[{"data":1,"prerenderedAt":-1},["ShallowReactive",2],{"origin-wanli-the-enlightened-emperor":3,"chapter-wanli-the-enlightened-emperor-wanli-the-enlightened-emperor-chapter-42":6},{"origin":4,"title":5},"chinese","Wanli, the Enlightened Emperor",{"chapter":7,"nextChapterSlug":19,"prevChapterSlug":20,"totalChapters":21,"novelImage":22},{"id":8,"novel_id":9,"title":10,"slug":11,"index":12,"content":13,"wordcount":14,"created_at":15,"updated_at":15,"volume":16,"translator":17,"content_hash":18},2321864,4542,"Chapter 42","wanli-the-enlightened-emperor-chapter-42",42,"\u003Cp>Just one morning.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Suddenly, the Forbidden City felt even busier.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Eunuchs hurried past.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Female officials walked with heads bowed.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Guards marched with heads held high.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As if unanimously amplifying an atmosphere of tension.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Empress Dowager Chen had originally resided in a separate palace, but after Zhu Yijun’s ascension, he acceded to the Ministry of Rites’ request and, after consulting Empress Dowager Li, moved the Ciqing Palace to him.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Ciqing Palace had once been the Crown Prince’s residence; Zhu Yijun had lived there for six years and knew it well.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Yet when Zhu Yijun arrived at the Ciqing Palace, the feeling was entirely different.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The familiar buildings now seemed stern and forbidding.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Naturally, someone announced his arrival.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhu Yijun waited silently outside the hall.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Soon, the eunuch Zhang Jing hurried back on small steps.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>His face showed fear: “Your Majesty, Grand Eunuch Chen says the Empress Dowager did not rest well last night; the imperial physicians administered medicine, and she has just fallen asleep.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhu Yijun stood outside the hall, motionless for a moment.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This reply was identical to the one he received the first time he came to pay respects at her separate palace.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Back then, he had not noticed; now, it was truly hard to put into words.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Back then, he was barred from entering; now, of course, the same fate awaited him.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He could not, now that he was emperor, force his way into his stepmother’s bedchamber.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In the end, he could only bow respectfully from afar toward Empress Dowager Chen, then turn and leave.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He still could not understand why Empress Dowager Chen had aided Gao Gong.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>For power?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhu Yijun shook his head and quickly dismissed it—Gao Gong’s “Five Urgent Matters” memorial advocated strengthening the Grand Secretariat, consolidating imperial authority, and severing the inner court’s interference.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>If both sought power, they could never have reached consensus.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Even granting Gao Gong made concessions, Empress Dowager Chen had no son—what ulterior motive could she possibly have?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>When he came of age and settled accounts, wouldn’t it all come to nothing?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>For status?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhu Yijun rejected this hypothesis again.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>No matter what, she was Empress Dowager; at worst, she would merely stand equal to Empress Dowager Li. Better to remain still than act—why would she risk everything to aid Gao Gong?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It was not impossible, merely highly unlikely.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He pondered further—other possibilities, such as kinship or gratitude, were even less plausible.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He could scarcely conceive of any reasonable motive.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Could she simply have been deceived by Gao Gong?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>That would be an insult to the world.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Since his transmigration, he had suffered repeatedly at the hands of Zhang Juzheng and Gao Gong precisely because he underestimated the ancients.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He could no longer afford such contempt.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Whatever Empress Dowager Chen’s true motive, he must assume the worst.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhu Yijun pondered his strategy.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Historically, after Gao Gong’s “Five Urgent Matters” passed, he was dismissed within two days.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This indicated that after Zhang Juzheng returned, he swiftly devised a plan, won over Empress Dowager Chen, and secured imperial edicts from both the emperor and the two dowagers to remove Gao Gong.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Since there was no major upheaval, Empress Dowager Chen’s side must be easier to break than Gao Gong’s.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He did not know what methods the Iron Triangle had used.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But Zhu Yijun knew he could not delay further.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>If Empress Dowager Chen and Gao Gong truly seized control of court affairs, the situation would become dire.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Yet.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhang Juzheng’s collusion with the inner court required Feng Bao’s mediation.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Gao Gong could not bypass the eunuchs either to establish contact.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Hence, Chen Hong and others were so frantic.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>So… to break this deadlock, he might truly have to rely on the Embroidered Uniform Guard and the Eastern Depot.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhu Yijun sighed.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In the end, when one carries a blade, murderous intent arises.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Thinking of this, he looked at Zhang Hong’s adopted son, Zhang Jing, and ordered: “Tell me about Empress Dowager Chen.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhang Jing replied, “Which aspect does Your Majesty wish to hear?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhu Yijun waved his hand: “Speak up, all of you.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Faced with this vague request, Zhang Jing could only begin with his personal history: “In the fourth month of Jiajing thirty-seven, the late emperor’s primary consort passed away.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“That same August, the Shizong Emperor issued an edict to select a new primary consort for the late emperor.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhu Yijun paused, interrupting: “Only four months? Isn’t mourning supposed to last a year?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Even when the primary consort dies, mourning is required—but it’s shorter.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhang Jing nodded and explained: “At the time, the Shizong Emperor personally issued an edict overriding mourning rites; the late emperor pleaded but could not refuse.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“On the ninth day of the ninth month, Chen Empress Dowager was chosen as the new primary consort.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>No wonder the Shizong Emperor issued the edict.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>His own sons had died too many times—he probably hoped the Prince of Yu would produce more heirs.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But that explains why there was little affection between them.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhu Yijun nodded, signaling him to continue.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhang Jing spoke: “In Longqing first year, after the late emperor ascended the throne, he elevated Chen Empress Dowager to Empress and granted her kin noble titles.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhu Yijun interjected: “How was Chen Empress Dowager’s relationship with her kin?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This point was also crucial.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Chen Empress Dowager could not possibly misunderstand the current actions—her kin would surely face confiscation of property.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Yet she persisted stubbornly. Logically, someone with such a vulnerability shouldn’t be so disregardful of the greater good.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It truly puzzled him.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhang Jing recalled and said: “At first, their relationship was very close; noble ladies frequently visited each other.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“But…”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He paused: “When Chen Empress Dowager was banished by the late emperor to a separate palace, many censors urged the late emperor to recall her.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“The Chen family also submitted memorials urging him, but after being threatened by the late emperor, they quickly withdrew their petitions and instead submitted new ones to exonerate him…”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“From then on, all contact ceased—even Chen family members guarding the separate palace were expelled.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Upon hearing this, Zhu Yijun silently realized it was troublesome.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Banished to the cold palace, her kin sided with the late emperor for wealth and status—her feelings must have been unbearable.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A legitimate mother empress emerging from the cold palace, with a reputation for abandoning her kin—wasn’t this the classic plot of a harem drama heroine?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He pressed: “In what year was Chen Empress Dowager banished to the separate palace?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhang Jing thought: “In Longqing third year, the late emperor, citing her childlessness and chronic illness, moved her out of Kunning Palace to a separate residence.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhu Yijun frowned and interrupted Zhang Jing again.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He asked, puzzled: “Childlessness and chronic illness?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Childlessness was one thing; chronic illness was another.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>If she had always been barren, her rejection by the late emperor would be understandable—after all, times were different.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But the issue was chronic illness… if she had always been ill, she could never have passed the selection process for a new primary consort.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>So was the illness acquired later?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Then combining “chronic illness” with “childlessness” was likely no coincidence.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhang Jing hesitated, lowering his head: “I heard from my adoptive father that Chen Empress Dowager once became pregnant but miscarried, leaving her with lasting illness.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhu Yijun nodded: “What year?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhang Jing recalled: “Jiajing forty-one.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhu Yijun signaled him to continue.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhang Jing continued: “At first, censors of the outer court—Wei Shiliang, He Yibei, Zhan Yangbi, and others—repeatedly petitioned the late emperor.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“To restore Chen Empress Dowager to the main palace.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Hearing this, Zhu Yijun seemed to recall something.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He asked: “Was the head of the Directorate of Ceremonial at that time Chen Empress Dowager’s former servant, Chen Hong?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>These petitions—this Director must have pushed hard for them.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhang Jing bowed respectfully: “Your Majesty has an excellent memory.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He added, with a slight flattery: “Chen Hong had also advised the late emperor, but nearly lost his post—after that, he dared not speak again.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhu Yijun suddenly dismissed his attendants.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>With a grave expression, he looked at Zhang Jing and asked in a low voice: “Did my mother play a role in all this?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhang Jing was startled.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He cast a cautious glance at the Emperor and spoke timidly: “Your Majesty, this servant has served for only a short time...”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A brief introduction is fine, but if it involves the struggle between the Two Palaces, he dared not open his mouth.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But Zhu Yijun did not let the eunuch off the hook.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He spoke slowly, word by word: “I pardon you.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhang Jing shrank his neck, weighed his words, then said: “There is indeed such a rumor in the palace.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“During that time, Feng Bao and Chen Hong were also fiercely at odds...”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“But whether it was true or not, this servant truly does not know.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhu Yijun nodded expressionlessly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Palace intrigue and grudges? Better not be some absurd reason...\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>If it were truly so, then Empress Dowager Chen, among all those old foxes like Zhang Juzheng and Gao Gong who meddled constantly in state affairs, would be far too out of place.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But he understood women too little; he could only make a mental note of it.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The entire palace was a sieve; by morning, the incident had spread quickly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Court ministers and palace officials soon learned what had happened.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Empress Dowager Li naturally learned of it belatedly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>When Zhu Yijun arrived at Cining Palace, he saw only shards of porcelain scattered on the floor, overturned tables and chairs.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And Empress Dowager Li, furious beyond measure.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhu Yijun did not immediately step forward to pay his respects; instead, he pulled Feng Bao aside.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He whispered: “Big Companion, what’s wrong with my mother?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Feng Bao’s mood was equally foul; the three of them were now tied to the same rope by Gao Gong’s pressure.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He remained composed and bowed respectfully: “Your Majesty, Her Majesty has taken offense at the honorific title proposed by the Ministry of Rites.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Offense” meant, in writing, a furious outburst.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhu Yijun frowned: “Has the memorial from the Ministry of Rites reached the Directorate of Ceremonial?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Feng Bao nodded: “This morning, after the Ministry’s deliberation, the Grand Secretary drafted and approved it. Since it involved no other departments, no court deliberation was needed.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“As for now... it has already been sent by the Tongzheng Office to Ciqing Palace.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After speaking, Feng Bao fell silent.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The two stood silently before the door, wordless.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Both knew clearly: once this memorial reached Ciqing Palace, there would be no way to stop it.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Empress Dowager Chen would certainly approve this memorial.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Could Zhu Yijun veto it?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A veto required justification: was it because Empress Dowager Li’s title was too low? Or because Empress Dowager Chen’s was too high?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>If the former, it would only lead to approval of the memorial, followed by Gao Gong continuing to bestow higher titles upon both Empress Dowagers.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Thus, as the tide rises, Empress Dowager Li’s title gains two characters, Empress Dowager Chen’s gains four; when Empress Dowager Li’s becomes four, Empress Dowager Chen’s becomes six—always one step ahead.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>If that were the case, how could one dare complain that the biological mother’s title was too high? That would be unfilial!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The reputation of being unfilial—grave enough to depose an emperor—no one dared touch.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>What if he plainly demanded that both palaces have identical titles? Again, if Empress Dowager Chen merely said, “She disrespects her biological mother, thus she is unfilial,” the problem would be immense.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>When one’s status is beneath another’s, any attitude is powerless.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhu Yijun asked: “Has Empress Dowager Chen also rejected the Grand Secretary’s memorial requesting retirement?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Their cooperation was certain; the question was how far it extended.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Feng Bao shook his head: “Empress Dowager Chen has retained it in the palace.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhu Yijun froze.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Then he understood.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>No rejection meant their alliance was not close; otherwise, Empress Dowager Chen would have simply rejected it outright, rather than holding Gao Gong in check.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhu Yijun said nothing more and turned to enter and see Empress Dowager Li.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Suddenly, Feng Bao called out: “Your Majesty!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhu Yijun turned back.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Feng Bao bowed deeply: “Your health is paramount. Your Majesty, please soothe Her Majesty.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhu Yijun looked deeply at Feng Bao.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This old fox now realized his fear? Now he sought Zhu Yijun’s support?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhu Yijun nodded: “I will soothe my mother.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Big Companion Feng, you might as well keep a closer watch on affairs in the Directorate of Ceremonial.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Feng Bao bowed and took his leave.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhu Yijun turned and pushed open the door.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Mother, your son has come to pay his respects.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Empress Dowager Li said nothing.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhu Yijun silently righted the overturned chairs and kicked aside the porcelain shards.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Empress Dowager Li finally turned her head, unable to help but worry: “The shards might cut your hands—let the palace attendants handle it.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhu Yijun did not stop.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As he gathered the debris, he said: “If I failed to bring you peace, causing you such rage, it is my fault as a son.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“How could servants’ cleaning make up for my transgression?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This demeanor somewhat calmed Empress Dowager Li.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She snorted through her nose: “This has nothing to do with my son—it’s that woman in Ciqing Palace...”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Habit from common life: in true fury, she nearly spat vulgar words.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Seeing her son before her, she quickly corrected herself: “Your sister is too unreasonable!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhu Yijun said nothing.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Empress Dowager Li continued: “We, mother and son, remembered her long residence in the outer palace and even vacated Ciqing Palace for her.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Now, not only does she show no gratitude, but she colludes with Gao Gong to prevent his retirement, all for the sake of a title!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhu Yijun listened quietly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Empress Dowager Li seemed to have a whole storehouse of grievances: “Fine! I can just yield to her!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“But what kind of man is Gao Gong?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“He wants to abolish the Directorate of Ceremonial and restrict the Emperor’s power!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“As your biological mother, doesn’t she consider you at all?!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“It’s simply... simply...”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Hearing this, Zhu Yijun suddenly lifted his head.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He interrupted Empress Dowager Li.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>His tone was soft, calm: “Mother, when the late Emperor banished Empress Dowager Chen to the outer palace, did you stir the pot?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Empress Dowager Li looked up.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She stared at her son in astonishment.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She opened her mouth, pointed a finger at the Emperor: “You... you’re accusing me of provoking her first?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhu Yijun stood motionless.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He replied neutrally: “If your reason is merely the title, I could have petitioned for her myself—no need to collude with Gao Gong.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“I simply don’t understand. I ask you to explain.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Empress Dowager Li lowered her trembling hand, her eyes slightly moist.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Finally, she broke down: “Good, good! Now that trouble has come, everyone blames me!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“I raised you through hardship and toil!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Emperor Shizong had eight sons, seven died; our late Emperor lost daughter after daughter; Crown Prince Xianhuai died at five!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“I feared you’d be secretly harmed, poisoned by even the slightest malice.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Now that my son has grown, he dares to blame his own mother!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Because she colludes with Gao Gong and unsettles you, you blame me?!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She wept bitterly on the bed, pouring all her grievances of the day onto her son.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Seeing her son remain still, her heart grew even more pained.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Outside, Jiang Keqian and Zhang Jing kept far away, daring not to overhear a word.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Enough!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A sudden low command rang through the room.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Empress Dowager Li stared at him in shock.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She had never imagined her son would speak to her this way.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Her whole body trembled; her emotions were clearly beyond control.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhu Yijun gave her no chance to speak.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He slowly approached her, in her stunned gaze.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Because of her age, even seated at the edge of the bed, Li Empress Dowager was nearly as tall as Zhu Yijun.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He extended both hands.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Cupping either side of Li Empress Dowager’s cheeks, he gently wiped away her tears with his thumbs.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He pressed his forehead against hers.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>His voice trembled as he spoke: “Mother.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Your son remembers every bit of it.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“How could I forget how you protected me?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Each night, you rose four or five times to check on me.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“If I cried, you scolded Feng Bao, Zhang Hong, and others, stripped me bare, and examined me from head to toe.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Even the food I ate, you tasted first yourself.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“How could I forget any of these things?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“You nurtured me with maternal kindness; I shall honor you with filial devotion.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“The moment I ascended the throne, I intended to bestow grace upon my father-in-law.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“I studied diligently every day, hoping not to disappoint you.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“I attended court with earnestness, longing to shield you from wind and rain as soon as possible.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Now… now…”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Gao Gong pressures me, my stepmother oppresses me, court ministers look down on me—I am lonely and alone. Who else is there but you?!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“You are distrusted by the outer court, deceived by the eunuchs, humiliated by the Empress—abandoned and without support. Who else is there but me?!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“We are orphan and widow, clinging to each other for survival—how could we allow even a trace of suspicion?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Empress Dowager, stunned by the Emperor’s sudden change of expression, stood frozen in place.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Under her gaze, Zhu Yijun spoke slowly, each word deliberate: “You raised me for ten years. I remember every moment.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Now that I have ascended the throne, Mother, rest assured—I shall care for you from now on.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Speak your heart to me sincerely; entrust your affairs to me to handle!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Trust me!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Saying this, Zhu Yijun stepped back and bowed deeply.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In eyes unseen, a flicker of resolve passed.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The outer court was one thing—but now, within the palace, the Embroidered Uniform Guard and the Eastern Depot were no longer restrained.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Do they truly think I dare not strike in the dark?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>(End of Chapter)\u003C\u002Fp>",3003,"2026-06-20T16:31:33.303Z",1,"Qwen3-Next 80B","ef6d279deaf0e360300bd4f064c77adee02bc8971c4f0f3cb20e488bd18e54f6","wanli-the-enlightened-emperor-chapter-43","wanli-the-enlightened-emperor-chapter-41",375,"https:\u002F\u002Fnovelzhen.com\u002Fimages\u002Fcovers\u002Fwanli-the-enlightened-emperor-cover.jpg"]