novelraw Chapter 1295 - 482: Palace Intrigue vs. Rebellion (19)_3
Chapter 1295 - 482: Palace Intrigue vs. Rebellion (19)_3
Even the Military Merit Class led by Tao Yong is not monolithic.
Tao Yong can indeed help the little Emperor in the power struggle, but relying solely on his own family, it would be difficult to achieve results in the short term.
Therefore, if Zhao Gui wants to truly "do as he pleases" like an Emperor, it cannot be solved by just one grand wedding.
And Zheng Nianer might have to stay at the estate for another two or three years.
Wait!
Not necessarily!
Zhao Gui is not an ordinary person, and with Lady Hu’s "strategic advice" by his side, he might have some miraculous tricks.
He Tiantian had a realization and suddenly thought of these things.
Of course, the most important thing right now is the Emperor’s wedding.
Emperor Yongcheng is more anxious than anyone, urging the Ministry of Rites almost eight times a day to quickly establish the procedures.
The Tao Family is also very active, making grand preparations for their daughter’s dowry.
On the contrary, the Empress Dowager, the Three Great Ministers, and these true controllers of the Imperial court, all remained silent.
In this strange atmosphere, the Observatory Bureau finally selected an auspicious day — February 16th.
The Ministry of Rites also formulated a complete set of ceremonies and procedures for conferring the title of Empress.
Thus, Emperor Yongcheng and the Tao Family started counting the days on their fingers.
He Tiantian only paid slight attention to this matter before setting it aside.
She continued to review memorials and organize court affairs with Wang Shijiu and other female officers.
"Empress Dowager—"
That day, after reviewing memorials, He Tiantian wanted to discuss the reform of salt and iron with Wang Shijiu.
But Wang Shijiu seemed a bit distracted, hesitated for a long time, and finally spoke, "In two more months, His Majesty will be getting married!"
After the Emperor’s wedding, he would rule himself.
As the Emperor’s biological mother, the Empress Dowager should be the first to set an example by returning power to the Emperor.
But, not only the Empress Dowager, even Wang Shijiu, after being the Female Assistant for only a few months, has become enamored with this feeling of ruling the Jiangshan.
Her political ambitions, her grand ideals, seem to have a day of realization.
If she hadn’t obtained it, Wang Shijiu might not have been so reluctant to let go.
But she has already tasted the flavor of power, and it is truly hard for her to give it up.
"I know. After His Majesty’s wedding, I will retreat from the Previous Dynasty to the harem!"
He Tiantian spoke calmly, seemingly oblivious to Wang Shijiu’s struggle.
Wang Shijiu bit her lower lip, knowing that, given her status, she shouldn’t comment on this matter.
But, she really couldn’t bear it. She also felt unfairness on behalf of the Empress Dowager!
Having been the Female Assistant for a few months, Wang Shijiu had come into close contact with the Empress Dowager, personally experiencing her wisdom, decisiveness, and broad-mindedness.
Wang Shijiu thought, if the Empress Dowager were not a woman, if she sat on that chair, she would surely become a Wise Emperor.
But fate plays tricks!
A knowledgeable and decisive person like the Empress Dowager can only retreat to the harem!
"Your Majesty, I’m not supposed to speak out of turn, but—"
Wang Shijiu suddenly knelt, her back straight, deciding to go all out and advise the Empress Dowager once!
But before she could speak out her "outrageous" words, He Tiantian stopped her.
"Nineteenth Lady, I understand what you mean!"
He Tiantian smiled at Wang Shijiu; indeed, she is a talent hindered by gender.
But that was the past and present!
In the future—
Upon hearing He Tiantian’s words, Wang Shijiu looked up abruptly, her beautiful almond-shaped eyes blazing at her.
Meeting Wang Shijiu’s eyes, He Tiantian slowly said, "Don’t worry, I have arrangements! Since I appointed you as Female Assistant, I naturally won’t leave you without a future!"
On the surface, He Tiantian seemed to be reassuring Wang Shijiu.
But the intelligent Wang Shijiu still heard the deeper meaning in the "Empress Dowager’s" words—After the Emperor rules, so what? This Regent Empress Dowager cannot retreat just because she wants to!
And those who follow her, the "Empress Dowager," will not become stray dogs.
"I humbly thank the Empress Dowager for her grace!"
Understanding He Tiantian’s meaning, Wang Shijiu’s heart, which had been hanging, was relieved.
Not just her, but also the female Minister appointed by He Tiantian, and others all knew that the "Empress Dowager" had other plans.
They were no longer restless and even had the mind to assist the Imperial Palace in hosting the New Year’s banquet and the Empress conferment ceremony after the festival.
On February 16th, just after the New Year, the capital still retained the festive joy.
The weather was favorable too, with a clear, warm, and pleasant day.
Zhao Gui conferred the title of Empress on Lady Tao at the Taiji Hall according to the procedures established by the Ministry of Rites.
After the grand wedding, He Tiantian, as the Empress Dowager, did not wait for Zhao Gui to urge her; she voluntarily handed over the Jade Seal she had kept and moved from the Previous Dynasty back to the harem.
Feng Shou followed closely, suggesting the Emperor rule himself in his capacity as a Minister of the late Emperor.
Wang Yuan, on the other hand, did not resist too much and very cooperatively seconded the motion.
The remaining Prince Han, Zhao Shuo, not wanting to appear too out of touch, although unwilling, had no choice but to agree.
And so, in the year Zhao Gui turned fifteen, he could finally rule himself...