Hai Fu's expression hardened. "Your Majesty, you must not act rashly. Currently, the Empress's influence is pervasive throughout the court and cannot be easily eradicated. On the contrary, if we push her too far..."
Emperor Zhaojing said angrily, "It's all my fault. If I hadn't been so disheartened and neglected state affairs during the time after Consort Li's death, I wouldn't have given Situ Jin the opportunity to win over the court officials and develop his power."
Hai Fu said, "Your Majesty, please don't blame yourself. Who could have known that the Empress harbored such wolfish ambitions..."
Emperor Zhaojing sneered, "That poisonous woman, I will not grant her wish." He intends to leave the throne of Daliang to Xingxiu, and no one else should even think of taking it.
Thinking of something, he said, "Secretly summon Shangguan Boyan to Jiulong Mountain. I want to issue an imperial decree."
Haifu understood his meaning, and his heart skipped a beat. "Your Majesty is in the prime of your life, there's no need to rush..."
Emperor Zhaojing shook his head and said sadly, "Unexpected events can happen at any time. If Xingxiu hadn't seen through Situ Jin's treacherous scheme today, I would have already been poisoned without even knowing it. That poisonous woman is impossible to guard against. Who knows if she will use any more underhanded tricks? Just in case, I must make full preparations so that if something happens to me, Xingxiu will be isolated and helpless. Only with my will and the support of Shangguan Boyan can he ascend the throne smoothly."
“But Prime Minister Shangguan has always remained neutral, never taking sides,” Haifu said with some reservations.
Emperor Zhaojing sneered, "That old fox Shangguan Boyan has been hesitant to express his opinion only because he thinks I am in my prime and only have one son, Mo'er, so he is not in a hurry. If I promise him the future empress position of Shangguan's daughter, he will definitely not hesitate anymore."
Haifu was surprised, "Your Majesty intends to..."
"I observe that Shangguan Yanran has a good temperament and knows how to conduct herself appropriately. If she can marry Xingxiu, the two will surely have a good marriage," Emperor Zhaojing said thoughtfully.
Haifu nodded. "Miss Shangguan is indeed quite nice."
Emperor Zhaojing suddenly sighed, "Actually, Rong Qingqing is better, but unfortunately, she is the widow of that dead Xie Tianlin. Otherwise, I would prefer her. However, Shangguan Yanran's status is a better match for Xingxiu. At least, the Shangguan family behind Shangguan Yanran can be used by Xingxiu in the future to support him."
Hai Fu hesitated for a moment and said, "But I haven't asked Commander Xie's opinion, this..."
"As for matters between men and women, I observe that the young man is a late bloomer. He keeps saying he has no intention of getting married, but that's just because he hasn't met a woman he likes yet." At this point, Emperor Zhaojing thought of a solution. "Go and make preparations, select two suitable palace maids, and send them to his room."
Hai Fu was taken aback, but quickly understood and laughed, "His Majesty has really gone to great lengths to thank Commander Xie."
Emperor Zhaojing swept away the gloom on his handsome face and smiled, "Don't be fooled by Xingxiu's decisiveness and shrewdness. I think that boy is thin-skinned. Although Rong Qingqing is his stepmother, she is still young and will definitely not arrange anything for him. I hope Xingxiu can understand my good intentions."
"Commander Xie will surely understand. This old servant will make the arrangements now, carefully selecting two beautiful palace maids to send over," Hai Fu said solicitously.
"Go then," Emperor Zhaojing waved his hand.
...
As soon as Rong Qingqing entered the room, she saw Xie Jingrun sitting casually on the couch by the window, wiping his embroidered spring knife with a handkerchief.
Upon seeing him for the first time, Rong Qingqing thought she had entered the wrong house.
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