The Empress Dowager snorted coldly, no longer wishing to look at the faces of the Empress and her son, and turned her head away. Her imposing aura remained undiminished.
Even though the Empress was now in a favorable position, she still lacked any confidence when facing the Empress Dowager, feeling a constant tremor in her heart. Even a glance at the Empress Dowager made her tremble inwardly.
"Get out quickly! This place cannot tolerate your and your son's unruly behavior!"
The Empress Dowager, seated regally, scanned the Empress and the Third Prince with disdain, her annoyance evident in her eyes. These two, having lived in the palace for so many years and witnessed numerous grand occasions, were still incapable of appearing dignified. Having such people in the royal family was truly a disgrace.
"Imperial Grandmother, the entire palace is now under my control. I advise you to stay calm. As long as you are willing to announce to the ministers that Father Emperor has long established me as Crown Prince, and after I ascend the throne, you will still be the Grand Empress Dowager."
Despite having control over the entire palace and half the ministers already owing allegiance to him, the Empress Dowager's single word held more weight.
As long as the Empress Dowager was willing to utter this sentence, his claim to the throne would be legitimate. Otherwise, even if he sat on the throne, people would call him a rebel, and his succession would be illegitimate, met with countless objections.
He had come with a submissive attitude precisely because he wanted the Empress Dowager to agree to his request.
The Empress Dowager let out a cold laugh, her laughter filled with mockery. "I thought you were fearless now, yet you still have something to fear. This truly surprises me!"
Chu Yanxi's face instantly flushed with shame. He took a deep breath, trying his best to appear calm.
"Imperial Grandmother, I ask you one last time: are you willing to write this imperial decree or not!"
"A rebel, what need does he have for face? To threaten me into playing along with you is sheer delusion, a pipe dream!"
The Empress Dowager rebuked him angrily, grabbing a teacup and hurling it at Chu Yanxi.
Unable to dodge, he took the full force of the blow. Instantly, bright red blood flowed from his forehead.
"Xi'er!" the Empress exclaimed in alarm, rushing forward to support Chu Yanxi. Seeing her precious son's head broken, her heart ached.
Furious, she strode before the Empress Dowager and raised her hand as if to strike her. Fortunately, Feng Jin was quick-witted and immediately stepped forward, grabbing the Empress's descending hand and forcefully shoving her back, sending her flying.
Feng Jin positioned herself directly in front of the Empress Dowager. "Empress, don't go too far. If you dare lay a hand on the Empress Dowager today, I guarantee you'll have nowhere to be buried!"
The Empress, helped up by her maids, was instantly consumed by rage, losing her former elegant demeanor. Her elaborate hairstyle was slightly disheveled, and a lock of hair dangled over her forehead.
Her makeup was no longer as neat, and she appeared much more disheveled. Standing firm, the Empress glared at Feng Jin, her eyes burning with anger. How dare this little girl defy her.
"How dare you lay hands on me! Guards, tie this wench up and beat her soundly!"
At the Empress's command, the surrounding individuals moved towards Feng Jin. Chu Yanxi quickly intervened, "Stop! Get down!"
Feng Jin was his most important trump card, and he could not afford for her to be harmed in any way at this moment. He still intended to use Feng Jin to control Ling Mohan.
"Xi'er, this贱人 is still useful to me. You cannot touch her for now. Once the matter is settled, she will be at your disposal!"
Although the Empress was furious, the most important thing now was for Chu Yanxi to ascend the throne as soon as possible. Since Feng Jin was still useful to Chu Yanxi, she suppressed her anger.
Once Chu Yanxi ascended the throne, she, as Empress, could kill Feng Jin with ease, as simply as crushing an ant.
"I will spare your life for now. You'd better behave yourself, and I can tolerate you living for a few more days. Otherwise, I have plenty of ways to make you wish you were dead or not born!"
"Empress, your words are indeed eloquent. It seems the Third Prince has truly inherited your traits – just as arrogant and self-important, just as cruel and ambitious. Truly, the branch reflects the trunk!"
Feng Jin found the Empress utterly repulsive. How could anyone be so wicked, vicious, yet so utterly foolish? Chu Yanxi was indeed like his mother, cast from the same mold.
"Your mouth is truly glib, very much like that wench, the Imperial Noble Consort. It’s fitting that you two go together. Perhaps you'll have someone to talk to on the road to the underworld, wouldn't you say, Empress Dowager?"
"What have you done to the Imperial Noble Consort?" The Empress Dowager's expression darkened further, and she reprimanded the Empress in a furious tone.
The Empress stood up, a sneer on her lips. "The Empress Dowager has always favored the Imperial Noble Consort, so naturally, I must let her accompany you. Invite the Imperial Noble Consort in; let her have a good chat with the Empress Dowager!"
As her words fell, the palace doors were opened from the outside once more. Several eunuchs escorted a woman dressed in opulent attire, pushing her roughly, causing her to fall to the ground.
"Liu shi, you wretched woman... may you die a terrible death, you wretch!"
Upon seeing the Empress's face, the Imperial Noble Consort immediately began to curse. Struggling to stand, she waved her hands, intending to lunge at the Empress, but was blocked by the Empress's guards and kicked to the ground.
The Empress Dowager hastily rose and shielded the Imperial Noble Consort behind her. "You have gone too far, you have truly gone too far! If you have the ability, then kill me with a single sword!"
"Your humble servant would not dare to offend the Empress Dowager, for your life is still useful at present. As for these consorts, merely looking at them is an eyesore. Empress Dowager, you have always been compassionate; you would naturally not bear to see them die miserably one by one!"
"What exactly do you want!" The Empress Dowager's heart suddenly jolted, feeling even more that this matter was not so simple. The Empress was cruel, malicious, and utterly foolish.