A woman is weak, but a mother is strong

"Mr. Chunyu, why is it you?"

Jun Shaochen could never have imagined that the black-clad masked person would be Chunyu Qinghua, the person whom the emperor trusted the most by his side.

Upon seeing Chunyu Qinghua, Su Zimo suddenly recalled the attire of that man. She wondered why it felt somewhat familiar. It turned out to be Chunyu Qinghua's.

"Indeed, it is me," Chunyu Qinghua's face turned cold.

"You must release Rong'er. I will bear all the blame alone."

"No, Brother Hua, you have already done too much for Rong'er. How can Rong'er live a cowardly life while you die in her place?"

Jun Yue Rong stepped forward and grabbed Chunyu Qinghua's arm. She was already Brother Hua's woman. If they were to live, they would live together. If they were to die, they would die together.

Their gaze shifted to Su Zimo. "Are you Su Zimo?"

"Indeed," Su Zimo nodded indifferently.

"You destroyed everything for me."

Su Zimo raised her gaze and glanced at Jun Yue Rong.

"Did I destroy everything for you, or did you destroy everything for yourself?"

Su Zimo coldly retorted.

"What do you mean by that?"

Jun Yue Rong suppressed the anger within her and stared coldly at the woman who had ruined the pagoda she had built with her own hands.

Su Zimo gently parted her lips and spoke calmly, "You had the dream of becoming an empress, and that was not wrong. What was wrong was that you were not strong enough. Your strength was not enough to support your success. That's why you failed."

"Strength is just a short word. You belittle what I have achieved. There are countless strong people in this world, but none of them can compare to what I have accomplished."

Jun Yue Rong roared uncontrollably!

"Didn't you, Su Zimo, also choose to commit suicide because of a divorce letter? What right do you have to say this to me?"

Jun Yue Rong silently shed tears.

Chunyu Qinghua looked at her with a pained expression and gently wiped away the tears on her face with his distinct hands.

"Yes, Su Zimo was weak and chose to commit suicide because of a divorce letter. Unfortunately, she did not die. Women are naturally weak, but when they become mothers, they become strong. My three children have become the pillars of my strength. Even though the road is tough, when I see the innocent smiles of my children, my heart gains strength to move forward."

Su Zimo spoke calmly. Then, her tone changed as she continued, "Furthermore, your abilities did not match your ambitions. Your plan as a fake princess was poorly executed, and it was easy for people to see through your flaws. You were too desperate. As soon as you heard that you were to be married off to the Crown Prince of Zisang, you immediately thought of faking your death. That was another move that exposed your true self."

"If it weren't for you, how could I have failed?"

Chunyu Qinghua angrily retorted, feeling the pain and unwillingness in Rong'er's heart.

"This is quite interesting. The people you arranged to handle this were so foolish. If my two sons hadn't been imprisoned, perhaps the princess would be truly dead by now, and your plan would have proceeded smoothly."

"Your two sons have been rescued from the prison. Why do you still insist on pushing us to a dead end?"

Jun Yue Rong stopped crying, and all that remained was anger.

"If the truth is not investigated, my two sons will forever be under suspicion."

"You..."

Su Zimo turned away, no longer interested in arguing with Jun Yue Rong. The pitiful person would have something hateful about them. What was left for Jun Yue Rong now was not self-blame and regret, but rather resentment.

"Mr. Chunyu, Yuerong, you must come back with me to the palace. I believe the emperor already knows about this matter. We must go back and explain the reasons and let the emperor decide."

"Your Highness, can you let Rong'er leave, considering our sibling relationship, and give her a chance at life?"

Chunyu Qinghua pleaded, realizing the slim chances of success. He knew Emperor Haoyue too well, and Jun Shaochen would also face a greater blow.

"I'm afraid that won't be possible," Jun Shaochen insisted, as he had his own questions that needed answers.

Upon hearing this, Chunyu Qinghua seemed to have made a decision and reached out towards the wall.

"Chunyu Qinghua, if you want to plunge yourself and Princess Yuerong into an irredeemable abyss, you can trigger the mechanism. Just make sure you won't regret it."

Su Zimo quickly spoke up, her voice laced with a hint of nervousness that was difficult to detect.

Chunyu Qinghua's hand trembled slightly, but slowly retracted.

"Master Zhuang, does that mean there is still a chance to salvage the situation?"

Su Zimo narrowed her eyes, realizing that Chunyu Qinghua was indeed astute.

Muyun Xuan's eyes flickered, and he asked, "Momo, what do you want to do?"

"That depends on whether Mr. Chunyu and Princess Yuerong are willing to cooperate."

"What do you want to know?"

"The reason behind your actions."

Chunyu Qinghua lowered his gaze, contemplating whether or not to reveal the truth to Su Zimo and the others.

"Hua Gege..."

"If you speak up, there might still be a chance. After all, Emperor Haoyue is not present, and His Highness is benevolent. This is your only opportunity."

Su Zimo knew there must be a story behind all this, and part of her decision to act this way was because of Muyun Xuan.

Perhaps Chunyu Qinghua and the others knew something they hadn't said yet.

"Hua Gege..." Jun Yue Rong shook her head at him.

"Rong'er, calm down, alright? Didn't Rong'er say that she wants to be with me forever?" Chunyu Qinghua's tone was gentle. Rong'er was already too fragile at this point.

"Alright! Hua Gege, Rong'er will listen to you."

As if making a decision, Jun Yue Rong held onto Chunyu Qinghua's arm. He had done so much for her, and she couldn't let him die with her. Since there was a chance, they might as well give it a try.

Chunyu Qinghua turned to Jun Shaochen and asked, "Your Highness, what do you think?"

Jun Shaochen smiled warmly, "I will give you an answer after hearing everything."

"Good!" Chunyu Qinghua knew that Jun Shaochen was benevolent, and perhaps...!

Muyun Xuan narrowed his eyes. While he could save their lives, he wondered about the reasons behind Mo'er's actions. Mo'er's heart was perhaps too soft.

"Mo'er has her reasons for doing this," Chunyu Qinghua said, calming his emotions and continuing, "Rong'er is not Li Guifei's daughter but the Empress's daughter. The Empress switched her with Li Guifei's daughter."

Except for Jun Shaochen, Su Zimo, Muyun Xuan, and the Su brothers all stared wide-eyed in astonishment.

"That child...?" Su Zimo almost confirmed in her mind that the child was Jun Shaochen.

"Yes, Your Highness is indeed Li Guifei's son. When Rong'er was twelve years old, she overheard this matter and her world turned dark. At that time, I often followed my father into the palace and coincidentally met Rong'er. Over time, feelings developed between us. Later, when I learned about the pain in Rong'er's heart, I helped her plan everything step by step, leading her down an irreversible path."

Chunyu Qinghua regretfully lowered his gaze. It was all his fault.

"Chunyu Gege, it's not your fault."

Chunyu Qinghua patted her hand, holding it tightly. Regardless of whose fault it was, it didn't matter anymore. What mattered was that they all needed to survive.

"The Empress, Ji Wuer, has a dignified appearance and imposing aura. I didn't expect her to do such a thing. The royal family is truly chaotic! Emperor Haoyue didn't even know that his own child was switched. If the child was switched, the Empress would surely kill to keep it a secret. Did the Empress kill Li Guifei?"

"Slap!" Su Zimo's hand landed on Su Qi's head. "What nonsense are you spouting? Aren't you old enough to be more mature? Instead of blabbering, you should spend more time studying and cultivating!"

Su Qi was bewildered by his mother's sudden outburst. He wondered, "Mother, I haven't done anything to offend you today. Why are you always targeting me?"

Though Muyun Xuan felt a bit uncomfortable, he still advised, "Qi'er, your mother is right. Listen to her and behave. Your mother is only doing what's best for you."

Su Qi pursed his lips, looking displeased. "I was just speaking casually. There's no one else here, and would I say such things in front of Emperor Haoyue?"

Su Qi shook his head. He was afraid, deeply afraid. His father was extremely timid, and his mother was like a tigress.

Su Zimo looked at Jun Yue Rong and said, "Even in front of Emperor Haoyue, there might still be some options. You can tell him the truth, and there might be a chance to salvage the situation."

Su Zimo then looked at Jun Shaochen and said, "Your Highness, I know you're also in a dilemma, but there are things that can be handled with discretion."

Jun Shaochen calmed his emotions and smiled faintly, "Zhuangzhu, it's probably too late for that. I'm afraid the secret guards under Father have already discovered this matter. Mr. Chunyu, Yue Rong, for now, you should go back with me. I believe Father also doesn't want this matter to escalate, and I will do my best to protect your lives."

"As long as we can survive, I will take Rong'er away from Emperor Haoyue and find a peaceful place to live a stable life. There will be no desire for revenge."

"Mr. Chunyu is someone trustworthy."

Muyun Xuan suddenly spoke up, and Su Zimo looked at him in surprise. When did he start speaking up for others?

"Why are you looking at me like that?" Muyun Xuan chuckled as he looked at her.

"You've changed a lot," Su Zimo thought for a moment and said.

"After this incident, it's indeed difficult for Qinghua to stay by Emperor Haoyue's side. It means that Qinghua will have no authority in the court, no power, status, or influence. Death and leaving are the best choices," Chunyu Qinghua quietly said.

"Then let's go back first!" Jun Shaochen said.

For someone with no hope of advancement, the best option was to ensure the current situation as much as possible, seek a stable life, and leave!

When they returned to the palace, it was already late at night.

Su Zimo asked Su Li and Su Ye, the two brothers, to go back and rest first. She and Muyun Xuan, along with Jun Shaochen and the others, went into the palace to meet the emperor.

In the Jiaoyang Hall, Emperor Haoyue, sitting on the main seat, looked disappointed when he saw Jun Yue Rong and Chunyu Qinghua. His tired face was full of disappointment.

"Father."

"Your Majesty."

Chunyu Qinghua and Jun Yue Rong knelt heavily before Emperor Haoyue.

"Rong'er, Qinghua, you have truly disappointed Us."

Emperor Haoyue shook his head, a pained expression in his eyes as he closed them.

"Father! It's Rong'er's fault. Rong'er couldn't accept being abandoned by her birth mother, so she did this rebellious act."

"Rong'er, you're confused! Your birth mother didn't abandon you..." Suddenly, Emperor Haoyue felt that something was amiss and asked sharply, "What do you mean by your birth mother?"

"Father, may you summon the Empress here? This matter is related to her."

Jun Yue Rong suggested.

"Granted. Qinqing, immediately summon the Empress," Emperor Haoyue ordered.

"Yes, Your Majesty!" Qinqing, the eunuch, dared not delay and hurriedly went to fetch the Empress.

Ji Wuer felt somewhat uneasy when she was brought to the Jiaoyang Hall. She had a sense that something bad was about to happen.

"Qinqing, is something happening in the Jiaoyang Hall? It's so late. What's going on?" The Empress stopped in her tracks and asked Qinqing.

"Empress, I only know that Princess Yue Rong and Mr. Chunyu have returned, so Emperor Haoyue summoned the Empress."

After speaking, Qinqing, with a bent waist, continued walking forward.

Huang Mama, supporting the Empress, followed behind her anxiously.

"I greet Your Majesty!" The Empress respectfully saluted Emperor Haoyue.

"Rong'er, the Empress is here now. You may speak."

Emperor Haoyue's gaze turned from the Empress to Jun Yue Rong.

"Rong'er, it's good to see that you're safe!"

The Empress walked excitedly towards Jun Yue Rong.

"Don't come near me!" Jun Yue Rong yelled in agitation.

The smile on the Empress's face froze. She was overjoyed to see Yue Rong return and momentarily forgot that they were not close.

Jun Yue Rong glanced at the Empress and hardened her heart. "Father, it was the Empress who exchanged me with the Crown Prince back then. The Crown Prince is Li Guifei's biological child."

"Rong'er, what nonsense are you spouting?" the Empress angrily retorted. She knew that these words could send her into an abyss.

Jun Yue Rong raised her gaze, let out a cold smile, and raised an eyebrow. "Whether I'm spouting nonsense or not, you know it in your heart. When I was twelve years old, I overheard you and Huang Mama discussing this matter. As for how Li Guifei died, only you truly know."

Upon hearing this, the Empress completely lost her composure. She couldn't believe what Jun Yue Rong was saying. How could Yue Rong possibly know?

Su Zimo coldly watched their exchange. If Yue Rong didn't know, she wouldn't have resorted to such actions. However, it was understandable since living in the palace exposed one to schemes and intrigues. Yue Rong was intelligent and perceptive, but not skilled in manipulation.

"Bang!" Emperor Haoyue slammed his hand on the sandalwood table angrily and shouted, "Empress, do you have anything to say now?"

The Empress snapped back to reality and immediately knelt on the ground.

"Your Majesty, she must not be Yue Rong. She has the audacity to impersonate Yue Rong and frame me."

The Empress pointed angrily at Jun Yue Rong.

Jun Yue Rong looked at the Empress with a sarcastic smile. How could someone who couldn't even recognize her own daughter be fit to be a mother?

"Cough... Rong'er, don't get agitated," Chunyu Qinghua anxiously held onto Jun Yue Rong.

Jun Yue Rong looked at Chunyu Qinghua with a pained smile.

"Hua gege, isn't Yue Rong's life pitiful? To be abandoned and..."

"No, Yue Rong, you haven't forgotten. You still have me."

Chunyu Qinghua tightly held her hand, giving her the strength to endure.

"That's right! Yue Rong still has Hua gege."

Jun Yue Rong leaned against Chunyu Qinghua's embrace and sobbed softly.

Emperor Haoyue looked at them with a solemn expression, full of pain. If he made any mistakes, it was his fault as a father for not protecting his children.

The Empress anxiously thought about a way to escape. She had almost climbed to her current position, how could she not have ambitions? That's why she had exchanged Yue Rong and Chen er back then. She didn't hesitate to use schemes to get the Emperor into her bed. With the Emperor's feelings for Li Manqi, how could he willingly enter her chamber? For her future, could she not plan for herself? But she had been so discreet, yet in the end, someone still found out.

"Guards, take the Empress and Huang Mama to the dungeon and await further punishment."

Emperor Haoyue ordered ruthlessly.

Four guards swiftly entered the hall.

Huang Mama closed her eyes. She had long known that this would be the outcome.

"No, Your Majesty, you can't easily believe her words. She must not be Yue Rong. She deliberately framed me," the Empress pleaded.

The Empress shouted loudly in an agitated voice.

"Take her away."

"Yes, Your Majesty."

Four guards stepped forward and lifted the Empress, who was sitting on the ground.

"Chen'er, why aren't you saying anything? I am your mother and concubine!" The Empress pleaded for help, looking at Jun Yue Rong.

Jun Yue Rong averted his gaze. It wasn't that he lacked emotions, but her actions were despicable. If he were to save her, how could his deceased mother rest in peace?

The Empress looked hopeless, her face ashen, as the guards dragged her away.

Su Zimo sighed softly. At least, she believed that being a member of the royal family was not as glamorous as it seemed. Utilizing others and being used, that's how it often went.

"Rong'er, get up. Your father doesn't blame you. If anyone is to blame, it's your father for not protecting you well."

Emperor Haoyue didn't know what he was feeling, but he knew that Yue Rong hadn't had an easy life all these years.

"Father, I'm grateful that you don't blame Yue Rong. Yue Rong truly appreciates it. But, Father, Hua gege did everything for Yue Rong's sake. Yue Rong pleads with Father to spare Hua gege as well!"

"Qinghua, let me ask you, do you truly love Yue Rong?"

Emperor Haoyue looked at Chunyu Qinghua with a serious expression.

Although their betrayal had greatly affected him, they were still his daughter and the person he trusted the most.

"Your Majesty, Qinghua and Yue Rong truly love each other."

Chunyu Qinghua looked at Emperor Haoyue with determination.

From that resolute gaze, Emperor Haoyue saw trust.

"Qin Gonggong, announce to the world that Princess Yuerong passed away due to a prolonged illness on the 18th day of the third month at the capital of Haoyue Kingdom. All the taverns and shops in the capital will be closed for three days, and all entertainment activities will be suspended to mourn the princess."

"As you command, Your Majesty!"

Qin Gonggong respectfully responded and walked away.

"Thank you, Father!"

"Thank you, Your Majesty!"

Chunyu Qinghua knew that Emperor Haoyue's decision was already his greatest compromise.

"Go and have the life you desire. Your father cannot provide you with that in this palace. Yunxuan, your cultivation is excellent! Shall we arrange for them to leave the city overnight?"

After speaking, Emperor Haoyue supported his forehead, closed his eyes, and didn't want to say anything more.

Jun Yue Rong wanted to say something, but seeing his father's expression, he knew that his father wanted to be alone.

"Father, I will also go and bid farewell to Yue Rong."

Chunyu Qinghua and Jun Yue Rong exchanged a glance, both kneeling on the ground and respectfully kowtowing three times.

Outside the city, silence filled the air, making people's hearts uneasy.

Chunyu Qinghua gratefully looked at Su Zimo and Mu Yunxuan.

"Thank you! Qinghua will always remember this favor."

"Life is full of storms. If Chunyu Qinghua has enough tolerance and responsibility, and can face life and death together, Princess Yuerong is a fortunate person."

Su Zimo smiled at them. Chunyu Qinghua would definitely be able to give Jun Yue Rong a happy life.

"Su Zimo, thank you! Also, I'm sorry that your two sons ended up in the prison for no reason. If I could start over, I would like to have met you earlier and become your friend."

Upon hearing this, Su Zimo smiled and let go of any past grievances.

"If the princess doesn't mind, we are friends from now on."

"Can it really be?" Jun Yue Rong looked excitedly at Su Zimo.

"Hello! My name is Su Zimo. From today onwards, we are friends."

Su Zimo extended her hand and smiled at Jun Yue Rong.

Jun Yue Rong felt a sense of warmth in her hand and saw Su Zimo's sincere smile. It felt like a rebirth, a fresh start.

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