They only thought about how to profit from the local area, enrich the Wang family, and strengthen their power.
She smiled gently: "I will present His Majesty with whatever my grandmother says, without alteration."
"but,"
Su Wanwan paused, her eyes filled with a hint of inquiry.
"I have heard that a Hami envoy named Xie Yihuxian is having a passionate affair with a military commander named Wang Deqing."
"It is said that Wang Deqing is a member of a collateral branch of the Marquis of Ruian's family. Even Miss Ma in the palace has dealings with him. Xie Yihuxian has already been introduced to the emperor."
"Grandmother, please don't just focus on me. Perhaps Miss Ma's words carry more weight than mine."
After a month of tireless efforts, Su Wanwan's connections and access to information within the palace are now far greater than before.
Even the little tricks Wang used to keep secret could reach her ears.
Wang's pupils contracted slightly; she hadn't expected Su Wanwan to be so well-informed.
Wang Deqing was a pawn planted by the Wang family in the army in front of the government. He was originally a commander of a thousand, but was recently demoted to a commander of a hundred because he skipped training three times.
There was even a new edict that stated that anyone who deserted three times would be dismissed from office and permanently exiled to the border, and would not be pardoned even if granted amnesty.
Who in the capital doesn't know that Wang Deqing is a member of the Wang family?
This is humiliating the Empress Dowager.
First, Yanruo's attempt to become a concubine failed, and now Wang Deqing has been demoted.
Nowadays, everyone in the capital knows that the Wang family is not favored by the emperor.
At this critical juncture, the Wang family's involvement in Hami's diplomatic relations is a last resort.
The emperor's preference for people of different ethnicities is as obvious as lice on a bald head.
Since forcing the emperor directly was not an option, they had no choice but to take a roundabout approach and cater to his preferences.
Wang now only regrets that she was too hasty in the past, forcing Yanruo to the emperor, which aroused the emperor's displeasure and has now backfired.
Now that Ma Ji can speak to the emperor, she naturally wants to win over and make good use of Ma Ji as a pawn.
“Maggie is nobody, with no official rank or status, and her voice carries little weight. How can she be compared to you, the Queen?”
Wang rejected Su Wanwan's words and coldly rebuked her:
"Since you are the Empress, you should also play your role."
Su Wanwan verbally agreed.
Back at Kunning Palace, she hesitated whether to go find Lu Xingjian.
He just delivered the painting.
Taking this opportunity to make a trip might help ease tensions between the two of them.
However, the thought of his close relationship with Maggie made her unwilling to see him.
Empress Dowager Zhang sent someone to deliver a message:
"The Dragon Boat Festival is a big day. The Empress should go and pay her respects to the Emperor and inquire whether Xiaoyuan is well taken care of in terms of food, clothing, and accommodation."
Su Wanwan clenched her fists.
Both of her mothers-in-law pressured her to go find the emperor.
She had to go, no matter what.
When Su Wanwan arrived at the entrance of Xiaoyuan, she was stunned for a moment.
Ma Ji and Yan Ruo were waiting at the door, dressed in their finest attire, looking radiant and beautiful.
Yanruo wore a spring-green jacket and a white embroidered skirt, looking as fresh and delicate as newly blossoming leaves in spring.
Maggie, on the other hand, wore a red dress and glamorous makeup, which made her high, white breasts, exposed at the low neckline, appear dazzlingly white and with a clearly defined cleavage.
These two young women, if taken out individually, would be stunning beauties capable of captivating a nation.
The two stood there, one innocent and pure, the other beautiful and glamorous, complementing each other and creating a striking visual impact.
Even as a woman, she found it pleasing to the eye.
Lu Xingjian is truly blessed with good fortune in love.
Upon seeing Su Wanwan, Meng Yue quickly approached her: "The Emperor hasn't returned yet, Your Highness, please go inside and wait."
Ma Ji and Yan Ruo's expressions immediately changed, their beautiful faces contorted with jealousy, yet they had no choice but to kneel and bow to her.
He thought to himself that Su Wanwan was only benefiting from the Empress's title.
How can this old woman compare to their youthful beauty?
The Emperor must have gotten tired of her long ago.
They've ignored her these past few days.
Su Wanwan's gaze fell on them, she simply nodded, and asked as she walked inside:
"When will His Majesty return?"
"His Majesty is at the northern training ground. This servant will go and invite His Majesty right away." Meng Yue smiled broadly, his feet barely touching the ground, as if he could fly.
Su Wanwan paused, turning back to look at Yanruo and Maji, who were still standing there.
Yanruo and Maji's faces were full of resentment and unwillingness, which she saw clearly.
Yanruo, after all, was a noble lady carefully cultivated by a large family, so her manners were much better.
She forced a smile.
Maggie, too lazy to pretend anymore, rolled her eyes and looked away.
Su Wanwan didn't take it to heart, and simply said:
"It's too sunny outside, why don't you invite the two young ladies in to wait?"
Meng Yue was still shaken; cold sweat broke out on his back, and he felt the pain in his buttocks return.
"Without His Majesty's permission, this servant dares not let anyone in without authorization."
Last time I let Maggie in without permission, I got a beating; my butt had only been healed for a few days.
"If His Majesty is angry, just say it was my idea to let them in to cool off and prevent them from getting sick from the heat," Su Wanwan said calmly.
If she hadn't encountered it, that would have been fine, but since she did, she should still maintain the magnanimity of an empress.
Meng Yue's eyes flickered, and he respectfully agreed.
Su Wanwan waited in the living room.
This place is no different from the one she visited last time she returned to Kunning Palace.
Even the jade hammer she used to massage her legs was still on the small table, as if she had just finished using it and left it there.
There was an unfinished painting on the desk.
She paused for a moment, then picked up her pen and finished the painting.
She didn't know how much time had passed when she rubbed her aching wrists and realized there was someone else in the room.
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