Every child was a piece of meat that fell from their mother's body.
The so-called mother and son were connected.
The pain of losing her son in her early years almost caused Empress Ma to lose half her life.
If it wasn't for the fact that she still had other concerns in her heart, her heart would have died the moment she lost Zhu Che.
However, it was also because of this that Empress Ma did not cherish her body all these years.
Otherwise, why would she go on a hunger strike to protest against Old Zhu in order to protect her subjects?
If it wasn't for the fact that her heart was already dead, as the mother of a country, no matter how kind she was, she wouldn't be like this.
At that time, Empress Ma's only thought was to accompany Zhao Che as soon as possible.
Looking back at the first half of her life, although she had been afraid all day with Zhu Yuanzhang in her early years.
However, her efforts were rewarded. In the end, she became the most respected woman in the world.
Her husband was the emperor and her son was the crown prince.
Moreover, the family had a very good relationship. There were no trivial matters between the palace like some of the previous imperial families.
It could be said that in the eyes of others, Empress Ma's life was perfect.
However, in Empress Ma's heart, there was an eternal pain, and that was the death of her youngest son, Zhao Che.
As a mother, losing her son in her middle age was heartbreaking.
Empress Ma had always remembered that after Little Zhu Che was born, his health had never been good.
There were strict rules regarding food and drink.
Little children were gluttonous, but every time, they could only watch helplessly.
The imperial physician said that he could not see the wind, so he could only stay in the house.
Only when the weather was good would Empress Ma carry him out for a walk.
Even when he was two years old, he did not even go to the imperial garden in the palace.
Every time Empress Ma thought of Little Zhu Che lying on the windowsill, her face full of yearning for the outside world, her heart ached.
A one or two-year-old child should not know anything.
However, Little Zhu Che was different.
He never cried. When he felt that Old Zhu and Empress Ma were in low spirits, he would lean over to them and rub his little head against them to comfort them in his own way.
Who wouldn't love such a child to the bone?
Unfortunately, the heavens were playing tricks on him.
Little Zhu Che had left forever before he even saw this world.
Over the years, Empress Ma's love for Zhu Che had grown with each passing day, and the guilt she felt towards him had also grown stronger.
This guilt made her feel extremely painful.
She had dreamed about Zhu Che many times in the middle of the night, and her tears would wet the pillow.
Originally, Empress Ma thought that she would only reunite with her youngest son after she died.
He didn't expect Little Zhu Che to come back from the dead.
Although she was certain that Zhang Che was Zhu Che, Empress Ma knew that her thoughts weren't rational without concrete evidence.
Now, the truth was out.
Thinking back to the little things she had spent with Zhang Che over the past two days, Empress Ma felt even more guilty towards him despite her happiness.
This child must have suffered a lot after wandering among the people.
However, he didn't complain. He was still as obedient, sensible, and considerate as he was when he was young.
She owed him too much!
"Chongba, am I dreaming?”
Empress Ma asked with tears on her face.
"No, sister, our son is back!" Old Zhu said with a smile.”
After saying that, Old Zhu felt Empress Ma struggling to get up.
"Sister, what are you doing?"
Empress Ma pushed Old Zhu hard and said firmly,""Chongba, I'm going to tell Che 'er who we are right now!”
"Sister, don't be anxious. We still have to think about this matter.”Old Zhu hurriedly pulled Empress Ma back.
Instantly, Empress Ma became very excited.
"He's my son. Why do we have to think about it when we're mother and son? Zhu Zhongba, are you going to use the same methods you used in the imperial court on us?”
Old Zhu didn't know whether to laugh or cry. He held Empress Ma's hand and said softly,""Sister, I understand how you feel. But have you thought about it? Che 'er is almost an adult!”
Empress Ma was stunned. She immediately understood what Old Zhu meant.
"Do you want Che 'er to go to the vassal state? No, I will never agree to this!”Empress Ma looked at Old Zhu with an unfriendly gaze.
It had been fourteen years since Zhang Che left her side when he was two.
In these fourteen years, although the mother and son were not truly separated forever, it was almost the same.
She had already been missing fourteen years in his life. Could it be that they had just reunited and were going to separate again?
Empress Ma was usually gentle, but on this matter, she was very unyielding.
She wished she could keep Zhang Che by her side forever. How could she bear to send him away?
"Sister, this is a rule after all. We have to be fair.”Old Zhu said with a bitter smile.
Empress Ma glared at him and said angrily," You set the rules. If you can set them, you can change them!" Besides, if you want to be fair, then let Che 'er stay by my side for fourteen years first!”
Old Zhu shook his head helplessly.
"We're not saying that we have to let Che 'er go to the vassal state, but we have to sort out this matter first.”
In the end, Old Zhu compromised.
This book is provided by FunNovel Novel Book | Fan Fiction Novel [Beautiful Free Novel Book]