Chapter 425: Choosing Life or Death
Princess Min Xiang at this time finally felt the fear and dread, also faintly realizing that she might have really made a mistake. The pain from her scalp also recounted to her that this older brother of hers wasn’t really that gentle and good-tempered like in the past. That kind of cold and gloomy feeling inside and out made her feel very much unfamiliar.
As such, Princess Min Xiang grabbed Li Hong Ming’s hand, attempting to alleviate the pain, but her body still uncontrollably trembled.
Li Hong Ming released her, and even rather gently stroked the top of her head, seemingly expressing his apology and placating her for pulling her hair. “Min Xiang, consort mother just had you protected too well, many things all not letting you know, and further not letting you partic.i.p.ate in, thus causing you to be naive and ignorant to the point of stupidity. This older brother in the past also didn’t feel there was anything wrong. As a girl, being a bit spoiled didn’t matter. After all, you are this prince’s only younger sister. However, until today, one finally learned how gravely mistaken one truly was, regretting the past. Min Xiang, actually, as you are right now, continuing to live is also just as a disgrace. By directly dying, one can still utilize that last remaining worth.”
Princess Min Xiang perhaps when first discovering that her body had been badly damaged, once produced the thought of ending her life, but now, with Li Hong Ming saying it like this, she didn’t want to die at all. Even if her body had flaws, so what? She was still a princess. She can still live a life of luxury. Even if others use a peculiar gaze to view her, no one would dared to mention a single word in front of her. Especially after deeply experiencing the dread of nearing death once at her fuma’s hands, right now, she exceedingly cherished her life. She didn’t want to die, absolutely don’t want to die.
But, the feeling Li Hong Ming gave her just now was too scary. Princess Min Xiang at this time also knew that if she were to forcibly retort him right now, she definitely will suffer, especially when in this room right now, aside from the two of them, there wasn’t a third person present. This older brother right now spoke of death every other line, so angering him now, don’t know what kind of ending it will be.
“Imperial brother, I know I was wrong, I was just too angry, thus didn’t consider the consequences. I wasn’t thinking of giving consort mother and you trouble, believe me……………”
This bit, Rui Qinw.a.n.g naturally believed. After all, all of Min Xiang’s confidence all came from them. Just, too angry thus didn’t consider the consequences? More like that brain simply never thought of this problem.
Speaking of which, it was also their fault, letting Min Xiang produce the misconception that they occupied an absolute advantage, thus resulting in her being this unrestrained. Moreover, even if he’d said severe consequences were brought about, she probably still haven’t truly realized the seriousness of the matter.
“………….Imperial brother, I don’t want to die, really don’t want to die. You and consort mother definitely have a way to resolve this matter, right? As long as this matter is resolved, I promise that I will be obedient, listening to you and consort mother on everything. Imperial brother, consort mother just has the two of us as her children. If I die, consort mother definitely will be heartbroken, and you also won’t be able to bear either, right?”
Li Hong Ming coldly watched and listened, looking to Princess Min Xiang like a dancing clown, clumsily putting on a play in front of him. That’s right, even as matters stand now, Princess Min Xiang still didn’t genuinely repent. Her weak and pitiful appearance right now was also nothing more than wanting to preserve her life. If she’d really comprehended this matter, then she wouldn’t be like this.
Seeing Princess Min Xiang more and more rigid as she spoke, nearly unable to maintain anymore, Li Hong Ming finally opened his mouth, “Min Xiang, you best remember your words right now. If in the future, you make a mistake again, I will let you die very miserably.”
Princess Min Xiang’s body trembled. She was able to tell, Li Hong Ming wasn’t joking with her in the slightest.
Li Hong Ming was contemplating another matter. If Min Xiang dies, things will probably be thoroughly smoothed out, but all things have its pros and cons. After all, the effects brought about by the things Min Xiang has done already exist. Even if this matter is smoothed out, the aftermath brought about still won’t disappear, acc.u.mulating here, and in the future, might become a dangerous factor.
At the door, Li Hong Ming’s servant lightly knocked, “w.a.n.gye, someone from the palace came. His Majesty has summoned the princess, fuma, and everyone else to enter the palace.”
“Understood.” Li Hong Ming already had an idea inside. As for his consort mother, he wasn’t really worried. Even if they haven’t informed her of what happened, she still won’t make a mistake, “Get changed and prepare to enter the palace.”
Needing to face Le Cheng Emperor at this time, Princess Min Xiang began to feel scared, subconsciously pulling Li Hong Ming’s sleeve, “Imperial brother, what to do? What to do?”
“What to do? Naturally it’s just doing what needs to be done. You don’t need to do anything, just needing to remain silent. The rest, consort mother and I will take care of. Remember, if you still want to live in luxury in the future, then regardless of what happens, all need to properly keep your mouth shut. If you were to accidentally say even a single thing that you shouldn’t say, then don’t even think about consort mother and I helping you. Understand?” Li Hong Ming’s face at this time was indescribably cold.
Princess Min Xiang nodded with all her might.
The people serving by Princess Min Xiang’s side, not a single one escaped punishment, but as long as they haven’t thoroughly collapsed, then at this time, have to crawl up to serve their master, and enter the palace together with their master.
Princess Min Xiang needed to be put in order, but it can’t be too much either, emphasizing on just right. After all, at this time, they also need to play the emotion card.
The time spent was neither long nor short. When meeting Le Cheng Emperor, the inner court attendants were still doing their own things, and Le Cheng Emperor was also still handling that mountain-like pile of memorandums. Below the imperial desk knelt the straightly erected yet seemingly very weak n.o.ble Consort Su. Clearly, she wasn’t crying, nor saying anything, yet it made one feel extremely sorrowful.
Fifth fuma got lifted in. Having lost that much blood, yet still able to remain conscious, it was also considered surprising.
Seeing the ma.s.s of people kneeling below, each and every one, if not injured, then crippled, Le Cheng Emperor also couldn’t help but darken his expression. Afterwards, the things on the imperial desk loudly shattered everywhere.
The heavenly son enraged, not one wasn’t keeping quiet out of fear.
“Speak, exactly what happened? Think carefully before speaking. This emperor won’t give you all a second chance.” Le Cheng Emperor expressionlessly said.
Because of this one line, even Li Hong Ming all couldn’t help but somewhat tremble in fear. Although as the father, as the husband, he won’t because of this matter just have them stripped of n.o.bility, locked in confinement, or thrown into the cold palace, but if not handled well, they will lose his favor. He never believed that this imperial father of his will chose an heir to the throne based on rationality, not mixing in any feelings. He was partial towards Li Hong Yuan, but absolutely won’t have the throne given to him. However, Li Hong Yuan was a special case. Towards the other sons, the situation wasn’t the same. The situation was very complicated, but thoroughly losing the emperor’s favor, definitely will sever certain possibilities.
n.o.ble Consort Su at this time was also exceptionally nervous. Her worries actually far surpa.s.sed her son’s. An emperor deposing a consort was far easier and far more common than deposing a son. Even a simple ‘losing one’s manners before the emperor’ can result in one getting demoted and thrown into the cold palace.
If there wasn’t estrangement between her and Yuan’er, with him mediating in the middle, n.o.ble Consort Su wouldn’t even be worried in the slightest.
Carefully thinking it over, in the past, it seemed something similar had happened before. Just, it was seemingly insignificant, and before anything happened, it already disappeared without a trace because of Yuan’er. Because it truly didn’t cause any waves, even n.o.ble Consort Su all didn’t have too deep of an impression. However, now, those memories strangely became even clearer. In this moment, n.o.ble Consort Su desperately hoped for her relations.h.i.+p with her foster son to still be like in the past. Then, at this time, perhaps he would’ve already entered the palace.