“The Empress has always been dutiful and conscientious; how could she possibly secretly contact court officials?” Cang Xixue said this deliberately.
Although she was currently pleading for Empress Shen Biyun, she was also secretly instilling this idea in Feng Guche, so that when the time was right, she could use this as a pretext to bring down the Empress in one fell swoop.
Perhaps it was Cang Xixue's persistent and persuasive words that moved Feng Guche, who finally agreed to Cang Xixue's request and made a compromise, agreeing to lift the Empress's confinement.
"Someone come here!" Feng Guche gripped Cang Xixue's hand tightly, raised his voice, and called in the eunuch Gao who was waiting outside.
"Go and convey my imperial edict: lift the Empress's confinement and order her to participate in presiding over the Empress Dowager's birthday banquet the day after tomorrow," Feng Guche said expressionlessly.
Not long after Eunuch Gao left, officials from the Imperial Household Department delivered the list of gifts for the Empress Dowager's birthday banquet for Feng Guche to review.
Feng Guche took it, glanced at it briefly, and then handed it to Cang Xixue, saying, "You decide."
Cang Xixue's eyes flickered slightly, and she deliberately declined, saying, "Let the Emperor decide, or perhaps the Empress has been released from confinement and should be allowed to make the decision."
Upon hearing the word "Empress," Feng Guche's eyes flashed with impatience, but he insisted on handing the gift list and other items to Cang Xixue.
"During this period, you have been in charge of the harem. Under your management, the harem is well-organized and harmonious. Even though I have lifted the Empress's confinement, everything in the palace will still be under your management from now on."
Feng Guche even said firmly, "Tomorrow, I will issue an edict to hand over this Phoenix Seal to you, and from then on you will be in charge of the harem. The Empress presiding over the Empress Dowager's birthday banquet is just to avoid making the Empress Dowager uncomfortable; it's just a formality."
These words startled Cang Xixue, and a glint of light flashed in her eyes. She had finally waited for this legitimate opportunity.
Even though she thought this in her heart, on the surface, Cang Xixue still politely declined, "Your Majesty, you must not. I was only acting as the Empress before, which was already overstepping my bounds. Now that Your Majesty has made this decision, wouldn't that leave me speechless in front of the Empress?"
Her indifferent expression towards power and her noble demeanor truly made Feng Guche believe that she was like snow on a high mountain, indifferent to power and untouched by worldly affairs.
As a result, Feng Guche was even more pleased and resolutely refused to take back his words.
Feng Guche's expression turned serious, and he said in an unquestionable tone, "This is my decision. You can just accept it without worry. If the Empress dares to have any complaints, you can have her come to me!"
“But…” Cang Xixue still looked hesitant, her eyes full of worry.
"No need to say any more, this matter is decided!" Feng Guche waved his hand, and the matter was settled.
The officials from the Imperial Household Department overheard Feng Guche and Cang Xixue's conversation clearly. They remained respectful and dared not raise their heads, but their eyes were full of opportunism and calculation.
Finally, after Cang Xixue made a few marks on the gift list, Lord Liang of the Imperial Household Department respectfully accepted it into his hands.
The perceptive Lord Liang hurriedly took his leave, and Feng Guche dismissed the palace maids and eunuchs around him, then held Cang Xixue in his arms.
"I heard that the Empress Dowager's complexion has improved a lot these past few days," Cang Xixue said casually as she chatted with Feng Guche.
Upon hearing this, Feng Guche's expression froze slightly, and he paused for a moment while holding Cang Xixue's hand, but he still nodded, "It seems so."
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