Chapter 194: Volume 1, Chapter 194  The Empress seat still must be taken by herself

Even if Chu Ke has a family that looks favorably upon her, it's no use; the Chu side can exert force, but at this juncture, to play it safe, Ling Shan's marriage can only be a lowly match to ensure a smooth post‑wedding life, yet marrying her daughter to Chu Ke would not be acceptable.

"I told you before that you needn't worry about Ling Shan's marriage; that promise stands. You may return for now; I'll think it over." Rong Luoge said, still needing to confer with Han Xinglan, and she couldn't speak freely at the moment.

Chu Ke knew Rong Luoge's temperament; when those words were spoken she felt relieved, the worry on her face eased a bit. After standing, she hesitated, looked at her and said: "Lately I feel Rong Heng is acting strangely, always being evasive; many of the household servants have been sent out. I suspect he may have made contact with Di Yue Nu. Your Highness, be cautious."

Rong Luoge suddenly became interested; that was good news. She thought Di Yue Nu had fled to the Qingxuan Kingdom—no matter how long her arms were, she couldn't reach another country's territory—but if Di Yue Nu could return, the situation would be different.

In the end, the original owner's tragedy stemmed from Di Yue Nu and her daughter; this matter must ultimately be repaid by them, and only then will she have avenged the original owner.

Thinking of this, she looked at Chu Ke and asked, "Madam, is there any way you could bring Di Yue Nu back?"

Chu Ke was startled, and said blankly, "This… I, as a humble consort, fear I am powerless."

As soon as the words left her mouth, Chu Ke, fearing the Empress would be angry at her uselessness, quickly added, "Your Highness, you know I am just a lady of the inner palace; I have no ability to bring Di Yue Nu back from Qingxuan Kingdom."

Rong Luoge smiled, "No need to be nervous; I don't blame you. This matter does put you in a difficult position. So, after you return to the residence, try to use Ling Shan's marriage as a lever against the Protector Duke, and make everyone aware of those who spread the news. Especially publicize that the Protector Duke opposes Marquis Ningyuan, supports Lady Zhen Shen, and has completely broken with me."

Chu Ke: …

She vaguely sensed the Empress's intention; cold sweat seeped from her palm, and a chill rose on her back. She looked up at the Noble Consort's composed and steady expression, as if the words were merely a few light phrases.

"I understand, Your Highness. Rest assured." Chu Ke replied without hesitation. She and Rong Heng had no affection left; since he used his own daughter as a stepping stone, she shouldn't blame her for being heartless.

After Chu Ke left, Rong Luoge pondered that Prime Minister Su might also add fuel to the fire. Although everyone outside knew she and Rong Heng had severed ties, the split hadn't been particularly scandalous. Yet what if, at this juncture, Rong Heng strongly backed Lady Zhen Shen?

Driving a father and daughter to such estrangement, according to ancient thinking, most would deem the daughter at fault, and with Rong Heng, a hypocritical gentleman, being the best actor, this would undoubtedly be another blow to her reputation.

Therefore, to break this deadlock, she could only have Chu Ke stage a drama of marital discord with Rong Heng, so that she could emerge unscathed from this public‑opinion battle.

Moreover, it would be an opportunity to boost the fame of Marquis Ningyuan and Lady Zhen Shen. Her being a remarried woman sitting on the Empress seat indeed draws criticism, but that doesn't mean she is willing to let them—father and daughter—step on her to ascend.

Besides, behind Song Huihe lurks a watchful Su Ying.

Fortunately, Xiao Shenchu's decisive victory increased Han Xinglan's weight as emperor; only by defeating Qingxuan Kingdom will Han Xinglan's standing in the court solidify, allowing him to suppress the self‑righteous old ministers.

Thus, at this juncture the situation is delicate; her own struggle with the Song family will also cause court officials to assess her abilities.

She has never been a passive person; since matters have reached this point, she will take the initiative.

Minister of Rites Lin Jue is not without flaws; an official can never be without blemish.

Thinking of this, Rong Luoge summoned Que Cai and said, "Go to Xi Cheng and run an errand: have He Huai and Jing Chu do something, spreading the story that the Protector Duke married his daughter to the enemy who broke his son's leg…"

Public opinion is a tool; as someone from a later era, she can play it even better than these people. The subtle knife‑play of killing is not their exclusive domain.

Back then, Lin Gao Xuan, to avenge Rong Dai, deliberately arranged for Rong Yan's leg to be broken. The incident didn't cause much uproar, mainly because Protector Duke Rong Heng cared about Rong Dai's reputation. At that time, Chu Ke's relationship with him was still good, so a compromise was reached without a heated scandal, and the Lin family was allowed to admit fault and move on.

But now, spreading the fact that Rong Heng married Rong Ling Shan to the murderer of Rong Yan makes it especially entertaining.

When Han Xinglan returned, he saw Rong Luoge in good spirits; after changing into everyday clothes, he sat beside her, smiling, and asked, "What makes you so happy?"

Rong Luoge recounted the matter, and Han Xinglan laughed, then, with disgust, said, "I didn't expect Rong Heng to be so shameless; it truly opened my eyes."

"If he were a gentleman, how could he have agreed to my marriage with Prince Qi back then? To pave the way for Rong Dai, this father is not just shameless, he's utterly bottomless," Rong Luoge sighed, lamenting the original owner's worthlessness.

"Don't be sad."

"I'm not sad; it's already over. I just hope the wicked get their comeuppance," Rong Luoge said. "Marquis Ningyuan acts frequently; Prime Minister Su will likely stir the pot as well. It's not easy for you in the court, so don't worry about this trivial matter. I will handle it."

Han Xinglan looked at Rong Luoge's belly, somewhat worried, and said, "You're pregnant now; I don't want excessive worry to harm your health. How about you entrust it to me?"

"Then I'd be bored just sitting around all day, huh?" Rong Luoge laughed, leaning into Han Xinglan's arms, knowing he cared for her. "Consider it a way to amuse myself; I won't truly get angry, and besides I can use this to lure Su Ying out."

Han Xinglan met Rong Luoge's teasing gaze and for a moment didn't know what expression to wear.

Rong Luoge saw him and became even merrier; hearing her cheerful laughter, Han Xinglan sighed helplessly, "Fine, as long as she's happy."

Regarding the Empress Dowager's many moves, he was also troubled, so he simply let her handle them, as long as she didn't suffer loss.

"Su Ying hasn't done anything else in the palace that harms you, has she?" Han Xinglan, having little impression of this cousin, spoke without much inflection, as if mentioning a stranger.

"I can't say there aren't any, but I can say that Miss Su is truly interesting; she works methodically, like a thread of straw stretching for miles, and is very patient. The Empress Dowager indeed chose the right person by bringing her into the palace," Rong Luoge chuckled lightly.

Han Xinglan furrowed his brows even tighter, "If that's the case, it's better to send her out of the palace early."

"If we expel her this time, the Empress Dowager will find another excuse to bring her back next time; better to seize the chance for a clean break," Rong Luoge slowly sat up, looking at Han Xinglan. "Although I'm not particularly attached to the Empress seat, a member of the Su family must never sit in it."

Of course, as long as things go smoothly, taking the Empress seat herself remains the safest and most secure option.