Ministers Begging Me to Ascend the Throne Chapter 1047 - 108: Noble Princess Consort Rong Restores Favor (Part 2)

The resurgence of Noble Princess Consort Rong’s influence within the palace is certainly no cause for celebration for Empress Xie or Prince Jing, nor does it favor the officials aligned with Prince Chu. Yet, Princess Consort Li remained remarkably composed, acting as if the newfound favor of Noble Princess Consort Rong had absolutely no bearing on her own concerns.

With Prince Chu yet to return to the capital, his supporting ministers found themselves without his guidance. Unable to formulate a strategy on their own, they felt compelled to seek counsel from Minister Li.

They proposed that Princess Consort Li should attempt to cultivate an alliance with Noble Princess Consort Ying. Ever since her arrival in the palace, Noble Princess Consort Ying had consistently maintained the Emperor's favor; securing her support would be a massive strategic advantage. Above all, since she was childless, they reasoned that if she assisted their cause, she would be granted the position of a highly respected Imperial Concubine upon Prince Chu’s eventual ascension, ensuring her a life of luxury and prestige.

Minister Li deemed this suggestion prudent and directed his wife to head into the palace to consult with Princess Consort Li regarding this diplomatic overture.

Princess Consort Li rejected the idea without a moment’s hesitation.

Madam Li was utterly perplexed, unable to grasp why her daughter would refuse to join forces with Noble Princess Consort Ying.

"Mother, Noble Princess Consort Ying is far more complex than she appears, and she cannot be won over by our efforts," Princess Consort Li replied, choosing not to reveal the full extent of her reasoning.

"To maintain such high status and consistent favor, she clearly possesses a shrewd mind," Madam Li countered. Thinking her daughter was merely being prideful and unwilling to accommodate a potential ally, she pressed further, "I understand your disdain for such politics, but do consider the stakes for the prince. Noble Princess Consort Ying is both powerful and childless. A cooperative relationship would be mutually beneficial, would it not?"

Seeing her mother’s misunderstanding, Princess Consort Li gave a weary, bittersweet smile. "Mother, if winning over Noble Princess Consort Ying could truly aid Prince Chu, there is nothing I would not do for my son's sake."

Madam Li was left more confused than ever. "Then why do you steadfastly refuse to make the move?"

"Mother, have you ever considered why Noble Princess Consort Ying has remained childless?" Princess Consort Li lowered her voice, speaking with hesitation. "Is it truly a simple matter of fertility? She was so young when she first entered these palace walls."

At her words, Madam Li froze. As the implication began to dawn on her, her face turned pale and her eyes betrayed a look of genuine terror.

"Is it possible... could it truly be..."

Seeing that the realization had struck, Princess Consort Li gave a subtle, measured nod. "Since she has no children of her own, she has avoided all concubines who do. Knowing this, do you truly think I can safely approach her for an alliance?"

Madam Li gasped in horror, "Absolutely not." The dark secret behind the woman's lack of heirs was entirely unexpected.

"Mother, tell Father and the rest to remain patient. The favor bestowed upon Noble Princess Consort Rong is a minor disturbance; they must do nothing and wait quietly for Prince Chu’s return."

"Is that really safe?" Madam Li fretted. "Prince Dai has achieved great glory in the northern frontier. Upon his return, his position will only grow..." Prince Dai already wielded significant military influence, and adding fresh accolades to his name would certainly threaten the balance of power. "Furthermore, the Emperor and Noble Princess Consort Rong are cousins; their bond is unique. Surely the Emperor might favor her interests above all else?"

"He will not. The Emperor is not a man who lets sentiment dictate his policies," Princess Consort Li insisted, understanding the anxieties of her father’s circle. "We will discuss all matters once Prince Chu arrives." She was the mother, yet she remained calm, while her own parents were the ones succumbing to panic.

"Is the road to the capital safe?" Madam Li asked, her thoughts returning to Prince Chu’s safety, fueled by fears of the assassination attempts that had plagued him in the past. "Is he truly unharmed?"

"He is doing well. He expects to reach the capital within a few days, so there is no cause for you and Father to worry." Despite her reassuring tone, Princess Consort Li was plagued by the same anxieties; however, she exerted all her willpower to project confidence in her son’s safe return.

"That is a relief, truly a relief." Madam Li sighed, placing a hand over her heart. "You have no idea how much I have fretted, fearing a repeat of those dark times while he was away." Madam Li’s affection for Prince Chu often surpassed the love she held for her own biological grandsons.

Princess Consort Li spent a little more time soothing her mother’s concerns before sharing a meal together. Shortly after, Madam Li departed.

Once her mother was out of sight, the composure of Princess Consort Li shattered.

Observing the sudden shift in her demeanor, Qiu Sang asked with palpable anxiety, "My Lady, is something wrong?"

"It is nothing." Princess Consort Li mentally tracked the days; the return was mere days away. Yet, an unshakeable, haunting sense of unease gnawed at her heart.