Chapter 91: The Gao Family

Today, the Emperor granted Prime Minister Gao a six-month leave on the grounds of his poor health, ordering him to return to his residence to recuperate. On the surface, it was a favor, but in reality, it was a stripping of power. Once Prime Minister Gao left, the Gao family's influence at court was like a spine pulled from a body, teetering on the brink of collapse. Imperial Consort Gao sneered inwardly; how could she not understand the Emperor’s intentions?

Imperial Consort Gao sat on a soft couch in the Huagong, clutching a delicate celadon teacup. The tea had gone slightly cold, yet she did not notice. The hall was so quiet that the faint crackle of candle flames could be heard, casting flickering light and shadow across her face. Her gaze rested on the teacup, her fingertips unconsciously stroking the rim, while her thoughts had long since drifted away.

Her fate had long been tightly bound to the Gao family. In fact, ever since Empress Wang went missing five years ago, the Emperor had almost never set foot in the inner palace.

She was able to sit firmly in the position of Imperial Consort not because of the Emperor’s favor; although she had given birth to the Third Imperial Prince, it was primarily due to the Gao family’s power at court.

Now that Prime Minister Gao had been sent home, the Gao family’s influence was weakened, and her own status was consequently in jeopardy. She gently stroked the window lattice, her fingertips feeling slightly cold.

"Your Ladyship, about Prime Minister Gao..." the palace maid beside her stepped forward cautiously, hesitating to continue.

Imperial Consort Gao raised her eyes, her gaze as cold as a blade, frightening the maid into immediate silence.

She waved her hand, signaling everyone to withdraw. Left alone in the hall, she slowly stood up and walked to the window.

Outside the window, the moonlight was like water, spilling over the flowers and trees in the courtyard and reflecting a cold, clear radiance. A cold breeze blew, and Imperial Consort Gao could not help but shiver, yet she did not leave the window.

"Gao Shanshan..."

Imperial Consort Gao whispered, a flash of disgust in her eyes. If it weren't for that idiot, even if the Emperor wanted to make trouble for the Gao family, there would have been no suitable opportunity today.

Gao Shanshan was Prime Minister Gao’s daughter by a concubine, born to Concubine Wu. She had been arrogant and domineering since childhood, knowing nothing of the heights of heaven or the depths of the earth. Sure enough, what did it matter if a child born to a lowly woman was born with a destiny of wealth?

Imperial Consort Gao sneered, her disgust for Gao Shanshan deepening. But she was even more wary of Quan Aoyu and Jun Ziqin.

"It seems some plans must be set in motion early."

Imperial Consort Gao muttered to herself, a hint of ruthlessness flashing in her eyes. She turned and walked back to the soft couch, taking a secret letter sent by the Gao family from a hidden compartment. She had long since memorized the contents of the letter. It was evidence of the Gao family’s contact with foreign tribes on the border, and also the escape route the Gao family had left for themselves and her.

She held the letter paper over the candle flame, watching it turn into a wisp of blue smoke. She watched the smoke slowly dissipate, her eyes devoid of any ripples. She had long been accustomed to struggling in the vortex of power, and she knew well that in this deep palace, only by being ruthless could one remain invincible.

"Someone come," she called out softly.

A palace maid immediately responded and entered from outside the hall, standing respectfully before her.

"Pass on my words: have the people from the Gao family enter the palace tomorrow," she ordered indifferently, her tone carrying an unquestionable majesty.

The palace maid acknowledged the order and withdrew. Imperial Consort Gao sat back down on the soft couch, her gaze once again falling on the moonlight outside the window. She knew that every step from here on would determine the life or death of the Gao family. And she would never let the Gao family fall like this.

Over at the Prime Minister’s residence.

The main gate of the Gao residence was pushed open violently, and several retainers rushed in, flustered, carrying two people. One old and one young, they were none other than Prime Minister Gao and his precious daughter, Gao Shanshan, who was always inviting disaster. Prime Minister Gao’s face was livid, and he muttered to himself, "Half a year... I can't attend court for half a year..."

Gao Shanshan’s condition was clearly much more severe, and the group carefully placed her on a bed. Her face was as pale as paper, the excruciating pain of her fractured sternum making it almost impossible for her to breathe, and the hideous whip mark on her face was shocking to behold. She kept her eyes tightly shut, her heart filled with humiliation and hatred.

Seeing this, the maids in the residence were thrown into a panic; medicine bowls, gauze, and hot water—the room was filled with busy figures. The physicians were even more overwhelmed, checking Prime Minister Gao’s pulse one moment and examining Gao Shanshan’s injuries the next. The entire Prime Minister’s residence seemed to have become a makeshift infirmary, chaotic and bustling.

"My child, what has happened to you?" Old Lady Gao arrived as soon as she received the news, and seeing Prime Minister Gao’s state, she shed tears of heartache.

Prime Minister Gao waved his hand and said weakly, "Don't mention it, don't mention it... The Emperor said he was granting me a three-month leave to return home and spend time with the children, then said that because I was unwell, he was giving me an additional three months. I can't attend court for half a year..."

Old Lady Gao understood immediately and was stunned: "How could this be... Did that wicked girl cause trouble again?"

Prime Minister Gao sighed and shook his head: "Shanshan provoked Princess Qingping and the Crown Prince. The Emperor did this on purpose; he is deliberately trying to embarrass me..."

Old Lady Gao’s expression darkened: How could she not know that the wicked girl Gao Shanshan had been spoiled lawless by Prime Minister Gao and that lowly woman, the Wu woman? A child born to a concubine brought from an entertainment house was never fit for high society, yet Prime Minister Gao insisted on spoiling her.

"Foolish!" Old Lady Gao struck the floor hard with her cane.

"What did I say? I said back then that those two were not peaceful people. Gao Shanshan has only been back in the residence for a few days, and it wasn't enough to cause trouble for Princess Qingle; she went and provoked Princess Qingping. Is the current Princess Qingping someone she can provoke? And that wasn't enough—she provoked the Crown Prince right in front of the Emperor. How is that any different from provoking the Emperor directly? She is trying to roast the entire Gao family on a fire..."

Concubine Wu, who had been listening outside the door for some time, could not stand it anymore and strode in:

"Old Lady, how can you speak of your granddaughter like that? Our Shanshan was born with a destiny of wealth. What does 'born with a destiny of wealth' mean? It means she is the future Empress! Who shouldn't yield to her? What is Princess Qingping? A wild child from the countryside. Aren't you taking her too seriously..."

"Shut up!" The Old Lady no longer wanted to hear this woman speak.

Before Concubine Wu could finish her sentence, there was a muffled "thud." Old Lady Gao struck out fiercely with her cane, using all her strength. The blow landed directly on Concubine Wu’s head, and Concubine Wu didn't even have time to scream before she fainted away.

"Lock this woman in her room!" Old Lady Gao roared.

Prime Minister Gao sighed helplessly and said:

"Mother, do not be anxious. The most urgent matter is to treat Shanshan’s injuries first."