Chapter 1993: A Mess of Trivialities

No matter how hysterical, it was merely a brief emotional outburst and release, seeking a bit of psychological comfort to protect that lonely and pitiful self-esteem.

But it did nothing for reality. Consort Hui had already placed Liu Xuan's problem directly before him—how was he to handle it? Did he truly intend to let Liu Xuan hang onto the empty title of imperial prince for life, without granting him any treatment at all?

On this point, Emperor Liu himself had no firm answer. After all, the boy was his own son, and he had committed no great offense. Was it too petty to cling to face that probably only he himself cared about?

Yet if he suddenly changed his attitude now, how could that be justified? Just moments ago, he had so firmly rebuked Consort Hui and driven her away. Even if he were to reverse course, treating it as the end of the punishment, he needed time to buffer it—otherwise, wouldn't it seem abrupt and stiff, leaving his old face nowhere to put itself?

Perhaps Emperor Liu himself had not noticed, but he was growing more stubborn with age, more unreasonable, more desperate to save face. Face—that thing—in his early years, he could trample it at will, even use it to wipe his backside. But now, he treasured it like a precious jewel, cherishing it with extraordinary care.

He fancied himself utterly uncompromising, imperial authority supreme. Yet in reality, he was full of compromises everywhere. The ferocity and obstinacy he displayed outwardly were more like a disguise—the louder his mouth blustered, the softer his behavior became. In the end, he was old, in his twilight years—a far cry from the unyielding toughness that radiated from within in his youth.

As he pondered, Emperor Liu, having rebuilt his mental defenses, had already reached a decision. After a while longer, he would simply restore the treatment Liu Xuan deserved.

But wouldn't that still seem too weak and compromising—toward a woman? Slowly, Emperor Liu sank back into that illogical, purely speculative rabbit hole of his own making.

Yet thinking more brought one small gain. Emperor Liu's old eyes suddenly lit up. Perhaps he could wait until he died, until the Crown Prince ascended the throne. When the Crown Prince took the throne, he would need to bestow favors upon his ministers. Starting with his own brothers—letting the Crown Prince have this favor—seemed like a fine solution that could avoid his own embarrassment.

But soon, Emperor Liu shook his head again. What if the Crown Prince didn't understand his intent? What if he had misgivings, or suppressed his brothers, refusing to act?

Should he give instructions in advance? That seemed improper too—wouldn't it be even more face-losing? When Emperor Liu did something, why should he need to be furtive and sneaky, petty and small-minded?

While Emperor Liu was frantically speculating and overthinking, Hu De returned. His train of thought interrupted, he was most displeased. Seeing the old emperor's dissatisfied gaze, Hu De hurriedly reported with nervous tension: "Your Majesty, a palace attendant from Spring Orchid Hall reports that Consort Hui has fallen!"

"Hm?" Hearing this, Emperor Liu's old brows shot up high, his tone turning harsh: "What happened? She was perfectly fine when she left!"

On the surface, he seemed quite concerned, but in his heart, Emperor Liu was filled with suspicion, feeling that Consort Hui was up to some trick—otherwise, how could such a coincidence occur?

Facing Emperor Liu's question, Hu De appeared hesitant, glancing at him several times, opening his mouth repeatedly but producing no sound. Seeing this, Emperor Liu immediately snapped: "Who are you putting on this act for? Stop posturing—speak!"

"Yes!" Hu De was startled, daring not to conceal anything further, and said: "It is said that the Fifteenth Prince argued with Consort Hui, to the point that Her Ladyship fell to the ground."

"So she was waiting in the palace all along, waiting for news!" Hearing this, Emperor Liu laughed coldly twice, his eyes rolling around a couple of times. He extended a hand and ordered: "Prepare my carriage for Spring Orchid Hall. I shall see with my own eyes what tricks this mother and son are playing!"

On the way to Spring Orchid Hall, Emperor Liu received more detailed information about Consort Hui's "accident." According to the report, Liu Xuan had blamed Consort Hui for having made the decision on his behalf back then—refusing the enfeoffment, offending Emperor Liu, and thereby inviting their current predicament.

Toward her beloved son's reproach, Consort Hui was on one hand deeply hurt, and on the other hand full of self-blame. At the same time, she felt some grievance, believing Liu Xuan did not understand her, and could not help but argue with him.

The mother and son quarreled for a while, venting their feelings. But how could Liu Xuan be a match for Consort Hui? He tried to extricate himself and leave, but Consort Hui would not let him. In the ensuing struggle, Liu Xuan broke free with great force, causing Consort Hui to fall.

After hearing the detailed account, Emperor Liu's expression turned somewhat strange. He never imagined that such melodramatic family drama would play out in his own palace.

Sow the cause, reap the effect. Many things are often interconnected. But on this point, Emperor Liu likewise had little awareness—the various melodramatic conflicts occurring within his own palace were by no means few; he had simply subconsciously ignored most of them.

Spring Orchid Hall in Luoyang lay deep within the palace grounds, quite a distance from Chuigong Hall—a walk of over half a quarter-hour. When Emperor Liu arrived, the already somewhat oppressive atmosphere immediately gained a layer of tension, as if a dark cloud had swept over.

At the hall's entrance, Liu Xuan hung his head, biting his lip softly, kneeling there in silence with a grave expression. Noticing Emperor Liu, he hastily kowtowed in salute. On that handsome face so resembling Consort Hui's, deep fear showed plainly. Clearly, he too knew he had stirred up big trouble.

Emperor Liu stopped, gazing at him coldly for a moment, then turned and headed into the hall. He raised his hand slightly and ordered coldly: "Hoist him up—beat him!"

With that said, Emperor Liu flicked his sleeves and entered the hall, leaving behind the pale-faced Liu Xuan and several eunuchs whose faces had likewise changed dramatically. One palace eunuch, as if finding a pillar of support, walked over to Hu De and asked for instructions: "Chief, really beat him?"

"Do you dare defy the imperial decree?" Hu De retorted irritably, then pointed at the four eunuchs following him: "Go prepare at once!"

"Yes!" The eunuch who had asked didn't move, but said with a mournful face: "But how many strokes of the rod?"

Hearing this, Hu De also showed a pained expression. He looked up at Spring Orchid Hall, then down at Liu Xuan, then sideways at these at-a-loss eunuchs. After a moment's deliberation, he had an idea. Pulling the man aside, he instructed in a low voice: "First give ten strokes. Move slowly, use light force."

These eunuchs were mostly clever, especially at reading between the lines. Hearing Hu De say this, they immediately nodded to show understanding. Hu De pushed him away, then walked over to Liu Xuan's side, bent down, and said carefully: "Your Highness, His Majesty has issued a decree—we servants dare not disobey. Please do not hold it against us. Bear with it a little—we will show discretion in our hands!"

Hearing this, Liu Xuan looked up, noticing Hu De's gentle face. His nervous mood eased somewhat. He didn't respond verbally, only nodded at him. Seeing this, Hu De didn't dare relax. He turned and entered the hall to attend to the emperor, silently praying in his heart that this matter would pass quickly. When the imperial family fought among themselves, it was always servants like them who suffered.

Inside Spring Orchid Hall, by the embroidered couch, Emperor Liu had already taken a seat, his face restored to calm. The imperial physician had said it was merely a slight sprain—with some rest and care, she would recover, and might not even need medicine.

As long as her body was not seriously harmed, he could be somewhat reassured. However, what hurt Consort Hui more was clearly her mother's heart. Seeing her sorrowful, melancholy appearance, Emperor Liu chuckled lightly: "You have truly devoted your heart and soul to this son of yours. Now that you've ended up with this result, what are your thoughts?"

Emperor Liu thought he was merely expressing a sentiment, but to Consort Hui's ears, it sounded more like gloating. Her pair of eyes reddened further, and tears immediately fell beyond control. She sobbed: "Is Your Majesty satisfied now?"

This question caught Emperor Liu off guard for a moment, then he quickly reacted, his old brows shooting high: "What does this have to do with me? Isn't it because you've spoiled and doted on that unfilial brat all along?"

Before Emperor Liu could finish, Consort Hui interrupted him: "Liu Xuan has always been gentle and humble. If not for Your Majesty's unfair and prejudiced treatment, how could he have lost his composure?"

"How can you blame this on me?" Emperor Liu grew angry, standing up and glaring at Consort Hui: "I came to see you out of kindness, yet you're so ungrateful!"

Consort Hui retorted: "Did Your Majesty come to see me, or to watch the spectacle of me and my son?"

Hearing this, Emperor Liu was like a cat whose tail had been stepped on—he immediately jumped up, pointing at Consort Hui and raging: "You are simply unreasonable! Both of you are daughters of the Fu clan—why can't you learn from your elder sister?"

"If my elder sister were still alive, what do you think she would say?" Consort Hui showed not a trace of fear.

In her agitation, Consort Hui couldn't help but prop herself up. This movement immediately pulled at her sprained lower back, and pain showed on her face. Seeing her like this, Emperor Liu found himself unable to speak harsh words for the moment. Why should he bother arguing with this woman?

His tone softened: "Your hair has turned white, and you're injured—why such fiery temper? Rest well, don't move about!"

Hearing Emperor Liu's dry, stiff concern, Consort Hui did stop her fussing, but turned her head away, ignoring him. Seeing this, Emperor Liu paced a few steps before the couch, his expression suppressed. After lingering a while, he said somewhat sternly: "You went too far today, repeatedly losing composure before the throne and clashing with me! That I don't hold it against you is already out of regard for your elder sister's sake, showing exceptional forbearance. Don't push your luck!"

"What, is Your Majesty going to cast me into the cold palace?" Consort Hui seemed to have thrown all caution to the wind, retorting bluntly: "Just like you did with Liu Xuan?"

"You think I wouldn't dare?" Emperor Liu immediately roared, spittle flying.

Emperor Liu had clearly lost his composure, on the verge of exploding, when suddenly from outside the hall came a burst of miserable cries—it was Liu Xuan wailing, and it sounded rather pitiful.

"What is this? What have you done to Liu Xuan?" Consort Hui's face changed dramatically upon hearing it. She finally turned her head and stared straight at Emperor Liu.

Seeing this, Emperor Liu's anger was suddenly suppressed, and instead he assumed an air of control. Clasping his hands behind his back, he said coolly: "Liu Xuan is unfilial. Isn't it only proper that I teach him a lesson and have him given a few strokes of the rod?"

"I fell on my own—what does he have to do with it?" Consort Hui said immediately.

"You dare deceive the throne to my face?" Emperor Liu demanded: "I've already learned the full situation!"

Consort Hui: "Then please, Your Majesty, punish me for the crime of deceiving the throne—just don't take your anger out on Liu Xuan!"

Facing Consort Hui's stubborn face, Emperor Liu's anger surged uncontrollably. His finger pointing at her trembled, and for a moment he didn't know what to say. Outside the hall, Liu Xuan's wails grew louder, accompanied by his pleas for mercy—a complete picture of someone unable to bear the beating, unable to endure the punishment. Emperor Liu frowned at the sound and cursed: "A flower raised in a greenhouse, unable to withstand wind and rain—can't even take this little beating?"

Consort Hui's heart ached unbearably at the sound. She wept again and roared at Emperor Liu: "How can he endure a court flogging? Are you trying to beat him to death?"

Seeing this, Emperor Liu furrowed his brows and shot a glance at Hu De beside him. Hu De understood, dared not delay, and immediately went out to "check." Soon, Hu De returned and briefly reported the situation—roughly, ten strokes had been given, and Liu Xuan was nearly unconscious.

Hearing this, Consort Hui grew even more frantic, even more relentless. Had her body not been indisposed, she would have lunged at him—the picture of a mother frantic for her son.

The two exchanged a look. Consort Hui stood unyielding and unafraid, while Emperor Liu seemed rather weary at heart. In the end, he flicked his sleeves and left: "You mother and son can keep making a fuss! I won't bother with it anymore. And don't come see me again—I have no time!"

On the couch, watching Emperor Liu's retreating back that carried no reluctance, Consort Hui lowered her head and sobbed, her cries utterly pitiful. Emperor Liu walked away with resolve, but hearing Consort Hui's weeping, his heart was not entirely unmoved.

Consort Hui had always been like this—throwing her little tantrums for decades now. Emperor Liu had long grown accustomed to it, but he couldn't quite understand how things had come to this.

Before the hall, the flogging had already stopped. Liu Xuan lay sprawled there. Seeing Emperor Liu emerge, he immediately became weak and feeble, pleading breathlessly: "Your subject knows his error—I beg Your Majesty for forgiveness!"

Emperor Liu gave him a look. He was no longer so furious, but this state was clearly more intimidating. Without leaving a single word, Emperor Liu walked away slowly. Without his bamboo staff to aid him, his steps were slower, and at the same time, that aged figure seemed even more alone.