“Yao’er, such matters require evidence. Without proof, the ministers in court will not be convinced.
Yun Mo has gained considerable prestige in the court over the years. If you move rashly, you will inevitably provoke dissatisfaction among the officials, and you will be the one to suffer.
Some matters cannot be rushed. We must infiltrate slowly, step by step. Since you have waited for four years, there is no need to be impatient now.”
“But if Yun Mo is not removed, that fool in the palace will continue to occupy Jinhua Palace. Every time I see her, I feel as if I’m going mad.
I am still the ruler of a nation, yet I have married a fool as my Empress. Is this not a colossal joke, a profound disgrace?”
“Yao’er has been wronged. Yun Xiao remains in the palace merely as a pawn, a pawn to restrain Yun Mo.
Although she is a fool, your mother has inquired. Yun Mo dotes on this daughter very much. I believe that with her in our hands, Yun Mo will not dare to make any moves.”
The Empress Dowager’s pupils flickered, and she smiled like a gentle spring breeze caressing slender willows, captivating and graceful.
Shangguan Yao ceased speaking. The sharpness on his handsome features had receded considerably, his expression softening slightly.
He knew that everything his mother did was for his sake. He had been too agitated earlier. He tugged at his lips slightly.
“Mother has a kind heart. I will bear it in mind.”
“Yes, Yao’er, you may go. I am somewhat tired,” the Empress Dowager waved her hand. Shangguan Yao bid farewell and, leading his personal eunuch, departed from Changxin Palace.
Outside the palace gates, Shangguan Yao’s eyes blazed like torches, burning with a scorching heat. A cold smile curved his lips as he uttered chilling words.
“Xiao Tingzi, go and summon Xiaoting and Ruyan back tomorrow. I have something to instruct them.”
“Yes, Your Majesty,” Xiao Tingzi replied calmly. His inner energy was natural, his demeanor aloof, clearly indicating that he was well-versed in martial arts, and his skill was extraordinary.
Shangguan Yao looked up at the sky, a layer of misty white covering the horizon. His eyes narrowed abruptly, a frigid depth sinking into his pupils, and a cold sneer touched his lips.
Yun Mo, Yun Mo, if I catch you colluding with people from the Divine Dragon Palace, this time I will ensure you have nowhere to be buried. That fool has caused me such disgrace. Not one of them will escape unscathed…
“Let’s go, back to the palace.”
The group quickly departed from Changxin Palace and returned to Jingde Palace.
Zhaoyang Palace.
In the inner chamber, Ye Sushe’s complexion was still somewhat pale, and she leaned slightly against the side of the bed.
Her beautiful eyes scanned the concubines who had come to visit her. These women, she suspected, were secretly rejoicing in their hearts, yet outwardly they appeared to be greatly concerned for her.
Ye Sushe’s gaze was somewhat dim, but she did not say much…
These women were now her influence. Therefore, she would not be foolish enough to act against them. Their families behind them would also become Ye family’s allies, so she could only treat them well and control these chess pieces.
“Thank you, my sisters, for your concern.”
“What are you saying, Sister? We are very worried to see you ill,”
The speaker was Zhaoyi Lu Yinghan, who was gentle and charming, with eyebrows as picturesque as a painting, and deeply favored by the Emperor. She was the daughter of Lu Muyang, the Minister of War, and currently resided in Zhaoyang Palace, in Qinghan Pavilion, with Ye Sushe.
Qinghan Pavilion was also named by the Emperor on a whim. Although she did not have an independent palace, the Emperor favored her exceptionally, a fact well-known to many in the harem. Therefore, despite being a minor Zhaoyi, her prestige remained high.
Even Ye Sushe did not wish to come into conflict with her, firstly due to her backing, and secondly because it would provoke the Emperor’s displeasure, a loss-making affair she would not engage in.
As Lu Yinghan finished speaking, a chorus of agreement rose from behind her, consisting of the Liangyuans and Guirens residing in Zhaoyang Palace.
Within the six palaces, only the Empress and the four Consorts had independent palaces. Together with the Empress Dowager’s palace, these constituted the six palaces.
The six palaces were further divided into numerous halls and pavilions. The other concubines resided in various halls and pavilions with the four Consorts. Only the Empress’s Jinhua Palace was independent.
Currently, two palaces remained vacant within the six palaces. Therefore, the concubines spared no effort to gain imperial favor. If the Emperor was pleased, they might become one of the two remaining Consorts. However, these two positions were still vacant.
Consequently, private scheming and infighting were commonplace. Defei Ye Sushe turned a blind eye, unwilling to bother with these women’s petty schemes.
In fact, she suspected that the two vacant positions were not for ordinary people to attain. The Emperor kept them vacant for a reason.
Ye Sushe pondered, listening to the noisy voices of these women in the sleeping quarters. Although annoyed in her heart, her face remained smiling, betraying no hint of her feelings.
At this moment, a palace maid walked in and announced.
“Defei Niangniang, Xianfei Niangniang has arrived.”
Ye Sushe’s pupils flickered. Ye Yuyun, was she truly so kind? She waved her hand, “Let her in.”
Xianfei Ye Yuyun was the adopted daughter of the current Grand Tutor. Her appearance was no less striking than Defei Ye Sushe’s, and her demeanor was even more graceful and dignified.
Both were renowned beauties in Yanjing City. Upon entering the palace, they were quickly bestowed with imperial favor and soon elevated to the ranks of Defei and Xianfei, becoming the two major powers in the palace besides the Empress Dowager.
Although Ye Sushe was the Empress Dowager’s niece, for some reason, the Empress Dowager also doted on Ye Yuyun. Therefore, besides Ye Sushe, Ye Yuyun was also a contender to replace the foolish Empress…
Dressed in a light green gown, her sleeves embroidered with pink peonies, silver threads outlining a few wisps of floating clouds, and the hem of her skirt adorned with blue sea patterns, she moved with a lightness that seemed to stir a gentle wave, exuding an unspeakable ethereal elegance.
With every gesture, she was gracefully charming. Her dark eyes sparkled with brilliance, radiating a captivating allure. As she walked in, a faint, elegant fragrance filled the air.
In the inner chamber, Zhaoyi Lu, leading a group of concubines, rose and spoke respectfully.
“Greetings, Xianfei Niangniang.”
“My sisters need not be so formal. Please rise,” Xianfei Ye Yuyun spoke kindly, her voice as melodious as the song of a nightingale in the forest.
“Thank you, Xianfei Niangniang.”
Lu Yinghan respectfully led the others to rise and stood to the side. In the harem, ranks were strictly enforced. As Xianfei Niangniang was still standing, there were naturally no seats for them.
Ye Yuyun no longer looked at the concubines but turned her gaze to Ye Sushe’s face. A flicker of concern instantly appeared in her eyes.
“Has Sister not yet recovered fully? What are these imperial physicians doing?”
Ye Sushe’s dark pupils flickered, and a faint smile touched her lips. “Sister is too concerned. I am fine. I merely caught a chill and will recover with some recuperation. Sister, please sit and chat with me.”
As Ye Sushe finished speaking, her personal maid, Yue Mei, cleverly brought a chair and placed it beside her mistress’s bed, bowing respectfully.
“Xianfei Niangniang, please sit.”
“Yes,” Ye Yuyun nodded slightly, and with a charming demeanor, sat down. She turned her head to look at the standing figures behind her and said with a smile, “My sisters, please sit down as well. Don’t stand; it makes us seem estranged.”
“Yes, Xianfei Niangniang.”
Lu Yinghan respectfully obeyed the order and sat down on the side.