The Aloof Lord's Mysterious Wife
Chapter 600: Quickly Have a Child for the Bloodline of Xie Family

Chapter 600: Quickly Have a Child for the Bloodline of Xie Family

When money was mentioned, Emperor Muwu immediately straightened in his seat.

It was unavoidable—his private treasury had nearly been emptied during the snow disaster.

This was why he was so infuriated by the corrupt officials, wishing he could slice them to pieces.

Emperor Muwu hesitated. "Empress, I’ve already taken quite a bit from my private treasury to aid in disaster relief. There’s not much left. You’ve worked so hard these days; perhaps you should take a good rest, and we can discuss this later."

In simpler terms, he didn’t want to spend any more money.

Empress Xie was fuming inside, but she dared not speak harshly to Emperor Muwu. If she did, she’d never get the funds.

So she started to cry, covering her face with a handkerchief, looking utterly devastated. "Your Majesty, Yan’er is suffering in hell. I can neither eat nor sleep. How can I rest? I no longer resent your cold-heartedness back then. After all, Yan’er made his own mistakes. All I ask now is to accumulate enough merit so that Yan’er can escape his suffering sooner."

Seeing her tears, Emperor Muwu felt a pang of sympathy. He sighed softly, "He’s still my son. Everything I do, all the merit I accumulate, I do in his name."

Hypocrite! Empress Xie cursed him silently. But she kept her act up, crying even harder.

"Your Majesty, I knew you wouldn’t abandon Yan’er, but this bit of merit... it’s just not enough."

After a moment of contemplation, Emperor Muwu asked her to wait. When he returned, the chief eunuch held a wooden box. Emperor Muwu, now cautious to keep his distance from her in case she snapped, gestured for the eunuch to present the box.

"This is five hundred taels of gold. It’s... all I have left," he said, a bit flushed, lightly coughing. "Empress, this is truly all I can spare."

Five hundred taels of gold! It was enough.

She knew Emperor Muwu would cave if she cried and flattered him without causing disruptions to governance. After all, they had grown up together as husband and wife, supporting each other along the way. She had played no small part in his ascent to the throne. Yet, despite all she had given without committing any monstrous deeds, this was her reward. The heavens were blind!

So from today onward, she would be ruthless. She would help Yan’er leave hell and reincarnate!

"Thank you, Your Majesty!" Empress Xie bowed, her gaze filled with gratitude. "I knew you still cared for Yan’er."

But Emperor Muwu still felt uneasy. Empress Xie looked poised and virtuous on the surface, but she had a fierce spirit. Otherwise, she wouldn’t have tried to kill him in revenge for their son.

After a long, contemplative gaze, he still couldn’t detect anything suspicious.

"Empress, I heard that performing good deeds to accumulate merit shouldn’t be too aggressive or self-serving. Do you understand?" Emperor Muwu asked.

"I understand, Your Majesty," Empress Xie replied. "It’s not just for Yan’er. I genuinely care for the people and wish to help them."

With that assurance, Emperor Muwu gave a slight nod. "Then... take care."

Since he had claimed to be out of money, Empress Xie was unlikely to come back requesting more. Their bond as husband and wife had long since broken.

Empress Xie’s expression dimmed a bit as she held the heavy box and left the side hall. However, Emperor Muwu was still not fully at ease and called an imperial guard in.

"Yin Yao, protect the Empress. If she acts strangely, report back immediately," he commanded.

Yin Yao’s eyes flickered before he lowered his head. "Understood, Your Majesty."

Empress Xie felt a weight lifted as she left the palace with five hundred taels of gold. Yet, even this sum was insufficient for building a temple. The Death God had demanded offerings, and she would not fail to deliver.

On her way, Empress Xie had an idea and ordered an imperial guard to deliver a message to the former Prince of Wu’an’s residence.

Upon returning to the Marquis of Zhenbei’s estate, she went straight to find Fan Yunxi. "I will be leaving the capital to meditate at Baima Temple in Lian State and pray for Yan’er’s blessing. Xi’er, come with me."

Fan Yunxi was taken aback. She had intended to discuss divorce with Xie Beihan, but he had already left early that morning.

"Aunt, I..." Fan Yunxi hesitated, wanting to refuse.

Empress Xie smiled warmly. "I overreacted yesterday. Beihan cares deeply for you, which is why he doesn’t want you to touch your dowry. Try to understand his good intentions."

"I know you two have already consummated the marriage, even if it was slightly against protocol. My brother, watching from the heavens, would never fault you; he’d rather see you both quickly bear a child and continue the Xie family line."

"I’ve heard that Baima Temple is known for granting fertility wishes, so I planned to take you there. Beihan can be quite childish sometimes, but if he has a child, he’ll mature, and he’ll cherish you even more."

These words greatly influenced Fan Yunxi, stirring her emotions.

"Aunt, does the Marquis... does he really care for me, so much that he doesn’t want me to touch my dowry?" she asked, uncertain.

"Of course! Don’t believe a word he said yesterday; that was just to placate me." Empress Xie took her hand, projecting the kindness of a loving elder. "Yan’er is gone. All I wish for now is your happiness. If you have a child soon, I’ll have something to cherish as well, won’t I?"

A faint blush appeared on Fan Yunxi’s face. "If you’re willing to put this all behind you, Aunt, we’ll be relieved."

"Then go and pack up quickly," Empress Xie urged.

"So soon?" Fan Yunxi hesitated. "Shouldn’t we wait for the Marquis to return and let him know?"

"A servant can inform him. We’ll only be gone for a few days, and we’ll return within a fortnight. But if we miss the auspicious date for seeking a child, the effect won’t be as strong," Empress Xie added with a persuasive smile. "I’m only thinking of what’s best for you."

Fan Yunxi, raised in a sheltered environment, wasn’t particularly worldly. Empress Xie’s early kindness toward her had earned her trust, leaving her defenseless now.

Moreover, if Empress Xie had truly let go of her unreasonable demands on Xie Beihan, then their future life would be easier. Since she had only this minor request, how could Fan Yunxi refuse? Besides, she genuinely did desire a child.

"Very well. I’ll pack my things right away. Please wait a moment, Aunt," Fan Yunxi said.

"Then be quick about it," Empress Xie replied with a smile.

Though Empress Xie had never schemed against anyone before, she had spent many years in the palace and knew how to read people. It took only a few words to seize upon Fan Yunxi’s weakness and get her to obediently comply.

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