Chapter 55

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Protagonist:

Shen Yao

The imperial harem consorts are merely the catalyst; at root, it is still that the Fengyi Palace faction poses too great a threat — especially the smooth maturation of Xiao Jin's several children.

You must understand, the difference between adult imperial heirs and underage imperial heirs is worlds apart.

Not just anyone can have a child emperor ascend the throne and grasp the reins of government.

Ambitious schemers on the court are commonplace; Xiao Jin's entry into court administration and his speed of growth made Xiao Yanchen uneasy, which is why Xiao Yanchen was so eager to rise up in rebellion.

Shen Yao is merely a pawn Xiao Yanchen uses to probe Xiao Jin — who made Shen Yao's identity special, the connecting link between Xiao Yanchen and Xiao Jin.

Shen Yao exhaled, and as she turned to look at Xiao Jin, her gaze was serious and stubborn: "The facts are as they stand; we cannot sit and await death."

The more passive we are, the more the situation will deteriorate.

Under these circumstances, endless concession cannot solve any problem.

Shen Yao now feels that rather than endure, it is better to strike actively and seek a way out.

Xiao Jin is not hesitating — after all, who doesn't harbor a bit of ambition?

Moreover, the innate advantages his birth mother created for him are so favorable; if he cannot ascend that position, he truly has no one to blame but himself.

"Your son fears nothing else, only worries for Mother Empress," outside the palace everything is negotiable — adult princes and princesses do not reside in the palace — but how many remain inside the palace? Especially since birth mother is Empress, before the Emperor passes away she cannot possibly leave the palace alone.

Shen Yao smiled, expression relaxed, posture leisurely: "As long as you all are well, I will have no trouble in the palace."

The position of Empress is both the eye of the storm and a sheltered harbor.

Xiao Yanchen cannot find any fault with Shen Yao, so he can only be at a loss.

"You outside the palace, take good care of Xiao Yu and Xiao Yue; in the palace there is still Grandmother Empress, I will not suffer loss.

Time waits for no one; those matters dragging on in the court — it is time to move on them."

Those court officials who want to defect — accept them as they come.

Before, one would still consider Xiao Yanchen's feelings; now? Everything depends entirely on each side's own ability.

This conversation between Shen Yao and Xiao Jin lasted a very short time; basically once finished, Xiao Jin left the palace directly — front and back added together, not exceeding two quarter-hours.

Even if Xiao Yanchen in Taiji Hall found out, he would only give a faint smile and brush past it.

What can be said in such a short time?

Facts prove that as long as one has prepared mentally, even a single quarter-hour is enough.

After Xiao Jin left, Shen Yao fell silent once more; of course, the matters that should be handled still must be done.

The newly emerging consorts in the harem were all pressed down by Shen Yao's hand.

Even during the daily greeting ceremony Shen Yao threw this matter out and made a big scene on the spot.

It is not that she forbids everyone to compete, but everything must have a measure; if they make too much of a fuss, no one's face will look good.

Shen Yao holds the Emperor's verbal edict and is the Empress, occupying the righteous position.

Certain consorts, even after being dealt with, harbored dissatisfaction but dared not utter another word — only grumbling in their hearts; most simply lowered their heads and accepted fate.

No choice — circumstances are stronger than people, so they just cower.

Shen Yao does not know the various little schemes in these consorts' hearts.

Anyway, it was Xiao Yanchen who had her handle these matters; if dissatisfied they can go argue with Xiao Yanchen.

However, with the aura on Xiao Yanchen growing ever heavier, others probably dare not provoke him further.

After all, he is a living replica of the late Emperor; ordinary people cannot withstand him.

In the harem, with Shen Yao present, the other consorts cannot stir up too great a storm.

In the front court, Xiao Jin acts low-key, avoiding Xiao Yanchen while continuously expanding his own faction's strength.

Currently in the court, four princes have entered court service; among them Xiao Yu and Xiao Jin are purely there to make up numbers, while Xiao Yu is Xiao Jin's twin brother.

Those who can trade blows with Xiao Jin on equal terms — basically none.

Left with no choice, Xiao Yanchen can only personally assign tasks to Xiao Jin.

But as Xiao Jin's ability and capability advance rapidly, Xiao Yanchen finds it hard to bear; wariness, vigilance, suppression — these words are ultimately applied to Xiao Jin.

Right now Xiao Jin develops as low-key as possible; who knows how long it can remain stable.

……

"Your Highness, this time the Emperor went out of the palace to worship the ancestors, taking only Worthy Consort and a few other consorts," truly excessive.

Qiu Yue could not help muttering: a new year, one thought the Emperor might want some face, never expected the Emperor would be so utterly ruthless.

Shen Yao sat in the main hall of Fengyi Palace, a half-cup of drunk tea placed at her side.

"The Emperor wants this palace to bow and admit fault, but how can the ancestral worship be skipped?"

Is this something Shen Yao can skip just by saying she won't go? Result: Xiao Yanchen was even more ruthless — directly announced Shen Yao was ill and needed rest, then turned and left with Worthy Consort and the others.

Heh—

Whether Shen Yao's body is healthy or not, anyone with eyes can see.

Xiao Yanchen is truly not too outrageous — has his mind muddled to this extent?

Shen Yao thought back and forth, yet could not understand how she and Xiao Yanchen had reached today's pass.

Not a sliver of room for reconciliation — even the last time Xiao Yanchen came to Fengyi Palace was before the New Year palace banquet; now it is already early second month, a full month.

Sigh

Qiu Yue felt wronged on her master's behalf: "Your Highness"

Shen Yao shook her head, glanced again at the buildings outside, and the corner of her mouth revealed a faint smile: "Not going is also good — trouble cannot find its way onto me."

At the very least, given Xiao Yanchen's physical condition, he probably couldn't withstand the harm from Xian Fei and her group.

Xian Fei lost her child two years ago and ruined her body, then started doing the work of procuring women for Xiao Yanchen.

The concubines Xiao Yanchen brought out of the palace this time all came from Xian Fei's Yunying Hall.

Yunying Hall's location is very remote, because directly opposite this hall is Changle Palace.

Changle Palace has been sealed up tight for a long time because of the matter with Sun Churuo and her son.

Living in Yunying Hall opposite Changle Palace, before Xian Fei entered the palace it was just a Cold Palace wrapped in a shell.

Xian Fei is also capable; first she relied on her own efforts to climb up, later discovering this path wouldn't work, she immediately switched strategies and set her sights on the other minor concubines.

Including the maids serving by Xian Fei's side, not a single one lacks outstanding appearance.

Hah, no wonder she's someone who can live comfortably in the harem; using such methods, Xiao Yanchen still has the face to say she excels at using petty tricks — the most petty person isn't Xian Fei?

"Your Majesty, you must not grieve over this matter; His Majesty's trip is merely a whim," it could have what important significance.

Qiu Yue didn't say that last sentence, but Shen Yao could hear it.

Patting Qiu Yue's shoulder soothingly, Shen Yao truly wasn't sad; for a situation that can no longer be changed, investing even a bit more energy is disrespect to oneself.

"A rare opportunity; send a message outside the palace, let Prince Rong grasp it well."

At a time like this, Xiao Yanchen can still bear to delegate power to Xiao Jin who threatens him; one must admit, their mother and son really occupy an advantage.

If she can use the quota for leaving the palace to exchange for such a benefit, Shen Yao is also willing to do so.

Qiu Yue nodded in agreement, turned around and sent a letter to Prince Rong's Manor outside the palace.

Xiao Jin received the news, sat in the study pondering for a while, then immediately took action.

Since whether he acts or not won't change Imperial Father's attitude toward him, why not act?

"Immediately contact several Steward Lords, discuss the upcoming spring plowing matters."

Early February, just the time for the upcoming spring plowing; Imperial Father runs out of the palace to worship ancestors at this time, the remaining matters naturally fall to this son to handle on his behalf.

Xiao Jin also doesn't care if Xiao Yanchen hears the news and thinks he's committing great treason.

Anyway, a Regent must have the posture of a Regent.

Xiao Jin feels he should just do well everything that should be done, even if this is merely a test.

Heh!

Fourth Prince Prince Rong actually participated in court politics!

Taking advantage of His Majesty's absence, is Prince Rong planning to directly seize power?

Even daring to touch a civil matter like spring plowing; you must know the people regard food as heaven.

Xiao Jin's swift actions brought a huge shock to the officials in the court.

Especially over these years, a not insignificant force has already gathered around Xiao Jin.

Xiao Yanchen once attempted to divide them, but the final result was a broken halberd sunk in sand — to no avail.

In the end, father and son chose compromise, mutually not interfering with each other, temporarily single-mindedly governing.

But right now Prince Rong's behavior seems to have crossed the line a bit.

Some who think too much, these years wavering, never able to make up their minds.

Now because Xiao Yanchen isn't in the court, forced to all be swept into Xiao Jin's sphere of influence.

The court officials:... does this count as a calamity from heaven? They didn't have it, they don't have it!

The front court's liveliness was quickly sent to the harem and outside the palace by interested parties.

Shen Yao listened with relish on this side, even joking a couple of sentences with Qiu Yue, feeling Xiao Jin acts a bit recklessly but did it beautifully!

Directly venting a mouthful of evil anger for her; all these years being made things difficult by Taiji Hall, Shen Yao isn't a flour paste without a bit of temper either.

As for the more distant outside the palace, Xiao Yanchen can be said to be frantic with rage, directly tearing up the secret letter sent over.

Zhao Cai, who served at his side, was so frightened his whole body trembled, his thin bamboo-pole-like body pressed tight to the ground.

Completely two body extremes from his master; Wei Zhu is fat like a ball, Zhao Cai is thin like he can't afford to eat.

Since Wei Zhu retired a few years ago and Zhao Cai rose to position, the relationship between Fengyi Palace and Taiji Hall has not been so close.

Wei Zhu is good with Fengyi Palace, but that doesn't mean he's willing to see his own disciple get close to Fengyi Palace.

And His Majesty is daily sensitive and suspicious; for Zhao Cai to establish himself before the Emperor, the best method is to be loyal and devoted, not thinking a bit about what he shouldn't think.

Like right now, what Zhao Cai mutters most in his heart is preserving himself; as for making His Majesty calm down? That's other masters' business, a little eunuch like him can't do this work.

"Scram! Scram out of here for Us!"

Zhao Cai heard this, relieved at the same time scrambling and crawling out of the room.

Then came a burst of cracking and smashing sounds from inside the room.

Zhao Cai touching his wildly pounding heart, thinking His Majesty would be angry for a while, wondering whether he should go in to disturb, coincidentally Xian Fei brought two charming little Constant Attendants over.

Zhao Cai: Huh? Ready-made test subject

Eyes lighting up, footsteps quickening, Zhao Cai sidled up to Xian Fei with a bout of ingratiation, then sent the people into the room that had just finished venting anger.

Also formidable; was raging just now, the moment beauties entered came even more hearty laughter.

Zhao Cai:...

Xian Fei Niangniang indeed has some substance; no wonder she can gain His Majesty's favor, even this time leaving the palace she followed along.

Zhao Cai reached out and touched his chin, thinking in his heart the Empress Niangniang in the palace is probably in danger; Xian Fei Niangniang is this formidable, she might well be the next Empress candidate.

In Zhao Cai's little brain, Shen Yao this Empress's position is very unstable.

After all Zhao Cai has not once or twice heard from His Majesty's mouth words about deposing the Empress (in his sleep).

With this premise, the probability of Xian Fei Niangniang becoming Empress is very high.

'Hmph, but these have nothing to do with a little eunuch like me.'

Shook his head, throwing these thoughts out of his mind, Zhao Cai shrank his neck, standing at the doorway acting as a door god.

In the room, Consort Xian brought her two close sisters to pull Xiao Yanchen into revelry together.

Originally still angry, but upon facing Consort Xian's pretty face, and the two delicate beauties beside her calling him Your Majesty, his anger instantly dissipated by more than half.

Smiling somewhat carefree, Xiao Yanchen chose to join in.

His gaze gradually becoming intoxicated, Xiao Yanchen lost himself in one "Your Majesty" after another.

……

"Serving Your Majesty, benefits will not be lacking for you."

Consort Xian looked at the Emperor sleeping soundly on the couch, her eyes flashing with flames named ambition.

Favored Consort? Nothing more than that.

"Your Ladyship, can the prescription you gave really let us successfully conceive?"

The palace-attired beauty had a timid expression, holding the cup and bowl in her hand, neither able to put it down nor pick it up.

Consort Xian softly hummed, "Would this palace deceive you? Use it boldly and at ease; this opportunity is your and Ling Changzai's last chance. If it still doesn't work, then we'll have to talk about it—my Liu Qingyan's things are not so easily taken."

The palace-attired beauty: ……

"Your Ladyship, rest assured, this concubine and Ling Changzai understand—it's just using medicine; we've used it before."

The Emperor's body is fine; trying a few times won't cause trouble.

Myself and Ling Changzai paid a great price to be able to come out this time; if we can't conceive, we'll truly be at a loss.

Thinking Consort Xian is virtuous and kind as her title suggests? Those who truly believe this have piled up their bones.

Cloud Shadow Hall is hard to survive in, and making a name for oneself there is even more difficult.

Consort Xian is very clever, knowing she cannot handle great noble families herself, so she chose palace maids who have nothing but a pretty face to add points.

Like this palace-attired beauty before her, from Huan Yi Ju, once ostracized for her beauty, brought out by Consort Xian under the excuse of transferring personnel.

"Go on; this palace is very optimistic about you. Once you have offspring, you will know that everything today was very worthwhile."

Consort Xian continued painting the pie, and after sending them away, laughed once and turned to go out.

Sigh, if not for my own body being incapable, things wouldn't fall to these minor consorts.

Nowadays, the only one standing in her way is the Empress, and the difference between herself and the Empress is merely an imperial heir.

Once she has an imperial heir, Consort Xian laughed soundlessly, as if seeing the Empress Position within easy reach.

Shen Yao, far away in the palace, still did not know that someone outside the palace was eyeing the Empress Position beneath her buttocks.

But even if she knew, Shen Yao did not feel the other party could succeed.

Wanting to surpass her to become the new Empress, first she must make the Emperor depose the Empress.

But the Emperor's worsening physical condition leaves no time.

"What exactly did Xiao Yanchen do? His body is so depleted, yet he returned safely?"

Shen Yao couldn't help asking the system in her mind, simply stunned by Xiao Yanchen's changes.

If I remember correctly, Xiao Yanchen went out this time to inspect the ancestral sacrifice, not to revel, right?