"Do you recognize this object?"
Upon hearing this, Emperor Xuanwen lifted his eyelids and looked. "This scepter was made by my father, the Emperor. Back then, because my mother, the Empress, had an injury to her right leg and found it inconvenient to move, he personally made this scepter to present to her."
"It is good that you remember," the Empress Dowager said in a hushed voice. "For over forty years since your father's passing, you were young, and enemy forces attacked the border. Within the imperial court, the princes were disloyal, aiming to usurp your throne. There were several rebellions, and they even forced their way into the court. It was I, your mother, who shielded you behind me and preserved your throne!"
"Mother, with your singular strength, you protected the Eastern Chu, nurtured me as I grew, and safeguarded my throne. Without you, of course, I would not be where I am today."
Emperor Xuanwen knelt before the Empress Dowager, his expression one of utmost deference.
"I do not want you to merely remember my contributions. What I want is for you to be able to guard the realm of the Eastern Chu. Even if I die, I will have the face to see your father and the ancestors. But you... you listen to the Liu clan's whispers and show undue favoritism to the Third Prince born of the Liu clan. For years, you have dismissed the Liu clan's transgressions as minor or insignificant, which is why they, mother and son, have become so presumptuous!"
The Empress Dowager sighed, her face etched with regret. She had known long ago that the Liu clan was unworthy of being empress, but it was because Emperor Xuanwen truly cherished the Liu clan.
Knowing that becoming emperor required sacrificing one's true affections, she did not wish for Emperor Xuanwen to abandon the woman he truly loved, which was why she had turned a blind eye and tolerated the Liu clan time and again.
Little did she expect that this indulgence would lead the Liu clan to become so brazen and their actions so outrageous.
What Chu Yanxi had done this time was undoubtedly with the Liu clan's connivance behind the scenes.
"Mother, the Empress and Yanxi have committed no wrong these past few days."
Having been reprimanded, Emperor Xuanwen had not yet grasped the reason for the Empress Dowager's anger.
"Committed no wrong..." The Empress Dowager snorted coldly and asked, "Did you order the Third Prince to lead a hundred thousand troops to reinforce Yingzhong Commandery?"
"Yes, I did instruct the Third Prince to proceed to Yingzhong Commandery. This matter... should have already reached Yingzhong Commandery."
Based on the timeline, they should indeed have reached Yingzhong Commandery by now. Perhaps the situation in Yingzhong was dire, prompting his mother's reprimand.
"The Third Prince, leading a hundred thousand troops, has not yet arrived at Yingzhong Commandery. Several hundred thousand troops are besieging Yingzhong Commandery, and General Ling is resisting to the death, isolated and without aid. Do you know of this?"
Emperor Xuanwen's expression suddenly froze. If they hadn't reached Yingzhong Commandery, then where had these hundreds of thousands of troops gone?
"Mother, please forgive me. I was unaware of this. Perhaps... perhaps there was a sudden situation during the march, which caused the delay."
Even now, Emperor Xuanwen was still making excuses for Chu Yanxi. In his heart, he already considered Chu Yanxi the Crown Prince. Coupled with the Liu clan's influence, he naturally showed more affection and protection towards the children born of the woman he loved.
The Empress Dowager's anger, which had slightly subsided, reignited. She glared at Emperor Xuanwen with disappointment, blaming herself for protecting him too thoroughly, which had led to his current foolishness. The matter was already evident, yet he was still trying to make excuses for them.
"Do you truly wish to see the Eastern Chu fall and its people annihilated? To this day, you still seek to make excuses for them. You... you..."
"Your Majesty, please calm your anger!" Eunuch Yun, sensing something was amiss, quickly stepped forward to support the Empress Dowager and helped her sit down.
"Mother... Mother..."
"Imperial Grandmother, quickly send for the imperial physician!"
"I am fine!" The Empress Dowager leaned back in her chair, her voice noticeably weaker.
"Emperor, I have always known of your deep affection for the Liu clan, and thus you have shown more favor to the Third Prince born of her. Among your sons, you have long intended to establish the Third Prince as the Crown Prince, but it was only because of my repeated objections that you did not."
"Mother, it is not that I deliberately favor Yanxi, but rather, among my five sons, only the Third Prince is exceptional and capable of bearing great responsibility."
Upon hearing this, Chu Chenyi's eyes dimmed. Although he had always known that his father disliked him, hearing these words firsthand still brought a pang of bitterness to his heart.
"Stop! How can you be so partial and not fear alienating your other imperial sons, thus causing discord between father and son?"
The Empress Dowager glared reproachfully at Emperor Xuanwen, then her gaze fell upon Chu Chenyi. This child had suffered grievances in his youth and was sensitive in nature; their father-son relationship likely had a rift now.
Emperor Xuanwen cast a glance at Chu Chenyi, finally realizing that his words had been a bit too harsh. However, as a father and as emperor, he could not bring himself to apologize, so he merely put on a stern facade.
If only his leg... if that incident hadn't happened back then, perhaps...
But now, everything had become a foregone conclusion, and further words were of no use.
"Ten thousand troops completely stalled, delaying military operations is a capital offense. The law shows no mercy, Emperor, you should know this!"
"Mother, perhaps the Third Prince..."
"Enough! Stop making excuses for him. No matter the reason, any delay in military operations is a capital offense. Send someone to bring Chu Yanxi back and imprison him. After the battle in Yingzhong Commandery concludes, he will be brought to justice."
The Empress Dowager's tone was firm and brooked no argument. Even if Emperor Xuanwen wished to favor Chu Yanxi, he could not find a way.
"Furthermore, the Empress, for her poor guidance of the imperial princes, despite the Third Prince's grave mistakes, is confined to the palace starting today. All matters will be handled by the Imperial Noble Consort."
"Additionally, Prince Jing, Chu Chenyi, will lead another hundred thousand troops to Yingzhong Commandery to aid Ling Mohan."
"Your grandson respectfully obeys Imperial Grandmother..."
"Hold!" Emperor Xuanwen interjected at an inopportune moment, objecting, "Mother, it is not that I am disrespecting you... but, but Prince Jing, after all, has difficulty with his legs. If he is to lead troops on campaign, I worry it will strain his body."
Ultimately, Emperor Xuanwen still felt uneasy about Chu Chenyi, which was why he was finding numerous excuses.
"Chenyi, stand up and take a few steps so your father can see if you are fit to lead an army."
"Your grandson obeys the decree!"
Chu Chenyi said respectfully. As he finished speaking, he gripped the armrests of his wheelchair and slowly stood up. Every movement drew Emperor Xuanwen's attention, and even when Chu Chenyi stood completely and walked to his side, he had not yet reacted.
"Your... your leg?"
Emperor Xuanwen was filled with disbelief. His leg had been broken earlier, and it had been determined that he would never be able to stand again in this life.
Today... today he was walking as freely as any ordinary person. This was simply incredible.
"Reporting to Father, my leg has recovered and is no different from that of a normal person. For years, I have been unable to be of service, causing Father worry."
"Good... good, for your leg to recover is the best thing." Emperor Xuanwen patted Chu Chenyi's shoulder, his eyes dark and unreadable, showing no hint of joy.