Chapter 116 Please, Your Majesty, recall the Crown Prince!
Chapter 116 Please, Your Majesty, recall the Crown Prince!
The queen remained silent, weighing the pros and cons in her mind.
She didn't want to disobey His Majesty's order, but she was also worried that the prince would really be implicated in this matter.
After a long time, the Queen slowly said, "I can send someone to Jizhou to inform the Crown Prince of your situation, but I cannot guarantee whether he can return to the capital. As for you, from today on, stay in your residence and don't come out to cause trouble. If there is any mistake in this matter, I will never let you off easily."
Shen Qingwan was overjoyed and quickly knelt down to express her gratitude: "Thank you, Queen. Qingwan will definitely follow your instructions."
The queen waved her hand, signaling Shen Qingwan to leave.
Shen Qingwan slowly left the palace. The queen's face was still gloomy. After a long silence, she summoned the palace maids around her.
"Where is your majesty now?"
Although she had never given in in front of Shen Qingwan, the prince was her biological son, how could she just leave it alone?
The palace maid replied respectfully: "Your Majesty, His Majesty is currently discussing state affairs with several ministers in the Imperial Study."
The queen nodded slightly, and after a moment's silence, she said, "Go and get ready. I want to see His Majesty."
The palace servants immediately got busy, arranging clothes for the queen and preparing ceremonial objects.
The queen walked towards the imperial study with a hint of trepidation and determination.
Along the way, her mind was in a tangle. She knew very well that His Majesty had high hopes for the Crown Prince, and His Majesty must be dissatisfied that the Crown Prince was sent to Jizhou because of Shen Qingwan's matter.
But as a mother, how could she just watch the prince fall into trouble and do nothing?
Arriving outside the imperial study, the queen stopped and calmed herself down.
The eunuch guarding outside the door saw the queen coming and hurried in to report.
After a while, the eunuch came out and told the queen to come in.
The queen took a deep breath and walked into the imperial study with steady steps.
His Majesty was sitting behind his desk, reading the memorials in his hands. When he saw the Queen come in, he raised his eyes slightly.
After the queen bowed, she said softly, "Your Majesty, I came here today because I have something to discuss with Your Majesty."
His Majesty put down the memorial, looked at the Queen, and said calmly, "What's the matter?"
The queen bit her lip and mustered up her courage to say, "Your Majesty, I am very relieved to hear that the prince is doing well in Jizhou. But I am also worried that the prince is alone and has no one to take care of him. And I heard that Shen Qingwan... is pregnant. If this matter is not handled properly, it may affect the prince's reputation."
His Majesty's face darkened instantly. "I have already made arrangements for this matter. Queen, there is no need to say more."
The Queen's heart tightened, but she continued, "Your Majesty, I know that Your Majesty has high hopes for the Crown Prince, and that sending the Crown Prince to Jizhou is also for his training. But in this situation, I beg Your Majesty to consider letting the Crown Prince return to the capital and properly handle this matter to avoid complications."
His Majesty frowned and remained silent.
The Queen was extremely anxious when she saw His Majesty remained silent, but she knew that she must not panic and must respond calmly to give her son a chance of survival.
The Queen bowed slightly, and said solemnly and earnestly: "Your Majesty, I know very well that the Crown Prince disobeyed Your Majesty this time and was sent to Jizhou as a punishment and training for him. Your Majesty has good intentions, so that the Crown Prince can grow up and better shoulder the responsibilities of the country in the future. I admire your Majesty's foresight."
She paused and continued, "However, Shen Qingwan is now pregnant, and this matter is of great importance. If it is not handled in time, once it is spread out, the reputation of the royal family will suffer a severe blow. Your Majesty has always attached great importance to the dignity of the royal family and regards it as the cornerstone of the country. I know that Your Majesty would definitely not want to see this situation happen."
His Majesty still had a frown on his face, his eyes were deep, making it difficult to guess what he was thinking.
The queen was nervous, but she did not dare to retreat at all and spoke slowly.
"The prince has been extremely intelligent and gifted since he was young. As he grew up, he respected and was loyal to His Majesty. This time, he was confused for a moment and did something disobedient for Shen Qingwan. I think he must have regretted it during his days in Jizhou.
Your Majesty, the prince is young and energetic, and it is inevitable that he will make mistakes, but his heart is good. Your Majesty, why don't you give him a chance and let him return to the capital to properly handle this matter, which can also demonstrate your majesty's kindness and magnanimity. "
Then, the Queen continued, "Your Majesty, the Crown Prince is the heir to the throne. His every move is related to the future of the country. Now that he is in Jizhou, he is worried about this matter and may not be able to devote himself to training.
If the prince could be recalled and allowed to resolve the matter, it would not only put his mind at ease, but also make him more aware of the magnitude of his responsibility.
In the future, he will act more cautiously, live up to your majesty's expectations, share your majesty's worries, and serve the country."
The Queen's eyes were full of anticipation as she looked at His Majesty, waiting for his response.
Seeing that His Majesty's expression had relaxed a little, the Queen struck while the iron was hot.
"Your Majesty, I am willing to apologize to you together with the Crown Prince. I will urge the Crown Prince to reflect deeply on his mistakes and promise that he will be more cautious in the future, follow your Majesty's example, and work wholeheartedly for the welfare of the country and the people. Your Majesty, please recall the Crown Prince for the sake of our father-son relationship."
His Majesty was silent for a long time, and finally sighed and said, "Forget it, I will consider this matter again."
The queen was delighted, knowing that the situation had taken a turn for the better. A glimmer of hope ignited in her heart, and she decided to make another effort.
The queen raised her eyes slightly, her eyes full of sincerity and worry.
"Your Majesty, I know that you have high hopes for the Crown Prince. I sent him to Jizhou this time to hone his character and abilities. If this unexpected incident is not handled properly, it may make the Crown Prince feel depressed, which will be detrimental to his growth and experience.
Recalling the prince and letting him face this matter and resolve it properly will not only demonstrate your majesty's wisdom and kindness, but also allow the prince to learn to take responsibility in the face of setbacks, which will surely be of great benefit to his future path."
His Majesty's expression eased a little, but he still did not make a clear statement.
The Queen continued, "Your Majesty, although Shen Qingwan is of low status, she now carries royal blood. If the situation is allowed to develop, it may cause more trouble. Recall the prince and let them get married as soon as possible. Giving the child a name can also stop the gossip and maintain the dignity of the royal family. I will urge the prince and Shen Qingwan to always remember your majesty's grace and teachings and dare not slack off in the slightest."
At this time, His Majesty finally nodded slightly and said, "What the Queen said makes some sense. I will consider recalling the Crown Prince. But this matter must be handled with caution and not rashly."
The queen was overjoyed and quickly knelt down to thank him: "Your Majesty is wise and wise. I am grateful to you. Your Majesty, rest assured that I will do my best to assist you in handling this matter and ensure the peace and stability of the royal family."
With His Majesty's approval, the Queen did not dare to disturb him any further. She bowed and then left, leaving time for the Emperor to think.
flstandardbreds