Empress Dowager Xiao was a wise woman, so she knew what the wisest course of action was.
She is smart enough that she can protect the four little ones.
It can be said that, looking at the entire capital, the only person Xie Yuan was willing to entrust with his affairs was Empress Dowager Xiao.
It's not that this person is particularly trustworthy, but rather that she's "smart"!
Empress Dowager Xiao: ...I'm so clever, yet I've made a mistake because of my cleverness?
This is cheating!
but--
Empress Dowager Xiao was indeed clever; although she was unwilling to get involved in those messy affairs outside.
But she also knew that if she wanted to keep her wealth and continue to enjoy her privileged life, she had to make a sacrifice!
"Alright! I'll put the little ones in my Yong'an Palace for now."
Empress Dowager Xiao didn't utter many curses or oaths; she simply responded with a faint "yes."
Xie Yuan knew that Empress Dowager Xiao would definitely be able to protect the four children.
Of course, Xie Yuan wouldn't put all his eggs in one basket.
Empress Dowager Xiao's arrangement was on the surface, but in secret, there were also forces such as the Embroidered Uniform Guard and Embroidered-Robe Envoys who would protect the four children.
Xie Zhen was also taken to the palace by Xie Yuan and placed alongside Empress Dowager Xiao.
Xie Yuan wouldn't dare say he had a perfect plan, but he was certainly thoughtful—Yuwen Hao was clearly problematic, and he had an inextricable connection with the Xie family.
Xie Yuan must guard against Yuwen Hao's secret actions and desperate measures.
She didn't want Xie Zhen, a child, to get caught up in these conspiracies and schemes.
After settling the children, Xie Yuan began to plan the court affairs—
"I will be leaving the palace for a period of time, which could be as short as a month or as long as three to five months."
Xie Yuan summoned several female attendants, including Mu Jialuo, Nanling, and Helian Yan.
Facing the female officials, Xie Yuan did not mention Helian Jue's coma, only saying that he was leaving.
"I have already made arrangements for the Council of State, and Grand Secretary Gu will be secretly in charge."
"You all continue to handle government affairs at Jiaofang Palace. Whatever the procedures were when I was here, they will remain the same after I leave!"
"I will leave a portion of the Golden Guards and Thousand Bull Guards behind to be responsible for the palace's security. Minister Mu, you must take on the responsibility of supervising them!"
As Xie Yuan spoke, his intense gaze swept over the female attendants present.
"Ladies and gentlemen, it is truly remarkable that we, as women, can stand in the imperial court!"
"I hope that we can persevere and write a legendary story together!"
Xie Yuan can no longer make empty promises to everyone, because saying such things would be pointless.
She had no choice but to present the "reality" to everyone—
Do you enjoy the feeling of standing in the imperial court and pointing out the flaws in the country? If so, then you must listen to me and guard this place well for me.
With me alive, there is still a possibility that women may rule the court in the future.
If unrest occurs in the capital after I leave, resulting in my "failure," then you will all be trapped in the inner quarters with no chance of ever leaving!
Since Xie Yuan couldn't win people's hearts with power or money, he could only seek allies through ideological understanding.
Sure enough, upon hearing Xie Yuan's words, the female attendants were shocked by "Empress Xie's sudden departure from the capital."
However, they soon realized that no matter what happened to the emperor and empress, as long as there was no military turmoil in the capital, they would help the empress handle state affairs.
Other things, such as court officials seeking trouble and causing chaos, can be ignored!
To put it bluntly, even their family members couldn't tell them that the Empress had left the capital.
They were indeed daughters, wives, and mothers in their families, but they were also female officials under the Empress.
The past few months, attending court with men and engaging in wits and battles with officials, have undoubtedly been the most glorious and splendid period of their lives.
They didn't want this scene to be just a fleeting moment!
They dare not say they would swear allegiance to the Empress, but they would do their best to help her!
It's just a matter of continuing to handle state affairs and temporarily covering for the Empress; they will do their best to do so.
"Your Majesty, I will obey your decree!"
All the female officials knelt down and solemnly agreed.
...
After meeting with the female officials, Xie Yuan rushed off to the Prince of Yong's residence.
After returning to the capital, the Prince of Yong and his wife stayed at home and took care of their children.
Although they did not completely shut themselves off from visitors, they did live a secluded life, rarely socializing or entertaining members of the elite.
The couple's low-key approach wasn't out of fear or a desire to "avoid suspicion."
Instead, it was because Princess Xu suffered a difficult childbirth. Although a female physician sent by Xie Yuan saved her life, she still suffered a loss of vital energy.
The fourth prince felt sorry for his wife, so he told Princess Xu to rest and recuperate at home.
Then, during the young prince's 100th birthday banquet (100 years = 100 days), the fifth prince pulled another stunt.
The Fifth Prince's twisted and crazed appearance truly frightened Princess Xu.
At that time, she did not forget to remind Xie Yuan.
It turned out that Princess Xu's premonition was correct; the Fifth Prince had indeed become abnormal and had even gotten involved with the Turks.
Although he changed his mind at the last minute, he still harbored inappropriate thoughts, which were dealt with by Helian Jue.
The Fifth Prince no longer poses a threat to anyone, but the Fourth Prince is frightened.
"The capital is still a bit chaotic! Our family members are all sick, the young are young, and the weak are weak, so we should try to stay home as much as possible!"
The Fourth Prince definitely possesses an animal-like keen intuition.
Even Consort Cui in the palace sent someone to advise the Fourth Prince: "Be honest. Although you are foolishly lucky to befriend the Emperor, you should also know your place!"
"You're not the kind of big shot who can stir up trouble. You'd be perfectly content being a wealthy and idle prince!"
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