Upon arriving at the Hall of Supreme Harmony, one could hear ministers shouting from afar, "Empress Dowager, this must not be tolerated!"

Without needing to ask further, it must be saying that we cannot condone virtuous conduct. Using the word "condon" really shows how much respect one has for someone.

He quietly slipped into the back hall and hid behind the screen behind the dragon throne. The sounds were clearer there, and he could even see the spittle hanging on the man's stubble.

"Your Majesty, please forgive my bluntness, but in ancient times there were wicked concubines like Su Daji who brought ruin to the country, and Bao Si who caused the downfall of the nation. You must not be careless. Moreover, there is much discussion outside. If they are not punished, the dignity of the royal family will be completely destroyed." Yang Zhong spoke with an air of justice and integrity.

Zhao Bi was furious. He had a tacit understanding with Yang Zhong back then, but he never expected that this old scoundrel would turn his back on him so ruthlessly!

The Empress Dowager also harbored resentment towards Yide, but she refrained from taking action against her again due to Emperor Mingde's influence. Furthermore, Yide's own power was not what it used to be, and now that the ministers were turning their attention to her, she naturally could not let this opportunity slip by.

Looking at Xie Yun opposite Yang Zhong, he asked, "What is your opinion, Minister Xie? Do you think the Imperial Noble Consort has any objections?"

Is there something wrong with it? Of course it is. Xie Yun stroked his goatee. His voice was not as loud as Yang Zhong's, but every word struck a chord. "The various vassal kings have successively proclaimed themselves emperors. They are all descendants of the founding emperor. This old minister naturally only respects the emperor in our capital. But I cannot guarantee the well-being of the common people and powerful families in other regions. It is possible that if there is any disturbance in the capital, other forces may turn to support certain vassal kings."

Upon hearing this, Zhao Bi couldn't help but sneer. What support? He just wanted the Empress Dowager to take drastic measures! No, he couldn't stand idly by, but he couldn't act rashly either. He frowned again.

At this moment, the Empress Dowager nodded. Yang Zhong and Xie Yun did have the suspicion of suppressing Yi De today, but what they said was very reasonable. The princes were also descendants of the founding emperor. Although they could no longer be called direct descendants, if they were used by someone with ulterior motives, whether they were direct descendants or not would not matter so much.

After all, between nations, there are only interests, not to mention the numerous factions in the court and the dissatisfaction of powerful clans in various regions with the reforms.

If negative rumors circulate about the court, damaging its reputation and giving others an excuse to support the vassal kings, that would be disastrous.

"Then, my two ministers, what do you think is the proper way to handle the matter of the Imperial Noble Consort?" The Empress Dowager pondered for a moment before speaking.

Yang Zhong and Xie Yun exchanged a glance, stood up at the same time, clasped their hands and said, "The Xiongnu army is strong and is adjacent to Xiliang. This old minister proposes to make peace with the Xiongnu. I have heard that the Xiongnu Khan has a son who is eighteen years old and is the successor to the next king of the grasslands. I request that the Empress Dowager order a marriage alliance with the Xiongnu. This will surely restore good relations between the two tribes and give Dayong a space to recuperate and recover."

"Ha," Zhao Bi laughed. "They actually want a marriage alliance?" But this move is indeed ruthless. If the benefits offered are enough, it could be enough to make the Xiongnu and the Weitingsi attack from both sides and destroy King Jing of Xiliang.

We need to go and notify them!

Upon hearing this, Yang Zhong, Xie Yun, and the Empress Dowager stopped talking and began discussing who would be the most suitable person to go for the marriage alliance.

Seeing that he couldn't understand anything, Zhao Bi quickly withdrew.

Back at the Fourth Prince's residence, he remembered that it was the Taihe Hall. How could he have sneaked in?

Thinking of this, he broke out in a cold sweat. Was someone trying to get back at him? Or was it a mistake by the people in Taihe Palace that gave him an opportunity?

He almost immediately denied the latter, saying that someone was definitely trying to get rid of him, but was it really true that he wanted to make peace with the Xiongnu through marriage?

Unable to make a judgment, he began to panic. He paced around the courtyard for a long time before suddenly slapping his forehead, "Never mind, it's important to remind my uncle first."

After saying this, he immediately wrote a letter and sent it to Xiliang with his trusted confidant.

However, what he didn't know was that Consort Ning was furious when she learned that he had gone to Taihe Palace and that he had secretly met with Yide. She smashed many things, and the servants below were trembling with fear, afraid of angering their master.

"This vile woman even tried to use my son!" Consort Ning's face was ashen, and she exuded a murderous aura. Her dissatisfaction with Yi De had reached its peak.

"Your Highness, what should we do? His Highness still thinks he is that person's son."

Upon hearing this, Consort Ning became even more enraged, snapping a pair of chopsticks in half and sweeping all the delicacies off the table. "That vile woman is going too far! Go, go prepare for me! I'll make sure she never sees the sun rise again!"

"Your Majesty, you mustn't! That one is deeply favored by the Emperor. The Emperor is currently ill. If you anger him, he will punish you. Your Majesty, the Emperor is now..." She dared not say that the Emperor was somewhat confused, "Now the Emperor favors her even more, even more than the Imperial Concubine."

Consort Ning slapped her across the face. "Shut up!" she yelled angrily. "Go and invite Consort De here."

She dared not approach Hao Shumei about this matter, because Hao Shumei believed that whoever became Empress Dowager in the future would be better than her, so Hao Shumei would definitely not lend a hand. She wished that Zhao Bi would only recognize Yi De as his mother.

When Consort De learned that Consort Ning wanted to invite her over, she fiddled with the tassel in her hand a few times and said slowly, "What does Sister Ning want with me? It's autumn now and I'd like to take a nap."

This is a ruse; she wants Consort Ning to beg her!

Could Consort Ning ask her for help? Naturally, she didn't get permission. Consort Ning's confidante certainly wouldn't want to diminish her prestige. "Your Highness, you should think carefully. The situation is dire. If you let this opportunity slip by, the First Prince may have little hope."

Consort De, who had been indifferent, frowned upon hearing this. "I don't expect Consort Ning to bring wealth and honor to the First Prince. If you have anything to say, let Consort Ning come to me in person."

She certainly couldn't cooperate with Consort Ning at this moment. Zhao Bi's reputation had already plummeted; to cooperate with him would be foolish.

The capital city is becoming increasingly chaotic.

Zhao Shu was aware that Zhao Bi's letter had been sent out, and she was swinging on a swing in Qionghua Courtyard, waiting for the show to begin.

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