Chapter 339 Climbing the Ladder
As dusk deepened and midnight approached, the palace maids had already prepared the beds.
Dou Wenyi had already changed into her nightgown. Usually, Pei Siyan would have returned by this time, but he was nowhere to be seen tonight.
"Your Majesty, are you still reviewing memorials in the Qianqing Hall? Is hot water ready?"
Cuizhi replied, "Your Majesty, rest assured, everything is already prepared. I just heard from Eunuch Fu'an that the people from the Imperial Kitchen returned from the Wuying Hall looking dejected."
The Wuying Hall is a place for discussing military and political affairs. Is there some urgent military situation again? Is Pei Siyan so busy that he can't even have dinner?
Dou Wenyi frowned slightly and ordered in a deep voice, "Arrange for someone to send some late-night snacks to His Majesty. Never mind, Cuizhi, you go yourself."
"yes."
Cuizhi went to the small kitchen, and as soon as she left Kunning Palace with the exquisite food box, she encountered the Emperor's imperial carriage.
Dou Wenyi had just lain down when she heard a commotion outside the bedchamber. "...I thought His Majesty was going to have to stay up all night again."
Pei Siyan stretched out his hands, and the young eunuch carefully helped him untie his belt and take off his outer robe before respectfully withdrawing.
"Being an emperor is not easy; it's a grueling and exhausting job. There was some trouble on the border, which caused some delays."
Pei Siyan smiled calmly, "I really wish our son would grow up sooner so he could share more of the burden."
Dou Wenyi was both annoyed and amused. The little one in her belly was only a little over a month old, and he was already starting to have designs on her. She was truly exasperated with him.
"Your Majesty, you should cultivate more capable ministers and give them more to worry about."
"Of course, I'll go take a shower first."
Pei Siyan went straight to the clean room, and the two eunuchs followed him in with their heads bowed.
He moved swiftly, and just as Dou Wenyi's eyelids were about to close, the man pulled her into his arms with great restraint.
Her bright yellow nightgown clung thinly to her ivory-white undergarment, the colors blending together vividly, creating an ambiguous and alluring effect.
Inside the bed curtains, the light was dim. Pei Siyan gazed at her, her long, black hair cascading over the pillow. He couldn't help but gently brush a strand of hair from her forehead with his fingers, and the air grew increasingly hot.
Dou Wenyi's ears burned uncontrollably. "Sanlang, you mustn't do anything reckless..."
Pei Siyan pinched her chin, a half-smile on his face, "I didn't mean to do anything reckless, it's you who wanted it?"
"without……"
Dou Wenyi's face flushed slightly, and she looked away, knowing he was a reckless scoundrel.
Pei Siyan chuckled, his eyes brimming with charm, "I consulted the imperial physician, and it's actually possible during pregnancy..."
There are countless ways to enjoy sex, and he hasn't even learned and put many of those tricks to use yet!
"no!"
Seeing that she was a little annoyed, Pei Siyan softened his gaze and pursed his lips slightly, "Have you met with Madam Xu, the Minister of Personnel, today?"
Dou Wenyi's sleepiness vanished instantly. "Hmm, Madam Xu is ambitious and shrewd. If she doesn't meet the expectations of the aristocratic families this time, she might really have to break off all ties."
Powerful clans are not easy to deal with, and the pens of scholars are deadly weapons. The Meng family was destroyed, and the Sheng family was also harmed. In addition, before Pei Siyan ascended the throne, he confiscated many meritorious officials who had been lying on their laurels. The two sides had long harbored resentment, and now their true intentions were finally revealed.
Moreover, Pei Siyan was also planning reforms, including land tax reform and horse administration reform. The struggle for the empress's position was only the first step. What followed would touch upon the fundamental interests of the aristocratic families, and would only encounter more obstacles and become increasingly difficult.
Taking too big a step will only provoke a fierce backlash from powerful families.
Pei Siyan didn't care much. "These things have to be done by someone. If it doesn't work in a year, then it will take ten years. If our ambitions cannot be realized, then let our son inherit our will, and pass it down from generation to generation. One day it will be realized."
There will inevitably be disputes between the royal family and powerful clans; such disputes are unavoidable and irreconcilable.
"Sanlang, those things are still too early to discuss; we must proceed slowly and methodically."
The time was not ripe, and the court was simply unable to withstand sweeping reforms.
In his past life, Pei Siyan had managed to turn the tide and decisively defeat the Northern Di when the country was shattered and its survival was at stake. The current situation is much better, and he cannot be too reckless. Most of the high-ranking officials in the court come from powerful and influential families; changing the political landscape will not be easy.
"Yi'er, their reach is too long. If I can't even protect you, how can I restore a peaceful and prosperous world to the Great Zhou?"
Pei Siyan gently kissed her lips. "Don't worry, I know what I'm doing."
...
Before they knew it, it was time for the banquet hosted by Consort Zhang. It was early summer, and a cool breeze was blowing through Jinming Pond, dispelling some of the summer heat.
Looking out over the lake, there are many painted boats moored, and brightly colored flowers are displayed on both sides of the corridor, including peonies, camellias, and more. In particular, there are several pots of rare Eighteen Scholars flowers, which are fiery red and pleasing to the eye, making people praise them endlessly.
Xu Yujiao followed the crowd up to the Wangxiantai Terrace. As soon as she looked up, she saw Empress Dou, dressed in magnificent robes, looking dignified and elegant. At this moment, she had a faint smile on her face, but her eyes revealed a sharp light.
Xu Yuqiao pursed her lips, muttering to herself again. But before she could react, Madam Xu pressed her down and, along with everyone else, knelt down to pay their respects, waiting for the Empress at the head of the table to dispense with the formalities.
Her undisguised expression was clearly seen by Dou Wenyi on the high platform. "Everyone, please don't stand on ceremony and make yourselves at home."
Her voice was gentle, but lacked authority.
Xu Yujiao felt that if she were in that position, she would definitely do a better job.
Everyone expressed their gratitude. Soon after, Dou Wenyi began chatting and laughing with several noblewomen and relatives. Consort Zhang whispered in her ear, introducing several noble ladies to her. Dou Wenyi nodded from time to time, clearly showing a lack of interest.
Finally, Dou Wenyi's gaze fell on Xu Yujiao, and she smiled with satisfaction.
"Miss Xu, this brocade suits you perfectly, making you even more elegant than a few days ago. I've long heard of your outstanding talent; in the upcoming competition, don't hold back, be sure to show everyone what you're capable of. I'm eagerly awaiting your victory."
Madam Xu immediately humbly replied, "Your Majesty is too kind. My daughter is truly flattered. It is already a great blessing to be able to attend the flower banquet and meet the Empress today. I am content to have taken this opportunity to broaden my horizons. My knowledge is shallow, how could I dare to show off in front of so many noble ladies?"
Dou Wenyi said quietly, "Madam Xu is too modest. Yu Jiao is very skillful. The insoles she gave me are quite good. As for that medical book, it does record many unique prescriptions. I have already ordered people to make copies and include them in the medical books of the Imperial Medical Academy."
"To make the best use of resources and benefit the people of the Great Zhou is a meritorious deed."
All eyes immediately turned to Xu Yujiao. The noblewomen were all shrewd and naturally understood the implied meaning.
At this delicate moment, it turned out that the Xu family had already racked their brains, trying to curry favor with the Empress before they could.
The Xu family is truly ambitious and determined to succeed!
Unfortunately, they sent two rather meager gifts that didn't catch the Empress's eye at all; otherwise, why would she have given them to the Imperial Hospital?
The Xu family is incredibly shameless. Even if they wanted to bribe someone, they would have to spend money. Do they really think they could get special treatment from the Empress with just this little bit of stuff?
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