Now that Chu Yanxi was gone, he could not bear to let Madam Liu continue to suffer in the cold palace. He feared that Chu Yanxi would not rest in peace in the netherworld.
"Your Majesty, if you release her rashly, what if the Empress Dowager blames you..."
"I will speak to the Empress Dowager. You go and release Madam Liu with my imperial decree!"
It was the Empress Dowager herself who ordered Madam Liu to be confined to the cold palace this time. If he released Madam Liu without authorization, the Empress Dowager would surely be displeased. Only by explaining to the Empress Dowager himself, and accepting any punishment she might impose, would it suffice.
"Yes, Your Majesty."
...
"Madam Liu, heed the imperial decree."
The eunuch delivering the decree strode in, looking down at Madam Liu, who was clad in coarse cloth and whose hair was somewhat disheveled.
Seeing that Madam Liu remained unmoved, a hint of displeasure flickered across the eunuch's face. He cleared his throat and continued patiently, "Madam Liu, His Majesty's imperial decree has arrived. Why do you not hasten to kneel and receive it!"
"What are you, a eunuch, to dare order this palace to kneel!"
Even if she was no longer 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 candlelight before her.
"If you have something to say, speak it directly. Otherwise, get out quickly and do not taint this palace's space!"
The eunuch was insulted. If Madam Liu had dared to act like this yesterday, he would not have let it go. But now that His Majesty had issued a decree, it would be difficult for him to explain if he continued to treat Madam Liu in this manner.
Forcing down his anger, the eunuch rolled his eyes, thinking that she still believed herself to be the high and mighty Empress, when in reality, she was merely a fallen prisoner.
"His Majesty has decreed that the Third Prince, Chu Yanxi, has committed suicide. It has now been ascertained that Madam Liu was not the mastermind of the rebellion. While her death sentence is commuted, she is not exempt from punishment. She is to be confined to Chongyang Palace."
"Xi'er... What did you say, what did you just say!"
Upon hearing the news of Chu Yanxi's suicide, Madam Liu's composure instantly shattered. She staggered to her feet, lunged forward, grabbed the eunuch's collar, and questioned him as if she had gone mad.
"The Third Prince... the Third Prince has committed suicide..."
"Impossible... impossible..."
Madam Liu collapsed to the ground, her heart wracked with pain. Her son... how could her Xi'er be gone like this? It was impossible... impossible...
"The Third Prince has indeed passed. This is the blood letter left by the Third Prince, which His Majesty asked me to deliver to you. You will understand everything upon reading it."
As per Emperor Xuanwen's instructions, the eunuch took out the final blood letter written by Chu Yanxi from his怀中 and handed it to Madam Liu.
Madam Liu eagerly opened the blood letter and read it, almost weeping. Tears fell uncontrollably onto the letter, mixing with the blood, blurring many of the characters.
Clutching the blood letter tightly, she wished she could meld it into her very bones. It was all her fault for her son's death.
If she had not instigated Chu Yanxi to rebel, if she had not constantly urged Chu Yanxi to vie for the throne, if she had not been so obsessed with the position of Empress Dowager, then Chu Yanxi would have lived a life of peace. She had, with her own hands, driven her son to his death.
In the end, Chu Yanxi, to protect her, willingly sacrificed himself. Madam Liu was filled with regret. The moment she lost Chu Yanxi, she realized how terribly wrong her actions had been. If she could choose again, she would never have walked this path.
"Let's go, to Chongyang Palace. The Third Prince sacrificed his life to save you, so you must live well to let the Third Prince rest in peace in the netherworld."
The eunuch's tone softened slightly. She had been Empress, but chose to commit such treasonous acts, and this was the consequence. Truly, she had brought it upon herself.
Madam Liu forced her aging body to stand. How she wished it were she who had died. As long as she could bring Chu Yanxi back, she would willingly descend into the eighteen levels of hell.
Her life had been bought with Chu Yanxi's. No matter what, she had to live well, for the sake of Chu Yanxi.
Having been confined in the dark and desolate cold palace for several days, she was unaccustomed to the sunlight upon emerging. She instinctively raised her hand to shield her eyes.
"Let's go, don't delay. I must report back quickly."
The eunuch urged her from behind. Having committed the grave offense of rebellion, it was fortunate that her life was spared. The Emperor was benevolent to allow Madam Liu to leave the cold palace and reside in Chongyang Palace; it was already an immense favor.
"This is Chongyang Palace?"
Madam Liu looked at the palace before her, finding it completely unfamiliar. She never thought she would be able to leave the wretched cold palace in her lifetime, let alone reside in such a palace again. It was as if she were dreaming.
"This is Chongyang Palace. What's wrong? It can't compare to Fengzao Palace where you used to live..."
Madam Liu did not reply to the eunuch but walked inside. Having a decent place to live was already very good.
Looking at the spotlessly clean room and the clean bedding before her, it was like comparing heaven and earth to her days in the cold palace. There was simply no comparison.
"These two palace maids were personally selected by His Majesty to attend to you. Tell them if you need anything. His Majesty said that you are to conduct yourself appropriately here, Madam Liu."
Delivering Emperor Xuanwen's final words, the eunuch rose and left.
When Madam Liu looked at the two palace maids before her, a hint of timidity flashed in her eyes. She was now isolated and alone, a convicted 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 so with all our heart."
Hearing these words, Madam Liu felt slightly less tense but did not let down her guard. She merely nodded faintly and said nothing more.
...
"Your Majesty, 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. He has also assigned two attendants to her."
The Empress Dowager's hand, which was practicing calligraphy, trembled slightly. She put down the brush and said, "Chu Yanxi is dead, which means one worry has been resolved. As for Madam Liu, she cannot cause any great disturbance. Let her remain in Chongyang Palace and be well cared for."
With Chu Yanxi dead, Madam Liu posed no threat. Since the Emperor still harbored some affection, it was best to care for her, which would also be fulfilling Emperor Xuanwen's wish.
"Go and tell the Emperor that he may handle Madam Liu's affairs himself. This empress is tired. Do not report these trivial matters to me anymore. I wish not to manage them."
"Yes, Your Majesty. Your servant will go now."