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The Aloof Lord's Mysterious Wife-Chapter 505: "You and Ninth Brother Are So Outstanding, How Can You Be Left Without Heirs?"
Chapter 505: "You and Ninth Brother Are So Outstanding, How Can You Be Left Without Heirs?"
Just moments ago, everyone was focused on protecting the Chu family, and Emperor Muwu suddenly attempted to take his own life. No one nearby reacted quickly enough to stop him.
But suddenly, a figure appeared next to Emperor Muwu, and the sword in his hand was halted. Startled, he opened his eyes and saw that it was Nanli, with a slight frown, holding the sharp blade between her fingers.
Understanding Nanli’s strength, Emperor Muwu sighed and said, "Sixth girl, I want to die to atone for my sins. Please don’t stop me!"
Nanli, feeling somewhat helpless, responded, "Your Majesty, we just used the Bloody Enchanting Bug on you. It’s really not a good time for you to die right now, is it?"
The Bloody Enchanting Bug was extremely precious.
Already heartbroken, Emperor Muwu’s pain deepened upon hearing this. "Isn’t it just one Bloody Enchanting Bug? Once I’m dead, the imperial treasury will be yours and your husband’s anyway. Isn’t that compensation enough?"
Nanli blinked and said, "I’ve taken over as ruler of the Border Nation and intended to let the prince handle things. I was even thinking of how to bring this up. But if something happens to Your Majesty now, and the prince has to manage both Mu Nation and the Border Nation, how will he handle it all? Please, Your Majesty, have mercy and hold on for another year or two."
The Bloody Enchanting Bug was indeed a precious item, but since Emperor Muwu had already been severely injured and weakened, it could only extend his life by a year or two at most.
Emperor Muwu was agitated, "Who do you think my Ninth Brother is? He can definitely handle it!"
He was dead set on dying.
Nanli, now anxious, added, "Your Majesty, you were too busy before to properly guide your two sons. But what about the prince? He’s now swamped, leaving early and returning late. If he has to manage everything, I’ll never have the time to conceive and bear children!"
Upon hearing this, Emperor Muwu’s expression changed, "That can’t happen! You and Ninth Brother are so outstanding. How could you leave no heirs?"
"Exactly! But we don’t even have time to be together, let alone conceive."
Nanli’s words made some people blush with embarrassment, with a few coughing lightly.
Elder Xu, however, was deeply moved and exclaimed, "So that’s the reason!"
Rumors among the people were clearly unreliable! It turns out that the Ninth Prince and Princess had not consummated their marriage because they were both too dedicated to the nation to even make time for it!
He silently vowed to help the Ninth Prince with state affairs from now on, ensuring that the prince wouldn’t neglect the princess and their future happiness.
"It’s my fault," Emperor Muwu sighed, letting go of his suicidal thoughts.
He signaled for Nanli to release the sword, and then he lowered his hand, letting go of the blade.
"With no crown prince appointed yet, I indeed cannot act rashly and abandon this great responsibility." His resolve was once again strengthened.
Nanli breathed a sigh of relief. "Exactly. For Your Majesty to receive the Bloody Enchanting Bug is a blessing from the heavens. Please, do not waste such good fortune."
My prince, this is the most I can help you.
Emperor Muwu straightened his back slightly, nodding seriously. "Since this is heaven’s will, I will continue to govern diligently and never slack off, not even for a single day."
The officials all exhaled in relief.
Elder Xu was the first to declare, "Long live the wise Emperor!"
Some found the Ninth Prince less approachable than Emperor Muwu, so it was preferable to continue serving under the emperor.
Chu Hanlin finally understood that Emperor Muwu had no intention of punishing the Chu family. He felt joy at having followed a wise ruler, but also guilt for doubting him and even contemplating rebellion to protect his family.
Stepping forward, he knelt and offered the Imperial Jade Seal. "Your Majesty, I return the Imperial Jade Seal."
Looking at the still-glimmering seal, Emperor Muwu was filled with mixed emotions. He quickly helped Chu Hanlin to his feet. "Minister Chu, you’ve worked hard! We are greatly indebted to the Chu family."
"This is my duty," Chu Hanlin replied humbly.
Nodding slightly, Emperor Muwu declared, "Your family’s service in slaying the traitor deserves reward. I hereby confer upon you the title of Marquis of An’yang, First Rank. As for the other meritorious individuals, I will reward them at a later date."
Chu Hanlin was overwhelmed with emotion and knelt to express his gratitude.
Just then, another figure squeezed through the crowd, shouting, "Your Majesty, here are the Imperial Tiger Sigil and the edict! I protected them with my life!" It was Qing Feng, who presented the items to the emperor.
Unaware of all the details, Emperor Muwu saw that Qing Feng had also contributed and, noticing his hopeful expression, asked, "What reward do you seek?"
"I seek no reward, Your Majesty. I only ask that you speak to the prince on my behalf to transfer me back to the Prince Yu Mansion," Qing Feng replied, eager to leave the Supervisory Office where he’d been stuck.
Frowning, Emperor Muwu replied, "That I cannot do. I can make decisions for many, but not for my Ninth Brother."
Qing Feng deflated instantly.
Seeing his sincerity, Emperor Muwu softened. "However, I can speak to him for you. But whether you return depends on his approval."
"Thank you, Your Majesty!" Qing Feng gratefully bowed.
Meanwhile, Empress Xie, having lost her sanity, screamed, "I asked you to kill Chu Yan! Why?! Why are you rewarding and honoring the Chu family?! Are you trying to let Yan’er die with unresolved resentment?!"
"Empress," Emperor Muwu stepped forward calmly. "Do you know why Yan’er lost an eye?"
Caught off guard, Empress Xie was stunned.
Emperor Muwu continued, "I laced the fake edict with wisteria poison. When Yan’er touched it, the poison activated. However, someone from the Border Nation gouged out his eye to delay the poison’s effects. Whether or not Chu the Fifth acted, he was always going to die."
Nanli frowned slightly. He Qinian had mentioned the power of the King of Enchanting Bugs. Even though Ye Chengyan’s eye had been gouged out, the King of Enchanting Bugs should have been able to neutralize the remaining poison. Did Emperor Muwu not hear that part, or was this intentional?
Seeing the expressions of Elder Xu and Xuanyuan Che, Nanli realized the emperor’s intention. Emperor Muwu was taking the blame onto himself, to prevent Empress Xie from holding the Chu family or Chu Yan accountable.
Those who were aware of the truth remained silent, respecting the emperor’s effort.
The Chu family, deeply moved by this act of protection, knew that such a ruler was worthy of their loyalty.
Empress Xie’s eyes widened in disbelief. This was her own flesh and blood... and it was Emperor Muwu, his own father, who denied Yan’er a chance at survival! No wonder Emperor Muwu had tried to end his own life earlier.
Rushing forward, she pulled out the hairpin from her bun, her eyes filled with murderous intent. All she could think of now was killing Emperor Muwu.
But as soon as she neared, she was easily restrained. A mere woman like her stood no chance of harming the emperor.
"I will kill you! Avenge Yan’er!" Empress Xie screamed relentlessly.
"Empress..." Emperor Muwu’s heart ached as he watched her, his throat constricting with sorrow.
Nanli stood to the side, sighing inwardly. In truth, it wasn’t because of Emperor Muwu’s misdeeds in his previous life that he was left without sons to carry on his lineage in this one.