Now that Chu Yanxi was gone, he could not bear to let Madam Liu continue to suffer in the cold palace, lest Chu Yanxi be at unease in the netherworld.
"Your Majesty, if you release her rashly, what if the Empress Dowager blames you..."
"As for the Empress Dowager, I will speak with her. You shall bring my decree and release Madam Liu at once!"
It was the Empress Dowager herself who had ordered Madam Liu to be confined to the cold palace. If he released her without authorization, the Empress Dowager would surely be displeased. Only he himself could explain to the Empress Dowager, and if she wished to punish him, he would bear it all.
"Yes, Your Majesty."
...
"Madam Liu, heed the decree."
The eunuch who delivered the imperial edict strode in, looking down at Madam Liu, who was clad in coarse cloth and whose hair was slightly dishevelled.
Seeing that Madam Liu remained unmoved, the eunuch's face flashed with displeasure. He coughed lightly and patiently continued, "Madam Liu, His Majesty's imperial edict has arrived. Why do you not hasten to kneel and receive it!"
"You are but a eunuch, what right do you have to order this consort to kneel!"
Even if she were not the Empress, it was not for a eunuch to insult her. Madam Liu's eyes were filled with disgust, and she had no intention of standing up, continuing to fiddle with the candle flame before her.
"Speak what you have to say, or be gone at once, lest you soil my residence!"
The eunuch, having been insulted, felt his anger rise. If Madam Liu had dared to act this way yesterday, he would never have let it go. But now that His Majesty's decree was present, it would be difficult for him to account for himself if he treated Madam Liu in this manner any longer.
Suppressing his rage, the eunuch rolled his eyes. He thought to himself that she was still acting as if she were the high and mighty Empress, when in reality, she was merely a prisoner.
"His Majesty decrees that the Third Prince, Chu Yanxi, has committed suicide. It has now been ascertained that Madam Liu was not the mastermind of the rebellion. However, while her life is spared, she is not without punishment. She is to be confined to Chongyang Palace."
"Xi'er... what did you say? What did you just say!"
Upon hearing the news that Chu Yanxi had committed suicide, Madam Liu instantly lost her composure. She staggered to her feet, grabbed the eunuch's collar, and demanded with a frenzied expression.
"The Third Prince... the Third Prince has already committed suicide..."
"Impossible... impossible..."
Madam Liu collapsed onto the ground, her heart writhing in agony. Her son... her Xi'er had left her like this? It was impossible... impossible...
"The Third Prince has indeed departed. This is the blood letter left by the Third Prince. His Majesty had this servant bring it to you. You will understand after reading it."
Following Emperor Xuanwen's orders, the eunuch took out Chu Yanxi's final blood letter from his embrace and handed it to Madam Liu.
Madam Liu hastily opened the blood letter and read it, tears streaming down her face. Her tears fell uncontrollably onto the blood-stained paper, blurring many of the characters.
Clutching the blood letter tightly, she wished she could imbue it into her very bones. It was all her fault that she had brought about her son's demise.
If it hadn't been for her instigation of Chu Yanxi to rebel, if it hadn't been for her constant encouragement for Chu Yanxi to vie for the throne, if it hadn't been for her unyielding desire for the position of Empress Dowager, then Chu Yanxi would have lived a peaceful life. It was she who had personally driven her son to his death.
In the end, Chu Yanxi had willingly sacrificed his life to protect her. Madam Liu was filled with regret, and in losing Chu Yanxi, she finally understood how terribly wrong her actions had been. If she could have chosen again, she would never have embarked on this path.
"Let us go to Chongyang Palace. The Third Prince gave his life to save you, and you must live well to give him peace in the netherworld."
The eunuch's tone softened slightly. To forsake the position of Empress and commit such treasonous acts, only to end up in such a predicament. Truly, she had brought it upon herself.
Madam Liu forced her aging body to stand. How she wished it were she who had died, if only to bring Chu Yanxi back. Even if it meant descending into the eighteenth level of hell, she would do so willingly.
Her life was one that Chu Yanxi had exchanged for his own. No matter what, she had to live well, for that was the only way to be worthy of Chu Yanxi.
Having been confined to the dark and sunless cold palace for several days, stepping out into the sunlight was jarring. Madam Liu instinctively raised her hand to shield her eyes.
"Let's go, there's no time to waste. This servant must return to report."
The eunuch urged her from behind. Having committed the grave offense of rebellion, it was a miracle that she had kept her life. His Majesty's benevolence in releasing Madam Liu was already an immense favor.
"This is Chongyang Palace?"
Madam Liu looked at the palace before her, finding it utterly unfamiliar. She had never imagined that she would be able to leave the ghostly cold palace in this lifetime and reside in such a palace once more. It felt like a dream.
"It is Chongyang Palace. What is it? It cannot compare to Fengzao Palace where you used to live..."
Madam Liu did not answer the eunuch, but simply walked inside. Having a decent place to live was already a great fortune.
Looking at the spotless room and the clean bedding before her, it was a world of difference compared to her days in the cold palace.
"These two palace maids were personally selected by His Majesty to serve you. Tell them if you need anything. Madam Liu, His Majesty has said that you are to conduct yourself with propriety here."
Having conveyed Emperor Xuanwen's final words, the eunuch rose and departed.
As Madam Liu looked at the two palace maids before her, a trace of timidity flickered in her eyes. She was now isolated and without support, and still bearing the mark of a criminal. She could not afford to offend even a palace maid.
"Madam Liu, there is no need to be afraid. We sisters are His Majesty's confidantes, and we will naturally not bully you. Since His Majesty has assigned us to attend to you, we will do our utmost."
Hearing these words, Madam Liu's tension eased slightly, but she did not let down her guard. She merely nodded faintly and said no more.
...
"Your Highness the Empress Dowager, the Third Prince has passed away. His Majesty has suddenly pardoned Madam Liu, brought her out of the cold palace, and moved her to Chongyang Palace, even assigning two servants to her."
The Empress Dowager's hand, which had been practicing calligraphy, faltered slightly. She put down the brush and said, "Chu Yanxi has passed away, and that is one less worry. As for Madam Liu, she cannot cause any great disturbance. Let her remain in Chongyang Palace and be well cared for."
With Chu Yanxi's death, Madam Liu was no longer a threat. Since the Emperor still held some affection, let her be well cared for. It could be considered a fulfillment of Emperor Xuanwen's wishes.
"Go and tell the Emperor that he may handle Madam Liu's affairs himself. I am tired. Do not bother me with such trivial matters. I no longer wish to be involved."
"Yes, Your Highness. This servant will go at once."