Chapter 145 The Empress Advises Her Not to Prioritize Men

Chapter 145: The Empress Advised Her Not to Center Her Life Around Men

The man who once promised to love only her had now inevitably become just like the rest—a harem of countless beauties, with new faces brought in every year.

The affection between her and Emperor Jingyang seemed to have gradually faded away in the river of time.

The Empress told herself inwardly: it's better to trust yourself than to trust a man; rely on your husband less than on yourself.

Now, with three children by her side, what did it matter if she didn't have Emperor Jingyang's favor?

She no longer had the heart to vie for his affection; all she wanted was for her children to live safely and healthily.

"Your Majesty, the Seventeenth Prince's illness can be cured. If I couldn't do it, I wouldn't dare to make such bold claims and give you my word."

"However, as I mentioned before, this epilepsy is congenital, and it was triggered by those with ill intent using Broken Star Grass. To completely eradicate it, at least five to eight acupuncture sessions are needed."

Hearing Ji Yuntang's reassurance again, the Empress finally felt at ease.

It wasn't for nothing that she had quarreled with Emperor Jingyang to defend Ji Yuntang's reputation.

"Alright, I trust you. As long as An'er's illness can be cured, I can wait—even if it takes a year of acupuncture sessions."

Just then, Luo Xian'an, having changed his clothes, ran in from outside.

"Mother, Fairy Sister-in-law, An'er is bathed and clean!"

He ran straight to Ji Yuntang and stretched out his chubby little hands. "Fairy Sister-in-law, hug!"

Ji Yuntang smiled and picked up Xiao Tuanzi.

She gently poked his plump cheek with her slender fingertip, her eyes brimming with laughter. "The Seventeenth Prince is so adorable."

The Empress smiled from the side. "Tang'er, if you like children, you might consider having one with Prince Ye. A child often brings more harmony to a couple's life."

"I heard from Ge'er that Prince Ye's health has improved a lot—he can now move his arms and hands. I imagine his whole body will be able to move soon. Children are the foundation for a woman's stability in her household. Prince Ye currently has no concubines or chambermaids in his residence, Tang'er. Make the most of it."

As someone who's been through it all, the Empress understood well the importance of offspring to a woman.

In this dynasty, where males are favored over females, a woman must have a son to secure her place in the household.

Only if the son is favored can the woman's status be stable.

But Ji Yuntang saw things differently. As a modern person, she strongly disliked sharing her husband with other women.

Moreover, she had previously asked Luo Junhe indirectly if he would fall for someone else or take concubines after he recovered.

Luo Junhe had firmly told her, "I will never have another woman besides A Tang."

"My life was saved by A Tang. If that day ever comes, A Tang has my life in her hands at any time."

Ji Yuntang believed him.

They had gone through life-and-death trials together, through thick and thin. Naturally, their bond was deeper than that of ordinary couples—how could any other woman compare?

Even when Luo Junhe was the War God Prince and the most handsome man in the Dongchen Kingdom, he never had any other women by his side.

That certainly wouldn't change in the future.

Ji Yuntang smiled softly. "Your Majesty, A He's heart is simple and pure. I believe there will be no other women by his side."

"Besides, we are both still young. Children will come when the time is right. For now, I only hope he can recover soon."

Hearing this, the Empress was touched but smiled bitterly.

"Alas, I used to think the same. His Majesty once promised me a life of monogamy, but what happened? After I married him, he still had three thousand beauties in his harem."

"Tang'er, you can laugh at me if you want. Let me be honest with you: men's words are not to be trusted. On the surface, they seem devoted, but in reality, they all crave novelty. They stay with you only because you are useful to them."

"But in this world, there are countless women who are useful to them. One to consolidate power, one for a diplomatic marriage, one for lust—there will always be women for them to marry. How unfair it is to us women."

"In the palace, new faces always outshine old ones. I once dreamed of having his children and growing old with him. But after experiencing many things, I finally came to my senses. In this world, other women may take your man; only your sons and daughters truly belong to you."

"I know you and Prince Ye have a good relationship, but don't give him your heart completely. Always hold something back for yourself and put yourself first. I suggested you have a child with Prince Ye to give you emotional support. If he ever hurts you, you'll still have a way to defend yourself. Do you understand what I'm saying?"

The Empress spoke from the bottom of her heart. In her position, she had seen many top scholars abandon their wives after climbing the ranks.

The saying "share joys and hardships" becomes a joke at times like these.

Most men are heartless and unfaithful.

Especially in the royal family—where is true love?

Isn't Luo Junhe only kind to Ji Yuntang because she can cure his illness?

They had been married for such a short time. Luo Junhe is blind and has never seen what Ji Yuntang really looks like. Although she is very beautiful, what if he doesn't like her?

Nothing is certain until everything is settled.

At this moment, the Empress also feared this smart and kind girl might get hurt, so she kindly warned her.

Ji Yuntang fully understood the Empress's intention. She was afraid that Luo Junhe would let her down, and afraid she would be bullied. The Empress was sharing her life experience as a woman.

Ji Yuntang was still young and lacked emotional experience, so the Empress, from a woman's perspective, wanted her to consider herself more.

But what the Empress didn't know was that Ji Yuntang was never blinded by love. Love wasn't everything in her life.

She was very clear-headed about what she was doing.

"Your Majesty, I'll always keep your words close to my heart. If that day ever comes, I won't hesitate to divorce A He and leave Prince Ye's residence."

"Though I have invested a lot now, I will not shortchange myself. You can rest assured on that."

Seeing Ji Yuntang so clear-minded, the Empress was finally relieved.

She truly admired Ji Yuntang's character. She considered her one of her own, which was why she was willing to say so much.

"Alright, it's good that you have a bottom line. Prince Ye has lost his power and military authority now. Compared to the previous open strife and covert struggle among the princes, it's safer for you and him to be in the capital."

"However, Tang'er, you must still be careful of Prince Qi. He is petty-minded. As for the Crown Prince, I will keep an eye on him for you."

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