Dimension Paradise, I am a summoning apostle

Chapter 697 A loving mother and a filial son
Chu Danqing subtly sized up the young man in the dragon robe.

This person was none other than Emperor Zhang.

He would definitely come in person to celebrate his own biological mother's birthday.

Although he was adopted by Empress Dowager Li and officially belonged to her, he still had to fulfill his filial duties.

It's not just about giving face; it's also about gaining political capital.

So while today's protagonist is said to be Consort Hui, it is actually Emperor Zhang.

The arrival of the other party made the entire banquet seem more reserved.

The other party said they would treat him as a guest, but no one took it seriously.

The ceremony proceeded, and after a series of chaotic formalities, the meal finally began.

However, the banquet was not enjoyable, as there were rules and regulations everywhere.

Fortunately, Chu Danqing wasn't lacking in this kind of thing.

The others weren't really there for the banquet; those who were seated there were no ordinary people.

Therefore, everyone is taking advantage of this opportunity to gain political capital.

When the time came and Emperor Zhang was about to return to the palace, they led the way and left.

The banquet ended just like that.

However, a small accident occurred along the way. The Dowager Consort Hui had something to instruct Emperor Zhang, so Emperor Zhang turned back.

As for the others, they all left the palace and returned home.

Chu Danqing was secretly invited to the inner quarters.

When they arrived, Emperor Zhang had not yet come; only Consort Hui and Consort Lu were there.

"He's here, Brother Chu. Please take Consort Lu behind the screen to rest." The Dowager Consort Hui responded, "His Majesty is coming."

Chu Danqing returned the greeting and then led Lu Wanyi to the back to rest for the time being.

After about fifteen minutes, Emperor Zhang finally entered the room.

He brought only two trusted eunuchs with him.

The Dowager Consort Hui performed the Daoist greeting before saying, "Your Majesty, please dismiss everyone else."

Emperor Zhang didn't think much of it and simply waved his hand to signal them to leave.

The two trusted eunuchs then left.

"I wonder what Your Majesty wishes to tell me?" Emperor Zhang asked.

Since it was a private conversation, Emperor Zhang didn't address him in a very formal way.

"Your Majesty, what is of utmost importance and significance in the world?" asked the Dowager Consort Hui as soon as she opened her mouth.

This made Emperor Zhang even more puzzled, but he simply replied, "Nothing surpasses filial piety."

Upon receiving this answer, the Dowager Consort Hui sighed and said, "Since filial piety is the most important virtue, is there any son who does not know whether his mother is alive or dead? Is there any son who is a ruler who does not know that his mother is wandering far away?"

These words only made Emperor Zhang more confused.

This is nothing.

His birth mother just celebrated her birthday today, while his legal mother is in the palace.

Why am I just drifting around outside?

"Your Majesty is fully aware of the details of this matter, but I fear Your Majesty may not believe me," said the Dowager Consort Hui.

These words greatly frightened Emperor Zhang. How could such a title be changed so casually?
He hurriedly asked in alarm, "Your Majesty, what makes you say such a thing? I beg you to enlighten me."

The Dowager Consort Hui simply picked up the brocade box from the table and asked, "Does Your Majesty know the origin of this item?"

Emperor Zhang took it and saw that it contained a jade seal dragon cloth with the late emperor's handwritten inscription.

He quickly pressed for details, and the Dowager Consort Hui recounted the events of that year in detail.

Emperor Zhang was horrified, never expecting his origins to be so complicated.

But he immediately calmed down.

Since the Dowager Consort Hui brought this up, it means that the person has already come knocking on our door.

He quickly analyzed the pros and cons in his mind.

Recognizing one's mother can significantly weaken the Empress Dowager's influence and consolidate one's own legitimacy.

This was the first thought that came to mind.

But soon, once the advantages were out of mind, the disadvantages began to emerge.

He has already been adopted, which will inevitably put him at odds with Empress Dowager Li, who is legally his mother.

More importantly, he also needed Empress Dowager Li's influence to get things done for him.

The Empress Dowager's influence was indeed considerable, but in the end, she was just a tool in her own hands.

Even without this incident, it wouldn't have been difficult to weaken the Empress Dowager's influence.

As for consolidating their legitimacy? It doesn't matter whether they are the late emperor's biological sons or not; adoption is perfectly legitimate.

On the contrary, the negative impact brought about by Consort Lu is difficult to resolve.

Firstly, it involved a royal scandal; secondly, it involved the feud between the two empresses; and thirdly, he was powerless and had no one to help him.

If you accept it, you'll most likely lose money.

So after calming down, he realized that he probably couldn't accept this marriage.

"May I ask Your Majesty, how many people know about this matter?" Emperor Zhang asked.

Upon hearing this, the Dowager Consort Hui simply said, "Including myself, there are only the two people who came to protect Consort Lu."

Upon hearing this, Emperor Zhang felt more confident.

Tears streamed down his face as he asked, "So, where is my mother now?"

As soon as he finished speaking, a mournful cry came from behind the screen. Lu Wanyi then stepped out.

Chu Danqing and Da Bao did not move.

To be honest, the other party's acting skills were indeed quite good. If Chu Danqing hadn't had expert-level command, she might have been fooled.

There was indeed some joy at the beginning, but the malice that followed was really strong, and Chu Danqing could directly perceive it.

Lu Wanyi was worried that the other party would have doubts, so she took out the Jade Emperor Golden Pearl.

Emperor Zhang glanced at it only once before kneeling down first: "Your unfilial son has caused Your Majesty great suffering!"

Whether it's true or false doesn't matter; let's get on with what needs to be done first.

Lu Wanyi quickly helped him up, and the mother and son embraced and wept bitterly.

"Your Majesty has suffered so much. As the Emperor, how can I face the court officials? Wouldn't I offend the entire nation?" Emperor Zhang seemed to be saying, "I'm going to clear your name."

This pleased Lu Wanyi, but she was also worried about the growing power of Empress Dowager Li. So she said, "My son, we should deal with Empress Dowager Li slowly."

"Your Majesty, rest assured," Emperor Zhang said confidently. "We just need Your Majesty to enter the palace tomorrow, confront that demon, and reveal the truth to the public."

"At that time, we will remove her from her position as empress and strip her of her title, and then we will invite Your Majesty to ascend the throne as the mother of the nation."

Upon hearing this, Lu Wanyi was surprised that Emperor Zhang intended to resolve the matter the very next day.

This is so unexpected.

"Would it be...?" Lu Wanyi remained worried.

"Your Majesty, I have suffered under Empress Dowager Li for too long," Emperor Zhang said through gritted teeth. "Does Your Majesty know about Grand Tutor Zhang? This man was planted into the court by Empress Dowager Li."

"It is truly hateful that she has gained absolute power over the court by virtue of her influence!"

"Now that the Empress is backing us up, we will surely rebuild the world."

It must be said that these words, coupled with Emperor Zhang's expression, seemed very sincere.

However, Chu Danqing, behind the screen, could tell that what the other party said was ridiculously false; there wasn't a single word of truth in it, it was all a lie.

"I ask Your Majesty to stay at Prince Hui's residence for the time being. If you return to the palace with me tonight, there may be unforeseen circumstances," Emperor Zhang said, changing the subject.

Lu Wanyi understood: "Your Majesty, rest assured, I am not the kind of person who is eager for quick success and instant benefits."

"It's good that Your Majesty understands." Emperor Zhang paused after saying this, then added, "Tomorrow, you must bring those two righteous men who protected Your Majesty."

"These two are brave and valiant, and they deserve to be rewarded."

Chu Danqing, who was behind him, was not surprised to hear this.

It's normal for them to target you personally; after all, how can you kill someone and leave two survivors?

Lu Wanyi failed to understand and took it as the truth.

In terms of skill level, Emperor Zhang is truly exceptional.

"Thank you, Your Majesty." Lu Wanyi felt that this was simply the best thing in the world.

"It's getting late, Your Majesty, please rest early," Emperor Zhang said. "Be well-rested so you can set off tomorrow."

"I will return to the palace first, so as not to arouse Empress Dowager Li's suspicion."

The reason was perfectly justified, and neither Lu Wanyi nor the Dowager Consort Hui said anything, but simply asked Prince Hui to go and see the emperor off.

"Brother Chu, this is truly a wonderful thing." Lu Wanyi's face showed joy.

Chu Danqing did not discourage the other party, but simply said, "Indeed, now all that remains is to get rid of Empress Dowager Li, and then the mission will be accomplished."

At this point, Chu Danqing suddenly changed the subject and asked, "May I ask, Empress Dowager Hui, besides Empress Dowager Li, how many other people were involved in this baby-swapping scheme back then?"

"If we're talking about the total, it's not a small number." The Dowager Consort Hui thought she wanted a list for the reckoning, so she said, "The only people still alive now, besides Empress Dowager Li, are the chief eunuch Mao Rong."

"The rest of the people were all dead."

Empress Dowager Li certainly wouldn't keep these people around; if the truth were to be leaked, it would be a huge problem.

As for why the chief eunuch was kept, it was because he had already been highly favored during the reign of the previous emperor.

Others, such as midwives and palace maids, were of lower status and easier to deal with.

It's been two generations, and the other party is a cunning old fox who has a backup plan.

"This saves a lot of trouble." Chu Danqing thought it would involve many people, but it turned out to be just two people.

It seems that the late Prince Hui and the Dowager Consort Hui have been investigating this matter for years.

"Back then, my late husband wanted to save one or two people as proof, but unfortunately, Empress Dowager Li acted swiftly," said Consort Hui helplessly. "In the end, it was too late."

Upon hearing this, Lu Wanyi felt both relieved and helpless.

Because this selfish desire has so many implications.

This only includes those who know; there are many more who don't.
-
Emperor Zhang entered the palace with an indifferent expression, completely unlike his previous demeanor.

As the imperial carriage continued its journey, Emperor Zhang suddenly said, "Prepare the carriage for Ning Shou Palace."

As he spoke, his personal eunuch whispered a reminder: "Your Majesty, the Empress Dowager has already retired for the night. Shall we prepare the carriage now?"

"It's alright, do as I command," Emperor Zhang said bluntly.

He was the emperor, and even if he went to pay his respects to the Empress Dowager, she would still have to receive him.

After hearing Emperor Zhang's words, no one dared to object.

Immediately, a eunuch rushed to Ning Shou Palace to inform the palace staff to prepare to receive the emperor.

'Mother, oh Mother, you didn't handle this matter wisely back then,' Emperor Zhang thought to himself. 'Now, this matter still needs you to handle.'

Today's events have undoubtedly had a tremendous impact on Emperor Zhang's values ​​and mindset.

Fortunately, he was someone who had been through similar experiences, and he quickly calmed down.

After calming down, he chose the simplest way to handle the situation.

If the person dies before the incident, then the trouble will not happen.

(End of this chapter)