtai, "Brother! Tonight, we have quail crystal stew and stir-fried tender bamboo shoots that Mother loves!"
Li Chengtai poked his brother's head, "Eat, eat, eat! All you think about is food!"
Li Chengyou covered his head, "Everyone needs to eat! It’s normal to eat every day, and besides, I rode a pony today and practiced archery!"
Li Chengtai didn’t want to talk to his brother.
The two brothers waited at the entrance of Cining Palace for Shen Wei. They didn’t wait for her, but they did wait for Li Yuanjing to arrive. Seeing his two sons standing at the door, one on the left and one on the right, they looked like two adorable little doormen.
Li Yuanjing smiled, "It’s chilly outside; let’s go inside."
Li Chengtai grumbled, "We need to wait for Mother."
Li Yuanjing replied, "I’ve already sent someone to wait at the palace gate—"
Before he could finish, hurried footsteps echoed from the palace path. Suddenly, Gonggong Deshun came rushing over, rolling and stumbling, his face filled with urgency as he reported, "Your Majesty! The Concubine—she was attacked on the official road!"
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