I Killed My Husband (Completed Main Story) - Chapter 61

The Empress Dowager, throughout preparing my coronation, imparted great teachings on how a consort should comport herself.

Mercedes’ clear voice echoed through the grand banquet hall.

“Bestow upon good causes. Attend to the lowly. This is what she taught me. She also told me not to be extravagant. Yet she placed this necklace upon me—I understood it as an instruction to give it away.”

Mercedes spoke calmly.

These words were undoubtedly the virtues the Empress Dowager had taught Mercedes as a consort. But they were merely utterances spoken to bind her within the Empress Dowager’s palace, not sincere sentiments.

The Empress Dowager’s face grew slightly pale.

“I have been informed by the Empress Dowager what this necklace truly is.”

Mercedes used ambiguous phrasing. To the Empress Dowager, she hinted at the laborious craftsmanship; to the assembled guests, it sounded as though the Empress Dowager had personally revealed to Mercedes that it was the “Necklace of the State.”

“Thank you, Your Majesty, for such meticulous care. I am also grateful for the wisdom you have shown me in ensuring this necklace serves a noble purpose.”

The more she spoke, the clearer it became that the Empress Dowager had advised Mercedes to rid herself of this troublesome necklace through donation.

It was a most excellent turn of events.

Though the sum spent was astronomical, the necklace was of such negligible value that no one would ever wish to own it.

If, thus, the coronation could be transformed into a charitable act, she could receive its true worth and use it to care for starving orphans.

Yes. It was a splendid affair indeed.

Thus, despite the original intent, a wave of praise inevitably poured upon the Empress Dowager—leaving her unable to rebuke Mercedes or protest to Carlos.

Read full content of this chapter on r e d c a t t y . c o m