Chapter 381: The Bitter Third Prince
The Third Prince had spent over a month in the care of the Flying Cloud Tribe, and his health had considerably improved. At the behest of the Emperor, arrangements were made to retrieve him and bring him back to the palace.
When reflecting on the Third Prince’s early life, it was apparent that he had faced considerable challenges. His mother, Imperial Concubine Chen, had been the young mistress of the General’s residence. During the Emperor’s time as Crown Prince, she had held the position of secondary consort.
Upon the Emperor’s ascension to the throne, the Crown Princess Consort became the Empress, and Imperial Concubine Chen was granted the title of Noble Consort. However, unlike other alluring beauties, Imperial Concubine Chen had a more masculine and straightforward demeanor. She didn’t employ subtle charms, and, in any case, she did not fit the Emperor’s preferences.
Throughout her time in the palace, the Emperor had not favored her due to her connections with the General Manor. Nevertheless, after giving birth to the Third Prince, it seemed as though the Emperor regarded his duty as fulfilled and began to neglect her.
In a year, one could count the Emperor’s visits to her on one hand, and even when he did visit, he often did not stay the night. Imperial Concubine Chen couldn’t help but harbor resentment in her heart.
However, she dared not offend the formidable Emperor and could only vent her frustrations on the favored concubines. She relied on the General Manor’s influence and her status as the mother of the Third Prince, which made her actions somewhat arrogant.
This behavior only fueled the Emperor’s growing disfavor, and he had cautioned her repeatedly not to test his patience.
Meanwhile, the Empress watched Noble Consort Chen with a covetous eye. She was apprehensive about the General Manor’s influence and concerned that the Third Prince might pose a threat to the Crown Prince’s position as he grew older.
Taking advantage of an opportunity, the Empress successfully poisoned the Third Prince and pinned the blame on the favored concubine who had been tormented by Imperial Concubine Chen.