novelraw Chapter 1306 - 486: Palace Intrigue vs. Rebellion (Part 23)_2
Chapter 1306 - 486: Palace Intrigue vs. Rebellion (Part 23)_2
Last time, when Tao Youwei was not yet the Empress, she publicly whipped Zheng Nianer, leaving her covered in wounds.
At that time, Emperor Yongcheng, in order to forge an alliance with the Tao Family, clearly harbored immense hatred, but pretended not to care.
Not only could he not avenge his beloved little best friend, but he also couldn’t visit or comfort her in person.
He even had to suppress his indignation and reward Tao Youwei and the entire Tao Family.
And the Tao Family, instead of feeling any shame or unease, brazenly accepted his reward.
At that moment, Emperor Yongcheng felt that his dignity as Emperor was trampled by the Tao Family.
He could not hate the Tao Family more.
If, after the alliance with the Tao Family, they had indeed assisted him, the Emperor would not be so resentful now.
The fact is, the Tao Family refused to help with Emperor Yongcheng’s first decree.
Forcing him to seek ’assistance’ elsewhere.
It’s not worth it!
His sacrifice, his endurance, all seemed to become a farce.
This deepened Emperor Yongcheng’s resentment towards the Tao Family, marking several more notes against them.
Tao Yong felt that investing in Emperor Yongcheng was his greatest failure, and Emperor Yongcheng too regretted bowing to the Tao Family.
Both are regretting, and meanwhile, Empress Tao, caught in the confrontation between both sides, stirs up another farce — whipping the Noble Consort.
Bang!
The fire within Emperor Yongcheng will be completely ignited.
He had long felt that Tao Youwei occupying the position of Empress was a waste, thinking this woman was too bothersome.
He hadn’t yet taken action when Tao Youwei failed to restrain herself and even dared—
"The Emperor rebuked Empress Tao for being jealous, vicious, unfit to be the mother of the nation, and almost called for her dethronement."
"Zheng Nianer promptly stopped the Emperor, she was in a sorry and panic-stricken state, yet she still pleaded for the ’assailant.’
"Emperor Yongcheng just felt that his little best friend was indeed as kind as ever, considering her face, and of course wary of the Tao Family, he did not depose the Empress but confined her for three months."
"Additionally, the phoenix seal was also retrieved by Emperor Yongcheng. Tiantian, do you guess whether Emperor Yongcheng handed the phoenix seal to Zheng Nianer?"
According to rank, Zheng Nianer is the Noble Consort, the highest among the Four Concubines, second only to the Empress.
With Empress Tao confined, unable to manage palace affairs temporarily, the phoenix seal symbolizing the Empress’ authority should be temporarily held by the Noble Consort.
He Tiantian raised her eyebrows, tsk, why is Student Xiao D still so persistent.
She set down a document, picked up another one, continued reviewing, and casually said: "Zhao Gui didn’t hand the phoenix seal to Zheng Nianer!"
"Eh? Why?" Student Xiao D didn’t get an inquiry from He Tiantian, instead, it asked itself first.
"An opportunity to be leveraged!"
He Tiantian said leisurely, "Virtuous Consort Han’s father helped Zhao Gui in the Imperial court, making Zhao Gui realize the importance of ’assistance’!"
"Additionally, apart from Virtuous Consort Han, his harem includes Consort Shu and Consort De, both daughters of military merit. Seeing Virtuous Consort Han ’favored,’ they will undoubtedly be anxious."
"Why can Virtuous Consort Han collaborate with the Empress to manage the harem? Isn’t it because her family is strong?"
"Now, with Empress Tao confined, the phoenix seal retrieved by Zhao Gui. If Consort Shu and Consort De want to outshine Virtuous Consort Han, they’ll contend for the phoenix seal, prompting their families to actively show off in front of Zhao Gui!"
"Additionally, the Tao Family, they must also weigh this! If they want their daughter to fare better and with dignity in the harem, they can’t continue pretending to be ignorant, otherwise, confinement could be three months, or even three years!"
An Empress who is always confined, what’s the difference from being deposed?!
Tao Yong loves Empress Tao most dearly, and Empress Tao is the only biological child of the Tao Family’s mistress.
Even if Tao Yong has concerns, his wife will do her utmost to persuade him.
Finally, He Tiantian concluded: "It’s undeniable, in terms of utilizing women, our barbecue Emperor indeed has some wits!"
Student Xiao D:... Dear, are you praising people or mocking them?!
"Our little Emperor has matured, and started to understand the art of balance!"
He Tiantian seemed unsatisfied, adding another accurate comment.
Student Xiao D:...
Is the art of balance used this way?
Tsk, in the harem playing balance, causing strife, constantly exploiting and scheming against women, is this really something a man should do?!
Not to mention the bigwigs at the Imperial court, even a fool like Student Xiao D, oh no, an intelligent assistant looks down on him.
"By the way, Student Xiao D, you haven’t said whether Zheng Nianer has completed the task yet."