Yuqiongyin

The Duke Zhenguo Mansion was shrouded in a solemn atmosphere today. The sunlight seemed to have become cautious, sprinkling in patches on the bluestone path in the courtyard.

The servants in the mansion came and went, but they held their breath and kept quiet, just because the current emperor was here in person.

Wei Ming was wearing a moon-white suit, his face looked haggard and regretful, as if he was really worried about the Queen leaving the palace.

He stood in the front hall of the Duke of Zhenguo's Mansion. The furnishings around him were familiar yet unfamiliar. His eyes slowly swept around, and every furnishing brought back memories of the past.

In his youthful years before he ascended the throne, he had come here countless times, full of ambition and deep calculations. At that time, he had tried his best to win over Xie Feisi.

Memories came flooding back like a tide. He recalled the smile he put on his face every time he came here. It seemed sincere, but in fact it was full of utilitarianism.

He brought precious gifts and tried to please Xie Feisi with earnest words. Every word he said was carefully considered, just to gain a place in the heart of this powerful official.

At those moments, he felt like an actor, performing hard on the stage of power just to gain the support that would help him ascend to the throne.

Until now, he still remembered those days when he was very cautious in front of the Duke of Zhenguo, and had to consider the other party's expression before speaking and doing things. The Duke of Zhenguo's seemingly kind but shrewd eyes seemed to be able to see through all his disguises.

Every conversation with the Duke of Zhenguo was like a war without the smoke of gunpowder. Even an unintentional frown from the other party could make him uneasy for a long time. He had to respond carefully and not reveal the slightest flaw.

At that time, although he felt unwilling and humiliated, he endured it all for the sake of the supreme throne.

Now, standing in this place again, Wei Ming's face was gloomy.

He was impatient as Xie Feisi had not arrived for a long time and was angry at his humble past self.

Those acts of flattery he had once done now seemed so shameful to him, and were stains on his road to power.

The Xie Mansion was like a mountain that had been weighing on his heart for years. Even though he had now ascended the throne, the feeling of being oppressed still lingered. Every corner of the Zhenguo Mansion now seemed to be mocking his weakness and helplessness back then.

But now, he is the master of the world, and this change of identity makes it even more difficult for him to let go of the past.

In this front hall, he seemed to see his younger self again, doing whatever it takes to achieve a goal.

The corners of his mouth were slightly raised, but there was no trace of a smile. It was a kind of self-mockery and disdain.

His feelings towards the Duke of Zhenguo became complicated, with both past dependence and exploitation as well as current fear and dissatisfaction.

The air around him seemed to become more depressing, and Wei Ming's eyes became colder. He knew that he had to take action to get rid of the shadow of the past and consolidate his imperial power.

All the flattery and solicitation that had taken place here will become history, and he will write a new chapter of his own without any restraints.

Thinking of this, Wei Ming's hands clenched unconsciously, as if he wanted to crush the invisible restraints and take power truly and completely into his own hands.

He will definitely trample the Duke of Zhenguo's Mansion under his feet.

His thoughts returned to him, and Wei Ming stood alone, like a silent sculpture.

At this time, a servant came forward quickly and said respectfully, "Your Majesty, the Queen has just woken up and is on her way here. Please wait a moment."

Wei Ming nodded slightly to show that he understood, his expression full of anxiety and uneasiness.

He looked at the door from time to time, waiting for the queen's figure.

After a long time, Xie Chenning finally arrived. She was wearing a plain palace dress, her figure was still graceful, but her expression was as cold as ice.

Her eyes swept across the emperor without any warmth, as if the person in front of her was just a stranger.

"Your Majesty, I am sorry for not coming to greet you in person." With this neither humble nor arrogant greeting, Xie Chenning walked over gracefully.

She had a graceful figure and a pretty face, but her cold eyes and calm tone of voice seemed to keep people away from her.

After standing still, she bowed slightly, her movements were graceful and dignified, but her face still had an indifferent and distant expression.

Wei Ming stared at the woman in front of him who had been haunting his dreams, and a pain surged in his heart.

He hurriedly took a few steps, came to Xie Chenning, and said anxiously: "Queen, it is my fault. I have come here today to apologize to you."

However, facing Wei Ming's sincere attitude, Xie Chenning only raised his eyebrows slightly, with a smile on his lips, and responded lightly:

"Your Majesty, what have you done wrong? Your Majesty is the Son of Heaven, your words are golden, and everything you do represents the will of the emperor. My Xie family is just a family of ministers, how dare I criticize your Majesty's actions?"

Her words seemed respectful, but in fact they were full of sarcasm, like a sharp sword, piercing Wei Ming's heart.

When Wei Ming heard this, his expression instantly turned ugly, revealing a hint of embarrassment.

But he still suppressed his inner discomfort, gritted his teeth and continued: "I will give the Xie family a satisfactory explanation for this matter. But the Queen Mother is my biological mother after all. Aren't the Xie family afraid of disregarding the reputation of the royal family with this action?"

After saying this, he stared at Xie Chenning with burning eyes, as if trying to catch even the slightest sign of relaxation from her expression.

Xie Chenning's face was solemn, her voice was low and powerful: "Then where does the emperor put the reputation of the Xie family and the reputation of the Duke of Zhenguo by doing this? As the saying goes, if the emperor breaks the law, he is guilty of the same crime as the common people. The emperor should not be biased." Xie Chenning said in a deep voice.

Wei Ming, who was standing aside, opened his mouth slightly, as if he wanted to explain something, but when the words came to his lips, they felt like a thorn in his throat and he could not utter a word.

At this moment, his heart was already ignited by an unknown fire. As the emperor, he had already condescended to admit his mistakes and ask for peace, but the queen was still so aggressive and refused to give up.

However, he knew very well that he was indeed in the wrong in this matter, and that his ability to sit firmly on the throne depended largely on the support of the Duke of Zhenguo's Mansion.

Even though Wei Ming was extremely angry, he could only suppress his anger and did not dare to flare up easily.

Wei Ming took a deep breath, trying to calm himself down, and then said slowly: "Queen, I know that the mistake made by my mother is unforgivable, please believe that I sincerely apologize to you on behalf of my mother.

Moreover, I have severely punished those treacherous villains who spread rumors and slandered my mother. Therefore, I beg the Queen to be magnanimous and forgive my mistakes and forgive my mother at the same time. "

After listening to Wei Ming's earnest words, Xie Chenning did not respond immediately, but turned around slowly, leaving Wei Ming with a cold back.

After a moment's silence, she said coldly, "If that's the case, I'll consider returning to the palace when the prince is three years old."

Her words were decisive, leaving no room for Wei Ming.

After saying that, she walked away without looking back, leaving Wei Ming standing there alone.

Wei Ming looked at her receding figure with a complicated expression. He wanted to reach out to keep her, but had to let go helplessly.

The Xie family is still a tough nut to crack as always.