Chapter 8 – Tyrant VS National Teacher (8)
Grand Tutor sees that Mo Yi is not diligent in his studies and does not care. In his eyes, people of different ethnicities have always been crude. With Mo Yi’s mother having such a background, the third prince can’t be much better. Moreover, with the instructions from the Empress Dowager, he only needs to make superficial efforts.
The morning passes in a daze, and the child goes to his own palace after school. Just as he arrives at the door, he receives an edict from the Empress Dowager, instructing him to visit her palace.
Although the Empress Dowager is said to be his grandmother, in the deep palace, blood ties are already faint. Moreover, since Mo Yi can remember, the Empress Dowager has always been weak and rarely leaves her sleeping chamber, let alone actively summoning any prince.
Most of the time, even the morning and evening greetings are omitted, and the concubines in the palace only need to pay respects at the entrance of the Empress Dowager’s chamber.
Mo Yi himself only remembers meeting the Empress Dowager a few times at palace banquets. In his impression, the Empress Dowager has a very gentle temperament. Although not particularly affectionate towards him, she has not treated him with contempt and neglect like others because of his mixed ethnicity.
However, he doesn’t know why the Empress Dowager personally summoned him today.
Silently following the palace attendants, Mo He arrives at the Empress Dowager’s palace. However, upon entering, he discovers that not only the Empress Dowager is waiting for him but also the Emperor Wen and the National Teacher Chong Ming.
But what attracts the child’s attention the most is a young man standing behind Master Chong Ming, wearing Daoist robes and having picturesque features.
That young man is naturally Mu Jin.
His gaze has been following Mo Yi, and when the child notices him, he quietly smiles at him. Mo Yi, upon seeing Mu Jin, can’t help but be stunned for a moment, momentarily distracted.
Fortunately, he instinctively remembers the courtesy he should perform and promptly greets the Emperor and the Empress Dowager. After the National Teacher bows to him, Mo Yi quickly returns the gesture and then stands aside with lowered head.
Seeing Mo Yi’s well-behaved appearance, the Emperor is pleased. Turning to the National Teacher, he says, “National Teacher, are you saying that this child is fortunate? Will keeping him by the Empress Dowager’s side really improve her health?”
Master Chong Ming nods in response, saying, “Last night, I observed the stars and found the auspicious star of the Empress Dowager appearing in the southwest direction. After divination, it led to the sleeping chamber where the Third Prince resides.”
“In recent years, the Empress Dowager has been frail. His Majesty, in filial piety, has sought renowned physicians in the hope of improving her health. According to last night’s divination, the Third Prince might indeed bring good fortune to the Empress Dowager.”
“The divination has confirmed that the Third Prince’s fate aligns with the Empress Dowager’s. If he pays filial respects in front of her, it may not take long for the Empress Dowager’s health to recover.”
Upon hearing Master Chong Ming’s words, the Emperor immediately shows a joyful expression and turns excitedly to the Empress Dowager, calling, “Mother.”
The Emperor has always trusted the National Teacher’s words. The Empress Dowager is his biological mother, and in the palace, they relied on each other. Thanks to her strong support, Wen could eventually inherit the throne.
Now, with the Empress Dowager becoming the ruler of the palace, he did not expect her to be bedridden in recent years.
Despite seeking numerous renowned doctors, her health has not improved. Hearing Master Chong Ming’s explanation fills the Emperor with hope, and he decides to let Mo Yi stay in the Empress Dowager’s palace to be raised by her.
If it were a child of another concubine, the Emperor might have to consider it more carefully. However, Ling Fei, with no power or influence in the palace, has no say in the matter of the Third Prince. Thinking of this, the Emperor sternly instructs Mo Yi, “From now on, you will reside here with the Empress Dowager. Remember to serve her well, behave properly, and avoid making her angry.”
Upon hearing the conversation between the National Teacher and the Emperor, Mo He understands the reason for his summons. Although he is happy to finally escape the mistreatment from that woman and not be insulted and scolded every day, the palace is like a deep sea, and he can’t immediately let go of his guard against the Empress Dowager.
Externally, he immediately kneels and expresses gratitude for the Emperor’s grace, solemnly saying, “Your child will surely speak and act cautiously, and will filially serve the Empress Dowager.”
Mu Jin, seeing that the matter has been settled, secretly breathes a sigh of relief. Familiar with the plot, he knows that the Empress Dowager is kind-hearted and weary of the struggles in the palace.
Even though she no longer involves herself in politics, her influence remains significant. If she protects Mo Yi, no one in the palace will easily dare to mistreat him.
Therefore, he hurriedly returned to Xuanqing Temple early in the morning to discuss this matter with Master Chong Ming. Fortunately, things went more smoothly than he had imagined.
The Empress Dowager has a broad-minded perspective, and she doesn’t care about Mo Yi’s lineage.
Noticing that the child sincerely wishes to stay by her side, the Empress Dowager beckons to Mo Yi. When the child approaches, she extends her hand to rub his forehead affectionately and says, “Good child, just call me Grandmother. From now on, we, grandmother and grandson, will live together. With you around, I won’t feel so bored.”
“Yes, Grandmother!” Mo Yi responds respectfully.
He truly appears obedient and sensible, making the Emperor even more satisfied. After a few more instructions and concerns about disturbing the Empress Dowager’s rest, the Emperor bids farewell with the National Teacher Chong Ming.
As everyone leaves, when Mu Jin passes by Mo Yi, he slyly winks at him. Mo Yi discreetly glances in the direction Mu Jin left, feeling that today’s events seem to be related to that young man.
The Empress Dowager’s health has always been frail, and seeing so many people has left her tired. Kindly comforting Mo Yi, she directly instructs her maidservant to take him downstairs for a rest.
After Mo Yi leaves, Wang Ma, the maid beside the Empress Dowager, is somewhat puzzled and asks, “Empress Dowager, do you really want to keep this child? The Third Prince is already eight years old. How come the National Teacher only now discovered that his fate aligns with yours?”
“No matter, whether the National Teacher has deeper intentions or not doesn’t matter,” the Empress Dowager replies, her expression unchanged as she twirls prayer beads in her hand.
Interrupting Wang Ma, she says softly, “It’s also fate between this child and me. I’m getting older, and with the decline of royal heirs, consider it helping this child.”
After saying this, the Empress Dowager closes her eyes.
Hearing the Empress Dowager’s words, Wang Ma thinks about the rumors in the palace regarding the Third Prince being mistreated by Ling Fei. Sighing, she hopes that the child will be grateful.
On the other side, after Mo Yi is taken to his new residence, he still feels a sense of unreality. As lunchtime arrives, palace attendants promptly bring in a delicious meal. Being in the Empress Dowager’s chamber, the dishes are as exquisite as any other place in the palace.
In recent years, the Empress Dowager has followed a vegetarian diet, so the vegetarian dishes in the palace are more delicate than elsewhere. The old maid taking care of Mo Yi, considering his growth phase, also includes a good amount of meat.
Facing a well-prepared meal with a mix of flavors, Mo Yi enjoys it immensely. However, his mind is still wandering, wondering if his good days have finally come.
Strangely, he finds himself missing the meal the young man prepared for him last night. Despite the makeshift appearance, those dishes tasted absolutely delicious. The child realizes that he may be yearning not for the food but for the warmth the person provided.
Whatever the reason for today’s events, whether divine or orchestrated, now that he has an opportunity, he must seize it. Only by winning the favor of the Empress Dowager can he truly stay here for a long time and gain her protection.
Attended by palace servants, Mo Yi behaves impeccably throughout, further making the old maid who looks after him find the rumors unbelievable. Despite being a royal, the Third Prince doesn’t behave rudely just because of his mixed ethnicity, as some palace servants gossip.
After a peaceful noon rest, Mo Yi leaves the Empress Dowager’s chamber energetically and heads to the training ground. Even though the Empress Dowager didn’t personally see him off, she had instructed her attendants to take care of him. Two trusted eunuchs are sent to escort him.
Mo He is grateful for the Empress Dowager’s protection, and his sincerity in fulfilling his filial duties grows. However, on the way, he encounters Ling Fei, who approaches with an aggressive demeanor.
Although Mo Yi feels a bit uneasy about encountering this woman, he is taken aback when he sees her appearance. In the past, no matter how destitute, Ling Fei would always dress herself attractively, hoping for the Emperor’s favor.
But today, even a thick layer of powder can’t conceal the dark circles under her eyes. Her hair is slightly disheveled, and weariness and anxiety are evident in her expression.
Mo Yi instinctively takes a step back, wanting to keep some distance from this woman. Unexpectedly, this triggers Ling Fei’s nerves, and she questions him, “Where did you go after school today? Why haven’t you returned to your own palace? You’re so unruly—quickly go back!”
Ling Fei’s attitude is extremely rude, but Mo Yi is already accustomed to it. However, this time, as soon as she finishes speaking, two eunuchs step forward from behind Mo Yi.
One of them, seemingly respectful, bows to Ling Fei and says with a half-smile, “Greetings, Concubine Ling. By the order of the Empress Dowager, we are about to escort the Third Prince to the training ground. From now on, he will be personally raised by the Empress Dowager. Concubine Ling, there’s no need for you to worry.”
The old maid, who has been taking care of Mo Yi, finds the rumors even more unbelievable. Even though the Third Prince is from the imperial family, he behaves appropriately and is not as coarse as the palace servants gossip about due to his mixed ethnicity.
Feeling protected by the Empress Dowager, Mo Yi is thankful for her care. Regarding the duty to honor the Empress Dowager, his sincere intentions deepen. However, on the way, he encounters Ling Fei, who approaches with a threatening demeanor.
Although Mo Yi feels a bit uneasy about encountering this woman, he is taken aback when he sees her appearance. In the past, no matter how destitute, Ling Fei would always dress herself attractively, hoping for the Emperor’s favor.
But today, even a thick layer of powder can’t conceal the dark circles under her eyes. Her hair is slightly disheveled, and weariness and anxiety are evident in her expression.
Mo Yi instinctively takes a step back, wanting to keep some distance from this woman. Unexpectedly, this triggers Ling Fei’s nerves, and she questions him, “Where did you go after school today? Why haven’t you returned to your own palace? You’re so unruly—quickly go back!”
Ling Fei’s attitude is extremely rude, but Mo Yi is already accustomed to it. However, this time, as soon as she finishes speaking, two eunuchs step forward from behind Mo Yi.
Just wanted to let you know that the last section is repeated twice. Thanks for the translation!