Chapter 125 – The Widow’s Adopted Daughter (final part)

In order to take over as soon as possible, Li Qi Ming got married at the age of 14. He married Official Zhen’s legitimate daughter. After the wedding, the regent and the ministers happily surrendered their power. Although there were some disturbances, Li Qi Ming successfully recovered all the power and became the real emperor!

Before he could breathe a sigh of relief, Li Qi Cheng went to change the accounts. He passed on the position of Prince Yan to his eldest son. Afterwards, he invited Li Su to stroll across the lands. Of course, Imperial Princess An He and Xiao Zhen Shu were also there.

In fact, Li Qi Cheng did not really want them around, but Li Su said that if he didn’t take them along, then she wouldn’t go. After all, more people made things more fun.

Li Qi Cheng reluctantly agreed.

Imperial Princess An He was very happy and went to the palace to say goodbye to her 18th uncle before she left.

Li Qi Ming arranged for a dozen guards to protect Imperial Princess An He. In fact, everyone knew what the real purpose was.

Everyone thought that Li Qi Cheng would object, but Li Qi Cheng just glanced at the guards before running to Li Su to show his hospitality.

Li Su didn’t speak either. Li Qi Ming was a little overwhelmed. Everyone could see what Li Qi Cheng was doing in recent years, but he was still not at ease. At any rate, everything was over. Li Qi Ming succeeded in taking the reins of the office, Yong An Mansion was safe and sound, and Li Qi Cheng was alive and well.

It was very good.

In the past few years, Li Su had some feelings for Li Qi Cheng. Of course, they weren’t feelings of love, but of friendship and familial affection. She didn’t want Li Qi Cheng to be suspected and be the subject of jealousy in the capital, so she simply pretended to walk around and coaxed Li Qi Cheng to leave with her. The little emperor should be able to rest assured this time!

The only thing she worried about now was Si Qin. The little emperor got married, but did not let Si Qin leave the palace. Si Qin was very embarrassed because she was in an awkward position.

But, Si Qin was very open. They had met a few times and Si Qin had said everything was fine, so she didn’t think about it. This time, when she left the capital, Si Qin was unable to see her off. She heard that His Majesty was ill and that Si Qin had to attend to him. However, Si Qin had ordered someone to send some silver and a message to ask her to take care of herself and to have a smooth journey.

Li Qi Cheng and Li Su took a carriage to Tongzhou Wharf, got on a boat, and went south down the Grand Canal.

They stopped along the way and had fun.

Even when they left the capital, they still received a steady stream of news regarding the capital. The capital also received news about them.

Three months after Li Qi Ming’s wedding, Empress Qi was pregnant. Nine months later, the empress gave birth. Li Qi Ming was very happy and registered him as the crown prince!

Immediately after, Li Qi Ming decreed that the grandchild from Yong An Mansion was conferred the title of Highest-Ranking Imperial Concubine.

Li Su was shocked. Wasn’t this referring to Si Qin? Si Qin became the Highest-Ranking Imperial Concubine?

Li Su and Xiao Zhen Shu looked at each other without saying a word.

Imperial Princess An He started counting the order of seniority in the family. “Su Su and seventh uncle are in the same generation. Seventh uncle is my seventh uncle. Husband is Su Su’s cousin. Si Qin is husband’s niece, and His Majesty is my eighteenth uncle…” This was such a mess. Why did she feel like her brainpower wasn’t enough!

“Don’t worry. That guy is shrewd. He specifically waited until the empress gave birth to a prince before making Si Qin his concubine. He thoroughly considered the reaction from everyone. He is also attentive,” said Li Qi Cheng.

Li Su could not conceal her worries. “Si Qin is a few years older than His Majesty. She is first named the Highest-Ranking Imperial Concubine. This…”

“Don’t worry. Your daughter is my daughter. How could I just sit back and watch?! Don’t worry, nobody dares to talk too much. In fact, Si Qin’s qualifications are more than enough to be the empress. In front of so many watchful eyes, he established the Mrs. Qi as the empress in order to be able to govern smoothly,” Li Qi Cheng said disdainfully.

Li Su glared at him.

“Su Su, should we return?” Xiao Zhen Shu frowned.

“What will you do if you return? If Yong An Mansion had the ability to stop this, then they would have. It will be too late if you go back.” Li Qi Cheng rolled his eyes. “I don’t know what you are worrying about. If Si Qin was unwilling, then she has a hundred ways to persuade the little emperor to dispel this idea. Since she didn’t do that, then she must be willing. Besides, she and the little emperor can be regarded as childhood sweethearts. Even if Mrs. Qi is the empress, they are not comparable. They have feelings and status, so there is nothing to worry about.”

Although Li Qi Cheng’s words were simple and crude, they weren’t unreasonable. Besides, they really couldn’t do anything if they rushed back now.

Within a few days, Li Su received a letter from the capital from Si Qin. The letter said that His Majesty had discussed her becoming a consort. After careful consideration, she had agreed. She told Li Su not to worry.

Not long after, Yong An Mansion also sent a letter which said something similar to Si Qin’s. His Majesty had asked Yong An Mansion for their opinion before he took Si Qin as his concubine and Yong An Mansion had disagreed. After Si Qin talked to Yong An Mansion, Yong An Mansion finally agreed to the matter.

The letter to Xiao Zhen Shu was from Xiao Qi Zhi, who had told him that Si Qin had taken the initiative to make Yong An Mansion agree to this. In order to be with His Majesty, prevent her existence from threatening the empress and the crown prince, and to prevent Yong An Mansion from being involved, she took the initiative to take birth control pills. His Majesty was very moved. Originally, he had planned to make Si Qin a concubine, but His Majesty felt great affection and changed the title to the Highest-Ranking Imperial Concubine. The empress also calmly accepted this.

Xiao Zhen Shu was shocked, but quickly accepted this. Si Qin was indeed someone who could do these things. Si Qin was even greater than they thought. What was it? She had courage and determination! But, his father also expressed his worries in the letter. Si Qin may want more than that. The devotion of the emperor, the honour of being the Highest-Ranking Imperial Concubine may not be what Si Qin wanted. What she wanted might be more than that…

If that was the case, then what would Yong An Mansion do when that day comes?

Xiao Zhen Shu felt the turbulent waves in his heart and wanted to say something to Li Su, but he swallowed his words when he saw Li Qi Cheng’s cold gaze.

“This Prince does not care what your family’s position is, but you aren’t allowed to bother Su Su with those messy things. Otherwise, don’t blame This Prince for being hostile!” Li Qi Cheng said coldly.

“Isn’t Your Highness worried?” Xiao Zhen Shu was expressionless.

“What This Prince hates the most are the faces of those loyal officials. Jiang Shan is the country of the Li Family. This Prince is not in a hurry. Why are you worrying?” Li Qi Cheng said contemptuously. “These are men’s issues, so women shouldn’t be involved. If Li Qi Ming can’t even control a woman, then he won’t be able to rule the country! If it all falls, then it doesn’t matter who it falls to.”

As long as it didn’t hinder Li Qi Cheng, then it didn’t matter to him!

Xiao Zhen Shu frowned.

Li Qi Cheng suddenly approached him. “One more thing from This Prince, don’t disturb Su Su. Otherwise, This Prince doesn’t mind causing another storm and stirring things up a bit more!”

Xiao Zhen Shu suddenly raised his head and looked at Li Qi Cheng.

Li Qi Cheng did not shy away.

“What are you talking about?” Imperial Princess An He asked.

The two looked over at Li Su and Imperial Princess An He, who were standing next to each other.

“It’s nothing. We were discussing something. If we walk further, then we will arrive at An Qiao. There is a thousand-year-old temple in An Qiao which is said to have very good incense. Are you interested in visiting it?” Li Qi Cheng asked with a smile.

“Thousand-year-old temple?” Li Su knew they weren’t telling the truth, but she didn’t ask. Li Su knew more or less about Si Qin’s ideas. She couldn’t say she agreed, but she wouldn’t oppose it. As for the future, she would wait and see. As a mother, she couldn’t help Si Qin. She could only do her best not to drag Si Qin down.

So, Li Su and her entourage continued south.

Perhaps there was a problem with Li Qi Ming’s body. He did not have many heirs. After five years, there were only 3 princes and 2 princesses in the harem. Among the concubines, he respected the empress the most, while the one he loved and trusted the most was Highest-Ranking Imperial Concubine Chen, Wang Si Qin. Among the concubines, only the Highest-Ranking Imperial Concubine could freely enter and leave the imperial study.

Because of the honourable status the Highest-Ranking Imperial Concubine had, in addition to the love and trust Li Qi Ming had for her, many of the other concubines depended on her. Some concubines who had given birth to a prince, but were from humble backgrounds, wanted to send their princes to be raised by the Highest-Ranking Imperial Concubine. Even Li Qi Ming mentioned that one of the princess’ birth mothers whose biological mother had died should be recorded under Wang Si Qin, but Wang Si Qin refused. She said that once she has an heir, she would inevitably be biased and end up treating all of them unfairly in the future.

Therefore, although Highest-Ranking Imperial Concubine Chen was deeply favoured, the empress was not jealous of her! If Highest-Ranking Imperial Concubine Chen had no heirs, then it didn’t matter how much pampering she received! What the empress wanted to guard against were the concubines who were equally distinguished and had princes. Besides, the crown prince was a little weak. The empress thought that if she had more princes, then it would be safer.

All the concubines were fighting for favour, status, heirs, and interests. Only Wang Si Qin was not fighting and remained aloof.

Li Qi Ming’s trust in her increased, even more when he was sick or in a bad mood. So, Wang Si Qin was asked to review the memorials for him. Wang Si Qin read the memorials to him and Li Qi Ming responded. Wang Si Qin imitated Li Qi Ming’s handwriting.

At the beginning, Li Qi Ming had some defences up against Wang Si Qin. However, when Wang Si Qin entered and exited the imperial study, she never looked at what she shouldn’t, and didn’t listen to things that she shouldn’t. Even if she heard something, she never revealed a word to the outside.

On one occasion, Li Qi Ming deliberately let her hear that someone had reported that Yong An Mansion had committed some crimes. It was later confirmed that the information was false. But, at that time, Wang Si Qin only showed her suspicion. She didn’t say a word to anyone and never contacted Yong An Mansion.

After a long time, Li Qi Ming was relaxed around Wang Si Qin. Yes, she had only spent a few years at Yong An Mansion, but she spent more than 10 years with him. Si Qin knew which one was more important. In order to be with him, she paid such a high price. How could he doubt her?

One time, he asked Si Qin to review the memorial on his behalf and she firmly declined. He forcefully persuaded her and she reluctantly agreed. Because of this, she was upset for many days. She recovered from that, but lost a lot of weight.

Li Qi Ming felt that he had treated Wang Si Qin badly, so he thought about how to make it up to her. Originally, having heirs in the harem, being spoiled, and settling down was the foundation of a concubine. It was unfortunate that she didn’t have any offspring. Then, he could only spoil her.

Li Qi Ming wanted to improve Si Qin’s status, but she was already the Highest-Ranking Imperial Concubine, second only to the empress. What could he do?

Li Qi Ming thought about it for a long time and came up with the name of Grand Highest-Ranking Imperial Concubine as a way to honour her. How one treated the Grand Highest-Ranking Imperial Concubine should be comparable to how one treated the empress.

This imperial decree immediately caused an uproar. Among the imperial clan, there had never been opposition towards His Majesty. In the harem, there were many complaints. There was the empress, but now a Grand Highest-Ranking Imperial Concubine! In addition to having no children, this position now threatened her status. The other concubines felt the same way. They thought that the Highest-Ranking Imperial Concubine was greatly favoured by the emperor and was not qualified for this status. Where did His Majesty come up with the name Grand Highest-Ranking Imperial Concubine for her? If this continued, did they even have a way out?

After hearing about this, Wang Si Qin knelt down and declined the title of Grand Highest-Ranking Imperial Concubine.

But, Li Qi Ming was also stubborn. The more people opposed him, the more he would do it! It was just the title of Grand Highest-Ranking Imperial Concubine. Si Qin’s intelligence, dexterity, good morals, and sincerity to him were worth the position of empress. However, in order to win over the ministers, he picked Mrs. Qi as the empress.

Unexpectedly, Mrs. Qi and Official Zhen became more arrogant! The empress said that she was ill and refused to allow Wang Si Qin to pay respects to her. At court, Official Zhen’s party had the greatest opposition.

Even among the people, there were rumours that Si Qin was a demon who harmed the country. Li Qi Ming did not have to think about who it was who released such a rumour.

Si Qin could not have heirs and they were still worried. They were rushing to exterminate her. How did they view him?!

Li Qi Ming was determined to make this happen. Not only was Wang Si Qin named the Grand Highest-Ranking Imperial Concubine, he also held a grand conferral ceremony. He had Wang Si Qin by his side to accept the title and have all the officials and their wives pay their respects to her!

Immediately after, Li Qi Ming decreed that when the princes turned 4, they were to move into Duanben Palace. They could meet their biological mother on the 15th of each month for no more than 2 hours. The princes moved from the imperial palace to Duanben Palace. All the attendants were replaced.

Before the empress and concubines could react, Li Qi Ming sent out another decree saying that the empress was seriously ill and could not manage the palace affairs.

Wang Si Qin was not willing to manage the palace affairs. After this decree, the palace affairs were passed onto the 4 concubines to manage. They were to supervise each other. She only oversaw things.

Li Qi Ming respected her even more when he saw she was not greedy for power.

This series of decrees caught the empress and Official Zhen off guard.

The former was to isolate the princes from the concubines’ influence. The empress could bear it as the crown prince was already sensible and was taught by her since he was young. She believed that the crown prince wouldn’t be won over by others and deny her as mother empress. But, the latter had violated her interests. The empress was unable to keep the phoenix seal and the authority to manage the palace affairs. What good was the title of empress in this case!

In a rage, the empress ordered someone to secretly send a letter to her mother’s family, Official Zhen’s mansion. The letter discussed countermeasures with Official Zhen and had a lot of complaints.

Unfortunately, the letter was found by the guards and presented to Li Qi Ming.

Li Qi Ming immediately found the conspiracy. He believed that this was evidence that the empress had tried to rebel along with Official Zhen’s residence. He immediately ordered an investigation and Official Zhen’s residence was raided on the account of rebellion, an unpardonable crime.

In the end, a letter in the name of the crown prince was found in Official Zhen’s study. When Li Qi Ming learned about this, he was furious and revoked their title, had their property searched and confiscated, put them to death, and exiled the family. The title of empress was also revoked.

The crown prince was innocent, so Li Qi Ming did not make a decree to strip the title of crown prince.

But, the crown prince was raised by the empress and had a good relationship with her. His family was left in shambles and his biological mother had her title stripped, how could the crown prince not resent this? He often complained. Some people mentioned that after the empress was sent to the cold palace, she could be rescued if the crown prince ascended the throne. When that time came, one could see what the Grand Highest-Ranking Imperial Concubine had to say.

Li Qi Ming was furious. Wang Si Qin had suddenly fallen into a coma for no reason. The imperial doctor could not figure out the cause. Those who had good things to say said that maybe someone was practicing witchcraft in the palace and wanted to murder the Grand Highest-Ranking Imperial Concubine.

Li Qi Ming ordered someone to conduct a thorough investigation. They found the voodoo doll with the birthday characters of the Grand Highest-Ranking Imperial Concubine in the crown prince’s residence.

Li Qi Ming couldn’t bear it. He stripped the crown prince of his rank and changed his title to Prince Dian and sent him to a fief outside the capital on the same day. At the same time, he secretly executed the ex-empress.

After Prince Dian left the capital, Li Qi Ming decreed that Wang Si Qin was the empress. He also held a grand conferral ceremony.

In the 18th year of Jianyuan, Li Qi Ming became seriously ill. He made his second son the crown prince and ordered the crown prince to supervise the country with the empress assisting him.

In the 24th years of Jianyuan, Li Qi Ming died and ordered the crown prince to ascend the throne. After the crown prince ascended the throne, Wang Si Qin was honoured as the grand empress dowager. All the military affairs were handled by the grand empress dowager. After the crown prince ascended the throne, his birth mother, Concubine De, was named the supreme empress dowager. The grand empress dowager listened to politics with her curtain down. The name of the imperial reign was then changed to Wansheng. In the same year, the grand empress dowager gave her mother, Mrs. Li, the title of Madam Qinguo.

In the 2nd year of Wansheng, the supreme empress dowager’s Yong Ning Mansion tried to force the grand empress dowager to return the power to the emperor. After their defeat, the supreme empress dowager was demoted to a commoner, and the title of Yong Ning was stripped from her family.

In the 10th year of Wansheng, His Majesty died without an heir. The grand empress dowager renamed Prince Ping, the youngest son, as the new emperor. The name of the imperial reign was then changed to Changning. The grand empress dowager wore imperial clothes and held court. The power was in the hands of the people. The entire country was shocked and there were all sorts of comments.

The grand empress dowager changed her previous manner towards Emperor Wansheng. She brought Emperor Changning with her and taught him carefully. After Changning became an adult, he carefully selected the granddaughter from Yong An Mansion to be the empress.

After Emperor Changning got married, the grand empress dowager still did not yield her power to Emperor Changning. She remained dressed in imperial clothes and went to Taimiao Temple to make offerings. The officials opposed her, but the grand empress dowager insisted on doing her own thing and demoted many of the officials who opposed her. Even Yong An mansion was reprimanded.

At that time, the officials were very worried about the grand empress dowager seizing the throne. There were also documents sent to the grand empress dowager, asking her to become the emperor. But, the grand empress dowager tore them up.

In the 15th year of Changning, the grand empress dowager died of an illness and returned her power to Emperor Changning before she died. Emperor Changning felt her kindness and gave her a posthumous title of Empress Mingsu. He built a separate mausoleum for her on a similar scale to the emperor’s mausoleum.

According to historical records from later generations, Empress Mingsu had gone through 3 dynasties in her life and assisted 3 emperors. She was well known for the flourishing age of Changning. She was smart when she was young. She had entered the palace and accompanied the emperor. After Emperor Jianyuan took office, she was the Highest-Ranking Imperial Concubine who he doted on. After, she was named the Grand Highest-Ranking Imperial Concubine. In the same year after the empress had been stripped of her rank, the emperor raised her to be empress. After that, Empress Mingsu took charge over the officials for 31 years, creating a prosperous age in the Changning dynasty.