Chapter Ninety-Seven: Think It Over Carefully

Wu Ning's biological mother, Helan Minyue, was the daughter of Wu Zetian's elder sister, making her Wu Zetian's niece.

As for the husband of Wu Zetian—that is, the cheap father Wu Ning had suddenly inherited, Emperor Gaozong Li Zhi... well, even without Ugly Uncle saying it, Wu Ning knew from his past life that this man was a lecher. Otherwise, he would not have taken his own father’s woman into his bed and even elevated her to Empress—the very woman now known as Wu Zetian.

Furthermore, this old lecher had not only favored his father’s woman but also had an affair with her sister. Not content with just the sister, he had also taken up with her daughter—Wu Ning's biological mother, Helan Minyue.

Chaotic! In the eyes of later generations, could it be described as anything but "chaotic"? Yet, to the people of the Tang Dynasty, such things were considered quite normal.

Wu Ning had no right to judge the conduct of the previous generation. Regardless, in Gaozong's later years, the Empress Dowager Wu had become so obsessed with power that she could not extricate herself. The old Emperor had no choice but to pour his affections into Helan Minyue, favoring her greatly and intending to make her his consort. Perhaps this struck a nerve with Empress Wu, or perhaps Helan Minyue was simply too young, naive, and unaware of how to navigate such dangers. In any case, a single poisoned meal easily claimed her life.

Although Wu Zetian ultimately blamed the act on two of her brothers she disliked, Wu Weiliang and Wu Huaiyun, those with discerning eyes knew well that it was Wu Zetian's doing. She was jealous that her niece had possessed her husband and hated her for stealing his favor. This was plausible; the number of people Wu Zetian had killed and the relatives she had wiped out in her lifetime were too many to count, even using both hands and feet.

Of course, all of this was mere gossip. Wu Ning had little understanding of history and could only slowly uncover the unknown truths of the past through Ugly Uncle.

"Your mother's pregnancy was discovered shortly after Gaozong and Empress Wu left the capital for the Fengshan sacrifices at Mount Tai. Because she lacked a formal title, it had to be kept secret."

"It wasn't until half a year later, when Gaozong returned to the court, that Minyue was already more than eight months pregnant. Upon learning this, Gaozong was naturally overjoyed to have a child in his twilight years. He discussed with Empress Wu his intention to make your mother a consort, and Empress Wu nodded in agreement at the time."

"Back then, the entire family breathed a sigh of relief. Firstly, Minyue finally had a status. Secondly, if she gave birth to a prince, the Helan family would not only have an aunt as Empress, but also a prince to ensure the family's survival—it was naturally a joyous occasion."

"However, not long after, our uncles Weiliang and Huaiyun, who had long been at odds with the Empress, offered her food to curry favor."

"Empress Wu did not consume it immediately; instead, she summoned Minyue into the palace. By dusk, the tragic news arrived: Minyue had been poisoned and was beyond saving."

Ugly Uncle spoke with profound sorrow, "The palace gates were locked by then, and relatives were forbidden from entering. I couldn't get in, and sensing something suspicious, I had Meng Cang-sheng sneak into the inner palace to investigate."

"And then..."

Ugly Uncle did not need to finish; Wu Ning already knew. Meng Cang-sheng had smuggled him out, and fearing that Wu Zetian would not tolerate the child, had secretly sent him to be raised in the outskirts of the capital. It was not until five years later, after Wu Ning's adoptive parents passed away and Ugly Uncle had disfigured himself to escape notice, that he finally brought Wu Ning to his side.

...

Wu Ning felt completely dazed. From childhood to now, this was the first time he had been pushed to a state where he could not think, his entire body feeling numb.

"What kind of person was my mother?"

He didn't know why he asked this, only hearing Ugly Uncle reply: "Virtuous, kind, and pure of heart!"

"Hmm..." Wu Ning responded absentmindedly.

Ugly Uncle was dissatisfied; Wu Ning's reaction was the complete opposite of what he expected—far too calm.

"Do you not hate?"

"Hate?" Wu Ning came to his senses and looked at Ugly Uncle. "Perhaps..."

"Then, as a son, do you not want to avenge your mother!?"

"Revenge?" Wu Ning was still dazed, answering instinctively: "Revenge... yes, revenge must be taken."

"Uncle..." Wu Ning felt breathless from the questioning. "It's late. You should go back to sleep. I..." He offered a foolish smile. "I'm a bit overwhelmed. I want to be alone."

"But..." Ugly Uncle persisted, but Taiping grabbed him and led him toward the door. "Let Jiulang have some quiet!"

...

Once left alone in the room, Wu Ning blew out the oil lamp, plunging the room into darkness. He leaned back against the wall and did not move again.

Helan Minzhi. Helan Minyue. Emperor Gaozong Li Zhi, and Wu Zetian. These figures from history were people Wu Ning had never imagined would be so close to him—so close they were imprinted upon his very life. He never expected such a cliché plot to fall upon him, yet it had happened so realistically.

Should he seek revenge?

He must... Although Wu Ning was an interloper who had taken over this body, the original owner had left behind only a few instincts. It might seem that the poor woman who died unjustly fifteen years ago had nothing to do with him, but... could it truly be dismissed with a simple phrase?

Wu Ning was human; the blood flowing in his veins was warm, not cold! Regardless of everything, in Wu Ning's heart, Helan Minyue was not just a pitiful woman; objectively, she was his mother. It was like those children in later generations who were kidnapped—they might remember nothing and never see their birth parents again, but one cannot claim they have no connection simply because there was no upbringing. You cannot stop someone from missing or remembering. That is the difference between humans and animals.

But how to take revenge? With the uncontrolled rage he felt upon hearing the story? Or with the fanatical gaze Ugly Uncle possessed? Wu Ning did not know. He needed to think it through carefully.

...

Outside the room, Ugly Uncle and Taiping stood in silence.

"Big brother, do you really... really want Jiulang to take revenge?"

"Otherwise what?" Ugly Uncle retorted. "Let him swallow his anger and live a life of cowardly peace? Would that be fair to his deceased mother?"

"But," Taiping urged, "the incident fifteen years ago might not necessarily have been the Empress's doing."

"If not her, then who else could it be!?" Ugly Uncle growled, careful not to let the guards outside hear, while venting his resentment. "Look... look at my face!" He pressed his hideous, scarred face against Taiping's. "I will always remember how I had to carve this face myself just to survive! I will always remember the look in her eyes when she discarded me like trash! I will always remember that I survived only to make her regret it!"

"You..." Taiping was shocked and backed away instinctively. This Helan brother before her was a stranger. "Are you not afraid I'll tell the Empress!?" She clung to a shred of hope, wishing this would make Helan Minzhi fearful.

Unfortunately, Taiping was too naive. She did not know that in the heart of this scarred man, hatred had drowned everything—good and evil, right and wrong, family, friendship, life and death... and even fear! He was a gambler who had lost everything; he cared for nothing, wanting only to win. To win, he would abandon all reason and principle, betting everything recklessly.

"You are welcome to tell Empress Wu; Helan Minzhi is right here! But even if it means death, I will see this through!"

After saying this, Ugly Uncle turned and left. "Go and tell her! I have nothing left to lose. However, I wager you won't!"

Taiping stood frozen in the snow, watching Helan Minzhi walk away. She was terrified. Glancing at Wu Ning's dark room, she thought to herself: Will he, too, turn into a fanatical madman like his brother?