Ministers Begging Me to Ascend the Throne Chapter 1048 - 108: Noble Princess Consort Rong Regains Favor (Part 3)

"Your Highness, Noble Princess Consort Rong reclaiming her former favor shouldn't concern you much. There is no need for such worry," Qiu Sang stated, attempting to soothe Princess Consort Li. "Furthermore, our lady has remained cherished by the Emperor throughout the years. Should anyone's name be carved behind that plaque, it is undoubtedly hers."

Princess Consort Li mused silently, "That is precisely why it troubles me; I fear Prince Dai might attempt to harm him." Regardless, her anxieties were in vain; her sole desire was for Prince Chu to complete his journey back to the capital safely.

"Your Highness, is there truly no possibility for us to form an alliance with Noble Princess Consort Ying?"

"No, it is for the best that we keep our distance from Noble Princess Consort Ying." Princess Consort Li could never quite discern the woman's true intentions. Regardless, she remained convinced that the Empress's lack of heirs was tied to the Emperor himself. "I am fatigued, I shall rest for a while."

"As you wish, Your Highness." Qiu Sang swiftly arranged the bedding, tending to the Princess Consort’s needs.

At that very moment, within Zhao Yang Palace, Prince Jing accompanied Empress Xie on a rhythmic stroll after their meal. The mother and son spoke at length regarding the necessity of winning over Noble Princess Consort Ying.

"That wretched Noble Princess Consort Ying; I previously extended my favor to her, only to be met with ungrateful rejection." In the early days of Noble Princess Consort Ying's arrival at the palace, Empress Xie had offered her goodwill, which remained unappreciated. "Throughout the years, she has disregarded my authority as Empress, much like that detestable Noble Princess Consort Rong." Empress Xie harbored a deep seated resentment toward Noble Princess Consort Ying, viewing the prospect of soliciting her support as a grand humiliation.

"Mother, despite Noble Princess Consort Ying lacking children, she remains deeply cherished by Father. An alliance with her would significantly bolster our prospects of success," Prince Jing argued. "Her ability to maintain Father’s favor for so long without bearing an heir is no simple feat. Furthermore, she occupies a vital space in Father’s heart. Should she put in a good word for me, he would certainly heed her influence."

Empress Xie’s expression remained stony, and she offered no reply.

"Mother, please do not underestimate the sway Noble Princess Consort Ying holds over Father."

Listening to her son’s insistence, Empress Xie felt her animosity toward Noble Princess Consort Ying deepen.

"Mother, for the sake of our grand ambition, I must ask you to endure this humiliation. Once our goal is achieved, you may dispose of Noble Princess Consort Ying as you see fit."

This suggestion resonated with Empress Xie, who had long desired to see Noble Princess Consort Ying removed. However, the Emperor’s protection had kept the Empress powerless. Once she attained the title of Empress Dowager, that vile woman would finally be subject to her whims.

"For your sake, I shall afford that wretched woman one final opportunity."

"I thank you, Mother."

Prince Jing spent a moment longer supporting Empress Xie as they walked, offering gentle reassurances before departing from Zhao Yang Palace.

Filled with newfound resolve by her son's words, Empress Xie declared, "Summon Noble Princess Consort Ying; instruct her to appear for tea tomorrow." She could not personally extend the invitation, as doing so would compromise the dignity of her position.

"Yes, Your Highness." Jiang Chuan accepted the command and promptly headed to Noble Princess Consort Ying’s quarters to convey the message.

Upon hearing the summons, Noble Princess Consort Ying remained unbothered, merely signaling for a maid to escort Jiang Chuan out. As he departed, Jiang Chuan haughtily warned the maid that her mistress had best not provoke the Empress by failing to attend.

As he turned his back, the maid spat in the direction of his departing form.

"Insufferable man."

Returning to the hall, the maid indignantly relayed the official’s arrogance to Noble Princess Consort Ying.

"Your Highness, do you genuinely intend to visit Zhao Yang Palace for tea tomorrow?"

"Why would I obey a mere summons? I am no one's lapdog," Noble Princess Consort Ying scoffed. "By what authority does she demand my presence for tea? I shall be taking tea with the Emperor himself tomorrow."

"Indeed, who does she believe she is? A neglected old woman trying to exert power," the maid sneered. "She has not seen the Emperor grace Zhao Yang Palace in an age; the place is little more than a Cold Palace. How can she still masquerade as the Empress?"

Noble Princess Consort Ying playfully tapped the girl's nose with a smile, "Keep such remarks for my ears alone. Do not let them slip outside."

The maid offered a submissive smile, "Rest assured, Your Highness. I speak such truths only in your presence."

"That is wise. After all, she still commands the Empress's title."

"Your Highness, it is nothing more than a hollow title," the maid spat back with malice. "Look at how withered and aged she has become. The Emperor holds no affection for her, and even we, the servants, find her wrinkled countenance difficult to look upon."

Noble Princess Consort Ying pinched the maid’s lip lightly and chuckled, "Your sharp tongue truly spares no one."