Chapter 566 - Chapter 566: Chapter 553: Small Punishment, Great Warning (1/2)

Chapter 566: Chapter 553: Small Punishment, Great Warning

“It looks like Jinnian is going to win,”

“Your Majesty is mistaken. It is often said that nothing is certain until the very end. The game has not yet concluded. How can you be certain that I will surely lose?” Chu Yunzhao immediately refuted when he heard this.

“If Your Majesty still has doubts, why not stay and watch our game?”

“Well, since you’ve suggested it so adamantly, how can I refuse? Perhaps I should lend more interest to the game. I will grant the winner one wish. How does that sound?” Chu Shengrui was amused by Chu Yunzhao’s defensiveness. His face softened a great deal, and he even leaned forward with a smile.

“Your Majesty’s words bear great weight, and you may not break your promise,” Chu Yunzhao hurriedly interposed.

“I am the Emperor, and the Emperor’s words should not be taken back,” Chu Shengrui laughed.

“If that is so, then I have no choice but to follow Your Majesty’s command.” Chu Yunzhao pulled Chu Jinnian to sit down by the chessboard again. “It’s your turn to move.”

Chu Jinnian, who was playing the white pieces, thought for a long while before making his move.

His move was highly unusual. Chu Yunzhao also thought for a moment before making his move.

Chu Shengrui, watching the intense battle unfolding on the chessboard, nodded slightly and smiled approvingly.

Concubine Hui personally offered tea to Chu Shengrui and sat down beside him. “These two children are just playing for fun. Yet you’re insisting on having them compete with each other.”

“Why is His Majesty here at this hour?”

At this time, Chu Shengrui would usually be handling papers in the palace.

“I was distressed by the issues between the Empress and Yunhe. I couldn’t focus on the documents, so I decided to take a walk,” Chu Shengrui sighed.

Concubine Hui’s eyes shimmered, and the smile on her face faded slightly. “Your Majesty, don’t let your anger get the better of you. It wouldn’t do if it affects your health.”

“In the end, even though the Empress holds a high position, she is still a mother-in-law. Every mother-in-law hopes for a grandchild. The First Prince has been married for many years but still has no children. Now that Mrs. Liang is pregnant with a male heir, it’s understandable that the Empress gives importance to it.”

“The Empress is the hostess of the harem, a mother to all under Heaven. If Your Majesty punishes her for too long, it will inevitably cause gossip. Since the First Prince has already been disciplined, allow me to respectfully suggest you reconsider your decision to banish the Empress.”

“If I don’t punish her, my anger will not be appeased,” Chu Shengrui glanced at Concubine Hui and replied.

“If Your Majesty insists on punishing her, why not just dock two months of allowances? This will be seen as a fair, but significant, punishment,” Concubine Hui laughed.

Chu Shengrui pondered for a moment, then took Concubine Hui’s hand and started laughing. “You are pleading so earnestly, do you think I can’t see through your intentions?”

Concubine Hui pouted, somewhat displeased. “How could there be anything surprising about Your Majesty, as the Emperor, understanding the thoughts of a mere woman? You’ve known for years that I am one to shirk responsibility whenever possible. Naturally, I would rather avoid any conflicts.”

Seeing Concubine Hui behaving in such a way, reminiscent of her charming innocence when they first met, Chu Shengrui felt an overwhelming fondness for her but also a touch of regret.