Chapter 566: Chapter 553: Small Punishment, Great Warning

“It looks like Jinnian is going to win,”

“Your Majesty is mistaken. It is often said that nothing is certain until the very end. The game has not yet concluded. How can you be certain that I will surely lose?” Chu Yunzhao immediately refuted when he heard this.

“If Your Majesty still has doubts, why not stay and watch our game?”

“Well, since you’ve suggested it so adamantly, how can I refuse? Perhaps I should lend more interest to the game. I will grant the winner one wish. How does that sound?” Chu Shengrui was amused by Chu Yunzhao’s defensiveness. His face softened a great deal, and he even leaned forward with a smile.

“Your Majesty’s words bear great weight, and you may not break your promise,” Chu Yunzhao hurriedly interposed.

“I am the Emperor, and the Emperor’s words should not be taken back,” Chu Shengrui laughed.

“If that is so, then I have no choice but to follow Your Majesty’s command.” Chu Yunzhao pulled Chu Jinnian to sit down by the chessboard again. “It’s your turn to move.”

Chu Jinnian, who was playing the white pieces, thought for a long while before making his move.

His move was highly unusual. Chu Yunzhao also thought for a moment before making his move.

Chu Shengrui, watching the intense battle unfolding on the chessboard, nodded slightly and smiled approvingly.

Concubine Hui personally offered tea to Chu Shengrui and sat down beside him. “These two children are just playing for fun. Yet you’re insisting on having them compete with each other.”

“Why is His Majesty here at this hour?”

At this time, Chu Shengrui would usually be handling papers in the palace.

“I was distressed by the issues between the Empress and Yunhe. I couldn’t focus on the documents, so I decided to take a walk,” Chu Shengrui sighed.

Concubine Hui’s eyes shimmered, and the smile on her face faded slightly. “Your Majesty, don’t let your anger get the better of you. It wouldn’t do if it affects your health.”

“In the end, even though the Empress holds a high position, she is still a mother-in-law. Every mother-in-law hopes for a grandchild. The First Prince has been married for many years but still has no children. Now that Mrs. Liang is pregnant with a male heir, it’s understandable that the Empress gives importance to it.”

“The Empress is the hostess of the harem, a mother to all under Heaven. If Your Majesty punishes her for too long, it will inevitably cause gossip. Since the First Prince has already been disciplined, allow me to respectfully suggest you reconsider your decision to banish the Empress.”

“If I don’t punish her, my anger will not be appeased,” Chu Shengrui glanced at Concubine Hui and replied.

“If Your Majesty insists on punishing her, why not just dock two months of allowances? This will be seen as a fair, but significant, punishment,” Concubine Hui laughed.

Chu Shengrui pondered for a moment, then took Concubine Hui’s hand and started laughing. “You are pleading so earnestly, do you think I can’t see through your intentions?”

Concubine Hui pouted, somewhat displeased. “How could there be anything surprising about Your Majesty, as the Emperor, understanding the thoughts of a mere woman? You’ve known for years that I am one to shirk responsibility whenever possible. Naturally, I would rather avoid any conflicts.”

Seeing Concubine Hui behaving in such a way, reminiscent of her charming innocence when they first met, Chu Shengrui felt an overwhelming fondness for her but also a touch of regret.

Despite her talent for managing affairs, Concubine Hui has never overstepped her boundaries. Many times, she would even go out of her way to avoid potential conflicts, making it impossible to find flaws in her actions.

Chu Yunzhao, whom she tutored, is also just like her. He is diligent in his studies and other duties, yet in front of him, he can be as innocent and lively as a happy child, allowing his father to enjoy a piece of blissful familial love. The Seventh Princess is intelligent and elegant, dignified and generous.

It could be said that everything about her is wonderful.

Chu Shengrui sometimes even thought that if he had married later, perhaps he would now be living in marital bliss with Concubine Hui.

Unfortunately, he did not have such good fortune at that time, so things are as they are now.

“I know, I know. How could I not be aware of this?” Chu Shengrui brought his thoughts back to the present and laughed. “Since you’ve suggested it, then let it be so.”

“However, I just announced the punishment. If I now change it, it might appear too capricious. Let’s keep the house arrest for half a month and dock two months of allowances instead.”

“Your Majesty indeed sees the big picture. Such a decision is flawless,” Concubine Hui laughed with joy in her eyes. “Now, Your Majesty, please drink your tea. If we continue talking, the tea will go cold.”

“Alright.” Chu Shengrui laughed, lowering his head to sip his tea.

Concubine Hui’s eyes flashed, and a hint of mockery lingered at the corner of her mouth.

With the Empress under house arrest, only she, as the imperial concubine, could oversee the workings of the harem. By doing so, she would become a target of criticism. When the Empress’s house arrest is over, she would certainly seek loopholes to suppress her.

So, in essence, this is an exhausting and thankless job, and she had no desire to do it.

Especially since, when one does not hold power, one can often claim ignorance to various matters. But once power is in one’s hands, one must face and handle many issues. This naturally leads to facing difficulties from various parties, even the need to persuade the emperor and dispute with the Empress. Rather than being stuck in the middle and disliked by many, it is better to be just an imperial concubine without having to worry about various affairs, happy and carefree.

Moreover, this applies to the Emperor as well, who would prefer the company of someone who shares life’s pleasures with him rather than someone who constantly nags about trivial matters.

Therefore, to ensure her favor doesn’t wane, choosing to stay away from power is sometimes the best option.

During this conversation, the chess game between Chu Yunzhao and Chu Jinnian gradually reached a conclusion.

Turns out, Chu Yunzhao won.

“Fourth Prince, your chess skills are excellent. I yield,” Chu Jinnian declared, laughing and bowing respectfully.

“Oh, it was nothing more than a trifling exercise,” Chu Yunzhao waved it off, then turned his lively eyes towards Chu Shengrui. “Father, I won. About the promise you made…”

“Go ahead and tell me what you wish for. Feel free to say anything. I will definitely fulfill it.” Seeing his son victorious, Chu Shengrui’s face broke into a smile as he generously motioned for him to continue.

“Then, I’ll speak plainly,”

Chu Yunzhao said, “Your Majesty, surely you know that I am of marriageable age. But I have always delayed marriage, because I am enamored of Miss Luo…”

“Why bring that matter up?” Concubine Hui interrupted Chu Yunzhao. “Although Miss Luo has good looks, a reputable family, and a gentle personality that complements yours, it was previously stated that your horoscopes aren’t a match. If you force a marriage, it will only create discord in both families.”