CHAPTER 379: CHAPTER 376 SURPRISE

At the words of Empress Xu, a figure suddenly flashed through Mrs. Meng’s mind, but it vanished quickly. She didn’t have time to think deeply, nor did she dare to.

Empress Xu did not continue but said, "You’ve suffered these years. Had we known your mother went to Zhenzhou with the Chen Family Village, the Emperor would have sent for her to come to the capital."

Regarding matters about her mother, Xie Liangchen had long discussed them with her father, and both father and daughter shared the same account.

Xie Liangchen replied, "When my mother’s family changed drastically, she was utterly desolate. Thankfully, my maternal grandparents took care of her attentively, helping her recover gradually. Later, she married my father. Life was plain but peaceful, and mother didn’t ask for much, considering that as good."

"My maternal grandfather and father also feared mentioning past events would upset mother. Thus, everyone remained tight-lipped. If not for the war in the North discovering the Liao spies, we might have continued living quietly in the Chen Family Village."

Empress Xu sighed deeply, "Your poor mother was harmed by the Liao people, and your father went to seek revenge against Xiao Xingzong, leaving you behind. He should have spoken the truth, and the court could have helped him."

Xie Liangchen said, "Father was ill for many years after being injured, and mother had already passed. The evidence in his hands was insufficient to reveal mother’s identity. Moreover, Xiao Xingzong was protected by the Liao people. The battle between two nations is no child’s play, so father had to avenge mother himself."

Xie Liangchen paused for a moment before continuing, "Had we not met Xue Shougui in the Eight States and gained clear evidence regarding my mother’s affairs, father and I would not have revealed these truths. According to mother, Chen Family Village saved her, and she had grown accustomed to being a part of it. We’ve all become used to it over these years."

Empress Xu smiled at Xie Liangchen, "Although Chen Family Village was kind to you, your maternal grandfather is still Prince Guangyang. Restoring your identity can also comfort him."

Xie Liangchen stood up and bowed to Empress Xu, "Father and daughter are privileged to be honored with such imperial grace."

Empress Xu said, "Alright, there’s no need for so many formalities. I summoned you to the palace not to see you kneel frequently but to have a conversation with you. Do you know the Emperor often mentions Prince Guangyang? Unfortunately, I barely met Prince Guangyang and the Princess when they were alive, so now I wish to see his descendants well."

At this point, Empress Xu remembered something, "You haven’t met Yang Wu yet, have you?"

Xie Liangchen responded gently, "I haven’t had the chance, Your Majesty."

Empress Xu pondered, "Over the years, I’ve often had Yang Wu come to accompany me simply because she is a descendant of Prince Guangyang. Alas, how could she end up like this? I am very disappointed in her. The Emperor has confined her at the residence, and how to deal with her is also up to you."

Empress Xu stood up, and everyone else followed suit.

"Yesterday, Yang Wu had someone deliver handwritten Buddhist scriptures wanting me to deal leniently with her," Empress Xu said, looking at Miss Xu.

Miss Xu’s eyes fell on Xie Liangchen with a somewhat dazed expression. Lost in thought, she only returned to reality when Mrs. Meng called out to her.

Mrs. Meng frowned in annoyance, "Help the Empress fetch the scriptures."

Miss Xu hurried to retrieve Yang Wu’s handwritten scriptures. They had hoped to mention the golden paper from Jianguo Temple when entering the palace. With Yang Wu sending scriptures in, using her topic, they could lead to the golden paper.

Everything was planned well, but Miss Xu remained distracted by Xie Liangchen’s appearance, thinking no wonder Song Xian wanted this marriage; it was because of Xie Liangchen’s looks. Ultimately, men in this world are alike, just like her second brother devoted to Yang Wu.

Miss Xu brought Yang Wu’s handwritten scriptures from the desk and unfolded them before the Empress.

Empress Xu stared at the scriptures for a long time, reaching out to touch the golden paper, "Such a good paper, such good scriptures."

Empress Xu’s gaze never left the golden paper, "Liangchen, share your thoughts on Yang Wu’s matter."

Xie Liangchen responded solemnly, "This humble daughter dares not speak recklessly."

Empress Xu said, "Just speak freely. The court has its laws. I ask you because you are a descendant of Prince Guangyang."

Xie Liangchen respectfully said, "I know my grandfather’s character. He was strict in managing the family and would never condone mistakes. Otherwise, Yang Wu’s father wouldn’t have had his leg broken by him. I dare not comment on matters of governance, but understanding my grandfather’s thoughts, if he were alive and knew Yang Wu used Prince Guangyang’s name to harm the people, he wouldn’t spare her."

"From my point of view, although Yang Wu is not a direct descendant of the Yang Family, she did come from a side branch. But considering her age, with severe punishment, my heart feels uneasy. Still, thinking of those sacrificed peasants tricked by Yang Wu, they are someone else’s sons, too, with aging parents. How innocent they are?"

"This is precisely why laws exist. In front of Daqi’s laws, no one can be lenient due to personal feelings, only then can reflect the word ’justice.’

Empress Xu seemed to ponder Xie Liangchen’s words, and after a while, she said, "Liangchen’s words resonate well with me. Dealing with Yang Wu by the law of the court, I will not speak on her behalf."

Empress Xu took a few steps forward, taking Xie Liangchen’s arm, "Rise up, today the abbot of Jianguo Temple is in the palace chanting. Join me in listening."

Xie Liangchen responded.

Everyone accompanied the Empress out.

Empress Xu did not take the sedan but conversed with Xie Liangchen while walking, "Tell me about the affairs of your Chen Family Village!"

Xie Liangchen reported to Empress Xu in a low voice, speaking about paper medicine and then thread tassels, when they reached Zhonghe Hall, where the scripture reading resounded.

Without interrupting the abbot of Jianguo Temple, everyone accompanied the Empress to offer incense. They moved to the side hall to sit down, waiting for the abbot to finish chanting the scriptures before meeting him.

Empress Xu took a sip of tea and asked Xie Liangchen to continue. Xie Liangchen mentioned wax paper.

Miss Xu said, "Just recently, I saw wax paper from Chen Family Village at a poetry gathering. Aside from Jianguo Temple’s golden paper for scriptures, I haven’t seen wax paper as good."

Empress Xu was reminded, "Indeed, the golden paper from Jianguo Temple this year is excellent, the wax paper you made..."

As Empress Xu spoke, Miss Xu observed the change in Xie Liangchen’s expression. Although Miss Xu did not understand Xie Liangchen’s thoughts, she felt she’d struck a chord.

Xie Liangchen clearly knew about the golden paper of Jianguo Temple and was aware the wax paper from Chen Family Village wasn’t as good.

Evidently, Empress Xu realized this too and did not continue the conversation.

Xie Liangchen rose and said, "Empress, the pink wax paper from Chen Family Village is not as good as Jianguo Temple’s golden paper."

Miss Xu felt a surge of joy.

Xie Liangchen continued, "I dare not deceive the Empress. Indeed, there is some connection between the pink wax paper and the golden paper."

Miss Xu straightened her spine, hoping Xie Liangchen would immediately speak the truth, suspecting the pink wax paper from Chen Family Village was perhaps modeled on Jianguo Temple’s golden paper.

Xie Liangchen furrowed her brow, looking somewhat troubled, and finally took a deep breath, intending to speak.

Yet Miss Xu heard a voice from the door chanting, "Amitabha Buddha, this matter is something I requested Mr. Xie to keep secret."

Master Hui’an entered the side hall, performing a Buddhist salute to Empress Xu and the others.

Master Hui’an said, "Many kind people have asked me about the making of golden paper, but I have never divulged it. This year’s golden paper is not from Jianguo Temple but from Chen Family Village. All golden paper distributed by Jianguo Temple was donated by the paper workshop of Chen Family Village."

Miss Xu’s eyes widened in astonishment.