He felt extremely aggrieved.
"Perhaps this is just your guess."
The crowd still clung to a sliver of hope.
"You just saw the princess walking briskly and looking perfectly healthy, showing no signs of poisoning whatsoever. The Emperor is cunning and shrewd; he's the one who benefits from the conflict between the two sides!"
Empress Dowager Xu scoffed, "If he were that clever, he would have taken back his military power long ago."
Empress Dowager Xu knew the Northern Chu Emperor's health best; he was already at his limit, his life force exhausted. Their only remaining enemy was Princess Jia Hua. As long as they held on, they would surely be able to turn the tide.
“It is very likely that the princess is doing this to fight for Prince Guangjia. The princess is narrow-minded and vengeful. Back then, it was the Eighth Prince who broke off the engagement, which is why the emperor has been slow to fulfill his promise to establish a crown prince.” Prince Zhennan suddenly spoke up: “If we were to promote Prince Guangjia to the throne, it might not be a bad thing.”
Everyone looked at the Prince of Zhennan.
“The late emperor’s death is not unknown to Prince Guangjia. Why did he have to endure so much for so many years and then marry Lady Song?” Prince Zhennan analyzed to himself, “Princess Jiahua is ruthless. If we don’t compromise, none of us will leave today.”
Everyone fell silent.
Finally, after the incense had burned out, everyone unanimously compromised and handed over their military power.
"Relinquishing power is not out of the question, but we both have one condition. Otherwise, we would rather die than risk a war in Northern Chu, in which case no one will gain any advantage!" Empress Dowager Xu said.
Princess Jia Hua frowned slightly.
"You must guarantee that each family present will produce two concubines, four imperial concubines, and all four imperial concubines must come from the families present."
“That’s right!” Everyone looked ready to die.
Princess Jia Hua's face gradually turned dark blue, and she remained silent for a long time.
"Jiahua, don't be too greedy. Pushing people too far will not benefit anyone. Wealth and glory cannot be enjoyed by one person alone."
After a moment, Princess Jia Hua raised her chin and said, "Very well! I agree."
"Words are not enough. We must immediately have Prince Guangjia write a document, summon the Imperial Household Department to draft an imperial edict, and affix the imperial seal as proof. Furthermore, we must not make things difficult for you all."
This was Empress Dowager Xu's last struggle.
Although it was all for naught, it was still much better than the situation when the Eight Princes came to power.
Princess Jia Hua readily cooperated and sent someone to deliver a letter to Prince Guang Jia. The letter arrived in less than half an hour, bearing Prince Guang Jia's private seal and handwriting that had been carefully studied and was certainly not fake.
Empress Dowager Xu finally breathed a sigh of relief.
She sat mostly on the chair, her eyes closed, looking completely submissive.
Seeing this, the others had no choice but to cooperate, writing letters to their trusted confidants to retrieve their military tallies.
Within one hour
Seven seals of various sizes were neatly arranged on the table.
Princess Jiahua was very satisfied and took them all away. She then addressed the group, saying, "Please continue to stay at Ning'an Palace for the time being. I will make proper arrangements for you in three days."
"Jiahua!" Empress Dowager Xu stood up anxiously when she saw her about to leave: "Don't go back on your word and forget your promise!"
Princess Jia Hua raised an eyebrow and smiled: "How could that be?"
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