The Empress sat in stunned silence for a long time, struggling to steady her turbulent thoughts. She had understood Chu Yueli’s words perfectly. Even if the Fourteenth Prince were exceptionally gifted, he was regrettably too young, and the Emperor’s health was failing; he might not live long enough to wait ten years to name an heir. Chu Yueli had not dared to state it explicitly, but anyone could grasp the implication—to speak such words was a capital offense! How dared she?
The Empress let out a long breath. After a while, she said, "Ali, have you been driven to a dead end by Consort Rui?"
"Yes, and no," Chu Yueli replied, looking at her with a calm expression. "There are always other paths one can try to take."
Chapter 134