The Empress Dowager could no longer bear it. She frowned and said to Emperor Zhaojing, "Your Majesty, I know you feel sorry for the Emperor because he didn't grow up under your care when he was young, so you indulge him in everything. But you must be more rational about some things and not act impulsively. The choice of who the Emperor chooses as his Empress is a matter of great importance and not a child's play. The Empress must be virtuous and capable. Otherwise, if the harem is not peaceful, the court will surely descend into chaos."
Emperor Zhaojing almost rolled his eyes. "I think it's you who are being irrational. I think Princess Su is quite good. Her status and character are more than a match for the Empress. This matter is for the Emperor to decide. You should stop causing trouble."
His last words were spoken with an air of authority.
Upon hearing this, the ministers lowered their heads, unable to say anything more.
Although Emperor Zhaojing has abdicated and no longer concerns himself with affairs, his influence remains.
The Empress Dowager was quite displeased upon hearing this, but ultimately, she did not confront Emperor Zhaojing in the presence of the ministers.
However, once the ministers left, the Empress Dowager could no longer contain herself. "With the ministers here, I couldn't say anything, but Your Majesty, I still think this matter is inappropriate. You should advise the Emperor more. After all, he is still young and impulsive. If he does something that damages the royal family's reputation, it will be a disgrace to both of us."
Emperor Zhaojing held back for a moment before refraining from cursing, and said calmly, "The Empress Dowager should be enjoying her retirement now. I don't think the Emperor is a child anymore; he knows what he's doing. If we interfere, it won't change his mind, and it will only damage our harmony. So let's just let him be."
Seeing that he remained unmoved despite all her efforts, the Empress Dowager was so angry that her chest heaved and her face turned ugly.
Upon seeing this, Emperor Zhaojing quickly stood up and said, "Your Majesty, please rest well. I will take my leave." Without waiting for her to reply, he left swiftly.
As soon as he left, the Empress Dowager could no longer tolerate it. With a flick of her hand, the teacup on the table flew out and shattered into pieces with a "crack".
Princess Huaiyin came out from the inner room and hurriedly advised, "Mother, please calm down."
The Empress Dowager was not appeased; instead, she became even angrier. "I knew it! He still blames me for mistreating Consort Li back then. But doesn't he consider that with so many concubines in the harem, it's difficult to have children? Yet he insists on favoring only Consort Li. Can I just stand by and watch the royal line die out?"
Princess Huaiyin stepped forward, massaged her shoulders, and whispered, "The Empress Dowager is of course not wrong. The fault lies with Consort Li. She used seductive tricks to monopolize the Emperor's favor."
Upon hearing this, the Empress Dowager's expression softened somewhat. She patted her hand and said, "You're not fully recovered yet, don't bother yourself, sit down."
Princess Huaiyin smiled and said, "I am still young, Mother, you don't need to worry about me."
The Empress Dowager frowned and said, "Even if you are young, you should cherish your health."
"Your daughter understands," Princess Huaiyin said, sitting down beside her and casually asking, "Does the Emperor truly intend to marry Rong Qingqing as his empress?"
The Empress Dowager was deeply troubled by this matter. "It is said that he said in court that Rong Qingqing was a worthy match for the position of Empress."
Princess Huaiyin frowned. "How can this be? Not only has Rong Qingqing been married before, but she was also engaged to Feng Mo. Either of these things will be criticized and ridiculed."
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