Chapter 1192 - 1186: Sneaking out of the Palace
I still remember the days of her childhood, when she sneaked out of her household to play, passing through this small corner gate.
Stripped of her splendid attire and the ceremonial armor of the Empress, coupled with her suddenly aged appearance and white hair, incredibly, no one recognized her.
Following a servant, she went to Duke Jin Shien’s residence, which was prepared and devoid of others, save for Jin Shien himself.
The Empress gave a meaningful glance to Nanny Li, who consciously stood guard outside, leaving only the Empress to enter the study.
Duke Jin Shien, with his dimming eyesight, was straining to read a booklet, and only when he saw the Empress enter did he put it down.
"You’ve come."
"Grandfather!" The Empress’s eyes brimmed with tears as she knelt before Duke Jin Shien and said, "Your granddaughter has suffered so much this time..."
Duke Jin Shien calmly offered her a handkerchief to wipe her tears, "I know all about your situation, and it’s not your fault. Since the battle at Xining, our power has indeed waned significantly. Plus, the ensuing issues have had a great impact on us. It’s normal for the Emperor to seize any opportunity to deal with you.
That man... Sigh! I’ve told you before, you cannot reason with emotions when it comes to him. In the eyes of the Emperor, only interests matter. Whoever benefits him, he favors. Right now, the most important thing is to quickly find a few fertile concubines for King Jin, to bear a child. Even if it’s a daughter, it might silence Youyou’s many critics."
Today, the Empress had come precisely to discuss this matter with Duke Jin Shien. Upon hearing him say so, she couldn’t help but burst into tears on the spot.
Duke Jin Shien lived cunning as an old fox; he remained unmoved even if Mount Tai crumbled on top of him. Thus, he appeared very composed, sitting across from the Empress, motionless as he waited for her to stop crying.
After a long while, the Empress ceased her sobbing.
She was now somewhat afraid, fearing that revealing King Jin’s inability to father children might infuriate the old man, possibly angering him to death - what then?