Chapter 341: Prioritizing the Realm

Wan Tang's heart raced.

This is the biggest decision she has had to make since entering the palace.

She always feels at ease in Su Yanci's presence.

With unconditional trust, she says slowly, "If we report to the Emperor, following his ambition, he will certainly launch a reckless campaign."

"Capturing the Northern Border is his true aim, and even if that means sacrificing the lives of half the people of Fengqi Kingdom, he does not mind."

Wan Tang's tone is heavy: "Unless I suspend all plans and reconvene the charitable hall."

"Provide money and effort to pacify the rear and ensure peace."

At these words, Su Yanci cannot help but become agitated: "Wouldn't this benefit Chu Yunzheng?"

"He and I grew up together, so I understand his thoughts best."

"A person's ambition does not halt because of conquest; it actually expands with victory."

Su Yanci hesitates repeatedly.

Finally, they speak: "When we were young, he asked me for strategies, initially only to stand out among the princes."

"But the late Emperor deemed his ability unfit for his ambition, forced him down, and kept him in the palace."

"To achieve his goal, he can disregard any means."

Su Yanci and Wan Tang's expressions both darken.

The so‑called means naturally include treating thieves as kin and even slandering the loyal.

Su Yanci continues: "After ascending the throne, he despised being restrained and deliberately cultivated Xu Chengyuan."

"Later he feared Xu Chengyuan's great achievements would threaten the ruler, inevitably breaking the Three-way Stalemate in court."

"As for what follows, no need for more words; you must already know."

Wan Tang remains silent.

How could she not know.

When Xu Yanchuan shattered the Three-way Stalemate and lifted the banner, Chu Yunzheng was no less suspicious, even seeking Xu Yanchuan's death.

Even in a midnight dream, Wan Tang can hear Xu Yanchuan rebuking herself.

He repeatedly curses Wan Tang's negligence.

It is even highly possible that all of Wan Tang's calculations were already transparent in Chu Yunzheng's eyes.

Chu Yunzheng was merely going with the flow, deliberately letting Xu Yanchuan step forward.

Thinking of this, Wan Tang looks back at Su Yanci and laughs self‑deprecatingly: "I was just being clever."

"It seems you have long seen through his true nature, which is why you keep postponing and refuse to take office?"

"Hmm." Su Yanci nods.

"The rabbit dies and the dog is cooked; I've seen it enough to fear it might happen to me one day."

At this thought, Wan Tang feels a deep sorrow.

She says slowly: "You may covertly arrange this; if you need money, just go to Qi Qi."

"Understood!" Su Yanci replies.

"By the way." Wan Tang thinks for a moment, then asks: "How is the disaster relief progressing?"

Su Yanci lowers their voice, unable to hide the anger in their eyes: "Reports of disasters from across the lands have been suppressed by the Emperor under the pretext of stabilizing public sentiment."

"But the actual situation is worse than what is said in court."

"In Jiangbei, disaster‑stricken people have gathered and rebelled, killing the county magistrate who hoarded relief grain."

"If the court takes no effective measures, a spark could become a raging fire."

Not knowing whether deep autumn has arrived, Wan Tang feels a chill all over: "How long can our secretly stockpiled grain last?"

"At most half a month." Su Yanci frowns, "A drop in the bucket."

"Moreover, our people discovered someone secretly buying grain at high prices to hoard it. Tracing the leads points to the Bai Clan, the maternal family of Bai Li."

A cold glint flashes in Wan Tang's eyes: "It's her again, cutting Imperial harem expenses to fund the army to gain a virtuous reputation, while allowing her family to profit from the nation's calamities and line her own pockets."

"I merely stir the waters, but she rides the tide, doing far worse than I imagined."

"Time is pressing." Su Yanci steps forward, voice even lower, "I have already contacted Qi Qi and others, preparing a joint petition to force the Emperor to employ our people to oversee disaster relief."

"The Empress cannot stay outside the palace forever; she must return promptly."

"I understand." Wan Tang interrupts, her gaze calm as water, "I respond to myriad changes with constancy."

She ponders briefly, then asks: "Lord Su, do you know what the Emperor fears most now?"

Su Yanci pauses slightly, then understands: "The Emperor fears losing control, fears being proven wrong, especially being proven wrong by you, Empress."

"Exactly." A faint curve flickers at Wan Tang's mouth, "Thus, we need not argue; we only need to lay the facts and every worst‑case scenario before him."

She looks at Su Yanci: "Continue to intensify our covert disaster relief, especially in the areas most afflicted and about to change."

"At the same time, let the evidence of hoarding flow just right into Zhou Su's upright officials."

"Pressure him, and also give him a stepping stone." Wan Tang says resolutely, "I will make him come to me personally, asking me to mobilize Mo Family connections and power to steady the soon‑to‑collapse realm."

Su Yanci bows deeply: "I understand. I'll arrange it right away."

He turns to leave, then stops, whispering: "Empress, be careful in the temple."

"Bai Li will not sit idle and await death."

"I am waiting for her." Wan Tang's voice is cold, "It's simply laughable."

"The world has become so ruthless that people even swap children for food, yet still resort to competing for favor."

"Honestly, I have no energy at all to play this jealous rivalry game with her."

Su Yanci's brows still hold a trace of worry, about to speak but stopping.

Wan Tang raises her hand, halting his unspoken words: "For now, we need not concern ourselves with the petty squabbles of the Imperial harem."

"If, because of women's quarrels, the lives of the common people are lost, what difference is there between you, me, and them?"

"The urgent priority is twofold: first, to spare no effort in disaster relief; second, to use this good opportunity to uproot those cancerous tumors in the court that have hollowed out the Guoku."

Her voice grew cold, carrying a hint of resolve: "As for the Emperor and the Pear Consort, since one is willing to strike and the other willing to take it, perhaps the story of 'King Zhou and Daji' can be fully staged here in the Fengqi Kingdom."

"Let the people of the world see who is bringing disaster upon the nation."

Su Yanci bowed solemnly, his voice low yet powerful: "Subject will certainly not let the Madam become a sacrificial Merchant Queen."

Wan Tang heard this, and a faint curve brushed her lips.

"Of course not. This palace desires a Fengqi Kingdom without Chu Yunzheng, but instead one that is tranquil and clear."

The matter was settled.

Wan Tang was silent for a moment, then gently asked: "Is Sister Hui still well in the Imperial Palace?"

"Noble Consort is all well, please rest assured, Madam," Su Yanci replied.

Silence flowed between the two.

After a long while, Su Yanci lifted his eyes, his gaze deeply looking into Wan Tang's eyes: "Your humble servant is also well."

Their gazes met, and a thousand words were contained in that single look—no need to speak, yet unspeakable.

Su Yanci finally lowered his eyes, bowed, and quietly slipped out of the Zen Chamber.

"Wow! Who is that? So dashing and handsome, Father Emperor could never compare!"

Wan Tang stood still, staring at the receding backdrop.

A voice suddenly echoed from within the house.

Minghui crawled out from under the table, still holding the offering fruits.

He gave Wan Tang a cheeky grin: "Mother, Minghui heard everything!"