He Li followed suit, saying, "Your Majesty has worked tirelessly for the Great Song Dynasty, striving to ensure its stability. His Majesty has instructed us to follow the example of Duke Zhou, who assisted King Cheng, and to assist the young prince, preventing the barbarians from invading China. We have discussed this and have decided that to prevent the rebellion of the various kings, the young prince must ascend the throne as soon as possible."
Prime Minister Zhang Bangchang bowed and said, "The Empress is the mother of the nation. We should ask her to take charge of the government, and we will assist her wholeheartedly."
Li Gang and the others were shocked. Meng Gurao said angrily, "It's not that we don't want to do this, but the Queen is a woman. How can she preside over government affairs?"
Zhang Bangchang pointed at him tremblingly: "Meng Gurao, you are so bold! How dare you accuse the Empress of being a woman? The Empress is the mother of the country. If you want to seize power, just say so directly. Why beat around the bush!"
Meng Gurao was furious: "Master Zhang, you, you..."
Zhang Bangchang was very clever. Zhao Huan had entrusted the four of them with the task of assisting the emperor. Li Gang and He Li were in cahoots, and Meng Gu Rao was both servile and stubborn. He would certainly not be able to gain any advantage by himself, as Bai Shizhong had demonstrated.
When the four of them assisted the Crown Prince in governing the country, Bai Shizhong was constantly marginalized by them, and ultimately ended up being demoted. It would be better to give power to the Queen; perhaps the Queen would even promote him and exclude the other three.
Li Gang and He Li were horrified. If they openly opposed the Empress's power, people would think they were coveting power. If they agreed to the Empress presiding over government affairs, it was known that the harem's power was a sign of national chaos. The two were unsure how to respond.
Fortunately, Zhu Lian said, "I don't understand government affairs. Since His Majesty has ordered you to assist, you should do your best to fulfill His Majesty's wishes. The four of you are the pillars of the country. You must not alienate each other and should unite to serve the country. As for Xin'er's ascension to the throne, you will handle it as you see fit."
The four of them bowed and agreed.
In Yanfu Palace, Emperor Zhao Ji had nothing to do every day. He either painted or indulged in the mountains and rivers, and he seemed to be very free and easy.
"Your Majesty, Your Majesty! I, the old minister, see you coming." Zhang Bangchang's voice was heard outside the hall.
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