Moreover, the Empress understood that he did not love any of the women in the harem.
His eyes always held a coldness and detachment, as if telling everyone that his relationship with these women was merely a transaction of power, devoid of any emotional connection. His gaze was as cold as ice, seemingly able to pierce through all hypocrisy and affectation, reaching the deepest emptiness in people's hearts.
He treated the women in his harem as if they were mere decorations in the palace, showing them no tenderness or affection whatsoever.
In his mind, the chessboard of power had already been laid out, and he took every step with utmost care, leaving no room for error.
He knew all too well that in the game of power, emotions were the greatest weakness.
He had witnessed firsthand how many heroes and great men had ended up disgraced and ruined because of their emotional entanglements.
Those once powerful figures, due to momentary weakness or deep affection for someone, were ultimately exploited by their opponents and became victims in the power struggle.
He viewed his indifference towards the harem as a form of protection, protecting both himself and the innocent women caught up in the palace's affairs.
He didn't want anyone to be implicated because of his emotions, and he didn't want his weaknesses to become the target of others' attacks.
He was like a lone wolf, walking alone in the wasteland of power, wary of everything around him, leaving no opportunity for anyone to take advantage of him.
In his childhood, he was alone and helpless in the palace, struggling to survive amidst the court's intrigue and treachery. He learned to hide himself, maintaining a certain distance from every woman who approached him, never allowing anyone to touch his heart.
He knew perfectly well that once he became emotionally dependent, he would lose the initiative in the power struggle and might even lose his life as a result.
He always maintained a polite but distant attitude towards the women in his harem, never paying them too much attention or allowing anyone to misunderstand.
He was the emperor, high above all others, maintaining a detached attitude, as if standing atop a high mountain, looking down upon all living beings below.
His indifference towards the harem was a way for him to protect himself, and also a means for him to protect others.
The idea is that since no one is favored and the Empress is impartial, there's no need for anyone to compete.
He hoped that the harem could maintain a balance, free from vying for favor and showing favoritism, only peace and tranquility. He hoped that all the women could find their own happiness within this magnificent golden cage.
He was a wise and prudent emperor, and every act of favoritism he made was by no means accidental.
The Empress knew that in the Emperor's power game, every seemingly casual decision concealed profound strategies and considerations.
In the imperial court, he was always known for his calmness and wisdom, and every decision he made was carefully considered and weighed repeatedly. Just like today, he chose to spend the entire day in Consort Xian's Minghua Palace, simply to avoid the ministers.
Recently, a far-reaching corruption case has occurred in the court, involving a branch of the prominent Lin family in the capital.
The emperor saw this as an excellent opportunity to punish the powerful families, and he was determined to use this opportunity to severely punish them as a warning to others.
However, this decision caused quite a stir among the ministers of the previous dynasty, who submitted petitions one after another, which was extremely annoying.
Unwilling to engage in endless debates and maneuvering with these ministers, the emperor chose to temporarily retreat to the inner palace to avoid the turmoil of the court.
He knew that although the previous dynasty had already criticized Consort Xian enough, as long as he remained in the inner palace, those ministers would not be able to find him or exert any pressure on him.
His approach was not unfamiliar to the Empress.
Looking back, when he wanted to use the Empress to deal with the Xu family, the family of the deposed Empress, he also adopted a similar strategy.
At that time, he stayed in Zhiyue Palace and did not come out, leaving his deposed father, Xu Hushan, out in the cold for a day and a night, so that everyone could see his attitude clearly.
The empress at the time was also severely criticized.
The Empress's thoughts drifted involuntarily, and she gradually lost herself in thought.
She felt as if she had returned to that court filled with gossip, with the sharp accusations and mockery echoing in her ears.
That's it... it's all in the past...
"Sister... Sister..."
Consort Shu saw her staring blankly and called her twice without getting a response, so she nudged her and asked, "What are you thinking about, sister?"
Consort Shu's voice finally pulled the Empress back to reality from her reverie.
"Ah... I wasn't thinking about anything..." the Empress said, her voice calm and firm as she regained her senses.
She took a sip of soup and said, "Don't think about these nonsense things. Consort Xian is a reasonable and sensible person. She won't cut off her own way out just because of His Majesty's favor."
Her words carried a hint of bitterness, but more than anything, they expressed her affirmation and trust in Consort Xian.
The Empress understood this perfectly.
She knew that although Consort Xian was favored, she would never become arrogant because of it. She knew how to maintain her status and dignity in the power struggles of the palace.
Consort Shu nodded, "Since you say so, elder sister, then I won't say any more. However, I've heard that Consort Xian's younger sister, Princess Ningding, is quite a formidable person. Qinghua has been in the south all this time; have you managed to find out anything about this princess?"
"No..." The Empress shook her head slightly, a complex emotion flashing in her eyes. "Qinghua is busy making money!"
When the Empress mentioned Princess Ningding, she always did so with an indescribable caution and respect.
She was well aware of the princess's extraordinary influence and ability to act in both the Southern and Northern Dynasties.
Princess Ningding was not only a noble member of the royal family, but also a leader with great political and military skills.
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