Such rumors were just rumors at first, but later on, they gradually became facts that everyone recognized. Yongding Bo was also one of the first confidants of Emperor Yuanfeng, just like Song Xiangyu. Once he was plotted against, not only did he lose his life, but the Su family also fell into decline, becoming deserted. How regrettable!
The more this happened, the more intense the investigation of the case at the Ministry of Justice became.
As time gradually approached August, the whole city was filled with the fragrance of osmanthus flowers, and everyone in the Ministry of Justice could finally breathe a sigh of relief - Gao Ping had finally finished the case and compiled all the documents into a book and submitted it to the emperor.
One boot has fallen, and everyone is looking forward to the other one falling, but Emperor Yuanfeng suddenly seemed to have forgotten about it. During this period, he did not even summon Old Lady Su on the birthday of the late empress.
It seemed that he was not reacting so strongly to the injustice of the Su family, and he mentioned the late crown prince less and less recently.
Everyone couldn't help but wonder in their hearts, could it be that Emperor Yuanfeng regretted his decision again
Yes, although he had recalled the prince two years after the Weichang case and allowed him to defend himself, it was also his decision to demote the prince. If he wanted to overturn the case for the prince, wouldn't he be overturning his previous decision and proving that he was wrong
But the calmer the situation was, the more nervous everyone became. Even the censors who were most fond of making trouble did not keep a close eye on this matter.
At this critical juncture, the chief eunuch Xia who served Emperor Yuanfeng personally went to the Su family and summoned Old Lady Su into the palace.
When the news reached Concubine Pang, she raised the corners of her mouth and narrowed her eyes slightly: "After so many months of hard work, this day has finally arrived."
Aunt Jing silently brought up a glass of grapes and said softly, "Your Majesty has been quiet for too long. I wonder if things have changed..."
"That depends on how Old Lady Su responds in front of the emperor." Concubine Pang understood the change in Emperor Yuanfeng's mentality during this period. He certainly felt guilty, but he was an emperor after all. There were many people in this world who wanted to save face. Even some good-for-nothing men would often save face and refuse to admit their mistakes for the sake of their pitiful self-esteem, let alone the emperor
She thought for a moment, fixed her eyes on the bunch of grapes, and told Aunt Jing: "If you have any news, come in and report it to me immediately."
Jing Gu agreed, and asked the palace maid to add incense to the incense burner, and rolled up the curtains before turning around and saying, "But your majesty, don't worry too much. Old Madam Su has been holding this grudge for more than ten years, and things have come to this point. There is no reason for this last step to fail."
When the snipe and the clam fight, the fisherman benefits.
The Pang family just stood by and watched, and of course they were very happy to see Prince Zhuang and the Su and Song families fighting each other to the bitter end.
Of course, between the two, the Pang family is more inclined to believe that the Su family and the Song family will win.
After all, the dead can only be honored after death. Even if the prince overturns the verdict, what does it matter? The person is dead, and the dead are much easier to deal with than the living.
But King Zhuang was different.
Putting aside Prince Zhuang's ambition, he has been rising to prominence since he saved the emperor and has many supporters. Concubine Li is, after all, an elder with a high status. The Qin family is Prince Zhuang's in-laws' family, and Princess Zhuang is now pregnant with Emperor Yuanfeng's first grandson. In addition, even the empress dowager's great-niece's daughter is about to marry Prince Zhuang as a concubine.
With all these factors, it can be said that Prince Zhuang has all the advantages. If he is allowed to continue like this, even if she is favored in the palace, once the title of Eastern Palace is determined, Prince Zhuang will still have the advantage of legitimacy, and the Pang family plus her will probably be powerless.
They couldn't just sit there and surrender, so this time Luo Yong, an old member of the Duke Ping's Mansion, stood up without hesitation to confirm the Su family's accusations against Lord Wei and Xu Rui.
If this last matter was handled with great fanfare and then gently let go, then it would be clear how much Emperor Yuanfeng felt towards Prince Zhuang.
Of course, Concubine Pang would not want this to happen.
Old Lady Su, who was missed by many people, tremblingly entered the Kunning Palace of the late queen.
The palace was as usual, with the portrait of the late empress still enshrined inside. Emperor Yuanfeng had his back to him and was facing the portrait of Empress Xiaoci, so it was unclear what his expression was.
She knelt down and paid her respects to Emperor Yuanfeng.
Emperor Yuanfeng turned around, his expression was a little shocked, and after a long while he said, "Get up."
He turned away from the tablet of Empress Xiaoci and asked Old Madam Su to follow him out. He sighed expressionlessly, "I haven't seen you for many years. I can hardly recognize you."
Old Madam Su followed him silently, pursed her lips and said, "I haven't been out for a long time. I'm sorry to make Your Majesty laugh."
Emperor Yuanfeng had someone offer her a seat, and when the eunuch brought her tea, he said, "The case in the Ministry of Justice has come to a conclusion. I am... sorry, Old Seven."
Yongding Bo is the seventh in the clan, and people outside call him Old Seven.
When she heard her son's name again, Mrs. Su's eyes turned red and she couldn't control her emotions, tears welled up in her eyes quickly.
After so many years, she had almost given up hope and never thought that this day would really come.
Old Mrs. Su was already gray-haired, and Emperor Yuanfeng hardly dared to look at her wrinkled face.
After a long while, Old Lady Su choked up and said, "Thank you, Your Majesty. This way, Old Seven can finally rest in peace in the underworld..."
Before meeting Old Lady Su, Emperor Yuanfeng thought about her reaction. She would just cry and complain about her grievances, but he also knew that this was human nature. After all, no one would be able to remain indifferent if they encountered such a thing.
But now Old Madam Su was not hysterical or crying as he had imagined. Emperor Yuanfeng felt relieved but also had some doubts. He stared at Old Madam Su for a while, then lowered his eyes and said calmly, "Don't you hate me?"
How is it possible not to hate
There was silence in the room for a while. Old Mrs. Su kept her head down and said nothing. The atmosphere suddenly became cold.
It is one thing to feel guilty for doing something wrong, but it is another thing that the emperor's dignity cannot be challenged. Emperor Yuanfeng knows that he has done something wrong and is considering giving justice to the Su family, but if Old Lady Su's attitude continues to be bad, Emperor Yuanfeng will inevitably feel that Old Lady Su is too arrogant.
The human mind is inherently very complex and changeable.
Old Madam Su was silent for a while, then she looked up at Emperor Yuanfeng and said softly, "Your Majesty, thunder and rain are all grace from the Emperor. You were deceived at the beginning. Besides, although I lost my son... you are the same... I dare not compare myself with Your Majesty, but the thoughts of parents in the world are all in common..."