Chapter 229: No More Ground for a Turnaround

Volume One, Chapter 229  No More Ground for a Turnaround

After Han Xinglan became emperor, Han Xinglan's methods were hardline, and Han Xinglan would not easily concede even to senior ministers; these people naturally harbored many grievances against the new emperor. Moreover, Prince Qi was the Late Emperor's most beloved son; if they could support Prince Qi in a struggle against the emperor, they would naturally reap the benefits like a fisherman catching fish.

Han Xinglan had already prepared for this, so Han Xinglan initially had Prince Qi deliver the Late Emperor's coffin to the imperial tomb, under the pretext of the emperor's most beloved son. Prince Qi wanted to refuse, and the senior ministers could not stop it.

The Late Emperor favored you the most, so the task of carrying the coffin naturally belongs to you alone. You don't want to go? The Late Emperor would have wasted his affection on you; wouldn't that make you bear the label of being unfilial?

These senior ministers still intend to use Prince Qi to dominate the emperor, so they will not allow any blemish on his reputation; therefore Prince Qi smoothly carries the coffin back to the imperial tomb.

After sending Prince Qi away, Han Xinglan immediately employed thunderous measures, deciding on a war with the Qingxuan Kingdom, intending to use this conflict to cement their dominance in the court. It doesn't matter if the Ministry of Revenue claims poverty; Han Xinglan will draw from their private treasury to fund the army.

They split the officials to create a bureau, established a separate military industry bureau, and now are reforming the Inner Court Office; each case systematically weakens the aristocratic families' authority. Moreover, the emperor can produce many new weapons, which also unnerves the aristocrats.

Now Di Yue Nu has returned through a marriage alliance, and these people are overjoyed, because Di Yue Nu's daughter has become a secondary consort to Prince Qi—what a providential opportunity!

Rong Luoge could think of that, and Han Xinglan naturally could as well; in fact it's not surprising, since Luoge often acts with such meticulous precision.

The two shared the same view, and when discussing this matter they couldn't help but think that Luoge's move was a stroke of genius.

Aren't the aristocratic families supposed to prop up Prince Qi?

What if Prince Qi first triggers their interests?

Han Xinglan smiled and said, "I must admit this move is exquisite. I originally planned to make another arrangement for Prince Qi, but now it's unnecessary. I just don't know whether the Inner Court Office will accept this assignment; it's not a pleasant task. Prince Qi isn't foolish; he sees right through it."

"That's why I sought Grand Consort Ming," Rong Luoge laughed. "The clashes in the court are knife‑to‑knife, but if you look at it from a woman's angle, the situation changes. Grand Consort Ming now fears you will settle scores later; even in her dreams she wants her son to ascend the throne. Yet you are young, strong, and have good governing methods. Grand Consort Ming is a life‑preserving person, so she certainly would not want her son to become a tool in the hands of the aristocratic families; she will definitely advise Prince Qi to bow his head."

Han Xinglan has always acted openly and rarely meddled from the inner residence, but now that they have the virtuous inner aide Rong Luoge, things are different; if it succeeds, it will save them some effort.

"When will Di Yue Nu arrive in the capital?" Rong Luoge asked Han Xinglan, looking at them.

"Soon, based on the distance, about three days," Han Xinglan said rather indifferently.

"Then the matter of Zhen Guo Gong Fu should also have a result now," Rong Luoge said softly.

Han Xinglan held her hand and said, "Don't think about it for now; what matters is that you take good care of yourself." As the months grew larger, they naturally worried that her excessive worry would damage her health.

"The child is well‑behaved; I know my own body. When I feel tired I rest, I won't push myself," Rong Luoge said, looking down at her belly. "The child will be born in the season of warm spring and blooming flowers, which is a good time."

Han Xinglan also smiled, "Yes, when that time comes, you'll be more at ease."

"It may not be that easy; it's actually just in time for His Majesty's selection of a consort."

Han Xinglan: …

Rong Luoge looked at his expression and instantly burst into joy, collapsing into his arms and laughing nonstop.

Han Xinglan truly had no choice; they let out a light hum and said, "You."

"What's wrong with me?"

"Nothing, this is fine."

Across the world, only she dares to tease them like this.

Han Xinglan cherished Rong Luoge's health; if they were to return to the study to handle state affairs, Rong Luoge would normally wait to retire together. So they decided to slack off tonight, taking Rong Luoge to rest early.

Rong Luoge was rather surprised; this workaholic, rarely so.

Early the next morning, Han Xinglan got up to attend the morning court, and Rong Luoge, no longer sleepy, simply got up with them.

Han Xinglan looked at them, "Why get up so early? It's still dark outside."

"I can't sleep either, so I got up to read a bit," Rong Luoge said. Their current routine is very healthy, as if they had all the modern electronic gadgets and plentiful outdoor activities; sleeping before midnight is simply impossible.

Now it's different; in ancient times people would go indoors when it got dark, finish dinner, digest a bit, then sleep, usually before eight o'clock. A workaholic like Han Xinglan is unlike that— they themselves generally retire around nine, and only occasionally work overtime when dealing with things like glassmaking.

The two had a simple breakfast; Rong Luoge loves porridge, and breakfast cannot be without various soups and liquids. Han Xinglan, who often dines with them, has gradually become accustomed to it; in the morning, not finishing the porridge makes the stomach feel as if it hasn't been fed.

After the meal, Rong Luoge escorted them out, but Han Xinglan stopped them at the doorway, "Don't go out; it's dark and cold outside, and you'd have to wear thick clothes and trouble yourself."

Rong Xin and a few others listened nearby with smiles on their faces; Shi An, in his heart, clicked with amazement, thinking how Noble Consort Rong and His Majesty have been together so long yet still act so intimately; the consort's tactics are truly remarkable.

Rong Luoge actually hadn't intended to go out; they just thought of seeing him off under the corridor eaves. After Han Xinglan's remark, they felt a bit embarrassed, but didn't reveal their true intention; if the surrounding people heard, the emperor would appear self‑indulgent and embarrassed.

They smiled and saw him out the door, then went to the study, selected a volume, and returned to the warm couch in the living quarters to read slowly. After the sky brightened, they turned to Rong Xin and said, "Send someone to Rong Yan's place, ask Chu Ke how things are, tell her Di Yue Nu will arrive in about three days, and urge her to act quickly."

"Understood." Rong Xin agreed and went out.

Rong Luoge stared at the book, but their thoughts gradually shifted, pondering that the issue on Chu Ke's side might not be serious, whereas Prince Qi's side likely required more attention.

After much thought, Yun Shizhuang seemed like a breakthrough. They and Rong Dai have sparred often; they are the ones who most dislike seeing Rong Dai rise to power, relying on Prince Qi's family affairs and business competence, which is almost a dream come true for them.

It's best to have someone like Yun Shizhuang, who knows Rong Dai well and is also strong in combat.

Rong Luoge contemplated Yun Shizhuang's temperament—what could move their heart?

Although Grand Consort Ming is willing to join forces with them, the two view matters from different angles and desire different outcomes. She acts for her son's benefit; she acts because Rong Dai has no more ground to turn the tide.

Therefore, Grand Consort Ming's approach will certainly have some leeway, but Yun Shizhuang is a different matter.