After I traveled through the book, I fought back in the Hou Mansion

Chapter 490

He had diligently governed the empire for half his life, and at the final moment, he naturally did not want to bear the bad reputation of being adulterous and forcibly seizing a minister's wife.

But as for punishing Ye Yunzhou, he wasn't an unreasonable tyrant. To do so would contradict his original intention. But who had given him the courage to threaten him like this? If he let him off so easily, wouldn't it make him appear incompetent?

Emperor Yuanzhen gritted his teeth and thought to himself: He had already given up the idea of ​​taking Luo Shuiyao into the palace. After all, his original intention was to pave the way for his young son.

Since ancient times, if a young emperor had no one to protect him, he would usually not have a good ending. What's more, his young son had never learned how to rule the world as an emperor. He had grown up under his deliberate alienation over the years and did not have the foundation and aura that a crown prince should have.

Only with the loyal help of his ministers could he hand over the Great Zhou to his young son and die in peace.

Luo Shuiyao, who has no father and no brothers, is the most suitable candidate.

If she could be pushed to the throne, she would be able to secure her position as Empress Dowager after his death. Luo Shuiyao would then have the support of the Marquis of Loyalty and Bravery and the Right Prime Minister, one civil and one military, supporting each other. Furthermore, his most trusted minister was also devoted to her. Even if this support lasted only a few years, it would be enough to support his young son until he could stand on his own.

But then he thought, if he really did this, while it would temporarily contain them, it would also be tantamount to completely offending them. What made him even more uneasy was that if, a hundred years later, Luo Shuiyao harbored resentment and wanted revenge, wouldn't his arrangements today, which were meant to pave the way for his youngest son, be like inviting a wolf into the house?

Emperor Yuanzhen pondered this decision for a long time, but ultimately overturned it. This move was too risky; he absolutely could not be the one to bring ruin to the Great Zhou dynasty. Otherwise, in the afterlife, he would be ashamed to face his ancestors and betray the legacy of the Great Zhou dynasty, which had lasted for a century.

In this way, he has made a more stable decision in his mind.

Therefore, during this month, Emperor Yuanzhen handled the affairs of the court in an urgent manner: on the one hand, he identified those ministers with evil intentions one by one, framed them with charges and removed them from the court; on the other hand, he promoted those officials who were talented and capable of being of great use.

It was not until today that the situation in the court was stabilized, and he was finally able to take a break. Then he ordered people to find Luo Shuiyao.

Seeing that Ye Yunzhou had misunderstood, Emperor Yuanzhen did not intend to explain - how could an emperor take the initiative to confess his feelings to his subjects?

Thinking of this, his face remained furious as he spoke, "Since your fiancée and you have such deep feelings for each other, I'm sure you're absolutely certain she'll stay with you forever. If that's the case, I'd like to make a bet with you today. Do you dare to accept?"

Ye Yunzhou clenched his fists tightly in his sleeves, his back stiffening. It wasn't that he wasn't afraid of Emperor Yuanzhen using this as an excuse to attack him, but rather that he was wary of the Emperor's health and, relying on his understanding of the Emperor's character, he dared to make such a rash threat. The Ye family had been loyal and righteous for generations, and his actions today had already overstepped his bounden duty as a minister.

Hearing Emperor Yuanzhen's words, Ye Yunzhou felt a little relieved at first—he understood that the emperor was no longer pursuing his "offense" against his superiors. But when he heard the words "take a gamble," his heart, which had just been relieved, suddenly became heavy again.

He pursed his lips, looked up at Emperor Yuanzhen, and did not respond for a moment, just waiting quietly for the emperor's next words.

Emperor Yuanzhen was in no mood to keep him in suspense. Seeing his tense expression, he spoke directly, "You will come with me, but you must not show yourself. I will discuss the matter of taking her as my empress—if she agrees, you will accept the bet; if she doesn't, then I will accept the bet."

Although he had already made up his mind, if Luo Shuiyao herself was willing, he could change his mind.

Ye Yunzhou wasn't surprised to hear this—he had already vaguely guessed the emperor's intentions. But even though he knew Luo Shuiyao wasn't someone who clung to power, he still felt uncertain. After all, the titles of "Mother of the World" and "Future Queen Mother" were too prestigious, and few in the world could resist such temptation.

Ye Yunzhou was in this mood at the moment. He felt as if his heart was floating, as if it was hanging in mid-air and could not settle down.

Emperor Yuanzhen watched him with changing eyes, but he did not urge him and just waited quietly.

In the end, Ye Yunzhou gritted his teeth and replied in a deep voice, "I am willing to go with Your Majesty!"

In fact, he had no choice at all.

Emperor Yuanzhen was the sovereign, and he was his minister. Since ancient times, "thunder, lightning, rain, and dew are all the grace of the sovereign." How could he blatantly refuse? Even though he was extremely reluctant, he could only bow his head and agree.

Emperor Yuanzhen's expression eased slightly, a satisfied smile appearing on his lips. He then ignored Ye Yunzhou, flicked his sleeves, and strode out of the hall.

Ye Yunzhou looked serious and followed him silently.

…………

Over here, the Sixth Prince and Luo Shuiyao were having a pleasant conversation. Although he maintained an air of dignity due to his status, the strangeness in his eyes had faded, and a hint of intimacy was now visible.

Over the years, to avoid attracting attention and the resentment of his elder and third brothers, the Sixth Prince had never dared to get close to anyone, and had to keep his worries to himself. Now, it was a rare opportunity for someone to talk to him so freely, and he completely let go of his worries - in his heart, he secretly regarded Luo Shuiyao as a friend.

Luo Shuiyao naturally noticed his change in attitude. Seeing how young he was—a mere elementary school student in his previous life, yet so cautious in every step—she couldn't help but feel a bit of pity for him. She smiled and promised that if she ever had the chance to return to the palace, she would bring him some rare and unusual toys to entertain him.

Upon hearing this, the Sixth Prince quickly cleared his throat, pretending to be somewhat reserved, and nodded slightly, saying, "Since you are so willing to show your filial piety to me, then I will reluctantly accept it."

Perhaps because boys develop late, the Sixth Prince wasn't very tall, barely reaching Luo Shuiyao's chest. Yet, he was beautifully carved and delicate, and looked incredibly adorable. Luo Shuiyao couldn't help herself and reached out to gently stroke his furry head.

The Sixth Prince didn't react for a moment - he was looking up at her just now, and he didn't expect her to suddenly do this. He was stunned for a moment.

After being stunned for a moment, a hint of shyness appeared on his face, mixed with a bit of feigned anger, and he said loudly: "How dare you touch this prince's head!"

He was like a kitten with its fur standing on end, and his eyes were full of shyness.

Luo Shuiyao was about to say something polite to apologize when she heard footsteps behind her, followed by a strong voice: "Oh? Who is it? How dare you offend my son?"

Luo Shuiyao's movements suddenly stopped, and she turned around to look at the sound - she saw Emperor Yuanzhen in casual clothes, striding in front, and following behind him was Eunuch Su, whom she had met several times.

Luo Shuiyao suddenly remembered that Emperor Yuanzhen had summoned her to the palace. She quickly withdrew her hand and stepped forward to salute: "This humble lady greets Your Majesty."

Before she could finish her words, she was stopped by Eunuch Su: "Miss Luo, there is no need to be so polite. Your Majesty, please excuse me."

She didn't like to kowtow or kneel, so she stood up and said with her eyes lowered, "Thank you, Your Majesty, for your grace."

The Sixth Prince on the side also hurried forward and saluted Emperor Yuanzhen. His voice was a little hesitant and nervous, and he was even more embarrassed than Luo Shuiyao.