Chapter 406: The Grand Ending
Translator: EndlessFantasy Translation Editor: EndlessFantasy Translation
The crown prince wore a gloomy look, stubbornly denying his actions. “No, I never intended to harm my mother-in-law.”
Qiao Mai swiftly approached him, pinching his neck, pouring the bottle of medicine into his mouth, and then helping him swallow it with a cup of tea.
The emperor felt distressed but knew any interference could worsen the situation. It seemed like the medicine wasn’t fatal, so he resigned himself.
After consuming the medicine, the prince will become docile and won’t harbor any further thoughts of rebellion.
As expected, the prince wore a horrified expression after swallowing. He wanted to use his inner strength to break free from the acupoints, but all his inner strength vanished.
His body felt as if in a state of exhaustion, completely powerless. Without Qiao Mai having to release his acupoints, he immediately collapsed to the ground.
The empress wanted to help him, but Qiao Mai’s stern gaze deterred her from moving.
The emperor’s eyes welled up with tears. However, his son’s lack of competence led to this situation. To think that his son would plot against his mother-in-law!
The fact that Qiao Mai didn’t take his son’s life already showed a great deal of consideration for him.
“In-law, thanks for sparing his life.”
“Confine him to the ancestral residence, never to come out.”
“And what about the position of the crown prince?”
“Give it to Tianyi. He’s ten years old now. In a few more years, he can take your place. My grandson will be the emperor. No one else can interfere.”
The emperor sighed and issued an order.
“Where is the Golden Dragon Guards?”
“Your Majesty, please command us.” Several men with their faces covered with shiny golden veils swiftly appeared.
“Take him away. Confine him to the ancestral residence for the rest of his life.”
“Your Majesty, how should we announce this to the court and the officials?”
“Publicize his crimes to everyone.”
“Yes, Your Majesty.”
The prince, now stripped of his martial skills, faced a grim fate. He glared at Qiao Mai. “I don’t accept this! I don’t accept it!”
The old emperor hurriedly waved his hand. “Quickly, take him away!”
He was afraid that any delay would result in the prince being cut down by Qiao Mai.
After the prince was taken away, Ling’er regained her composure. “How could he treat my mother this way? What a heartless wolf.”
Qiao Mai comforted her, holding her hand. “You’re a living widow. Instead of keeping a time bomb by your side, it’s better to resolve it early. It’s good for you and the child.”
“Mother, it’s Ling’er’s fault. I put you in danger.”
“There was no harm done. Don’t worry. No one in this world can harm your mother. You’re still young. Do you want to stay with Tianyi or find another husband?”
“No, Mother. Your daughter won’t marry. Staying with Tianyi is enough.” Seeing Tianyi standing on the side with teary eyes, Qiao Mai waved to him.
Tianyi obediently walked over.
“Do you blame your grandmother?”
Tianyi shook his head. “No, this is not grandmother’s fault. Father did something wrong first. He tried to harm you, and you spared him. That was already merciful.”
“Grandma also wanted the best of both worlds, but your father became obsessed, broke his promise, and even wanted to harm me. I am doing this for my sake but also yours. He has already fallen into the demonic path.”
“Grandmother, what does demonic path mean?”
“His inner demons, a kind of fanatic illness.”
Wiping away a tear, Tianyi said, “Grandmother, I knew about Father’s actions when I was very young.”
“Child, do you want to become the crown prince?”
“Yes. I want to be a good crown prince, serving the people and the kingdom.”
“Grandmother has secured this opportunity for you. You must seize it.”
“Yes, Grandmother!”
Qiao Mai stood up. “You can all go back now. I understand that everyone’s mood is not great today. Take some time to calm down.”
Yuan Jiaqi led Qiao Mai back to their residence.
The news of the crown prince’s disgrace spread like wildfire in the capital.
“Did you hear? The crown prince has been deposed!”
“What happened?”
“He wanted to harm Madam Qiao. He tried to use a type of medicine to make her lose her martial arts. But before he could administer it, he was caught in the act and captured on the spot.”
“What? How could he be so foolish?”
“I heard it’s like this…”
“Good heavens, he promised to marry only one wife but secretly took in another woman. That woman is an undercover agent and should have died. He made a mistake himself and even blamed Madam Qiao. If it weren’t for her, our Great Ming Dynasty would be in danger.”
“That’s right.”
As people discussed these events, an imperial decree was issued, announcing the appointment of Prince Tianyi as the new crown prince.
The decree clearly stated that Tianyi would support for five years before sitting on the throne.
Qiao Mai and her husband spent a few days in the capital. Fearing her displeasure, the emperor granted them the titles of Grand Duke and Duchess, which would be inherited by their children.
Ten days later, Qiao Mai left the capital with her husband.
In gratitude for Yuan Jiagi’s support over the years, Qiao Mai devoted three years to traveling with her husband to various countries, experiencing diverse cultures and landscapes.
She took her husband flying during each visit, making him feel like a celestial being.
Afterward, they returned to Tianshui Town, where she closed herself off again.
This time, the seclusion lasted longer. Nevertheless, neither of the couple was idle. Although Yuan Jiaqi withdrew from the court, he actively supported the livelihoods of the commoners.
He applied the knowledge he gained from Qiao Mai to assist the villagers, encouraging them to cultivate barren lands. He allocated a portion of the family’s income to subsidize them.
Nowadays, there is no trace of wasteland to be found within the territory of Wei City.
Yuan Jiaqi expressed his views on this. “Unused land should not be left idle.
Even if it’s not used for growing crops, planting trees has benefits. At the very least, trees can prevent sandstorms and stabilize mud and sand. When winter comes, you can cut tree branches for firewood, utilize orange peels, plant greenhouses, weave things-there are plenty of possibilities.”
He also united all the escort agencies, providing convenient services for the commoners.
The crops and grains produced by the villagers were transported to other regions for sale, resolving the issue of surplus production.
In short, he ensured that the commoners could lead good lives.
The old emperor dedicated himself to teaching Tianyi, molding him into a qualified and benevolent ruler.
Two years later, the emperor abdicated in favor of Tianyi. Then, he often traveled between the capital and Tianshui Town with his empress.
Time flew, and another decade passed. The old emperor’s head was full of grey hair, the empress’s temples showed a touch of frost, and Yuan Jiaqi was no exception.
They often visited the orchard and vegetable garden behind the mansion, enjoying the seemingly ordinary but extraordinary life.
Fortunately, their spirits remained high, although they aged physically.
Especially when they wandered through the garden, the air seemed fresh and invigorating.
Gradually, the emperor and empress stopped returning to the capital. They chose to reside in Lucky Garden.
Every day, they eagerly awaited for Qiao Mai to come out. Time was like a burning flame, and once ignited, it passed swiftly.
Another decade went by. Yuan Jiaqi didn’t feel much as he could visit his wife in the space whenever he wanted.
Each time, he found her sitting cross-legged, motionless.
“My wife, it’s been twenty years. Aren’t your legs stiff by now? Why don’t you come out? I miss you.”
At that moment, the space trembled, kicking out Yuan Jiaqi and Qiao Mai.
They tumbled to the ground and gazed at each other.
“Wife, why did we come out?”
Qiao Mai touched her nose. “Haha, the space upgraded, and we got kicked out.”
“Upgraded?”
“Yes. My cultivation reached its peak, and it agreed with my intention. It expanded.”
“I see. So, what’s your cultivation level now?”
“Hehe, if we were in the immortal realm, even stomping my foot would tremble their hearts.”
“Haha, impressive!”
“Of course. Unfortunately, we can’t go there. Now that I’ve reached the peak, I won’t go into seclusion again. I’ll accompany you all to live an ordinary life for the rest of our days.”
Touched, Yuan Jiachi’s eyes reddened. He knew his wife was comforting him, but he was content..
