The Double-Chapter 755 - 225 Immorality_2

"Zhili, he is..."

"He is your child," said Yin Zhan gently, "For all these years, I have taught him well; he is outstanding, although he is a bit too soft-hearted. This is a disadvantage," a hint of vexation appeared on his face, "For the things he has to do in the future, this soft-heartedness is an obstacle."

"Why are you telling me this," the Empress Dowager sneered, "Even if he is my... child, he must remain out of sight. Since you have remarried, you should just live out your days in peace."

"So this is why you are angry with me," Yin Zhan smiled as if pleasantly surprised. If any member of the Yin family, Madam Yin, or Yan Ze from her side saw this expression of his, they would be greatly shocked. He was determined and rugged, free-spirited and unbridled, but never tender. It turns out he reserved all his tenderness for the person before him.

"The Late Emperor distrusted me, and I had to marry—not only for myself but also for you and Zhili," Yin Zhan said, "After Zhiqing was born, the Late Emperor’s doubts subsided. I have never touched her since, Roujia," he stared into the Empress Dowager’s eyes, "My heart never held another."

The Empress Dowager turned away, trying to avoid his gaze, but as she did, she bumped into a nearby bronze mirror. The woman in the bronze mirror was no longer the lovely and charming figure of the past; years had gone by, and her features had gradually aged, her hair even sprouted a few white strands, she was no longer as young as before. Time spares no beauty in its ravages, and it is especially cruel to women compared to men. Yin Zhan had matured and grown more charismatic than before, and standing next to him, anyone would think they were ill-matched.

The palace had turned her into a stranger.

"I don’t want to hear any of this," the Empress Dowager said, "If you have come to reminisce, please leave. I made it very clear back then; I do not wish to see you again in this life. It seems you have not taken my words to heart."

"Back then, I was compelled by the situation. I planned for twenty years, all for today," Yin Zhan said, "Roujia, even now, you still have me in your heart, don’t you? Even if you could give me up, surely you cannot bear to let go of Zhili. You haven’t seen him for many years; he has always thought his birth mother was long dead. What if I reveal his identity to him..."

"No!" The Empress Dowager quickly interrupted him, "Do not tell him."

"You know that’s impossible, Roujia," said Yin Zhan, "He must learn to accept his destiny. He should also recognize his birth mother. Don’t you want to hear him call you ’mother’? Zhili is very kind; he won’t hate anyone, he can’t bear to see you sad."

The Empress Dowager’s shoulders began to shake.

Having stayed in the palace for so many years, she appeared to be aloof from worldly affairs but managed to hold on tightly to the position of Empress Dowager—more precisely, even when the Late Emperor was still alive, she had always sat securely as the Empress, conducting everything impeccably.

The Empress Dowager was a young lady from the Lin Family, the eldest daughter of Feng Chengbo in her youth. Known far and wide for her gentle and virtuous nature, at sixteen, she was designated by the Emperor at the time to be married to the Crown Prince and became the Crown Princess Consort.

Once inside the deep palace, deep as the sea, all men become strangers. In the Empress Dowager’s heart, there was also such a stranger—none other than Yin Zhan, the brother of the Crown Prince from a different mother, at that time still a Prince, the Prince of Xia County.

One day, when Lin Roujia went to the temple on the mountain to pray, she encountered villains. By chance, Yin Zhan was nearby and saved her life. Filled with gratitude, Lin Roujia bandaged the wounded Yin Zhan. Feelings started to develop between the two young people. She was charmed by Yin Zhan’s brave valiance, and Yin Zhan was fond of her gentle grace. Feng Chengbo felt it was improper to publicize his daughter’s brush with violence, so he kept it quiet. The Lin family’s servants who were present were all dealt with. So this incident passed without anyone knowing. In other people’s eyes, Lin Roujia and Yin Zhan continued to appear unrelated.

But the growth of affection does not require any particular setting; liking someone is simply liking them. Sometimes, a fleeting glance, if long enduring, can lead to a great obsession. Yin Zhan had planned to ask for a marriage with the Lin Family, but before he could, the news of the imperial marriage came.

Lin Roujia became the Crown Princess Consort.

Life is probably like that, always having this or that imperfection. Lin Roujia thought, perhaps Yin Zhan was the one constant longing she could never fulfill in this life. She decided to let go of this youthful affection and be a good Crown Princess Consort.

She did it well; the Emperor passed away, the Crown Prince became the new Emperor, she became the Empress, and even gave birth to the Young Crown Prince.

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