"If I were to choose a new empress for Your Majesty, the Li family would have new hope, and I wouldn't need to be in such a hurry."
Every word the Empress Dowager spoke was for the benefit of the Li family, but not a single word was from the Emperor's perspective.
If the Empress Dowager hadn't been so blinded by greed, she would have realized the truth once her excitement subsided and she calmed down.
Throughout history, no emperor of any dynasty has ever been willing to allow a particular family to rise to power.
"Your Majesty, Your Majesty, I know you are uneasy, but it is not advisable to act rashly now. If you make it too obvious, the Emperor will definitely reject you."
"Let's see that lady tomorrow and then discuss it further."
Rong Pei's words, however, reminded the Empress Dowager that her son had taken that woman to some palace—wasn't it Fengyi Palace?
"Rong Pei, do you remember which palace the Emperor took that woman to, and what rank he intended to bestow upon her?"
Rong Pei thought for a moment and said, "It seems that as soon as the Emperor arrived, he took the person directly into the Phoenix Palace. Phoenix Palace, could it be that the Emperor intends to elevate that woman to the position of Empress?"
This speculation greatly worried the Empress Dowager. She did not want to see another woman ascend to the position of Empress, while her own niece, who had entered the palace, would be suppressed by someone else.
"What should we do?"
Rong Pei gently comforted her, "Your Majesty, have you forgotten that the young lady is already engaged? It seems to be the eldest son of the Earl of Zhongyong, who holds a title."
"Moreover, the young lady is also very fond of that young master. Your rash move not only ruined a marriage but also caused the Li family to offend the Earl of Loyalty and Courage for no reason."
The Empress Dowager slapped her forehead, only then remembering that she was the one who arranged this marriage, in order to find more capable in-laws for the Li family.
"So, does that mean the Li family doesn't have any girls of marriageable age?"
The Empress Dowager felt a pang of disappointment; how could she have forgotten something so important?
She recalled that she had originally intended to marry Zhen'er to the Emperor, but neither Zhen'er nor the Emperor had this wish, in addition to the Emperor's health...
So she had already put the matter aside and arranged the marriage for Zhen'er, and there was no going back on it.
"Your Majesty, just relax and wait for that other lady to give you a few wonderful grandchildren so you can enjoy your old age in peace."
"Sigh, it seems there's no other way now."
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