In fact, Emperor Xingchang had become suspicious long ago.
Although he was appointed to the post in a time of crisis, in just a few years, Li Chang'an, a mere woman, was able to win the hearts and minds of the people. How could such a skill not make him have reservations?
Since he fell ill, the unease in his heart has grown stronger, and he feels more and more that his daughter is really not like him. Fortunately, Zhao Ruyue is quite capable and gave birth to a prince for him, so that he has an heir.
Although that woman was a bit foolish, she was easy to control precisely because of her short-sightedness. As for whether or not to make her the Empress Dowager in the future, that would depend on his mood.
After all, in this deep palace, taking someone's life is much easier than surviving peacefully.
Emperor Xingchang sneered inwardly, thinking that his previous display of fatherly affection was passable. He decided to appease her for now and make his move when the time was right. No matter how powerful she was, once she came to the emperor's doorstep, she was nothing more than fish on a chopping board.
Now all that's left is Feng Beichuan, that malignant tumor.
The thought of this cunning regent made Emperor Xingchang's temples throb. During his illness, the court had fallen into the regent's hands, and with such power in his grasp, it was hard to guarantee that this man wouldn't do something.
"Someone come here."
Before he finished speaking, the chief eunuch who had been guarding him quickly stepped forward to receive his orders.
"Prepare my things for me; I will attend court tomorrow."
"But your health..."
The eunuch couldn't help but sweat. Looking at the emperor's thin figure, he felt that this was really inappropriate, but he dared not disobey and could only timidly try to dissuade him.
"Since when did it become your place to tell me what to do?"
Emperor Xingchang was somewhat displeased, his brows furrowed as he looked down at the eunuchs who were kneeling on the ground in fear.
"This servant has spoken out of turn; I will go and receive my punishment."
The head eunuch was so frightened that he didn't dare to breathe, fearing that he might lose his head if he wasn't careful. It wasn't that he was cowardly; after all, he had served the emperor for so many years and was no ordinary person to have risen to the position of head eunuch.
However, ever since the emperor woke up, his temper has been unpredictable and difficult to fathom. Everyone serves him with utmost care, fearing that they might inadvertently offend the emperor.
Emperor Xingchang didn't want to listen to him anymore. Feeling annoyed, he waved for him to leave and went back to his bed to sleep.
The night was dark and all was quiet, but the inner palace was in complete chaos.
"Li Chang'an is back?"
Upon hearing this news, Zhao Ruyue could no longer sit still. Just mentioning this name made her grit her teeth in hatred. This woman had forcibly taken her son away that day, and then conspired with that scoundrel Feng Beichuan to confine her to her quarters. Taking advantage of the emperor's illness and inability to attend to the harem, she had caused Zhao Ruyue such a great injustice.
She was, after all, a noble imperial concubine!
Her son is the future emperor!
"Yes, Your Highness, Princess Yong'an went to Zhengqing Hall as soon as she returned and stayed for quite a while before leaving."
Xiaoru told her mistress all the information she had gathered. During the days she was confined to her quarters, she was anxious every day. As long as the emperor did not wake up, the entire Qingchun Palace was in turmoil.
Zhao Ruyue's expression changed, and she slammed her hand on the table, about to leave. "Your Majesty, Your Majesty must be awake! I want to see Your Majesty! I want Your Majesty to make a decision for me and the young prince!"
As soon as he reached the door, he was stopped by the guards.
"Your Highness, please return."
Those guards were all sent by Feng Beichuan, so naturally they wouldn't be polite to Zhao Ruyue. Although they called her Imperial Noble Consort, there was no respect on their faces. Instead, they gave off a look that said, "If you dare not obey, we will draw our swords."
"You audacious lackeys, once I see the Emperor, I will chop off your heads one by one..."
Zhao Ruyue was furious and, like a madwoman, pointed at the guards at the door and cursed them.
During the days she was confined to her quarters, whenever she showed any sign of wanting to go out, she would be ruthlessly stopped by the guards. Her patience finally ran out, and she naturally no longer cared about her status as an imperial concubine.
The guards didn't bother with him at all. After Xiaoru pulled the person inside, they continued to stand guard outside the hall meticulously.
"Your Majesty, it won't do you any good by getting yourself all upset. Since we can't force our way in, let's try to outsmart you."
Xiaoru's eyes darted around, looking shrewd. While soothing Zhao Ruyue, she was thinking of ways to get her mistress to see the Emperor.
Suddenly, Xiaoru's eyes lit up. She leaned down and whispered something in Zhao Ruyue's ear. Zhao Ruyue's tightly furrowed brows gradually relaxed, and a smile slowly appeared on her face.
"Fine, if you won't let me go out, then I won't. I'm tired. Xiaoru, help me rest!"
"Yes, I'll light the incense for you in a bit..."
The master and servant were talking loudly, glancing furtively towards the door as they spoke, but they didn't make any move.
About an hour later, Xiaoru timed it perfectly, tiptoed to the palace entrance, and hid by the door frame.
It was time for the guards at the gate to change shifts, which was also the time when they were most relaxed. Sure enough, after a short while, the guards stretched and prepared to change shifts.
Xiaoru seized the opportunity and dashed out like a gust of wind.
The guards originally thought that the people inside should have been asleep long ago, but they never expected that they would wait until now.
"Oh no, we have to chase after them!"
The guards were instantly wide awake, their drowsiness vanishing in an instant. The night was too deep, and the person had run too fast; they hadn't even seen who it was.
But whoever it was, the regent had instructed that no one in the palace should be allowed to step out.
Seeing that the guards at the gate had all chased after her, Zhao Ruyue's heart was pounding. She tiptoed to the palace gate, looked around to make sure no one was guarding it anymore, and then quickly ran out as well.
Zhao Ruyue jogged all the way to the entrance of Zhengqing Hall. Just as she was about to go in and cry, she was stopped by the guards at the door.
Without even a second thought, it's clear that these people were all taken care of by Feng Beichuan.
"If you let me in, I will reward you handsomely!"
Realizing she hadn't brought any money with her when she left, Zhao Ruyue hurriedly removed the hairpin from her head, intending to bribe the guards first.
But the guards were all cold-faced and heartless, and they didn't fall for it at all.
Seeing that her scheme was not going to succeed, Zhao Ruyue made a snap decision and sat down on the ground to wail, ignoring the many people watching. She cried and pounded the ground like a shrew.
"Your Majesty, you must do justice for me! I can't live like this..."
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