"But I married Qingyue first!" the Second Prince argued earnestly.
"That does not change the fact that Su Qingyue ran away from home. As a Prince's Consort, she should set an example for all women. Running away at the slightest disagreement, is that setting an example? It has been many days, and her whereabouts are still unknown. Even if she is found, she is not fit to be the Second Prince's Consort," Empress Lu said, frowning.
"If it weren't for your people... how could Qingyue have run away? She ran away simply to protect herself, what is wrong with that?" the Second Prince retorted.
Empress Lu flicked her sleeve. "Regardless of her reasons, her unknown whereabouts are an undeniable fact. You say she had her difficulties, but who else would care about her difficulties? What others see is simply a woman who does not abide by the rules! As a royal bride, she brings such shame to the royal family. Not only I, but your father also cannot tolerate such a daughter-in-law. If she were sensible, she would return quietly, serve you and Yunyun well, and staying by your side would not be impossible. Otherwise... Hmph!"
The Second Prince knew what Empress Lu's "hmph" meant, but she was the woman he loved, and he had to protect her no matter what.
As for the Emperor, the one in the palace was not the Emperor.
He would not listen to what he said.
The Second Prince did not know at this time that Emperor Chongwen had already quietly returned to the palace.
"Mother, if anything happens to Qingyue, then you can forget about me taking responsibility for Yunyun. Anyway, no matter what happens, Mother can always think of a solution. Then Mother can explain it to Grandfather, Grandmother, Uncle, and Aunt herself!" The Second Prince gritted his teeth, looking as if he had nothing to lose.
If Su Qingyue was fine, he would consider being responsible for Lu Ruoyun.
If Su Qingyue was not fine, then he was sorry.
Either way, this was all his mother's scheme.
If Cousin Ruoyun blames anyone, she should blame Mother.
Empress Lu trembled with anger at the Second Prince. "You unfilial son, to say such disrespectful words to your elders! Why am I doing this, if not for you? If you were as brilliant and talented as the First Prince, excelling in everything, would I have to go to such lengths for you? You are not a child anymore, don't you know that the Lu family is your greatest support? If you marry your Cousin Ruoyun, the Lu family will not only be your maternal family but also your in-laws, naturally loyal to you. With their assistance, your reign will be stable after your ascension."
"Mother always says it's for my own good, but how do you know if this 'good' is what I want? I have no great ambitions. Whoever Father wishes to give the throne to, so be it. As Mother said, Elder Brother is brilliant and talented, and very outstanding. What is wrong with him inheriting the throne? The stability of the Great Feng empire and the peace and happiness of the people, isn't that the wish of every royal descendant? Moreover, there is one point, I hope Mother can make it clear, my support is not the Lu family, but Father." The Second Prince said with a serious expression.
What could be more despairing to Empress Lu than this?
She had worked hard to plan the throne for her son, yet her son said he didn't have to be the emperor.
She and the Lu family had already embarked on this path, having done what they should and shouldn't have. Now, there was no turning back.
"The throne, you will inherit it whether you want to or not. It is not up to you to decide," Empress Lu took a deep breath. "You were born bound to me and the Lu family. I cannot let you act recklessly and disregard me and the Lu family."