“How can you all be so unsteady?” Song Xia walked up to them. “Don’t worry, things haven’t gotten to the worst yet. No matter how much His Majesty doubts or manipulates things, in the end, he can only pass the throne to his six children. We must trust our children.”
"But Your Majesty, His Majesty is still so healthy and vigorous. When he abdicates, perhaps we sisters will all..."
The thought of having to live a humble and cautious life under His Majesty's oppression for the rest of their lives made them feel hopeless. It didn't matter if they had never tasted happiness before, but after experiencing the feeling of being unrestrained, being stared at by others made them feel uncomfortable all over.
Is that Taoist priest Qingfeng a true immortal or a fake one? If he is a true immortal and can grant His Majesty immortality, wouldn't that plunge the court and the Xuan Kingdom into chaos? But if he is a fake Taoist priest, how come His Majesty's health is actually getting better and better?
"I have never believed in immortality," Song Xia sneered. "Even if it did exist, it should be for those who have rendered great service to the people and the world, not..."
She didn't say what she meant next, but Consort Zhuang and Consort Xian both understood her meaning, though they were still worried.
"But everyone witnessed Master Qingfeng praying for rain during the drought, and His Majesty is indeed much younger than his peers in court."
“His Majesty has been living in seclusion in Taiji Palace for eight years, not dealing with trivial matters. Of course, he is more relaxed than the court officials who are busy dealing with state affairs every day. Exhaustion makes people tired, and his mental state is better, which can also explain this. As for Master Qingfeng praying for rain…” Song Xia paused for a moment, “Perhaps it was just a coincidence?”
These words did not calm Consort Zhuang and Consort Xian down; they remained anxious and flustered.
"It's alright. Although His Majesty is the emperor, he doesn't have the final say in everything."
"I'm afraid he might do something irreversible in a moment of impulsiveness."
"It's too early to say anything now. Don't panic and give those with ulterior motives an opportunity. As long as we don't let His Majesty instigate us, there won't be any problems."
Song Xia patiently comforted the two of them. She didn't tell them about Master Qingfeng. It wasn't the right time yet. She felt it was necessary to make some people realize that it was better for His Majesty not to exist than for him to exist. That way, if something happened to His Majesty, no one would feel regret or sadness.
Moreover, she wanted to take this opportunity to expose the traitor. Given the devastating defeat of the Xuan Kingdom in her previous life, she didn't believe that people from the Yan and Gui Kingdoms weren't involved in stirring up trouble.
"I will take care of my health, and so will you. As long as no one finds fault with you, His Majesty will need a reason to punish anyone."
Consort Zhuang and Consort Xian returned home worried. When Consort Li found out, she cursed the two for being cunning and not even bothering to call her! She was clearly on the Empress's side too.
Although she had been disrespectful to the Empress when she first entered the palace, over the years she had come to admire her to the point of worship. Now that she thought about it, it seemed that the Emperor had given her nothing good except a son. Over the years, the Empress had been the one who raised the prince.
Consort Li hurriedly sent some things to Fengyi Palace, but this aroused the emperor's suspicion once again.
"I had no idea that they had such a good relationship with the Empress."
Jin Hui replied hesitantly, "Your Majesty, you should be happy that the concubines in the harem get along well. This shows that Your Majesty's authority remains undiminished."
The emperor's cold gaze instantly shot towards Jin Hui, whose face turned pale: "Your Majesty, please forgive me, this servant should not have guessed Your Majesty's thoughts."
"Go down and collect ten strokes of the cane."
Jin Hui breathed a sigh of relief: "This servant thanks Your Majesty for your grace."
The remaining eunuchs and palace maids became increasingly apprehensive. His Majesty seemed to be becoming more and more unpredictable. Even Chief Eunuch Jin, who had served them for so many years, was punished. Weren't they walking on the edge of a knife every step of the way?
Thinking back to the years His Majesty secluded himself in Taiji Palace, the entire palace was peaceful and serene; those were the most relaxed and carefree days.
"Your Majesty, please calm down. Don't let a mere servant upset you."
"Yes, Your Majesty, let's play!"
The four newly appointed nobles swayed their hips, their actions, words and expressions were all very bold. The emperor had been enjoying the pleasure these past few days and cursed the dull and tasteless days he had spent in the previous eight years. Moreover, he had not lost any strength despite the continuous battles these past few days. He had spoiled Qingfeng Daoist too much. Since he was a person of destiny, why should he have to cultivate so hard?
"My beauties, you understand my heart best."
The emperor immediately started acting recklessly. He felt that he had been practicing asceticism for eight years and should not suffer now. So he forgot that he had just ordered several ministers to come here to discuss state affairs. So when the eunuch led the people outside the palace, all he heard was decadent music.
Among these ministers were many loyal and devoted followers. Seeing this, they were greatly disappointed and began to doubt whether their beliefs were right or wrong.
Although it is true that the Empress, being a woman, should not be handling state affairs, it must be said that she is never as absurd as His Majesty, and in the past eight years, she has not made a single wrong decision.
Your Majesty is getting old, and the princes have grown up. Since Your Majesty is so fond of pleasure, why not relinquish power and become a carefree retired emperor? This way, you won't neglect state affairs or pursue immortality. Wouldn't this be absurd?
“Imperial Censor Wang, His Majesty is probably not listening to anything right now. Don’t risk yourselves and your families for nothing.”
Imperial Censor Wang's face turned ashen: "But this is the Qianqing Palace! How could His Majesty..."
"The entire Xuan Kingdom belongs to His Majesty; how dare we interfere?"
"Now that Your Majesty has emerged from the pass, you should be diligent in governing and care for the people."
"His Majesty is not someone we can criticize. Imperial Censor Wang, His Majesty is not as easy to talk to as the Empress. Have you forgotten what happened back then because of the construction of Taiji Palace?"
Wang Yushi's face turned from green to white. At that time, he was just a scholar in the Hanlin Academy and was not qualified to speak before His Majesty. However, he still vividly remembered the scene of the censors who opposed the construction of Taiji Palace being beheaded and their homes confiscated.
“Imperial Censor Wang, I’m not afraid to speak the truth to you. We officials in the court are willing to die for His Majesty if His Majesty is wise and works for the country and the people. But if His Majesty is confused and acts impulsively, won’t that harm your family? Don’t be foolish.”
"but……"
"You were promoted by Her Majesty the Empress. Since you have Her Majesty the Empress's trust, even if you die, you should die a worthy death and a meaningful death."
These words silenced everyone. In fact, when the Empress first started intervening in politics, everyone was resentful. Why should a woman from the inner palace be allowed to participate in matters of state? It was only during these eight years that the Empress's orders were beyond reproach, which left everyone speechless.
However, with His Majesty's return from seclusion, many still believe that imperial power has finally returned to its rightful place. But is the return of imperial power truly a good thing given His Majesty's current state? And what about women? Is the Empress inferior to anyone else?
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