[{"data":1,"prerenderedAt":-1},["ShallowReactive",2],{"origin-wanli-the-enlightened-emperor":3,"chapter-wanli-the-enlightened-emperor-wanli-the-enlightened-emperor-chapter-45":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},2321867,4542,"Chapter 45","wanli-the-enlightened-emperor-chapter-45",45,"\u003Cp>Ciqing Palace, just after midnight.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As the summer heat deepened, ice blocks were placed in every pavilion and hall to let the nobles sleep peacefully.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Chen Empress Dowager had never enjoyed such comforts in her other palace; now, rare as it was, she relished a cool summer night and went to bed early.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>At this hour, the usual eunuchs and palace maids had long withdrawn.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Chen Empress Dowager, with her elegant neck and slender form, rested peacefully upon the bed.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Suddenly, an uneasy expression crept onto her face; her delicate brows slowly furrowed, as if haunted by a nightmare.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A sudden pang of dread jolted her awake.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Weary, she tugged the bell beside her bed, ready to summon a maid for water.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But after waiting, no maid came.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Instead, someone unexpected entered.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Chen Empress Dowager blurted out: “Mother, how are you here?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Her eyes filled with suspicion as she watched her aging mother slowly step in from the outer chamber.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>These past days, the Chen family had repeatedly sent messengers to contact her; she gave them not a shred of courtesy, rejecting them all.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Yet now her own mother had entered Ciqing Palace! How had she gotten in!?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Chen’s mother regarded her daughter with a complex expression.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But she offered no explanation, only sat gently on the edge of the bed and said: “You’ve grown much thinner.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Chen Empress Dowager frowned, drew back, and called out: “Someone! Come!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>That cry brought no one.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Chen’s mother took her daughter’s hand and said tenderly: “Chen Suan was the one who brought me into the household—he still owes me this favor.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Come, let Mother dress you. We’ll go to the main hall—I have words for you.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Chen Empress Dowager stared blankly at her mother.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She was no fool; the moment her cry went unanswered, she understood.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>What favor from Chen Suan? The palace had countless others.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This was clearly a replay of the past.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Back then, when she was banished to the cold palace, the Chen family had sold her out exactly like this.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Now it was identical again… If she went to the main hall, what awaited her would surely be Li Shi and Li Jin, Feng Bao, and the rest.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Thinking of this, she gave a bitter, hollow laugh.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Seeing her mother move to dress her, she suddenly stilled her emotions, sat upright, and said firmly: “Bring me my ceremonial crown and robes!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Chen’s mother fell silent, then after a long while, nodded.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The two regarded each other in silence, lingering for a long while before finally fetching the crown and robes and beginning to dress.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Empress Dowager’s ceremonial attire was worn only for investiture, temple visits, or court assemblies; her demand for it now clearly marked this moment as extraordinary.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Chen Empress Dowager allowed her mother to fasten her ornaments, then took the imperial crown into her own hands.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Its circular frame was covered in jadeite, adorned with nine dragons and four phoenixes—unparalleled in majesty.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Once dressed, she lightly adjusted the twelve-tree floral ornament atop the crown and stepped forward first: “Let’s go. I wish to see who dares visit me in the dead of night.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>…\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The main hall of Ciqing Palace.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Chen Empress Dowager met the second unexpected person of the night.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It was the Emperor!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After Chen’s mother withdrew, the vast hall held only the reigning Emperor and the Empress Dowager.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhu Yijun glanced at the Empress Dowager’s ceremonial attire, gauging her state of mind.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Yet he maintained full ceremonial decorum: “Your servant, Emperor Jun, pays homage to Mother Empress.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Chen Empress Dowager stared steadily at the Emperor, her expression dazed.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She had assumed Li Shi was waiting for her; she never imagined it would be this young sovereign she had once somewhat favored.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Her gaze, drawn back from the hall’s entrance, returned to the Emperor with confusion.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Had he come as a front for his birth mother?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Or had the inner palace fallen entirely under his control?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Chen Empress Dowager gave a slight nod and probed: “Your Majesty’s midnight visit violates propriety. What is your purpose?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But the Emperor’s reply took her entirely by surprise.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhu Yijun knelt again, as if burdened by countless emotions: “I have come, Mother, to question you!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Chen Empress Dowager said nothing, waiting for him to continue.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhu Yijun went on: “Mother, Gao Gong has bullied the Directorate of Palace Affairs, coerced the sovereign, and oppressed my birth mother—surely he acted with your backing!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Now, in court, Gao Gong speaks with absolute authority, subordinates the sovereign, and makes my life unbearable—yet I cannot believe this is your doing!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“I’ve gone days without sleep, tossing and turning through the nights—today, I could bear it no longer and must ask you:”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Mother! Am I not your son?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhu Yijun knew well the power of striking first, of shaping perception.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Even if he meant to pressure Chen Empress Dowager, he would never resort to brute force.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Seizing the moral high ground was essential.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Humans were masters of self-deception.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>If she were not made to feel morally in the wrong, her psyche would violently recoil—“I am pure, why does everyone persecute me?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Should she become emotionally overwhelmed and, seeing all hope lost, dash her head against the hall’s pillar, Zhu Yijun would be covered in mud—even if innocent, he’d be blamed.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Once entangled in such a scandal, it would be a lifelong political stain.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Censors, unofficial histories, conspiracies—like flies—they would swarm beneath his seat.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>If Chen Empress Dowager died here tonight, no matter who was truly responsible, the world would blame him.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>At that point, not only would his grip on power be shaken, but even Gao Gong would seize this opening to make a final, desperate lunge.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Even the entire literati class, the court officials, would cast a massive question mark over this Emperor.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Under such conditions, progress would not be impossible—but it would be twice as hard.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Thus, this was his sole concern tonight.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He must gently pressure Chen Empress Dowager—absolutely no room for tragedy.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Dressed in her ceremonial robes, Chen Empress Dowager moved forward with serene grace.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She studied the Emperor from head to toe.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A fine son, truly a fine son.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Without her noticing, he had amassed such overwhelming power.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She had thought he came for Li Shi; now she realized she had underestimated this Holy Monarch.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Chen Empress Dowager’s face was expressionless: “Of course you are my son.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Precisely because you are my son, I have taken it upon myself to oversee state affairs, to rely on veteran ministers—you are still young, overthinking.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She knew well he had come with backing—Ciqing Palace’s inside and out were surely his men.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But she would not admit fault.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Worst case, a length of white silk—she had waited three years in the cold palace already.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It could not get worse.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Yet Zhu Yijun had no interest in her pretense.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He tore away all disguise and, looking at her with pain, said: “I know the two courts are at odds; your actions have cause.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“But… what fault is mine?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He lifted his head stubbornly, meeting her gaze directly: “My birth mother is a mother; my legal mother is also a mother.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Now, this conflict between the two courts is tearing me apart inside!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“I wish to honor you, Mother, and let both of you enjoy full dignity.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Mother, if there is even the slightest chance, please do not force me into the sin of filial impiety.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“My heart is sincere—please understand!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This argument was beyond reproach.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Emperor had always been filial—regularly paying respects, sharing fine gifts with her, and often seeking her counsel on scholarship, proving he was truly kind and dutiful.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She had felt only slight guilt when facing him.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But… that was before. Now that he had broken into Ciqing Palace at night, and still played the victim, he was grossly underestimating her.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She met his gaze squarely and spoke sharply: “You broke into Ciqing Palace at night—just to put on this performance?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Had he truly been so obedient, he would never have secretly seized control of the inner palace.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Nor would he have stormed her bedchamber, leaving her unable to summon even a single attendant.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhu Yijun shook his head, voice trembling: “Mother has her vigilance; I have my grievances. Had there been any other way, I would never have broken in at night.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“I know you plan to brand me as unfilial, to depose me.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Had Gao Gong not secretly threatened to install my four-year-old obedient younger brother as emperor, why would I have panicked so much as to offend you?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"If not for Gao Arong’s secret coercion today, threatening to place my four-year-old obedient younger brother on the throne, why would I have been so panicked as to be disrespectful to Your Majesty?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This took her utterly off guard; she asked instinctively: “The Grand Secretary said he would depose you!?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This remark caught her off guard; she asked involuntarily, “The Grand Secretary wants to depose you!?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She didn’t even know about this herself.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Seeing he had thrown off the rhythm, Zhu Yijun pressed his advantage.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He lifted his head, his expression stubborn: “Why must Mother ask such a question? Without your approval, Gao Gong would never have spoken these words!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhu Yijun could never allow this Empress Dowager to portray herself as a perfect victim—only he was worthy of that role.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Empress Dowager Chen fell silent.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Though she and Gao Gong shared some tacit understanding, their ultimate goals were different.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She herself cared little for state and realm.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>What Gao Gong thought was none of her concern; at best, they merely exchanged favors.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Thinking of this, Empress Dowager Chen finally sighed and helped her son to his feet.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She turned her head awkwardly and added, “I didn’t mean it that way.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Deposing the Emperor was shocking, but she truly didn’t care.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She paid no mind to grand strategy or the realm.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>All she wanted was to settle the accounts she owed; as for the rest, she had no heart left for needless chaos.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Empress Dowager Chen glanced toward the palace gates, where silence reigned, then continued: “Perhaps I’ve spoken too late—should His Majesty be preparing to kill me over this?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Emperor had come this far; he certainly wasn’t here to complain to her.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Perhaps he merely sought peace of mind, speaking a few kind words before acting.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But Zhu Yijun did not accept this guess; instead, he looked at Empress Dowager Chen with disbelief: “Mother sees me this way?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He suddenly seemed hollowed out: “I longed to speak with Mother face to face, but I was always barred from Ciqing Palace.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Now, to see you even once, I was forced to resort to this desperate measure.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He whispered: “I know why Mother relies on Gao Gong.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“You resent being the Empress Consort yet bearing no child of your own; you resent that my late father moved you to another palace...”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He had not finished speaking.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Empress Dowager Chen suddenly lost composure; she whirled around, fixing the Emperor with a piercing stare: “Who do you think caused it?!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Emperor knew nothing—how dare he try to persuade her?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>If all matters of state could be settled by words alone, why did the Great Ming maintain so many armies?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>To her surprise, Zhu Yijun nodded: “I naturally know.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Not only do I know—I’ve brought the mastermind behind it all for you.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Empress Dowager Chen fell silent.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She stared at the Emperor, stunned: “Brought... brought him?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhu Yijun stepped forward and supported Empress Dowager Chen: “I’ll take you to see him.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Empress Dowager Chen pressed her lips together and allowed the Emperor to lead her to the screen.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In her mind, Li Shi would turn from behind it at any moment and sneer at her.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But again, she was wrong—the Emperor shoved the screen aside, revealing a corpse!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It was Feng Bao!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Emperor cried out in fury: “Feng Bao betrayed the throne and corrupted the state—his crimes are heinous!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“During Jiajing’s reign, he used the Eastern Depot to carry out treacherous deeds; I believe the deaths of several of my late father’s children are tied to him!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“During Longqing’s reign, he flattered and offered him wolfish drugs, hastening my father’s early death!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Now, he is rumored to have sown discord between the two palaces, causing strife in the inner court—he deserves nothing less than death!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“I have personally executed this villain—to uphold the law and avenge you, Mother!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Some things cannot be untangled.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The best solution is not to untangle them at all.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>If there is someone who can be killed, kill them quickly—give the surface a resolution, and that’s enough.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>If one insists on digging deeper... then one truly is ungrateful.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Empress Dowager Chen’s gaze never left Feng Bao’s body.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She seemed startled, yet also strangely satisfied.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She stared blankly at Feng Bao’s corpse.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Just as Zhu Yijun thought the matter was settled and the Empress Dowager would take the offered escape route—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He heard her murmur: “You’ve never lived outside the palace; you’ve seen little. Do you know—if a commoner is bitten by a dog, does he chase the dog, or go after its master?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This was a direct insult.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhu Yijun sighed.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He didn’t want to know, nor did he need to know, who in the inner palace had done these sordid deeds.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>That was why he never intended to extract anything from Chen Hong.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But based on his guess, it was unlikely Li Empress Dowager had ordered it.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Yet many things are beyond human will.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As Empress Dowager Chen said, a dog is still a dog—the debt must be settled with its master.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>What could he do? He couldn’t drag Li Empress Dowager here to satisfy her rage.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Fortunately, he didn’t need to please her completely—so long as she didn’t become so extreme as to kill herself in the hall, it was enough.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhu Yijun spoke: “Mother’s rebuke is just.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“All faults under heaven lie with me.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Feng Bao, a servant who betrayed his master—this is the master’s fault.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“All blame must fall upon my late father!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He turned his face toward Empress Dowager Chen and continued: “But a son does not speak of his father’s faults. Since my father has passed, this debt must now rest upon me, his son.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Mother may strike or punish—let me bear it in your stead.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Empress Dowager Chen sneered: “What a filial son you are...”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Her scornful words were about to leave her lips—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>When suddenly a cry filled with emotion rang out: “Mother!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhu Yijun dropped to his knees and performed the full filial reverence.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He spoke sincerely: “I know Mother once resented me—I may be filial, but I am not your own flesh.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“But please, Mother, do not scorn my sincere heart!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Whether as stepmother or birthmother, I have always regarded you as my closest kin—with not the slightest difference in treatment!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“If you doubt it—I am willing to tear out my heart and liver and present them to you!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>With that—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhu Yijun suddenly acted.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He tore open his upper garment, exposing his bare chest.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He then drew the bloodied dagger from Feng Bao’s body, wrapped it in a scrap of cloth, and held it out with both hands before Empress Dowager Chen.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This sudden act threw Empress Dowager Chen into panic.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Emperor stood motionless, facing death without fear—Empress Dowager Chen was stunned into silence.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Only Zhu Xizhong, outside the hall, held his breath, watching.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He knew the dagger in the Emperor’s hand was a blunt, bladeless weapon arranged in advance.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Though it could not wound, even a graze or bump would be his, Zhu Xizhong’s, crime!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Even though the Emperor had ordered him to enter only if the Empress Dowager moved,\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He had already resolved: if she showed any sign of picking up the dagger, he would rush in and pin her down.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Time seemed to freeze.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Feng Bao’s blood still dripped from the dagger.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It intensified the solemn atmosphere to its peak.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Emperor, bare-chested, was testing the Empress Dowager’s limits.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This act, like something from the Twenty-Four Filial Exemplars, had truly thrown the parties involved into disarray.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This was not simple self-pity.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This was the Emperor demonstrating in action to the Empress Dowager:\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Either compromise and yield—or face open conflict.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>There was no third option.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Whatever Empress Dowager Chen had planned—whether targeting the Chen family, retaliating against Li Empress Dowager, or simply tasting power—tonight, she must pass through the Emperor’s trial.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Escalating conflict was also a negotiation tactic.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhu Yijun lowered his head, waiting for Empress Dowager Chen’s decision.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This choice would not decide his fate—but hers.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Whether she believed him or chose to accept this exit, he would never trouble her again.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Conversely, if she refused this exit, he had no other choice but to let her waste away in grief.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>At the same time, he was squeezing her options.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Thus, she could only choose between compromise or killing her son—quietly eliminating the possibility of suicide as revenge.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Time passed slowly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Empress Dowager Chen took a deep breath and calmed herself.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She had witnessed the former emperor’s greed and lust, the heartless man who banished his lawful wife.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Now, seeing this emperor, who risked his own life to reconcile the two palaces, she felt it was a marvel.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The emperor had shown her, through action, that if she still wished to support Gao Gong and disrupt the inner palace, she would have to step over his corpse.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>What a filial son indeed—forcing her this way.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>How dare he?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Betting on her soft heart, that she hadn’t yet gone mad?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Or was his filial devotion genuine and pure?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Or… if she so much as moved, would he instantly shoot her through the heart with an arrow from a hundred paces?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>One son, one mother, one kneeling, one standing—the scene nearly froze.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>No one moved.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhu Yijun was patient; Empress Dowager Chen stared blankly, while Zhu Xixiao outside was the most anxious of all.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Finally.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhu Yijun heard Empress Dowager Chen’s voice.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“To force me, Your Majesty has certainly gone to great lengths.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhu Yijun looked up and saw Empress Dowager Chen, eyes shut tight in pain.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She turned away and waved her hand, signaling the emperor to discard the dagger.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhu Yijun tossed it carelessly outward, letting Zhu Xixiao pick it up, then turned back and said: “My schemes are all for the sake of this family.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Please, Mother, do not be angry. From now on, I shall surely serve and honor Your Majesty.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The performance had gone far enough.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>No faces were torn, everyone had a way to save face—no need to obstruct the real business.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Of course, for now, Empress Dowager Chen should not receive outsiders; wait until the situation stabilizes, then properly honor her.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Empress Dowager Chen seemed drained of all strength, weary: “Where are Chen Hong and the others?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhu Yijun did not avoid the question: “All of them have earned death—I have already executed them all!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The debt of the former emperor’s excessive use of tiger-and-wolf medicine, which led to his early death, should rightly be charged to Chen Hong.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Killing a few eunuchs who brought death upon themselves—could that not be a good thing, clearing away old grudges?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Empress Dowager Chen grew even weaker.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She wanted to rebuke the emperor, yet understood: such a threat to imperial authority, with the power to overturn the table, had spared her life—that was mercy enough; to speak of a few eunuchs was absurd.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But they had been her servants for years; Empress Dowager Chen felt a sharp pang in her heart.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Her face bleak, she waved her hand: “No need to keep attendants. Do whatever you wish, Your Majesty.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhu Yijun did not respond.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She appeared resigned to life or death—he could not simply abandon her.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He spoke softly: “Mother, wait a moment.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Saying this, Zhu Yijun stepped out.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Empress Dowager Chen sank into self-pity, saying nothing.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Not long after, the emperor’s voice sounded again: “Mother, look.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Empress Dowager Chen turned her head and saw Zhang Hong cradling a girl of over one year old.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhu Yijun spoke gently: “This is the sixth daughter of the late emperor, born to Imperial Concubine Wang—Zhu Yaoe. She is now one year and nine months old.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“After Imperial Concubine Wang died in childbirth, she has been raised by Imperial Concubine Qin.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Now that Your Majesty has taken her rightful place as Empress of the Inner Palace, mother of all under heaven, she should naturally be entrusted to you.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Empress Dowager Chen slowly walked forward, gazing at the infant in Zhang Hong’s arms.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She reached out and gently patted her twice.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Then turned to face the emperor squarely.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This young emperor—she could no longer tell how much was feigned, how much was real.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In fact, she was beginning to fear her own son—this mastery of human hearts was not human at all.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Was he afraid she would take her own life and damage his throne?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Or was he simply moved by her loneliness, seeking to give her a daughter to care for?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She reached out and took Zhu Yaoe, asking absently: “Your Majesty, what is your true purpose tonight?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhu Yijun met her gaze, respectfully: “Mother, truly, I came for no other reason—to resolve your heart’s knot.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Yet now that I am here, I recall one matter: the rewards at tomorrow’s Xuanzhimen ceremony had some errors, and I must revise the edict.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“It only lacks your name added.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Empress Dowager Chen suddenly understood: “You mean to dismiss Gao Gong!?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She knew perfectly well what she had done.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Precisely because she supported Gao Gong, he had been able to suppress both inner and outer factions.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Only a few days passed, and the emperor broke into Ciqing Palace—surely, that was why.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But Zhu Yijun shook his head: “Grand Secretary Gao has served three reigns, is revered for virtue and merit—how could I dismiss him?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>His tone was deep, inscrutable: “I shall reward him handsomely.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Empress Dowager Chen was startled, yet did not press further.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>For such matters now, she had lost all interest.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She nodded vaguely: “Give me the edict.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>That meant she agreed to add her name.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhu Yijun stood still, motionless.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After a pause, he slowly said: “No need to trouble Mother… I have already sent someone to fetch the imperial seals.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Empress Dowager Chen fell silent.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The two remained wordless for a long while.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Finally, Zhu Yijun respectfully took his leave: “Mother, I shall take my leave now.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Empress Dowager Chen merely held Zhu Yaoe, saying nothing.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>When the emperor had withdrawn, she glanced at his back, and let out a bitter laugh.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Laughing, she suddenly began to cry.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>…\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhu Yijun tilted his head, listening to the sounds within the hall.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Hearing faint, intermittent sobs, he finally relaxed.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Crying was good—it released emotion, and she would not easily take her own life.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As he walked out, he felt a quiet reflection: this was likely his last time pretending such youth before the two palaces.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Now, Zhang Juzheng shared his understanding.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Empress Li could only rely on him.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Gao Yi regarded him as his true sovereign.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The imperial lecturers saw him as a genius.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After tomorrow, when he drives out Gao Gong and reorganizes the Grand Secretariat,\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He will be, in the eyes of the two palaces, court ministers, nobles, and eunuchs, the true and rightful Son of Heaven!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Emperor is the Emperor!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhu Xixiao silently followed behind the emperor, suddenly noticing the emperor unconsciously rubbing his abdomen, then, finding nothing there, clasped his hands behind his back and walked calmly, composed.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This posture made him strangely feel the emperor’s aura had sharply changed.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He no longer seemed a youthful sovereign—but a ruler who had held supreme power for years!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Still puzzling, he suddenly heard the emperor speak to him: “Zhu Qing, clean up before you leave.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhu Xixiao’s thoughts halted abruptly; he bowed and replied, “Yes,” then withdrew.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhu Yijun then instructed Zhang Hong: “Go, find two cats and send them to Mother. Also, have more women from the Chen family visit her often.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhang Hong hurriedly replied: “I shall arrange it tomorrow.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As Zhu Yijun walked out, he seemed to recall something: “For now, you personally attend to my mother. She has no one to serve her—she will be easily bullied.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“If you need more staff, ask Li Jin.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhang Hong understood the implication: “I shall ensure the Empress Dowager suffers no indignity, and no one disturbs her peace.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhu Yijun nodded.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As soon as he stepped out of Ciqing Palace, he saw Jiang Keqian waiting outside, holding the edict.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhu Yijun took it, glanced at it briefly—it already bore the imperial and both palace seals—and returned it to Jiang Keqian.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He ordered: “Let’s go, rest now.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He looked up at the fading white rainbow, murmuring: “Tomorrow will be busy indeed.”\u003C\u002Fp>",4153,"2026-06-20T16:31:33.303Z",1,"Qwen3-Next 80B","5cec4137888e70b0ed9574143552ba0a7dcae27f0b4896aba0ef9c9e46b791e5","wanli-the-enlightened-emperor-chapter-46","wanli-the-enlightened-emperor-chapter-44",375,"https:\u002F\u002Fnovelzhen.com\u002Fimages\u002Fcovers\u002Fwanli-the-enlightened-emperor-cover.jpg"]