Chapter 383: Do Not Become a Tyrant

Volume One, Chapter 383 Do Not Become a Tyrant

"What do you mean?" Han Xinglan was momentarily at a loss.

Rong Luoge smiled lightly, thought it over and spoke, "You see, although the Empress Dowager doesn't like me, these past days she hasn't acted against me, so how is it that she conveniently fainted today? Now that I think about it, perhaps it's not because of the news of my pregnancy; maybe it really has something to do with Virtuous Consort Su. At a time like this, you and I should express concern for the Empress Dowager, and not give Virtuous Consort Su any opportunity to exploit the situation."

Han Xinglan instantly understood Rong Luoge's meaning, which meant that Rong Luoge also suspected the Empress Dowager's fainting was related to Virtuous Consort Su.

"It would be faster to just seize and interrogate them directly." Han Xinglan now had little patience to deal with the Su family.

Rong Luoge squeezed Han Xinglan's hand, soothing his restless emotions, and said slowly: "Although the Empress Dowager, as a mother, indeed neglected some duties, she is still His Majesty's mother, and the Empress Dowager hasn't committed any major fault. If we can use this chance to have the Empress Dowager stand on His Majesty's side, wouldn't that be the greatest blow to the Su family?"

Hm?

Han Xinglan gave Rong Luoge a glance, then looked at her again.

Rong Luoge couldn't help asking, "What are you looking at?"

"I thought you were... about the Empress Dowager..." Han Xinglan began hesitantly, unsure how to continue.

Although Han Xinglan didn't finish the sentence, he understood.

"To be honest, I have to thank you. When you first brought me into the Hou Gong, you gave me the authority over it, which gave me the power and status to balance against the Empress Dowager. So, from the start, the Empress Dowager couldn't really harm me; there was never any substantial conflict or vested interest between us, because you granted me enough honor."

Rong Luoge truly didn't care much about the Empress Dowager; if there was any reservation, it was only when she first entered the Hou Gong. But Han Xinglan treated her well, backed her up, and she had immediately allied with the Bright Consort, so the Empress Dowager was placed in a weak position.

She wasn't being sanctimonious; in ancient times, filial piety was extremely important, especially since that virtue is magnified in an emperor.

That's why Han Xinglan generally deals with the Empress Dowager coldly; when his own son faces his mother, regardless of right or wrong, the first issue is filial impiety.

Moreover, the Empress Dowager is at an age where, to be honest, she still has at least five, six, seven, eight more years to live. Should we just let her keep meddling between His Majesty and the Su family?

Of course we should win her over; Rong Luoge keenly sensed that now was an opportunity.

Whether it will work or not is another matter, but we must at least try.

What if the Empress Dowager truly awakens?

Even if she can't fully awaken, not aligning with the Su family would still be a gain.

Han Xinglan looked at Rong Luoge; his expression was unsettled. He was about to speak, but Rong Luoge shook her head, "Let me try it. If it really doesn't work, we can discuss later, but I think there's still a chance. After all, you're the Empress Dowager's only son; the Empress Dowager is somewhat partial to the Su family, so you should have some standing in her eyes. Moreover, what does a person fear most in old age? They fear having nothing. If we can give the Empress Dowager a sense of security, I think the chances of success are great."

Han Xinglan smiled helplessly; he knew, he knew she was doing it for him.

To make him a benevolent ruler, not a tyrant.