Chen Wenmian's mind was reeling, he seemed to realize something, his gaze fixed upon his mother, knowing only one circumstance could make the Empress and Emperor indifferent to each other, only one situation could lead his mother to worship their longevity tablets.
They died because of the Emperor.
She was a radical, pained Empress, seemingly reckless in her quest to make her son Emperor. Now, in front of the firelight and Buddha statue, she was in such agony, tears streaming down her face. Chen Wenmian watched her, the Empress looking at her own son, her desire to touch her child clear.
But she couldn't stretch out her hand, eventually letting it fall, whispering softly,
"My dear child."
"I should not touch you."
Chen Wenmian knelt down, took his mother's hand, placing it on his own cheek, his hand trembling, he said, "Mother, let's go."
With her hand cradling Chen Wenmian's face, she whispered: