Chapter 630: Alone

Translator: Henyee Translations       Editor: Henyee Translations

The emperor harbored no remorse for his monstrous actions. He believed that with the crown prince’s demise, he could secure his own survival.

Even if the duke harbored aspirations to seize the throne, he knew the path would be gradual. They were not formidable enough at present, with a single General Manor causing them considerable trouble.

Taking calculated steps, they aimed to cripple the General Manor and elevate the crown prince to the throne with their support, positioning themselves as regents. This strategy would provide an opportunity to eliminate the General Manor.

Once rid of the General Manor, dealing with other civil and military officials would become much simpler, or so the emperor believed in his perceived cleverness.

However, he never anticipated being exposed after giving the crown prince a candy.

The revelation occurred somewhat coincidentally.

On that day, the little crown prince, delighting in osmanthus candy, inadvertently dropped a piece on the ground while laughing joyously.

Having arranged for individuals from the Public House to be discreetly present, a nanny swiftly retrieved the fallen candies. Following the examination, she discerned a troubling revelation: a slow-acting poison was present.

The effects would manifest in a few days.

Luckily, the crown prince had only consumed half of the candy, and timely treatment should ensure his well-being.

However, the Public House took a more indifferent stance, deeming it acceptable as long as the individual wasn’t deceased. The potential for lingering consequences seemed inconsequential to them.

Because once they successfully changed dynasties, the crown prince who had ascended the throne would inevitably face death. They wouldn’t tolerate any surviving members of the royal family.

Upon learning of this, the empress clutched the crown prince, tears streaming down her face. She never anticipated the emperor’s ruthless actions. Driven by an impulse to confront the emperor, she was restrained by Lord

State Duke.

“Pretend it didn’t happen. Save him some face.”

“But we won’t let him have contact with the Crown Prince in the future. The Crown Prince will be brought to the Public House. Someone will take care of him and provide education.”

He portrayed it as if the crown prince was truly destined to become the emperor, a ploy to deceive the empress.

The messenger who delivered this information was the empress’s elder brother, known for doting on her the most.

“If the emperor seeks you out again, treat him as usual.”

The empress’s eldest brother concealed the emotions in his eyes. He loved his sister but had no alternative. He dared not fathom the consequences when she discovered his deception.

Wiping away her tears, the Empress declared, “No, I don’t want to see him again! I want to pretend to be sick!” “I fear I won’t be able to control myself and will confront him!”

“Alright, just pretend to be sick!”

In any case, the Emperor, that despicable man, did not have a promising future.

The following afternoon, the emperor visited the empress as usual, only to be informed that she was unwell with a high fever.

Perplexed, the Emperor wondered why the empress, who seemed fine the previous night, had suddenly fallen ill.

“Your Majesty, please don’t come close. I’m afraid you’ll catch the illness.”

The emperor, despite his regal demeanor, found himself forcefully expelled from the door.

Within the Empress’s Palace, most individuals were affiliated with the Public House, rendering them unwilling to heed the emperor’s decrees.

Sensing that something was amiss, the emperor, driven by premonition, issued a decree to have the crown prince brought to him. To his dismay, he learned that the crown prince had already been relocated to the Public House.

It became evident to the Emperor that his nefarious scheme had been exposed, though the Public House refrained from explicitly pointing it out.

In the ensuing days, the emperor’s attempts to see the empress were consistently rebuffed.

Realizing the futility, the Emperor conceded defeat.

The Lord State Duke disclosed to the Grand Empress Dowager the emperor’s intention to poison the little crown prince. The Grand Empress Dowager, incensed to the point of breathlessness, remarked, “Look at the nature of the Chu royal family. Even a fierce tiger refrains from harming its cubs, yet he poisoned his own son.”

Waving her hand dismissively, she added, “Don’t trouble me with these trivial matters in the future. I don’t have many days left. I desire peace and quiet before I die.

Consequently, the Emperor found himself barred from the Empress Dowager’s presence. Isolated and estranged, he was left with only the company of the palace beauties..