He truly feared that when the time came, Grand Princess Zande would take pity and side with Sima Hao.
Now it seemed that in Grand Princess Zande's heart, Baili Ziyun was more important.
It made sense, too. Between one's own daughter and one's own brother, the daughter would naturally be more important.
"Since that's the case, then Zhuer has something important to discuss with Auntie today."
Sima Zhu said, standing up and walking to Grand Princess Zande's side. Without regard for anything else, he leaned in and whispered his thoughts into her ear.
This revelation caused Grand Princess Zande to break out in a cold sweat.
At the same time, she felt a sense of emotion.
It seemed they truly were a family, otherwise, how could their thoughts be so aligned?
In the imperial family, one could not afford to be sentimental; everything was about interests.
She should have realized earlier that she could cruelly plot to kill her own nephew just to gain power.
In that case, Sima Zhu, to remove any threat, could plan to kill the Grand Emperor.
However, it seemed that in the coming months, she needed to be extremely careful. Otherwise, if Sima Zhu discovered anything amiss, he might very well eliminate her completely.
"What does Auntie think?"
Grand Princess Zande looked up at the sharp glint in Sima Zhu's eyes, her heart involuntarily chilling.
Even though she knew the ruthlessness of the imperial family, seeing Sima Zhu's eagerness still made her feel a bit disheartened. After all, that was his own father.
Even though he had always wanted to interfere in court affairs over the years, he had at least passed the throne to him.
Even if Sima Zhu wanted to depose Sima Hao, he didn't need to resort to such methods and put him to death.
Despite her heart being filled with a thousand emotions, Grand Princess Zande eventually nodded.
Because, if she refused, she would likely immediately be classified as being on Sima Hao's side. Not only would Baili Ziyun not be able to have a son in the future, but even if she had a daughter, Sima Zhu probably wouldn't allow her to give birth.
Seeing Grand Princess Zande obediently comply, Sima Zhu was very pleased.
"Since that's the case, then Princess should act quickly."
Grand Princess Zande knew from his words that Sima Zhu had already made up his mind and would absolutely not change it.
So, she said no more, stood up, and took her leave to quickly go and find Baili Hao.
At the same time, in Sima Hao's palace.
Yizixie led Shen Xiaoyan and others towards Sima Hao's palace. Before they even arrived, Sima Hao had already received the news. Although he found it strange why Yizixie would choose to come to him on such a day, if asked how he felt, he was naturally happy.
When Yizixie and the others entered the main hall, they saw Sima Hao already seated upright, with a smile on his face, waiting for them.
"Master Grand Tutor is here? Ahan, Xinxin, you are here too?"
As soon as they entered the hall, Sima Hao's somewhat joyous voice was heard.
Shen Xiaoyan did not believe that, given Sima Hao's years on the throne and his age, he would be unable to control his emotions and show his joy so openly.
However, she could also tell from Sima Hao's demeanor his eagerness.
It made sense. Although there were secrets in the Forbidden City, these secrets would not be hidden from those who had the intention.
Moreover, given Sima Hao's personality, he would certainly hide the sacred water before drinking it if he obtained it. But after he drank it, he wouldn't.
Shen Xiaoyan could almost imagine that Sima Zhu would be the first to let Sima Hao know that he had drunk the sacred water.
It was not difficult to guess Sima Zhu's intention; it was simply to let Sima Hao know that what he had, Sima Zhu would also have.
Although doing so might seem a bit childish, the two rivals would not feel that way.
"How has His Majesty the Grand Emperor been recently? Today is a joyous occasion for His Majesty; will His Majesty the Grand Emperor attend?"
As Yizixie spoke, he had already sat down of his own accord, and Shen Xiaoyan and the others naturally did the same.
Sima Hao pretended not to see this, smiling as he replied, "No, today is His Majesty's great joy, and if I were to go, it would only displease His Majesty."
Yizixie shrugged upon hearing this. He had only been making a polite remark anyway. Whether he went or not was his own business.
Besides, even if he wanted to go, he probably wouldn't be able to.
They sat and chatted, and before long, they suddenly heard a great commotion outside, as if there were sounds of arguing, crying, or begging for mercy.
Sima Hao's face changed, and he said sternly, "Jiang Yubao, go and see what is happening outside. Don't think that just because I am old, you can disregard me."
Shen Xiaoyan and Zheng Wei exchanged a look, both knowing that things were developing as planned.
Jiang Yubao hurried out after receiving the order and soon returned in a panic.
"Reporting to His Majesty the Grand Emperor, outside, outside is not good."
Sima Hao's face darkened upon hearing this. "Speak properly. What kind of scene haven't you seen? Why are you like this today?"
Jiang Yubao took a deep breath, slightly calming his nervousness, but his voice still trembled slightly: .oΓg
"Reporting to His Majesty the Grand Emperor, outside, Grand Princess Zande has suddenly led three thousand elite soldiers and surrounded us."
"What?"
Sima Hao, in his shock, stood up abruptly.
He stood up so suddenly that Sima Hao felt a wave of darkness before his eyes, on the verge of fainting.
It was Jiang Yubao who noticed something was wrong. He quickly got up from the ground and rushed to Sima Hao's side, supporting him, preventing him from falling straight down.
"His Majesty the Grand Emperor, Your Majesty, Your Majesty, what is happening?"
Jiang Yubao's heart was trembling with fear.
He had followed the Grand Emperor through thick and thin and had seen many grand occasions.
But the scene outside now was clearly Grand Princess Zande rebelling!
No!
The Grand Emperor was only the Grand Emperor. Even if the Grand Emperor was killed, one would not get the throne. Grand Princess Zande had no reason to do this.
Unless...
This was the Emperor's idea, and Grand Princess Zande, for her daughter and her unborn grandchild, was willing to obey Sima Zhu's command.
But why did Sima Zhu choose this particular day?
That's right, today was the Emperor's grand ceremony, and the palace was bustling with people.
Even if Grand Princess Zande brought her own troops into the palace, no one would think much of it.
Firstly, it could be explained as securing the safety of the Forbidden City, preventing anyone from taking advantage of the situation.
Secondly, these three thousand men were not a large number; the palace guards alone were more than ten times that.
In this way, it would attract very little attention and easily resolve the great threat.
Afterward, they could simply make up an excuse, and no one would ask further questions.
These were things that Jiang Yubao, a eunuch, could understand, let alone Sima Hao, who had lived for more than half his life.
He was supported by Jiang Yubao and sat down, his head still swimming.
This was not a lingering effect from standing up too abruptly, but anger at Grand Princess Zande's actions.
After all, Grand Princess Zande was his own sister.