Chapter 297: Don’t Keep Her
The Emperor’s motivation for addressing the Empress Dowager in this manner stemmed from the counsel of a Daoist priest. The priest had cautioned him that harming his savior would incur karmic consequences, a fate he wished to avoid not only for himself but for the entire royal family.
Qin Zhenzhen had not only rescued him but also safeguarded the lives of both the Empress Dowager and the Crown Prince. The Emperor recognized that if any harm befell him, it would likely set in motion a chain of tragic events. He foresaw the Eighth Imperial Uncle orchestrating the assassination of the Crown Prince, given their unusually close relationship, which left the Crown Prince vulnerable to manipulation.
The Empress Dowager, too, harbored deep-seated resentment toward Imperial Concubine Jiang. Were it not for the late Emperor’s decree to treat Imperial Concubine Jiang kindly, the Empress might have already eliminated her. While she refrained from murder, Imperial Concubine Jiang had endured the Empress Dowager’s vindictiveness. With the Eighth Imperial Uncle poised to seize power, it seemed highly likely that the first person Imperial Concubine Jiang would target would be the Empress Dowager herself.
Recognizing the Emperor’s stance, the Empress Dowager felt too ashamed to persist in her desire to eliminate Qin Zhenzhen and Grandma Qin. She reassured the Emperor, saying, "Rest assured, Your Majesty, I’m not a fool."
Although she had abandoned her plans to harm Qin Zhenzhen and the others, the Empress Dowager resolved to retain Qin Zhenzhen by her side. This arrangement would ensure that if she fell ill, Qin Zhenzhen could provide prompt care, potentially extending her life to a ripe old age. The Empress Dowager confided her intentions to the nanny in charge of her scheme.
The nanny in charge concealed her inner astonishment, delicately attempting to persuade the Empress Dowager. "Forgive my candidness, but while Miss Qin possesses remarkable medical skills, it may not be entirely appropriate to compel her to remain within the palace."
The Empress Dowager, curious, inquired, "What concerns you? Please, enlighten me."
The housekeeper, now emboldened, posed a question. "Empress Dowager, have you considered why Miss Qin is unwilling to return to the Jiang Family?"
The Empress Dowager pondered for a moment before responding, "It is likely that she wishes to avoid being exploited by the Jiang family. To put it plainly, she does not want to be treated as a mere tool by the Jiang family for their own gain."