Chapter 73: Deep Into His Bones (2)
"Father!"
Gong Che kneeled low in the Zhaoyang Palace. Recently, he had to face one tragedy after another; first was his grandfather's death, and now it was his Queen Mother.
The emperor looked down from his dragon chair and sneered, "What else is there for you to possibly say?"
Gong Che kowtowed deeply, "Father Emperor, your child knows the Queen Mother's act in harming other pregnant imperial concubines is a sin in itself, but in this harem, who among those women are not guilty of doing so? Father, the Queen Mother has been married to you for many years through your successes and hardships. This prince pleads to Father to show her mercy... Please do not dethrone her!"
Emperor Gong Sheng looked down icily and threw the evidence that was presented to him down to Gong Che.
"Why should I listen to your request? Not only did she harm an emperor's son, she also did not spare a pregnant mother. This proves that the Empress has failed to live up to a woman's virtues, and has instead become a woman as vicious as a snake. How can such a person become the nation's mother? You still have objections?"
No one dared to answer his question, but everyone listened in tension.
Emperor Gong Shen laughed loudly once again. "I want an heir who can lead this kingdom to the peak, not some Crown Prince!"
Gong Che paled at his words. It was as if all of his efforts in the past had become a joke; he almost faltered as a deep sense of humiliation overwhelmed him. If the Crown Prince's position meant nothing to the emperor, then what about his mother's many years of suffering? Has the Liu Family's many years of dedication become nothing but a joke?
Only the eunuch Chang Xi dared to open his mouth at the moment. He frowned slightly and said, "Your Majesty, this is not the proper way. It is an ancient rule for the main wife's son to receive the inheritance. If the royal family does not follow customs, then in the same sense, there would be no rules between those who are old and young and the standings of a main wife and a concubine would be unclear. If one does not follow custom, would there not be chaos?"
Emperor Gong Sheng snorted in irritation.
"When a son of an ordinary household makes a mistake, he has only harmed a single family. But for the Crown Prince, once he makes a mistake, he has harmed entire kingdom!"
Emperor Gong Shen seemed to have had this idea for a very long, but it was only now that he had spoken of it. At this time, he furrowed his brows and said solemnly,
"This is what I want those people to know! Instead of playing tricks and killing each other, it is better to accomplish something for the world to recognize you! I am not one to adhere to pedantic rules. Everyone will be given an opportunity to prove himself! If a son of mine can accomplish greater things than I, that would be the greatest blessing of my life!"
The emperor looked at the pale-faced Gong Che. "It is the same for you. If you desire the throne, prove your ability!"