To maintain appearances for the royal family, the emperor usually bestows an official title upon the consorts of princesses, though these titles generally lack real power. For example, the eldest princess's original consort passed away several years ago due to a chronic illness. However, the consort of Princess Zhaoyang is an exception; he is a provincial governor, a position unparalleled among consorts.
Bai Chuxiao sneered, "For Princess Zhaoyang, whether it's His Majesty or Prince An who ascends the throne, she is the only princess. Does it matter whether it's good or bad?"
Yu Fengyang slowly began, "Currently, His Majesty's energy and the court's troops are concentrated in the Northwest. Prince An is very likely to take this opportunity to rebel."
Bai Chuxiao nodded. "If Zhang Jinlun and Yunzhou are really colluding, Chu Tianling might also know about what they're doing, and might even have been involved."
Cui Hao frowned slightly. "The Crown Prince also conspired with Prince An about the gold mine."
Bai Chuxiao said calmly, "That idiot Chu Tianyou is just a decoy."
Yu Fengyang's expression turned somewhat grave. "Your Highness, perhaps we should return to Yongzhou?"
Prince An must have already gathered a considerable number of men. The Xuanjia Army is far away on the southwestern border, and if something happens, they won't be able to get there in a short time. In the northwest, they still have to defend against Xiyue, so it won't be easy for Chu Tianze to return.
Bai Chuxiao shook her head, "It's impossible to go back now; His Majesty won't allow it."
"Your Highness, His Majesty summons you to the palace," a knock suddenly came from outside the door.
Bai Chuxiao said in a deep voice, "I understand."
He then said to the others in the room, "Alright, you can disperse now. Keep a close eye on Yunzhou. I'll go and sound out His Majesty's opinion first."
Bai Chuxiao was already quite familiar with the palace, so this time she didn't meet the emperor in the imperial study.
In the Imperial Garden, Emperor Wenxuan was sitting in a pavilion drinking tea, with Jinzhong and Cheng Song standing respectfully behind him.
"Greetings, Father Emperor," Bai Chuxiao, dressed in a light blue dress, gave a slight curtsy.
Emperor Wenxuan nodded slightly, "Yes, no need for formalities, come and sit down."
Bai Chuxiao calmly sat down to the side without saying a word; keeping the emperor company was no easy task.
Emperor Wenxuan said with a half-smile, "I left you in the capital; do you resent me for that?"
Bai Chuxiao smiled slightly, "How could that be? Being able to talk with Father is a blessing that others can't attain. However, Father also knows that I am a person who can't sit still."
Emperor Wenxuan snorted coldly, "You never speak the truth. Wouldn't it be better for a woman like you to stay at home peacefully? On the battlefield, swords have no eyes; what girl would be so eager to suffer like you?"
Bai Chuxiao smiled faintly, "I disagree with what Father Emperor said on this point."
Emperor Wenxuan raised an eyebrow. "Oh? Isn't that so?"
Bai Chuxiao said neither humbly nor arrogantly, "It's not only men who have the heart to protect their country. There are many women with lofty ambitions, but the world has not given women the right to choose. Instead, it has been assumed that women can only stay at home to be good wives and mothers."
Hearing this, Jinzhong and Cheng Song broke out in a cold sweat again. This Miss Bai was as outspoken as ever.
Emperor Wenxuan chuckled, "Are you accusing me?"
Bai Chuxiao smiled gently, "Your Majesty, I was just chatting with you. You are a wise ruler, surely you won't blame me?"
A hint of appreciation flashed in Emperor Wenxuan's eyes. "If you were a man, becoming a great general wouldn't be a problem."
He clearly didn't take Bai Chuxiao's words to heart. This was, after all, a male-dominated world. He admitted that Azi back then and the woman before him were indeed no less capable than men in many ways, but how many women could one find like that? He didn't acknowledge the abilities of most women.
Bai Chuxiao stopped arguing; it would be unwise to say such things to a feudal monarch.
Emperor Wenxuan spoke again calmly, "Your words are quite amusing. From now on, you shall come to the palace every day to keep me company and relieve my boredom."
Bai Chuxiao blinked. "Father, isn't this a bit inappropriate?"
Emperor Wenxuan glanced at her and said irritably, "What's wrong with you fulfilling your filial duties to me in place of the seventh prince?"
Bai Chuxiao was speechless. What emperor needs his children and grandchildren to be filial? Why didn't you summon the Crown Princess and Princess Qi to the palace every day? This is simply inhuman torture.
However, he still smiled obediently and said, "Father is right."
Emperor Wenxuan assumed she was simply accepting the offer with delight, and then said calmly, "Your skills are quite good, girl. With you by my side during the day, I doubt any foolish assassin would dare to approach."
Bai Chuxiao felt like vomiting blood. So they were using her as a bodyguard? In broad daylight, how could any assassin get into the palace? Cheng Song is like a guardian deity by your side every day; even if I wanted to assassinate you, it wouldn't be easy…
"Father, with General Cheng by our side, what villains would dare to cause trouble? I won't embarrass myself by showing off my mediocre skills."
Cheng Song smiled and said, "Princess Consort of Yan, there's no need for you to be so modest."
Emperor Wenxuan raised an eyebrow at her again, "Cheng Song has praised your skills highly. With you as my daughter-in-law, I am naturally more at ease."
Bai Chuxiao rolled her eyes inwardly, but she hadn't seen Cheng Song make a move yet and didn't know his strength, so she might as well take this opportunity to test him out.
"Father, may I have a match with General Cheng?"
Emperor Wenxuan's eyes flickered slightly. "You little brat, you're getting really into it, thinking of using force in front of me."
Bai Chuxiao blinked innocently and slowly said, "Father also knows that I don't actually have any other hobbies."
Emperor Wenxuan said irritably, "There's no need for a competition. What kind of behavior is this?"
Bai Chuxiao lowered her eyes. Cheng Song rarely revealed his true skills, which was clearly intentional on Emperor Wenxuan's part. He must be a master, most likely stronger than her.
However, Emperor Wenxuan was not joking. After Bai Chuxiao had lunch in the palace, she stayed there until dusk before Emperor Wenxuan finally let her go.
Bai Chuxiao returned to the Prince of Yan's residence, looking exhausted. Serving the emperor was like walking on thin ice; it was not something an ordinary person could endure. As for the matter in Yunzhou, she could only deal with it slowly. Revealing too much at this critical juncture and arousing Emperor Wenxuan's suspicion would not be a wise move. Prince An was far away in Yunzhou, so things were uncertain, but she, who was in the capital, would not have a good ending.
For several days, Bai Chuxiao endured a period of agonizing hardship, which outsiders perceived as an immense honor. Everyone sighed, "The Princess Consort of Yan has won the Emperor's heart."
Inside the Qi Prince's residence, Chu Tianze looked at Zhang Miaoke, who was filled with anger, and said impatiently, "Pack your things, I'm preparing to resign and return to my fiefdom to ask my father for permission."
Zhang Miaoke stared at Chu Tianling and Yuwen Minke, who was nestled gently in his arms, her eyes practically spitting fire. "Why do we have to go back to our fiefdom?"
She disliked Chu Tianling, but she couldn't stand seeing that vixen Yuwen Minke bewitching Chu Tianling to stay in her courtyard every day. Now even the servants in the manor were secretly laughing at her, the princess consort.
Why would she go back to that godforsaken place, Liangzhou? In the capital, she still has the Emperor as her backer, so Chu Tianling won't go too far. But in Liangzhou, it's Chu Tianling's personal fiefdom, and no one will listen to her then.
Chu Tianling coldly said, "What's the point of staying in the capital? Bai Chuxiao is busy winning Father Emperor's favor in the palace every day, while what can you do besides go crazy in your residence? You're both princesses, but you can't even compare to one of her fingers."
If he had gotten Bai Chuxiao back then, everything he did would have been much easier. Marrying Zhang Miaoke, that stupid woman, would only have hindered him. If it weren't for the people standing behind her, he would have found a way to kill her long ago...
Continue read on readnovelmtl.com