Chapter 1978: Chapter 1916: Peaceful Coexistence

Empress Dowager Mo’s Thousand Autumns Festival is in late March, the 22nd year of Yonghe, and she is only forty-six; it’s not a full celebration. Considering several princes died at the end of last year, and Emperor Yan is now unwell, Empress Dowager Mo does not plan to host the festival.

"Royal Mother, for your Thousand Autumns, even if not a grand celebration, a small one would be nice. We can’t let you be wronged!"

In March, the rare sunny weather sees Emperor Yan being carried to the courtyard, lying on a Purple Sandalwood recliner, speaking with Empress Dowager Mo.

Separated by a small table, Empress Dowager Mo sits opposite him, holding a scroll of scripture. Behind them are two old apricot trees, currently in bloom, adorned with pink blossoms.

In the courtyard, not too close nor far away stands a group of serving eunuchs and palace maids, including the imperial physician.

Emperor Yan took medicine as fierce as tiger and wolf; although the Gu Insect in his body is controlled, his internal organs are greatly damaged, sometimes even causing him to faint from lack of blood supply. As such, his body is extremely frail, sustained with precious herbs, dragging each day as it comes.

Even so, there must always be someone to serve him, with the imperial physician on twelve-hour shifts standby, lest he goes into shock and can’t be resuscitated.

Therefore, Emperor Yan now resembles a fragile porcelain doll, weak, easily broken, unable to withstand the slightest disturbance.

Empress Dowager Mo glanced at him; he seemed exceedingly thin, his cheeks deeply sunken, a thick blanket covering him but slipping off.

She got up, personally pulled it up for him, then sat back down and said, "It’s just another birthday, happens every year, doesn’t have to be a full celebration. When the mourning family celebrates, you all can have some longevity noodles with me."

"It’s too much grievance for you."

"What’s there to grieve!" Empress Dowager Mo opened the scripture and said, "I’ve lived to this age, what good things haven’t I tasted or seen? As long as I don’t feel aggrieved, that’s all that matters."

Emperor Yan was about to speak again when Empress Dowager Mo shushed him, "It’s time to chant." Without waiting for Emperor Yan to speak, she continued from where she left off: "When the Bodhisattva Avalokitesvara practices deeply the Perfection of Wisdom, he perceives the five aggregates as empty and transcends all affliction..."

The gentle tone seemed to come from breaking through Buddhist emptiness, as the breeze blows, petals flutter down.

Emperor Yan glanced sideways at Empress Dowager Mo, her chanting making her more devout and gentle, a slight curl at his lips, a complex look in his eyes, part gratified, part reluctant.

Since that incident, when had they ever been so peaceful together?

Once back from the courtyard to the sleeping chambers, Emperor Yan leaned on the large welcoming pillow behind him, listening to Commander Zhao’s report.

"Hidden so deeply?" Emperor Yan’s pale face grew stern, chest rising and falling.

Empress Song disappeared, tracked for so long, yet still nowhere to be found. This made him very angry. Her repeated challenge of his authority, while he can only rely on others now, made him feel even more incompetent.

"Find her! Once found, kill without mercy!" Emperor Yan suddenly began coughing, grabbing a nearby handkerchief to cover his mouth.

"Calm your anger, Your Majesty, the imperial physician advises against getting angry!" Eunuch Lu promptly went to soothe his back, somewhat blaming Commander Zhao, thinking since the prince regent is overseeing the country, why must he trouble the emperor? Should the emperor collapse, then what?

Emperor Yan felt his throat itch, a sweet taste, looking at the handkerchief, the blood red color harsh to the eyes; he suddenly grinned, a bitter smile.

Eunuch Lu and Commander Zhao also saw this and were instantly terrified, falling to their knees: "Your Majesty..."

"Go!" Emperor Yan closed his eyes, tossed aside the handkerchief.

His health is deteriorating further; truly, it’s so frustrating!

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