For a father… that was enough.

At the very least, he could see her grow up and change.

As an official, he was not a qualified person. He couldn’t even control his siblings and let them abuse the power that was not supposed to be theirs. As a father, he had failed to educate his daughter, allowing her to be used by others.

Now she had grown up.

But he was no longer in the position to be by her side anymore.

Empress Dowager Yan turned around. “See the guest off.”

The maidservants tactfully dragged Second Madam Yan away and left Empress Dowager Yan alone in this room. They knew very well that Empress Dowager Yan needed time to be alone.

Those who had served long enough would know the scandal of Yan Family.

But they would never say it.

All they could see from behind was the proud back of Empress Dowager Yan who stood firm on her position. Her chin slightly raised as she looked towards the beautiful building in front of her.

This place was one of the most beautiful place in the world.

But it was also a cage, a prison that shackled her.

Tears dropped from the corner of Empress Dowager Yan’s eyes.

She wanted to hug her father, telling him that she was sorry. She wanted to apologize for all of those years for making trouble in her family residence and caused her true family members to be worried and disappointed.

She wanted to apologize for listening to the words of those imbeciles and harmed her own family members.

What she did had crossed the line.

And no matter how many apologies she makes, it would never be enough.

“Your Highness, His Majesty is here.”

Empress Dowager Yan took a deep breath and nodded. She used her handkerchief to wipe the tear on her cheek and composed herself. Even though she knew that Emperor Yang Zhou knew everything about Yan Family, she didn’t want to show this weakness of hers to others.

They didn’t need to know.

It was enough for her to bury all of her feelings and pain deep within her heart. She didn’t want to drag them into this trouble of hers.

“Let him in.”

Emperor Yang Zhou heard about Yan Family members who came to the palace. Ever since Empress Dowager Yan banned those people aside from her father and brother from coming, no one had come.

But this time, her father and her aunt had come.

So Empress Dowager Yan chose to let them in.

He looked at the dignified Empress Dowager in front of him and nodded faintly. As the Emperor, he naturally knew about everything that had happened in the palace and also Empress Dowager Yan’s background.

The problems in Yan Family, her mistakes, the rumors, and many others.

“Subject Imperial Mother greets His Majesty,” Empress Dowager Yan curtsied and gave her greetings.

Emperor Yang Zhou nodded and motioned for Empress Dowager Yan to stand up. His gaze looked profound yet at the same time, it was rather indifferent.

“Will you regret your decision?”

“No,” Empress Dowager Yan replied almost immediately. She took a deep breath. “I have made a mistake and this time, I’ll not make the same one again. Even if they never forgive me in the end, I deserve this end.”

Emperor Yang Zhou looked at Empress Dowager Yan deeply and then continued his words, “I have already arranged everything for your brother. He’ll be able to stay in the court and have his reputation washed. However, your father will have to resign from his position. At the same time, your reputation will go down the drain. Are you ready?”

Empress Dowager Yan showed a bitter smile. “It should have been like this ever since many years ago, Your Majesty. Thank you for listening to this subject’s selfish demand.”

“You earn it.”

After that, Emperor Yang Zhou didn’t stay any longer. He only came to tell Empress Dowager Yan that he had settled everything related to her family members that she had asked him to do.

When the two of them collaborated in the past, Empress Dowager Yan only asked for him to help her in a matter. One matter that might even challenge his bottom limit, but she owed it to her brother.

Since it had come to this, it was good enough.

Empress Dowager Yan watched as Emperor Yang Zhou walked away. She took a deep breath and lowered her head slowly.

*cough*

Looking at the blood in her hand, Empress Dowager Yan showed a mocking smile. Her time was almost up. This weak body of hers couldn’t stand the abuse from this hellish place that was coated in gold.

She had to do her best to drag this sickly body of hers to be able to hold on before she finished her goal.

Now that she had achieved her goal…

She could finally take a breather.

It was simply unfortunate that she didn’t know how much time she would have left after this matter had finished.

“Your Highness!”

The maidservants were terrified when they saw Empress Dowager Yan’s body swayed. When they saw that Empress Dowager Yan had fainted, they quickly summoned Imperial Doctor.

And word spread.

It said that the moment Yan Family members visited Empress Dowager Yan, she became so sick that she couldn’t leave her bed.

The prestigious Yan Family’s reputation fell almost immediately.

And when countless reports came, they were trialed and sentenced guilty just the very next day. Several families who were against Emperor Yang Zhou and colluded with other kingdoms were wiped up overnight.

It was bloodbath.

Yan Family, Lei Family, Qu Family…

All fell within a day.

And Nan Family was still waiting anxiously for them to be called. The palace cleanup hadn’t finished yet.

…

Nan Hua listened to the news that her men delivered. Within the short time span of two days, there were already so many families falling and broken. Some of them were completely wiped out while some others were half wiped out.

Those who were still useful managed to stay alive.

But those corrupted to the core were eliminated and disposed of.

However, among those few families who were eliminated, Yan Family was undoubtedly the biggest family recently. A lot of their family members were eliminated within a day’s time and most of them faced executions.

The exceptions were First Master Yan and his only son.

Aside from Yan Family, Prime Minister Bei was also under arrest along with Empress Dowager Mei with charge of infidelity and also manipulating their power.

“Grandfather, His Highness Empress Dowager Yan asks for me to pay a visit to her residence tomorrow.” Nan Hua looked at the letter. Tomorrow was also the time for Nan Family to be trialed.

This invitation would ensure that she didn’t have to participate.

Old Master Nan looked at the invitation and then asked softly, “Is there any Emperor’s seal placed?”

“Yes, there is.”

This invitation was approved by both the Emperor and Empress Dowager Yan. It meant that there was no way Nan Hua could possibly refuse this invitation.

She glanced up to look at Old Master Nan. “Grandfather, did you ask something from His Majesty?”

“No, it’s not me.” Old Master Nan laughed faintly. He knew very well that even if he did ask for something like that, Emperor Yang Zhou would only grant his request after taking a big piece of what he had.

There was only one person who could possibly ask for something like this and granted without any question asked.

Long Qian Xing.

‘Did he really wish to help Nan Hua?’ Old Master Nan was looking at the invitation as countless thoughts swirled within his mind. The relationship between the two children were not that deep.

They barely talked that much with each other.

At most, they only talked for a quarter of an incense stick of time with only the two of them.

The rest of time, there would definitely be someone else near them.

“Do you want to come?” Old Master Nan asked.

Nan Hua looked at her grandfather with an indifferent expression. However, her eyes seemed to be asking, ‘Is it even possible for her to refuse this kind of invitation from the person at the highest seat?’

*cough*

“Yan Family had fallen, which meant that Empress Dowager Yan have no more backing. It’s unknown whether her position will be safe or not. Even though that Young Master Yan is still active at the court, his position is not high.”

He’ll be promoted.

Nan Hua wanted to say that but restrained herself. She looked at the letter. “What happened in the Yan Family in the past?”