A Foodie Transmigrated into the Palace Chapter 427: Power Almost Ruined Her
The Lantern Festival had passed, and the year was now thoroughly behind us.
The Fourth Year of Jiayuan had become history, and now it was the Fifth Year of Jiayuan.
In the blink of an eye, the Emperor had been on the throne for nearly five years.
Zhao Junyao’s initial inexperience and youthful naivety were no more.
In their place was an increasingly steady and seasoned grasp, and an Emperor’s bearing that grew ever more striking.
In this dynasty, men needed power to thrive.
With power, with the right to command the land and to issue orders, came a swelling pride that made a man ever more dashing.
Confidence and vitality radiated from within.
Conversely, without it, a man became increasingly debauched, cynical, talented but unrecognized, and perhaps discontent throughout his life, eventually dying in poverty and obscurity.
「The first month passed quickly.」
After the New Year, imperial edicts were issued, but there was still little of note at court, just some everyday trifles. There was no need to bring them up in the throne room.
So, Zhao Junyao had far fewer petitions to deal with.
What used to take a day to review now only took half a day to finish.
He spent his time reading books, practicing calligraphy, or taking his brothers to the martial arts training grounds for a bout.
One way or another, Zhao Junyao was quite busy.
The Empress’s health had not improved, and the power in the Harem still rested with the Noble Consort—as life carried on.
「For Zhao Junyao, the Empress was ill.」
Zhao Junyao was well aware of these rules.
Zhao Junyao thought so and was very satisfied.
「The Empress saw the Emperor coming more and more frequently.」
And her heart grew even happier.
However... if she knew that the Emperor was visiting her only to lessen the animosity towards his little concubine and reduce the risk for her, who knows what she would think.
Of course, Zhao Junyao would never say such a thing! He wouldn’t even show a hint of this intention.
His schemes were inscrutable, his methods practiced.
Unless he wished it, no one could pry into his inner thoughts.
「On the day of Er Yue Er, when the dragon raises its head,」
Zhao Junyao, as usual, went to Jiaofang Hall.
Having rested for so long, the Empress’s complexion was good.
The Imperial Physician diagnosed that there was nothing seriously wrong with her body, but...
So the Empress hardly ever got out of bed.
Zhao Junyao came over as usual.
As he entered, the Empress, feigning weakness, did not get up but lay on the bed, going through the motions of greeting him.
Zhao Junyao’s face remained expressionless as he sat on the kang bed to one side.
A Palace Attendant served tea. He habitually picked up the cup but did not drink.
After the routine courtesy inquiries were made, the air fell into silence.
"Your Majesty..." the Empress began, her eyes eager.
Zhao Junyao glanced at her, saying nothing.
The Empress continued, "This consort has been in the palace for many years, yet has not borne Your Majesty a son or daughter, for which I feel ashamed!"
As expected, the Empress began to lament. Tears streamed down her face, her voice pitiful and tragic, her tone mournful and laced with sorrowful complaint. Endless tears, immeasurable heartache, boundless helplessness, and unending grievances.
At this moment, Zhao Junyao simply watched coldly as she performed.
In the end, once the Empress had finished speaking, Zhao Junyao smiled faintly.
"Having the Empress manage the Harem diligently all these years has allowed Us to have no worries about domestic affairs and secure the state!" he said. "We must thank the Empress!"
As expected, the Empress had no good way to proceed.
She could only respond with an anxious and uneasy expression, "These are all things this consort should do!"
The Empress had nothing to say.
Zhao Junyao praised her a few more times, consoled her with kind words, and had someone bestow some gifts.
Finally, he took his leave, successfully stifling the Empress’s words before they could be spoken.