tallest building

Chapter 368 Deepest Thanks

After the Emperor and Gong Chang'an finished their game of chess, it was time for the Emperor to go to bed and rest, as it was his usual time.

"It's getting chilly now, so make sure you're covered up tightly with your blankets at night." The Emperor reached out and hugged Gong Chang'an; this was the first time he had ever held this son.

"Your Majesty should also get some rest," said Gong Chang'an.

He knew that the emperor held court every morning and was very diligent in his duties.

The Emperor stayed overnight at Mingjing Palace, so Qi Yu left behind the people who were on night watch there, while the rest of them dispersed.

Only the Emperor and Wen Mingqian remained in the room. The Emperor stood up and bowed deeply to Wen Mingqian, who quickly avoided him.

"Lady Wen, I should have come to thank you long ago. But due to circumstances, I had no choice but to postpone it until today."

Wei Fu has already told me what happened back then. I know that it was your righteousness that allowed you to sacrifice your own son to save the imperial child born to the Consort.

I know that you have treated him like your own son all these years, taking good care of him and teaching him well. Your contribution is truly immense.

"Not only do we really have to thank you, but the ancestors of the Ying family also have to thank you." The Emperor was truly grateful to Wen Mingqian.

She was a frail woman, deeply wronged and struggling to clear her name. Yet, despite all the hardships, she managed to protect the imperial heir.

This is something not everyone can do.

Moreover, life was very difficult in Shuangxi, but she did not lose heart. On the one hand, she learned how to make a living, and on the other hand, she planned to have Gong Chang'an recognized as her ancestor.

Her character and wisdom are truly admirable.

"Your Majesty, please don't praise me like that. It is actually the good deeds that Sister Shen did many years ago. Back then, we were in the temple together. If it weren't for her taking care of me wholeheartedly when I was suffering from the plague, disregarding her own safety, I would have lost my life long ago."

"My journey hasn't been smooth sailing, but I've been fortunate to have many benefactors who have helped me at every turn. Most of these people have helped me wholeheartedly because of Sister Shen," Wen Mingqian said. "Plus, the Dong family's arrogance and extravagance have angered many."

"Of course I don't believe the Empress's slanderous words against the Consort, but at that time, it was for the sake of the overall situation, and besides, it was already irreversible." The Emperor shook his head, and one could see that he was very sad. "I remember that before I left the capital, I made an agreement with the Consort that when I returned from the autumn hunt, the child should be born soon. Regardless of whether it was a boy or a girl, I would name it and let her raise it herself."

I was aware of the Empress's jealousy at the time, but I didn't think she would be so cruel as to harm a child. It was my failure to protect the Consort. She died young, filled with resentment. Over the years, whenever I think of this, my heart aches terribly, and I cannot sleep at night.

“My sister never blamed His Majesty. In the end, she felt sorry for you because you, as an emperor, could not be as carefree as you wanted. It was just a pity that she could not stay by His Majesty's side to share some of your worries,” Wen Mingqian said softly.

"She was always so considerate, always thinking of others first." The Emperor sighed deeply. "The truth cannot be revealed to the public now, but one day, I will clear her name and restore her reputation. I will also proclaim your achievements to the world, so that they will be remembered in history for thousands of years to come."

The Emperor wants to stay here, but it's only to create an illusion; he won't actually sleep in the same bed with Wen Mingqian.

He respected and admired Wen Mingqian and did not want to disrespect her.

"From now on, when I stay overnight in your palace, I will sleep on this couch." The Emperor carried his quilt to the couch by the window.

“I’ll sleep here!” Wen Mingqian hurriedly said. “Your Majesty needs to rest well at night, unlike me who has nothing to do during the day and can catch up on sleep whenever I want.” “This bed is also very spacious and comfortable, there’s nothing wrong with it. You can go to the bed to rest.” The Emperor’s attitude was very firm. “You don’t need to argue with me about this.”

The Queen has been going to bed early these past two days because of a headache.

When he woke up the next morning, the servants came to attend to him as usual.

The Empress casually asked, "Where did His Majesty rest last night? Go and ask where he will have breakfast."

Yu Lu coughed and said, "Your Majesty, His Majesty rested in Mingjing Palace last night. You went there to inquire this morning, and His Majesty's breakfast was also ordered to be sent to Mingjing Palace."

The Empress was momentarily taken aback by his words, and after a long pause, she asked hesitantly, "You mean His Majesty stayed at Consort Wen's place in Mingjing Palace?"

Yu Lu stared intently at the Empress's face and said carefully, "That's right. His Majesty had dinner at Mingjing Palace last night and then rested there. He also said that he would have breakfast there, served by Consort Wen."

The Empress listened without saying a word for a long time; to be honest, she felt somewhat uncomfortable.

The reason I made Wen Mingqian a concubine was simply to protect myself from disaster, not to have her serve the emperor.

But she couldn't say anything in the end. After all, Wen Mingqian was a Noble Lady, so she was one of the concubines in the harem. Her service to the emperor was perfectly legitimate, at least according to the rules.

The servants standing nearby dared not even breathe loudly, for fear that the Empress would take her anger out on them.

However, when the Empress spoke, she reassured herself, "That's good. Mingqian is a considerate and meticulous person. When His Majesty goes to her, everything will be taken care of. It will also relieve my burden. Yu Lu, go and select some things to give to Consort Wen as a reward. This is her first time serving the Emperor, and she should be rewarded according to the rules."

"Yes, Your Majesty, rest assured. I will go and do it after serving you breakfast." Yu Lu quickly agreed.

Seeing that the Empress did not show any displeasure, he felt relieved.

The Empress acted this way for two reasons. First, Wen Mingqian was originally one of her subordinates, someone she had personally promoted. Now that the Emperor was willing to be close to him, it would seem petty of her to show displeasure.

Moreover, Wen Mingqian has already lost his fertility and therefore poses no threat whatsoever.

After the Empress had finished her breakfast, Yu Lu went to the back storeroom and, according to custom, selected several pieces of jewelry. He then brought two palace maids with him and bestowed them upon Wen Mingqian in the Empress's name.

"Consort Wen, congratulations! Her Majesty the Empress rose early and heard that the Emperor stayed overnight in your palace last night, so she specially instructed me to bring you this reward." Yu Lu said with a beaming smile. "This time, Your Majesty's favor is even greater."

"Thank you for your hard work, Steward. I am truly ashamed." Wen Mingqian blushed. "His Majesty also just left not long ago. I was just preparing to go to the Empress's palace to pay my respects."

"No rush, no rush," Yu Lu said with a smile. "Her Majesty the Empress is naturally at ease knowing that you are serving His Majesty. Besides, you are a meticulous and thoughtful person, so this is also a way to share Her Majesty's burdens."

Yu Lu and Wen Mingqian usually got along very well, and he didn't want the Empress to blame Wen Mingqian, as it would be very uncomfortable for him to be caught in the middle as the messenger.

Fortunately, the Empress did not blame her.