Chapter 17: Delivering the Finishing Blow

Chapter 17: The Finishing Stroke

Ye Wanwan was still contemplating how to lift her confinement, and the opportunity arrived sooner than expected. Something had happened in the palace—a joyous occasion indeed.

The Empress was pregnant. Having passed the four-month mark and ensuring the pregnancy was stable, the news was finally shared with everyone. Emperor Yang announced it during the morning court session, and the entire court offered their congratulations. The Leng family became the object of everyone’s envy and jealousy; if Leng Yunqing were to give birth to a boy, he would be the legitimate heir. Given Emperor Yang’s attitude toward the Leng family, the position of Crown Prince seemed all but secured.

The Leng family basked in the height of their glory. In contrast, the Ye family appeared desolate and wretched. Although they had Noble Consort Ye in the palace, she was unable to conceive. Even with the Empress Dowager’s support, the lack of an imperial prince made the decline of the Ye family seem inevitable.

When Ye Wanwan heard the news, she was truly stunned. Yes, how could she have forgotten? The year she entered the palace was exactly the year Leng Yunqing gave birth to the Crown Prince.

People in the inner palace were still speculating whether Leng Yunqing would bear a prince or a princess, but Ye Wanwan knew clearly that it would be a son. He would be named Crown Prince, only to be murdered later, with the blame cast upon her.

She curled her lips in a sneer. Whatever is meant to come will come.

Since the Empress was pregnant, a grand celebration was mandatory. While it wasn't necessary to host the court officials, a modest gathering within the inner palace was expected. Emperor Yang naturally entrusted this task to the Empress Dowager; as his birth mother, she was the most suitable candidate. At the same time, he generously lifted Ye Wanwan’s confinement, allowing her to attend as well.

Knowing full well that Ye Wanwan could not conceive, forcing her to attend was nothing short of cruel. The other concubines, who were already envious and jealous of Leng Yunqing, now viewed Ye Wanwan with mockery and scorn. The Ye family had made Ye Wanwan drink a decoction to prevent conception to prove their loyalty, yet she had been confined for offending the Emperor. Now, she was being released only because the Empress was pregnant. How truly biting. This wasn't just humiliation; it was an attempt to break her spirit.

The Empress Dowager had always disliked the Leng family. She despised the late Empress and hated the current Leng Yunqing. Even though the child in Leng Yunqing’s womb was her own legitimate grandson, the Empress Dowager could find no joy in it; it only caused her profound disgust. Yet, she could not show it. To satisfy her son, she had to ensure the event was handled perfectly.

Empress Dowager Ye felt stifled, and Ye Wanwan felt bitter. Emperor Yang had killed two birds with one stone, sparing neither of them.

Stung by this move from Zhao Yi, the Empress Dowager felt as if her heart were bleeding. In this moment, she remembered Ye Wanwan’s value and summoned her, hoping to find some comfort. Since her confinement had been lifted, Ye Wanwan naturally had to go, but she was not there to comfort the Empress Dowager; she was there to deliver the finishing stroke.

Ye Wanwan dressed casually and arrived without announcing herself. She found the Empress Dowager rubbing her temples. To be so distressed over a small banquet was evidence enough of her disdain for the Empress.

"Greetings to the Empress Dowager."

The Empress Dowager looked up at Ye Wanwan. Suddenly, she felt that among all the people in the palace, only Ye Wanwan was truly close to her heart, having raised her from childhood.

"Wan'er, you’ve come."

Ye Wanwan rose and approached: "You look exhausted, Empress Dowager. Is your health unwell?"

The Empress Dowager shook her head: "It is nothing, just a bit tired."

"The Empress is pregnant; it is only right that you exert yourself for her."

The Empress Dowager choked on her words and looked at Ye Wanwan: "I know you still blame me, but what is done is done. It is useless to dwell on the past. In the future, I will compensate you twofold."

Ye Wanwan remained indifferent, lacking the emotional volatility she had shown previously. She looked as if she had reached an epiphany: "Those are things of the past. You need not feel guilty, and I no longer resent you. As for the rest… let fate decide."

The Empress Dowager felt a pang of heartache. Ye Wanwan’s previous outbursts had bothered her, but this calm, tearless demeanor made her feel even more guilty and pained.

"My poor Wan'er."

No matter how emotional the Empress Dowager became, Ye Wanwan remained unmoved. She took a sip of tea and set the cup down: "I heard that the imperial physicians have examined her. There is a ninety percent chance the Empress is carrying a boy. Given His Majesty’s attitude, the position of Crown Prince is as good as his."

Although the Empress Dowager had won a round against the late Empress by ensuring her own son became the Emperor, the late Empress had played a move of her own, ensuring that the next Crown Prince would be born from the womb of a Leng woman. It was, in a sense, a draw. Clearly, the Empress Dowager could not accept such a stalemate, and her face turned green.

"The child is not yet born. Whether it is a boy or a girl remains to be seen, let alone the position of Crown Prince. Do not listen to the rumors spread by those outside."

Ye Wanwan did not argue. The Empress Dowager disliked the Leng family and the child Leng Yunqing carried, but that was merely her own feeling. As long as the Emperor persisted, she would eventually compromise. She had never been able to oppose any decision made by Zhao Yi.

Ye Wanwan did not stay long before rising to leave: "Since you are busy with the banquet, I cannot be of much help. I shall not delay you any further."

Just as the Empress Dowager was about to speak, Ye Wanwan turned back: "Oh, right. Given my current awkward situation, I am at a loss as to what to offer as a gift. Might I trouble you to prepare one on my behalf?"

The Empress Dowager sighed: "Very well, I shall prepare it for you."

Ye Wanwan bowed: "Thank you, Empress Dowager. I take my leave."

After Ye Wanwan left, the Empress Dowager’s headache worsened: "The girl has finally stopped making a scene, but alas..."

Wang Wei replaced the Empress Dowager’s tea with a fresh cup: "Is this not a good thing? Something of this magnitude requires time to process. The Noble Consort has begun to accept it. Once she calms down, she will understand your good intentions."

"I hope so."