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She saved Xue Zhidao's reputation, and a few days later, Xue Zhidao returned to the court, once again shouldering the responsibilities of a prime minister. His first memorial upon returning was to the Empress Dowager, requesting a reward from the empire.
This was originally a favor that the new emperor would bestow after ascending the throne, but now it has been changed into a means for the Empress Dowager to win over the hearts of the people, and there is nothing wrong with that.
Many in the court were already watching, their previous impeachment attempts merely testing the waters. If the Grand Empress Dowager dealt with Xue Zhidao, the position of Chief of the Council of State would remain vacant, giving them a chance. Now that Xue Zhidao had sided with the Grand Empress Dowager, their combined power was enough to silence any dissenting voices, and so they temporarily quieted down.
Now that Xue Zhizhi had returned to the court, the Empress Dowager had shown favors, and all the ministers had been promoted according to the rules. Even if there was dissatisfaction, it was suppressed. For a time, the court was harmonious and peaceful.
He Qing still maintained the frequency of going to Kunhua Palace and Yangshou Palace every day. In the beginning, he often gave advice to the Empress Dowager, but later he gradually spoke less.
Power is the best medicine, bringing a sense of well-being and elation, allowing one to witness the world's most beautiful scenery. This is true even for women. The Empress Dowager has now emerged from her initial fears, gradually savoring the benefits of holding world power and beginning to develop her political wisdom.
She began to read history books and various memorials from the court, trying to understand the structure of the entire court and the characteristics of each official, gradually expanding her control over this behemoth.
At this time, she didn't need anyone's advice.
She was even somewhat wary of those who wanted to touch this power. After realizing this, He Qing never intervened in court affairs again. She simply watched the Grand Empress Dowager act with a cold eye, feeling a bit anxious in her heart.
Everything seems peaceful now, but that is only because the real conflict has not yet broken out.
He Qing hadn't forgotten that this dynasty only had three years left to live. Even though she had changed history, preventing the selfish and mean King Zhongshan from becoming the new ruler and preventing the court from falling into the ridiculous "ritual dispute," some fundamental things hadn't changed.
Beneath the harmony and peace, there are dangers and murderous intentions at every step, and only she can see it.
This feeling was not pleasant. It was like a fire burning in her heart, urging her to do something, but she didn't know where to start and could only let time pass by day by day.
The only consolation was that after He Qing told Empress Dowager Zhang some Taoist stories for a while, her mood was obviously much better. She was no longer as anxious and unable to sleep every day as before, and the relationship between the two became closer.
Finally, one day, Empress Dowager Zhang told her about her concerns.
After the arrival of spring, Empress Dowager Zhang, mindful of her unborn child, would take a stroll in the small garden behind Kunhua Palace every day after dinner. Whenever He Qing was free, he would join her. Admiring the spring scenery, the green willows and crimson flowers, was a delightful sight that naturally soothed both body and soul.
This day was no exception. He Qing helped Empress Dowager Zhang around, and seeing that she looked tired, he helped her sit on a nearby stone bench. Naturally, someone brought cushions and set up the place, and also served fruits, snacks, and tea.
Empress Dowager Zhang had recently developed a taste for sour things, so before her was a bowl of candied green plums, a plate of sour jujube cakes, and a dish of dried tangerine peel. Even her tea was made with dried lemon slices. Just by looking at it, He Qing felt his teeth ache and his mouth water, as if the air were filled with a faint sour smell.
Seeing that Empress Dowager Zhang was eating with gusto, He Qing really couldn't understand it and could only drink tea to calm his nerves.
When you drink the tea with a slight bitter taste, the sour taste is suppressed, leaving only a slight sweet aftertaste and an endless aftertaste.
Shortly after they sat down, they heard that the finest green plums had been brought in from the south, and the Grand Empress Dowager had ordered them to be sent to Kunhua Palace. Empress Dowager Zhang said to He Qing, "These days, all the goodies in the palace are sent to me, and I'm really worried. And since I'm not in good health, I can't go to the Queen Mother in person to express my gratitude, and it would make her worry."
"It's not a big deal, just send someone over," He Qing said. "Your health is important, so why would the Grand Empress Dowager find fault with this?"
"That's exactly the truth." Aunt Qiu also said.
Empress Dowager Zhang's expression softened. She looked at her and said, "If I ask someone else to go, I wouldn't feel comfortable. Why not ask Aunt to go instead?"
Aunt Qiu naturally agreed and nodded and left.
Empress Dowager Zhang waited for her to leave, then dismissed the people around her and sat alone with He Qing. A hint of worry returned to her face. She stroked her belly and asked He Qing, "Master, tell me, is there really a little prince in my belly?"
"Of course it's true." He Qing said affirmatively.
"Master, did you say that too..." Empress Dowager Zhang was in a trance for a moment. She bit her lip, as if she had made a great decision. She lowered her voice and said, "I have always had one thing in my heart. Only Master can save me."
"Your Majesty, please don't be so polite. Just tell me what you want." He Qing saw that she was about to bow to him and quickly held her hand. "Why should we be so polite to each other? It will make people look at us differently."
Empress Dowager Zhang woke up with a start and realized that the palace servants who had retreated to a distance could still see their movements clearly. Her face darkened, "Thank you, Master, for reminding me."
He Qing saw that she understood, and then slowly let go, "What does your Majesty want to say?"
Empress Dowager Zhang took a deep breath, turned her head and stared at the rockery beside her, not looking at He Qing. "If the child in my belly is a boy, it's fine. But if it's a girl, Master, do you know what the Empress Dowager is planning?"
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