The Female Lead Decides to Act Wickedly

Chapter 1270 - 474: Palace Schemes Can’t Beat Rebellion (Part 11)_2

"However, this matter ultimately concerns the Nineteenth Lady, and I, your old minister, should not overstep my bounds."

He Tiantian slightly curled her lips, "As the Chancellor said, just go home and inform the Nineteenth Lady."

"Whether or not she wishes to accept the title of Female Assistant is entirely up to her."

Upon hearing this, Wang Yuan quickly straightened his back and gave a deep bow with both hands, "Thank you, Empress Dowager!"

...

"Grandfather, I am willing!"

Called back home by her grandfather, and after listening to his recounting, Wang Shijiu contemplated for a moment before resolutely responding.

She was an aristocratic daughter, receiving the best education since childhood.

She wasn’t just skilled in managing household affairs and servants; she was also well-versed in the Four Books and Five Classics, studying the political handwritten notes of previous ancestors.

Previously, her desire to become Empress was not only due to the position’s noble prestige but also for the opportunity to engage in court politics.

In this era, restrictions on women weren’t as severe.

Some daughters of noble families could even become the strategic advisors to their fathers and brothers.

They were knowledgeable, broad-minded, and resourceful.

Even though men always said, "Women should not engage in politics," once one became Empress or Empress Dowager, many matters no longer allowed for others to interfere.

Wang Shijiu didn’t harbor grand ambitions, but she was unwilling to remain secluded in the back residence.

Spending days in such a small courtyard, troubled by trivial matters.

Unfortunately, she wasn’t very fortunate, encountering an "emperor with a romantic mind."

Left with no other choice, Wang Shijiu married the Heir of Prince Nanping.

Back then, among the three candidates her grandfather provided, she chose the Heir of Prince Nanping because the Prince Mansion not only held a princely title but also military power.

With the frequent political changes of the Southern and Northern Dynasties as a reference, a top aristocratic daughter like Wang Shijiu held little reverence for imperial power.

Not to mention others, even the late Emperor seized Jiangshan from the last emperor of the Previous Dynasty.

Such a vast kingdom, it didn’t necessarily have to be Zhao Gui in control!

Of course, Wang Shijiu wasn’t so ruthless; she would not easily rebel.

She simply yearned to step out of the backyard and direct Jiangshan.

Now, there was a better opportunity, without rebelling or bearing much risk, she could participate in court politics just like the men!

Wang Shijiu truly couldn’t refuse!

"This is good for me and for the Wang Family!"

Wang Shijiu looked into Wang Yuan’s eyes and slowly said.

Wang Yuan stared at his granddaughter, and after a long while, slowly nodded, "Alright, since you are willing, then go forth!"

...

Zheng Nianer and a poor student fell into the water together at the chrysanthemum banquet at the Duke Cheng’s Mansion; that student, being very sincere, personally ran to Zheng Family’s door to propose marriage.

The Zheng Family didn’t open their doors at all, and the student pleaded repeatedly, attracting a large crowd of onlookers.

For a while, this matter stirred widespread discussion in the Capital City.

Lady Hu was so frustrated she nearly ground her teeth to pieces, sending several pleas for help to the palace within a single day.

Emperor Yongcheng was both angry and frustrated; no matter how "naive" he was, he knew Zheng Nianer had been schemed against.

As for who was behind it, Emperor Yongcheng had his suspicions.

It certainly wasn’t the Empress Dowager.

Emperor Yongcheng indeed wasn’t close to the Empress Dowager; now, they were nearly openly hostile.

But Emperor Yongcheng was very clear; his mother was a proud person.

For those she despised, she would express it openly rather than resort to underhanded tactics.

If she were such a person willing to resort to any means, she would have secretly ordered someone to deal with Lady Hu long ago.

Why would she allow Lady Hu to prance around in front of her all these years?

Of course, Empress Dowager He’s tolerance of Lady Hu and the entire Zheng Family was also due to concerns of unintended consequences.

However, recently, Emperor Yongcheng had several clashes with "Empress Dowager He."

"Empress Dowager He" was decisive and ruthless, and Emperor Yongcheng couldn’t help but wonder—

Mother seemed no longer to cherish him as she did before.

Was he still the only one in his mother’s heart?

Of course, despite the doubts, Emperor Yongcheng was very sure: the matter with Zheng Nianer was definitely not the work of Empress Dowager He.

It was likely the work of the Wang Family or possibly other families envious of the Zheng Family’s favor.

Emperor Yongcheng was confined in the palace, his network of contacts limited, and he wasn’t very well-informed about many incidents in the capital.

However, there was one thing Emperor Yongcheng was very certain about.

That was the need to resolve this matter quickly!

Nianer was his lover, one of the most important people in his life, and would be his woman in the future.

It was impossible for him to let her be taken by someone else, let alone by a poor scholar.

Emperor Yongcheng, clutching plea after plea for help sent by the wet nurse, was burning with anxiety.