Chapter 15: Not Disappointing a Beauty (Wishing My Brothers a Happy New Year!!!)

…

Before Zheng Xiansu's flush could fade, the Empress Dowager's party arrived at the front hall.

Zheng Xiansu panicked, lowering her head instantly, her heart pounding like a startled deer—boom, boom, boom!

Wang Yisu subtly used her body to shield Zheng Xiansu, buying her time to recover.

After steadying herself, Zheng Xiansu stole a glance at Zhao Yu, who looked as if nothing had happened, and inwardly grumbled: "This wretch—he's recklessly bold!"

Meanwhile, Zheng Xiansu, who had always strictly adhered to propriety, felt an unprecedented, strange emotion stir within her.

How could one describe this feeling?

Simply put, the thrill had left Zheng Xiansu slightly intoxicated.

After the Empress Dowager entered, Zhao Yu immediately noticed Ma Xiao Jiao and Yuan Qing Cheng walking at the rear. Just as before, each held a fan.

Zhao Yu's gaze did not linger long on Ma Xiao Jiao or Yuan Qing Cheng.

As soon as the Empress Dowager entered, Zhao Yu stepped forward to greet her.

Unlike the original host, who had been terrified of the Empress Dowager and dared not speak a word in her presence, Zhao Yu felt not the slightest fear of her.

Approaching the Empress Dowager, Zhao Yu did not perform the proper bow—he simply gestured for the palace maid supporting her to step aside, then personally guided her to her throne.

The Empress Dowager said without expression: "So, having eased my worries, you now presume upon that favor?"

Had it been the original host, he would have been so terrified he'd have dropped to his knees, stammering, "I dare not!"

But Zhao Yu, hearing this clear test, replied bluntly: "In the past, I accomplished nothing worthy of mention, and had no right to draw near Your Majesty. Now, I share your fortune and misfortune—like a vine clinging to a lofty branch, I've found my support. How could I not seize this chance to draw closer to you, my mother? I cannot say why, but beside you, I feel profound warmth. This filial devotion overwhelmed me, and I lost my composure."

The Empress Dowager laughed and scolded: "You're quick to take advantage."

Zhao Yu grinned and said: "I only seek true closeness with Your Majesty. By your side, I feel as if bathed in spring breeze—my heart overflows with joy, and I lost my restraint. I beg Your Majesty's forgiveness."

The Empress Dowager smiled even brighter: "Sharp-tongued."

Seeing the once timid "Zhao Yu" now bantering freely with the Empress Dowager, Zheng Xiansu and Wang Yisu's affection deepened, and their confidence—and anticipation—of becoming Zhao Yu's Wang Fei and Ce Fei grew stronger.

After Zhao Yu helped the Empress Dowager settle into her throne, Zheng Xiansu and Wang Yisu took their places—one to her left, one to her right—while Ma Xiao Jiao and Yuan Qing Cheng began fanning her.

Only then did Zhao Yu bow to the Empress Dowager.

"Sit," said the Empress Dowager.

Zhao Yu obeyed, choosing the chair closest to her.

Then the Empress Dowager's expression turned stern: "You banished Director Qian to the western suburbs?"

Zhao Yu immediately knew the Empress Dowager had spent days investigating him.

Zhao Yu well knew the Empress Dowager despised those who discarded useful tools after use, and especially abhorred ingratitude—especially since Zhao Xu had purged so many of Gao Taotao's old retainers.

Based on this understanding, Zhao Yu did not mention Director Qian's corruption, arrogance, or incompetence. Instead, he sighed helplessly: "Director Qian is loyal but lacks ability, and has no experience in political struggle. I have already enraged Consort Liu. With her vengeful nature, she will surely retaliate. If I left Director Qian in charge of household affairs, she might find a weakness. To prevent any risk, I had no choice but to remove him and all potential threats—denying the enemy any opening."

The Empress Dowager's expression softened. Then she probed further: "If you know Consort Liu's temper, why provoke her that day?"

Zhao Yu replied solemnly: "My birth mother passed away many years ago. My late father died even earlier. Had it not been for Your Majesty's care, how could I have grown into adulthood? Crows feed their parents; lambs kneel to nurse. Even animals know filial duty—how much more so should a man?"

These words filled the Empress Dowager with deep comfort.

In her eyes, Zhao Yu spoke nothing but truth.

When Consort Lin died, the original host was only seven; Zhao Si was five. Both, along with Zhao Jie—who was slightly older—were raised under the Empress Dowager's watch until they reached twelve and left the palace.

Thus, to say Zhao Jie, the original host, and Zhao Si were raised by the Empress Dowager's own hands was not an exaggeration.

But Zhao Jie, from childhood, was eloquent, perceptive, skilled at flattery, and excelled in every way. The original host and Zhao Si, however, were mediocre in all respects—one bitter and burdened, the other silent and withdrawn. Naturally, the Empress Dowager favored Zhao Jie.

Yet, to be fair, the Empress Dowager had treated the original host and Zhao Si decently.

—She well understood that though imperial princes had closeness or distance, all affected the imperial dignity and court stability, so she strove to treat them equally.

Thus, Zhao Yu's gratitude for her upbringing was fully deserved.

Emperor Shenzong died young.

The son and daughter he had with the Empress Dowager in her youth also died early.

Thus, she became a lonely, helpless old woman.

This was the Empress Dowager's greatest vulnerability.

On the other hand, though Zhao Xu defeated his brothers to become Crown Prince and later Emperor—with the Empress Dowager's crucial support—he clearly favored his birth mother, Consort Zhu, and treated the Empress Dowager with mere politeness.

This left her in an awkward position, forcing her to guard against the possibility that, through scheming, Consort Zhu might seize her title as Empress Dowager.

This also made her regret having named Zhao Xu, who had a birth mother, as Crown Prince.

That was why she turned to Zhao Jie, who had no birth mother, treating him as her own son, to ensure she would not be left alone in old age.

But Zhao Jie's conduct in Funing Palace had truly wounded her heart—especially when contrasted with Zhao Yu.

Now, Zhao Yu showed such gratitude.

For the first time in this turbulent court struggle, the Empress Dowager felt a glimmer of comfort.

"Strong grass reveals itself in fierce wind; loyal ministers emerge in times of chaos!"

Looking at Zhao Yu, the Empress Dowager's eyes held new hope. She said to him: "You've grown so sensible. I am deeply pleased. The court is in turmoil. You and I, mother and son, must support each other and weather this storm together."

Zhao Yu immediately pledged: "I will follow Your Majesty's lead. No one shall dare insult my mother!"

The Empress Dowager smiled and nodded: "Good, good, good. All ten years of raising you were not in vain."

After her heart swelled with joy, she warned Zhao Yu: "The situation is complex. Consort Liu and the New Faction are watching closely. Do not act rashly. Plan carefully before you move."

Zhao Yu replied: "I understand. I will speak and act with utmost caution, denying the enemy any opening."

The Empress Dowager nodded approvingly, then asked: "What brings you here today?"

Hearing the Empress Dowager ask the reason for Zhao Yu's visit, Zheng Xiansu and Wang Yisu's hearts leapt to their throats!!!

Yes.

Zheng Xiansu and Wang Yisu felt Zhao Yu had not lied to them—he truly wished to marry them as Wang Fei.

But what if he had lied? Or worse—what if he was only manipulating their feelings, seeking only their bodies?

Such things had happened before; it was hard to guarantee they wouldn't happen to them.

The key point was that Zhao Yu had just been all over Zheng Xiansu—kissing and groping—and had gone all the way to third base. If Zhao Yu didn't marry Zheng Xiansu, then for Zheng Xiansu there really would be no path left but death.

Besides, they were after all only minor female officials; their natal families had never produced any great officials, and their family backgrounds were not illustrious. They simply weren't qualified to become a Wang Fei. Would the Empress Dowager agree to Zhao Yu taking one of them as Wang Fei?

Zheng Xiansu and Wang Yisu—especially the former—stared at Zhao Yu in extreme nervousness, unconsciously twisting the hems of their clothes tightly with both hands, yet still pretending to be composed.

Fortunately, Zhao Yu did not disappoint Zheng Xiansu and Wang Yisu. He very readily rushed toward the Empress Dowager and bowed, saying: "This son has come to ask the Empress Dowager for a marriage…"

……

(End of chapter)