Yu Mingyue wasn't ignoring the Cui family's affairs, but doing so would only enrage Empress Wang.
After eighteen years in prison, Empress Wang's return to the palace meant she was no longer the bullied figure caught between the Emperor and the Wang family.
Though she didn't know the reason for Empress Wang's return, Yu Mingyue was certain it wasn't for the Wang family, nor for the aristocratic clans.
The Wang family had fallen, and the aristocratic clans, led by the Cui family, were in decline. Yu Mingyue understood her grandfather's eagerness to change the current situation of the clans, but enraging Empress Wang would bring no benefit to the Cui family.
"Mother, Grandfather is flustered. When one is flustered, they make wrong decisions. It will be too late once mistakes are made," Yu Mingyue said.
Madam Cui remained silent. Yu Mingyue didn't press her further and returned to Mingyue Garden with a heavy heart.
...
"The Empress returns to the palace!"
"The Empress returns to the palace!"
"The Empress returns to the palace!"
The voices echoed through the palace as the Empress's phoenix carriage entered through the main gate, a privilege reserved only for the Empress of the Central Palace.
No matter how much Consort Yao hated it, according to ancestral rites, she had to go to the palace gates to welcome the Empress back.
Not just her, but her son and all the civil and military officials had to be there to greet the Empress's return.
Wang Youling raised her hand to her forehead, the headdress truly heavy. She wondered if her choice was the right one.
"This son respectfully welcomes Mother Empress back to the palace," the Seventh Prince bowed.
"You are Che'er!" Wang Youling smiled and helped Xiao Che up.
"Replying to Mother Empress, I am."
Empress Wang nodded. "This Empress thanks you on behalf of the people of Great Wei. You are a good child!"
Xiao Che was slightly taken aback. The Empress Wang before him seemed different from the one he had heard about.
"This is what this son should do."
Consort Yao watched her son bow to someone else and call her Mother Empress, her heart bleeding with hatred.
Her second brother's actions were becoming increasingly unreliable. Despite sending so many people, they still failed to prevent this woman from returning to the palace.
"This consort respectfully welcomes the Empress back to the palace."
Empress Wang's gaze finally fell upon Consort Yao. After many years, she seemed unchanged from back then, no wonder she could hold such favor in the harem.
"After a long separation, Consort Yao... I trust you are well." Empress Wang chuckled lightly.
However, the smile didn't reach her eyes.
She hadn't returned to become friends with anyone. The moment she decided to return to the palace, it was a matter of life and death between them.
Before Empress Wang could tell her to rise, Consort Yao stood up. "Your Majesty's concern is appreciated. This consort is doing well."
The palace was now her domain. She held the phoenix seal and managed all affairs of the harem; she was the mistress of this imperial palace.
She had already let her go; why did she have to come back?
Her return was seeking death!
There could only be one woman in charge in this harem!
Empress Wang ascended the steps, step by step. She recalled the day of her enthronement ceremony, how he had held her hand, walking across the long steps together towards the highest point.
But this time, she was alone.
No one would protect her anymore; she had to walk every path by herself.
A mother's strength was immense. This time, she would not take a single step back, nor would she let her son bear everything she should bear.
The civil and military officials prostrated themselves, shouting "Long live!" Xie Jia Yan stood at the very end of the procession. He watched the figure grow further and further away, ascending higher and higher.
His mother had returned, but from now on, he could no longer call her "Mother."
Xie Jia Yan lowered his gaze, his eyes turning red.
Mother!
Empress Wang's steps faltered. She suddenly looked back. Many people were kneeling below, and she knew her son was among them.
Eighteen years they had been separated, yet there was no day for their reunion.
As long as he was well, everything she did would be worth it.
Whatever he wished to do, she, as his mother, would wholeheartedly help him.