The emperor was injured and could have taken a break from court to recuperate, but after being repeatedly attacked by the Empress Dowager and Xu Zifan, he finally set his sights on power again, fearing that the Empress Dowager would use Xu Zifan's influence to sideline him, so he naturally refused to rest.
While Xu Zifan and a group of ministers waited for the emperor in the court, he kept a cold expression. One minister asked with concern, "Your Highness seems to be in poor health today. Is he feeling unwell?"
Xu Zifan snorted coldly, "It's not me who's unwell. His Majesty is injured and inevitably unable to handle state affairs. I'm afraid we'll have to trouble the ministers."
"Not at all, it's all what we should do."
Xu Zifan glanced at the dragon throne above and said in a light tone, "If any ministers have any advice, please feel free to offer it. His Majesty is young, and it is our duty as his subjects to ensure that he does not go astray."
"The Regent is right," the ministers responded cautiously, none daring to add anything.
Only Xu Zifan would dare to say such things, and only Xu Zifan would dare to bring up this matter. Judging from Xu Zifan's cold expression, he clearly opposes the emperor's relationship with Furong, and might even forcefully eliminate Furong.
The ministers breathed a collective sigh of relief. Regardless of which faction they favored, none of them wanted courtesans to enter the palace. Otherwise, the royal family would lose face, and they would feel the same way.
At this point, they realized how good the regent was, and were very fortunate to have someone who could keep the emperor in check and prevent him from going too far astray.
After the emperor held court in high spirits, Xu Zifan was the first to step forward. The other ministers, assuming he was going to talk about Furong, lowered their heads even further, awaiting the confrontation between the regent and the emperor.
Even the emperor thought so, and unconsciously straightened his back, mentally preparing a rebuttal. Unexpectedly, Xu Zifan produced a transfer memorial, proposing that the two be sent out on assignment, presenting his arguments with seemingly logical reasoning, as if they were the most suitable candidates.
The emperor was taken aback. Those two were his important confidants. Sending them away at this time would be like cutting off one of his arms.
Before the emperor could object, several ministers from Xu Zifan's faction spoke up in agreement, each offering a valid reason, leaving the emperor with no excuse to object.
The other ministers were initially puzzled, but then they recalled Xu Zifan's words and clear attitude before the court session and realized what was going on. The Regent was trying to teach the Emperor a lesson, forcing him to back down. Perhaps this overseas assignment was a means for the Regent to threaten the Emperor.
Although it sounds strange, the original owner had long given the impression of the ministers that he always put the emperor and empress dowager first, and that his opposition to the emperor was always due to the emperor's wrong decisions. So, although some ministers felt that the regent's power was too great and posed a threat to the emperor, and that his existence weakened the power of other important ministers, and they wanted him to be overthrown, they subconsciously felt that the regent did everything for the emperor's sake, not out of personal motives.
This led to Xu Zifan so openly eliminating dissidents that the ministers thought he was just subtly guiding the emperor to choose the right path, and several ministers immediately stepped forward to agree with Xu Zifan's proposal.
The emperor gritted his teeth, his hands clenched into fists on his knees, not daring to directly confront Xu Zifan, and could only offer a reason to object indirectly. To his surprise, Xu Zifan refuted his reasoning in a few words, looking at him as if he were being willful. Several ministers behind Xu Zifan also joined in persuading him, and in the end, he could only agree with great humiliation.
Xu Zifan's actions completely disrupted his plans. Unfortunately, he lacked experience and couldn't think of a good solution to such a situation. He was utterly out of control in court, completely subservient to Xu Zifan's orders. Afterwards, when other ministers discussed other matters, he lost all interest and his composure crumbled. Seeing his distracted state, the ministers naturally had a worse impression of him, and the morning court session ended hastily in this state.
When the court session ended, Xu Zifan addressed the emperor in front of all the ministers, saying, "Your Majesty has injured your right shoulder, and the imperial physician has advised you not to write for three months. For these three months, I will write on Your Majesty's behalf."
The emperor's face froze. "This... this is too much trouble for the Regent. I'll just find someone..."
"How can you just pick up any random person to review memorials? It just so happens that I can discuss some government affairs with Your Majesty. Your Majesty should focus more on government matters." Xu Zifan interrupted the emperor rudely and walked directly in front of him, clearly intending to go to the Imperial Study with him.
The emperor could not refuse the powerful Xu Zifan. The more spirited he was when he went to court before, the more defeated and dejected he became.
In the eyes of the court officials, the regent seemed somewhat arrogant and too domineering in front of the emperor. However, Xu Zifan seized the opportunity well, especially since he mentioned that the emperor should focus on state affairs. Most of the officials felt that he was trying to keep a close eye on the emperor and prevent him from continuing his affair with Furong. For the past six years, the regent had been instructing the emperor, so it was perfectly normal for him to go to the imperial study to discuss state affairs and review memorials. Surprisingly, no one found it inappropriate; on the contrary, they hoped that the regent could win back the emperor's heart.
The emperor, holding his breath, took Xu Zifan to the imperial study and had a desk set up for him. Xu Zifan sat down and said, "Put all the memorials on my desk. Your Majesty, you are unwell and should not sit for long periods of time. Lie down on the soft couch and rest. I will read the memorials to you, and after we discuss them, I will write down your memorials."
Xu Zifan's suggestion was sound; the emperor did indeed feel pain in his shoulder after attending the morning court session, and Xu Zifan's actions seemed to show great concern for him. However, Xu Zifan's tone was commanding, as if he were being treated as a disobedient child, and perhaps even someone who wanted to "correct" his mistakes. This made him uncomfortable; the regent was being far too informal.
Just as the Emperor was about to speak, Xiao Shunzi came in from outside the door, glanced at Xu Zifan, and said with difficulty, "Your Majesty, Miss Furong has made soup and is requesting an audience outside."
The emperor subconsciously glanced at Xu Zifan, and sure enough, Xu Zifan's face had darkened. Xu Zifan looked at him, twirling the thumb ring on his thumb, and said, "This is an important place for discussing state affairs. Since when have even courtesans been allowed to enter?"
The emperor, who had been suppressing his anger, suddenly erupted, "If I remember correctly, the Regent once said that this world belongs to me, so it is naturally up to me to decide who can enter this Imperial Study. I intend to bestow upon Furong the title of Noble Lady, and she will become a concubine in the harem. I hope that I will never again hear the Regent speak words of insults against her!"
Xu Zifan snorted coldly, "Has Your Majesty forgotten that the promotion of concubines requires a golden book and seal? Without being recorded in the Imperial Register, she will never be recognized. Your concubines will only be recognized through tomorrow's flower-viewing banquet. I hope Your Majesty will always remember your status and not do anything to dishonor the royal family's reputation." He stood up and continued, "The Empress Dowager has gone to great lengths to prepare this flower-viewing banquet for Your Majesty. I hope Your Majesty will not disappoint her. As for Furong's entry into the palace, unless the Empress Dowager personally agrees, she will never be recorded in the Imperial Register."
"Regent!" The emperor suddenly stood up, glaring angrily at Xu Zifan.
Xu Zifan didn't care at all, and waved his sleeve, saying, "The filth of brothels would probably taint the memorials. I will take these memorials back to the Prince's Palace for review. Your Majesty, please rest well."
The emperor exclaimed in surprise, "No! Regent, what are you trying to do?"
"His Majesty allows a woman of lowly status to freely enter and leave the Imperial Study, disregarding state secrets. How can I leave these memorials here? Besides, His Majesty looks terrible and his injuries are quite severe. He should take good care of himself and remember to rest early today so he can be well-rested for tomorrow's flower-viewing banquet. Don't disappoint the Empress Dowager." After saying this, Xu Zifan ordered all the memorials to be taken away and strode away, ignoring the Emperor's unpleasant expression.
As he was leaving, he saw Furong, who was dressed in a very beautiful palace gown. He glanced at her briefly and then walked away indifferently, as if he didn't care to look at her at all, which was very much in line with his status and position. But in reality, he admired Furong. Although Furong was cold-blooded and ruthless and had deceived the emperor's feelings, this had actually helped him a lot. If it weren't for the difference in their status, he would have liked to thank Furong.
The Emperor, already weakened by his injuries, was now dizzy and disoriented from Xu Zifan's anger, which also extended to the Empress Dowager. In his mind, Xu Zifan's constant urging of him to be filial to the Empress Dowager meant she had sent him to suppress him, intending to teach him a lesson and force him to submit. Furthermore, the fact that Furong needed the Empress Dowager's permission to be listed on the imperial register was tantamount to him having to beg her for mercy. He knew all too well the Empress Dowager's methods of manipulating the Regent; this was undoubtedly her scheme, using Xu Zifan as a pawn. Having a mother like the Empress Dowager, so scheming at every turn, was utterly disgusting!
At this moment, even Furong's gentle words could not comfort the emperor. He could not touch Xu Zifan, nor could he touch the Empress Dowager, but could he not touch the people under the Empress Dowager's command? He immediately ordered Chunlan and Xialian to be severely tortured, and had to find out what messages they had passed to the Empress Dowager and who else was the Empress Dowager's man. He also ordered the guards who had tried to kill Furong that day to vent his anger.
Chunlan and Xialian were both arranged by the Empress Dowager to serve the Emperor. Their initial purpose was to keep abreast of all matters concerning the Emperor, both major and minor, so that the Empress Dowager could better care for him. After all, they were her sons, and in the Empress Dowager's view, this was perfectly natural; she had no malicious intent. Therefore, Chunlan and Xialian confessed that they relayed every detail to Anci Palace daily, from clothing and food to daily life and even the Emperor's joys and sorrows. Sometimes, they would even report to the Empress Dowager if the Emperor sighed a few times or laughed more than usual.
Chunlan and Xialian felt wronged, but the emperor felt as if he had swallowed a fly. Who wants to be watched all the time? Especially since he was the emperor, and he was already grown up. He didn't think the Empress Dowager was caring about him at all; he felt that she just wanted to control him! In his anger, he ordered Chunlan and Xialian to be beaten to death.
The Empress Dowager had just confirmed the arrangements for the flower-viewing banquet with the four palace maids when she heard that Xu Zifan had ordered all memorials to be taken back to the Prince's residence so he could review them on behalf of the Emperor. She was frantic, racking her brains to find a way to get the memorials back; she couldn't just give Xu Zifan this power. But before she could come up with a solution, someone reported that those arrested by the Emperor had been tortured and beaten to death.
This news was like a slap in the face to the Empress Dowager, making all her previous busyness and anxiety seem like a joke! Of course, she loved her son, the Emperor, but the royal mother and son did not live together, and with a large number of people serving them, their relationship was not as close as that of an ordinary mother and son. After all these events, she had grown cold towards the Emperor.
Mo Yun noticed the change in the Empress Dowager's expression and promptly brought her some calming tea and snacks, gently advising, "Your Majesty, you've been busy all day. Please rest and have some tea. The banquet is almost over. With me and my three elder sisters keeping an eye on things, there won't be any problems."
The Empress Dowager, lost in thought, nodded casually and took a sip of tea upon hearing this. It was her favorite tea, and she drank a few more sips. Looking at the pastries on the plate, she saw they were also her favorite flavors. She couldn't help but sigh with relief and looked at Mo Yun, "You are indeed thoughtful."
Mo Yun smiled and said, "This servant follows the Empress Dowager, hoping that the Empress Dowager will be blessed with happiness and good health."
"Very well, a fine 'happiness and peace' indeed." The Empress Dowager dismissed all other attendants, leaving only Mo Yun and another palace maid behind. As they ate snacks and pondered, her turbulent emotions gradually calmed down. She had come to a realization: since her son was unreliable, she would rely on herself; power was most secure when it was firmly in her own hands.
She pondered for a long time, then realized she'd eaten half a plate of snacks, and couldn't help but shake her head and chuckle. This was the best appetite she'd had in a while, and sure enough...
To let worries trap her in self-pity will only bring more suffering; letting go of some things will make things much easier. As a child, she idolized her father and depended on her mother, but now that she's grown up, doesn't she have her own ideas? She won't act according to her parents' wishes. And now the emperor has grown up too, starting to disobey and even rebel against her, so she doesn't need to force him. If the emperor can turn against her today for a courtesan, who knows what he might do in the future—he might even imprison her. She won't let anyone have that chance.
The Empress Dowager carefully wiped her fingers with a handkerchief and casually said, "Tomorrow is the flower viewing banquet. Almost all the ministers and daughters of noble families will be there. Tell me... which family's daughter is most suitable to be the Empress? Or a concubine?"
The head palace maid subconsciously replied, "What the Empress Dowager chooses is the most suitable, so naturally it must suit the Empress Dowager's wishes."
Mo Yun tilted her head and said matter-of-factly, "Naturally, the Fu family's daughter is the most suitable. She is the Empress Dowager's own niece. In the future, the Fu family's daughter will definitely help the Empress Dowager in every way and be filial to her. She will not make the Empress Dowager worry and work hard like she has these past few days."
The Empress Dowager paused, pondered for a moment, and found her words quite reasonable. Previously, she had schemed for the Emperor to counter the Regent, hoping to find him a powerful wife's family. But now, to contend with the Emperor, she naturally needed to strengthen her own family's power. The Empress's position was the best opportunity at present. By making Fu Qiuwen Empress, the two of them could rightfully manage the harem, and the Empress's appointment would further elevate the Fu family's status, adding more power to Fu Lin. Moreover, Xu Zifan and the ministers also agreed to Fu Qiuwen as Empress; she only needed to comply with their wishes, without even needing to propose it herself—truly a very suitable choice.
As for how to deal with Xu Zifan in the future, she could only wait and see. For now, Xu Zifan was still on her side; it was the emperor who was against her. She couldn't very well help the emperor eliminate Xu Zifan and then let the emperor eliminate her. She could only deal with Xu Zifan when her power was greater; perhaps she could even use Xu Zifan's strength to gain more benefits.
The Empress Dowager praised Mo Yun a couple of times, and Mo Yun lowered her head and smiled, seemingly shy.
The Empress Dowager was bound to choose a daughter of the Fu family as her empress sooner or later; it was just that Mo Yun brought it up before she even thought of it, which made her feel that Mo Yun was very intelligent, suited her tastes, and was very considerate of her. After losing Granny Wen, the Empress Dowager felt empty around her, with no one to discuss things with or anyone she could trust to speak with.
At times like these, having someone as clever, resourceful, and considerate as Mo Yun by her side was truly wonderful; the Empress Dowager felt much more comfortable. If Mo Yun hadn't been sent by Xu Zifan, she would have considered grooming him as her most trusted confidant. Perhaps she could test him in the future; maybe Mo Yun really was just an ordinary person Xu Zifan sent to amuse her? Besides, what in this world is unchangeable? Even if Mo Yun is Xu Zifan's person, it doesn't mean he can't become hers. As long as she offers enough benefits, Mo Yun will eventually know who to follow.
That night, the Empress Dowager finally slept soundly. At midnight, Mo Yun quietly left his room and went to the place where the flower-viewing banquet was to be held. He quickly made some preparations and returned to his room without anyone noticing, waiting for the guests to arrive.