The second prince had no power or influence, and even if he wanted to compete, he wouldn't have much ability.
The fifth prince was frail and kept to himself.
The remaining eldest prince, who was already enjoying immense power and influence, only needed the position of the eldest legitimate son to rightfully and naturally claim the throne.
The Ju family will definitely want that position, definitely.
After countless struggles and heart-wrenching anguish, Consort Ju, who had been ill in Chengqian Palace for seven days, finally managed to get up and, with tears in her eyes, personally cooked porridge.
When the message was delivered to the West Third Palace, Chang Yan didn't even open his eyes, gazing towards the direction of the Qianqing Palace.
Apart from fabricating the news that the imperial family was seriously ill, he did not use any of his connections or interfere in any other matters.
This means that what he knows, the man lying in the Qianqing Palace will also know.
"Your Highness, would the Imperial Concubine really poison the imperial family?" The guard stood trembling beside him. "That's a crime punishable by the extermination of nine generations of one's family."
Poisoning might be a desperate gamble for the empress's position.
It's also possible that no poison was used; it's a test of who has the deeper cunning.
Consort Ju's struggle was too obvious, and her haggard appearance was not tidied up, as if she was openly telling everyone: I hate because of love, and I will fight for a future for my son.
If the imperial family becomes wary and throws away the bowl of porridge, they will feel guilty after it is found to be non-toxic, and might actually appoint the empress.
Conversely, could the imperial family have guessed that Consort Ju was using a feigned retreat to advance, deliberately drinking that bowl of porridge, only for the Ju family to then poison the emperor and murder him?
With Consort Ju's abilities, it's possible that she could directly control the harem, issue imperial edicts to appoint an empress and a crown prince, and even control the entire court.
Ultimately, it comes down to who thinks more, is more cunning, and has the most shrewd tactics.
"Good heavens, there are so many twists and turns in this. But I still don't think Consort Ju would poison her. That would be too stupid. If it were found out, she would be infamous for eternity." The guard muttered to himself.
This long banquet was a success.
She might not have poisoned it, but that doesn't mean... the porridge wasn't poisoned.
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