"Him?!" Emperor Chongwen's tone was filled with disdain. "Truly, the onlooker sees more than the player. He doesn't even know what kind of person he is. When Lu Ruoyun is in front of him, she won't need to say much; just continuous crying, and he'll likely be unable to resist. And the Empress, she knows the second prince's temperament best; she has a hundred ways to deal with him with ease!"
"So, Your Majesty, what is your stance?" Gu Sinian asked.
"The Su family's daughter is also a daughter. I cannot solely think of my own son," Emperor Chongwen said. "If the second prince cannot convince Su Qingyue himself, then after this matter is settled, I will make proper arrangements for Su Qingyue. As for the child, young children are better off with their birth mother."
"Aren't you afraid the second prince will resent you?" Gu Sinian asked.
"It is not I who caused this outcome," Emperor Chongwen said. "Putting this aside, how is the matter I entrusted to you progressing?"
"We have gained control of what we needed from the Lu family. Furthermore, those imperial consorts whose families are stirring restlessly are also under our watch. As for my father... some things must be experienced with consequences before one knows if they are right or wrong," Gu Sinian said.
"You child..." Emperor Chongwen sighed. "Very well, as you say, letting him stumble may not be a bad thing."
At that time, for A Le's sake, he would spare their lives.
By then, he would likely understand clearly whether what he had done over the years was right or wrong.
However, even if he recognized his mistakes, there would be no room for redemption. He would spend the rest of his life in regret! This would be his punishment!
"Do you have any other instructions? If not, I shall take my leave," Gu Sinian said.
"Alright, you may withdraw," Emperor Chongwen waved his hand. Although everyone around him was now his, to avoid arousing the Empress Lu's suspicion, some matters still needed to be selectively revealed to her side.
Gu Sinian had barely left when Empress Lu arrived.
The second prince frequently visiting the Duke's mansion, and Gu Sinian suddenly entering the palace – if she didn't suspect something was amiss, she wouldn't believe it.
"The second prince went to see His Majesty!" Emperor Chongwen stated.
Empress Lu's face darkened. This rebellious son, indeed!
"Then Gu Sinian..." Empress Lu asked.
"His Majesty cannot return to the palace, so the second prince seeing him would be in vain. Gu Sinian entered the palace on His Majesty's orders to persuade his subordinates," Emperor Chongwen said calmly. "He said His Majesty stated that as long as the subordinates were willing to cooperate with them, they would not be punished afterward and would even be rewarded."
"Oh?" Empress Lu glanced at Emperor Chongwen askance. "What do you think?"
"Your Highness is confident of victory, so naturally, I would not be foolish enough to believe them," Emperor Chongwen said.
"Rest assured, once this matter is accomplished, neither I nor the Lu family will treat you unfairly," Empress Lu said.
"This subordinate thanks Your Highness," Emperor Chongwen said with gratitude.
"Hurry and draft the imperial edict. Issue it early so our son can give up hope. Our son's marriage cannot be delayed!" Empress Lu said. "The Lu family must be given a clear answer as soon as possible."
Soon, eunuchs carrying imperial edicts went separately to the second prince's mansion and the Lu family.
Two imperial edicts arrived at the second prince's mansion. One clearly stated that Su Qingyue would be demoted to a concubine.
The other declared that Lu Ruoyun possessed a dignified character, was respectful and virtuous, gentle and kind, and outstanding in appearance, making her a perfect match for the second prince. To fulfill this beautiful union, Lu Ruoyun was hereby betrothed to the second prince as his principal consort.
The second prince collapsed onto the ground, utterly dejected. Even the eunuch who delivered the edict shoved it into his hand.