Imperial Palace, Imperial Study
Mo Yunzhao waited enthusiastically outside the palace.
Watching Mo Yunhan and Jiang Qingwan walk hand in hand up the steps, she smiled with her eyes crinkling, showing great kindness and affection.
"Xiao Jiu, it's so good that you're all alright. Your father and I have been worried for a long time. However, we can't abandon these rites. It's really hard for us to have you enter the palace so soon after returning to the capital."
Mo Yunhan led Jiang Qingwan in a half-bow.
As soon as the person bent down, Mo Yunzhao stepped forward to help him up.
"We're brothers, so this is just a formality; there's no need for such formalities."
"Consort Wan, come and help the Princess."
A woman dressed in luxurious clothes and adorned with jewels walked out from behind him.
With an arrogant and haughty expression, it was none other than Consort Wan from before.
She never expected that after this coup, only her son, the sixth prince Mo Shaoye, would remain in the palace.
Because the Empress lost power and the Consort married, she was promoted and became the Imperial Noble Consort, who enjoyed a hundred times more favor from the Emperor.
She's really hit the jackpot – a mother's status rises with her son's.
She stepped forward with an air of authority, raising her hand slightly but not actually helping Jiang Qingwan up; she simply gestured for her to stand.
"Your Majesty, I know that you and the Regent are brothers, but the proper etiquette between ruler and subject must not be overstepped, lest you, like those who have done before, develop rebellious intentions."
"nonsense!"
Mo Yunzhao said coldly, "I watched Xiao Jiu grow up, and she has saved me from dire straits this time. How could she have any disloyal intentions? Don't be so sentimental."
Although he was strict, he did not take any action to punish the ignorant Consort Wan.
This made Consort Wan feel even more strongly that she and the Emperor were of one mind.
Since the Emperor could not afford to treat or suppress the Ninth Prince coldly, there were some things that she could say herself.
Perhaps this would put the emperor at ease and allow his son to inherit the throne.
She couldn't help but glance smugly at the sixth prince, Mo Shaoye, who was standing beside the emperor, wearing a jeweled crown.
Although there are only two, he is the only prince in the Great Zhou royal family to wear a beaded crown, the only one!
She planned to try and win the emperor's favor once more.
He raised his hand to summon the palace maid beside him, preparing to bestow gifts upon her.
Mo Yunzhao spoke first, "Someone, bestow gifts."
The chief eunuch, holding a long list of gifts, stood a few steps away and loudly announced the gifts.
"A pot of South Sea pearls, a pair of luminous pearls, a piece of purple coral, ten bolts of cloud brocade, and six sets of white jade gilded headdresses..."
Each and every one of them is a rare and exquisite item in the national treasury.
Consort Wan was filled with rage and resentment as she glared at Jiang Qingwan.
Even when she was made a Noble Consort, she didn't receive a single gilded headdress. This woman, who was merely the wife of a regent and a subject, actually had six headdresses.
The jade peony hairpin that she had someone specially select from the storeroom was so shabby that it was hardly presentable.
Fortunately, Mo Yunzhao didn't give her the opportunity to bestow gifts upon her.
After the chief eunuch finished reading the list of gifts, he smiled and grabbed Mo Yunhan's wrist to stop him from giving his thanks.
"Xiao Jiu, I have placed a black and gold throne on the lower left of the dragon throne. The craftsmen have been working overnight to make it. Come with me to take a look. If you are not satisfied, we can make changes as soon as possible."
Without saying another word, she pulled him away.
His excitement seemed to suggest that he had always hoped that Mo Yunhan could assist him in governing the country.
Mo Yunhan felt that something was off.
However, she didn't want to openly break free and refute him, so she quickly looked at Jiang Qingwan, wanting to ask her to come over with her.
Mo Yunzhao said, “Consort Wan, why don’t you take the Regent’s wife for a stroll in the Imperial Garden? I heard that the winter plum blossoms are in bloom and they are very beautiful.”
Consort Wan immediately bowed and agreed.
Mo Yunhan didn't know what else to say, so he gave a few more instructions and then left with Mo Yunzhao.
Inside Zhaoyang Palace,
There was indeed a seat placed to the lower left of the golden dragon throne.
Exquisitely carved, a black and gold throne.
Mo Yunzhao pulled Mo Yunhan across the main hall where hundreds of officials stood guard, and they walked up the stone steps. He turned around, sat on the dragon throne, and gestured to Mo Yunhan.
“Sit down and give it a try.”
Mo Yunhan did not move.
Mo Yunzhao's face still showed no sign of resistance or displeasure.
"I have always known that Father favored you and wanted you to rule the Great Zhou. It was just a pity that you were too young at that time and were devoted to the military, refusing to return to the capital. Father was unwell and thus placed me on the throne. Now, your achievements are outstanding, and you are rightfully entitled to assist in governing. The people trust you and have no objections. It is a great honor for you and me, brothers, to rule the Great Zhou together, which will fulfill Father's long-cherished wish."
He pointed again to the black and gold throne.
"Sit down, is it because Xiao Jiu doesn't like the way this chair is placed?"
The lower left is considered auspicious.
This is already the most expensive part under the dragon throne.
He suddenly stood up from the dragon throne. "Or how about placing them side by side?"
He pointed to one side of the dragon throne.
Mo Yunhan sighed inwardly and bowed respectfully.
“Your Majesty, I have no interest in imperial power. All my actions are for the peace and tranquility of the Great Zhou. I will discuss the matter of assisting in the government with Father.”
"There is one more thing I would like to ask Your Majesty for permission to do. After the wedding, I would like to take the Princess Consort to travel around the Great Zhou Dynasty and temporarily leave the capital."
Mo Yunzhao raised an eyebrow slightly.
He sat back on the dragon throne.
"Is Xiao Jiu unwilling to assist me in governing?"
"I wouldn't dare." Mo Yunhan didn't raise his head, maintaining a respectful posture. "The matter of Su Weichuan has come to an end, and the crisis in the capital has been resolved. Your Majesty, please allow me to rest for a while."
A dark and ambiguous light flashed in Mo Yunzhao's eyes.
"How can you leave this mess to me alone? Su Weichuan is dead. In military and political affairs, only you can help me. If you leave, how will the improvement of weapons on the borders be promoted? How will the defense of the cities around the capital be strengthened? If the remnants of the Sui Dynasty launch another counterattack, will you abandon me?"
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