Chapter 1556: Chapter 1563: Liu Xi Learning Art (2)
Nangong Yi also agreed to Zhao Yue marrying Mo Zili. His younger sister was already disgraced; no one would want to marry her. Even if he used his authority to force her into a marriage, she would inevitably face disdain in her mother-in-law’s house. However, if she married into Duke Li Guo’s Mansion, it would be a different story.
With her maternal grandmother, uncle, and aunt there, even if people didn’t like her, they wouldn’t let her be wronged. Mo Zili falling in love with Zhao Yue was nearly impossible, but he would never despise her for her past. At the very least, Zhao Yue could live out her life gracefully as Lady Li in Duke Li Guo’s Mansion...
Thus, this matter was settled. Nangong Yi’s thoughts aligned with Empress Dowager Mo’s; fearing any changes over time, he announced in court the next day that ’Princess Zhao Yue’ would be married to the Xianbei Empire as Queen Consort. The Internal Affairs Department was instructed to prepare the princess’s bridal gifts, and seven days later, the Ministry of War would deploy five hundred cavalrymen to escort the princess to the Xianbei Empire for the alliance.
The so-called ’Princess Zhao Yue’ was naturally replaced by ’Princess Zhao Gui.’ Upon learning that she could marry into the Xianbei Empire with the identity of a legitimate princess, and furthermore as Queen Consort, Zhao Gui was overjoyed, unable to contain her excitement.
Ever since she fell into the water at last year’s Plum Banquet during winter, she had fallen out of favor with the Empress. The palace servants, who only served the high and mighty, noticed her repeated attempts to meet the Empress being rejected. They assumed that she had no future prospects and began neglecting her, with some even treating her disrespectfully.
Zhao Gui also believed she had no hope for this lifetime, but she never expected such a golden opportunity to fall into her lap. Amid her ecstatic delight, she calmly analyzed her situation and concluded that to establish herself firmly in the Xianbei Empire, she would need strong backing. The Great Jin Nation was her best support. As long as she maintained a good relationship with Empress Mu, her place on the Xianbei royal throne would be unshakable.
Thus, on the night before her departure, she once again went to the royal study to seek a meeting with Cai Wei, hoping for her forgiveness. This time, Cai Wei finally agreed to meet her.
Since the accident at last year’s Plum Banquet, this was the first time Cai Wei saw her—and, of course, it would be the last time. Once Zhao Gui left to become Queen Consort in the Xianbei Empire, separated from the Great Jin Nation by thousands of miles, meeting again would be nearly impossible. Naturally, Cai Wei also had things she wanted to say, which is why she made time to see her.
Although she was about to become the Queen Consort of the Xianbei Empire, Zhao Gui adhered strictly to protocol, kneeling and performing a grand ceremonial salute to Cai Wei.
"Respected Empress Dowager, Zhao Gui will depart tomorrow. I will forever remember Your Highness’s care and guidance. It was my own fault for being unsatisfactory, committing grave mistakes, and disappointing Your Highness. My reckless actions have caused pain, which I deeply regret. I feel ashamed to have failed to live up to your affection and teachings, often finding no taste in food or sleep through sleepless nights. But what has happened cannot be undone. Regret comes too late. Tomorrow I leave, and today I have come to sincerely apologize. If Your Highness does not forgive me, I will leave with a heavy heart."
Cai Wei said calmly, "Sometimes, in pursuit of a better life, using some means and strategy can be understandable. But everything has its limits; going too far is never good. Especially attempting to seize something that doesn’t belong to you—risking your own life to do so—is unethical and unbecoming of a mother of the nation."
Upon hearing Cai Wei’s words, Zhao Gui replied humbly, "Your Highness’s teachings are absolutely correct. Zhao Gui has learned her lesson and will remember it deeply, often reflecting on myself to avoid making such mistakes again."
Her attitude was humble and submissive, almost lowering herself to the dust. Cai Wei refrained from further rebukes and asked her to rise, granting her a seat.
Zhao Gui sat down cautiously, occupying only half of the seat. She lowered her gaze and spoke respectfully to Cai Wei.