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

"Your Highness, Noble Princess Consort Rong regaining her former favor doesn’t signify much. You needn’t worry too much," Qiu Sang consoled Princess Consort Li, "Besides, our lady has always been deeply loved by the Emperor over the years. The name behind that plaque is definitely her name."

Princess Consort Li thought to herself, "That’s exactly why I’m worried that Prince Dai might harm him." Anyway, her worrying was useless; she just hoped Prince Chu could return to the capital safely and smoothly.

"Your Highness, can’t we really ally with Noble Princess Consort Ying?"

"No, it’s best not to get close to Noble Princess Consort Ying." Princess Consort Li could never figure out Noble Princess Consort Ying’s true identity. However, she believed Noble Princess Consort Ying’s lack of pregnancy had something to do with the Emperor. "I’m tired, I’ll take a nap."

"Yes, Your Highness." Qiu Sang immediately prepared the bed for Princess Consort Li and attended to her rest.

At this moment, in Zhao Yang Palace, Prince Jing was accompanying Empress Xie for a post-meal walk. The mother and son also discussed the matter of winning over Noble Princess Consort Ying.

"That wretched Noble Princess Consort Ying, I had previously extended my goodwill to her, and she ungratefully refused it." When Noble Princess Consort Ying first entered the palace, Empress Xie had shown her goodwill, but she did not appreciate it at all. "Over the years, she, like that wretched Noble Princess Consort Rong, has ignored me as Empress." Empress Xie held a significant grudge against Noble Princess Consort Ying, seeing it as a humiliation to try and win her over again.

"Mother, even though Noble Princess Consort Ying has no children, she is deeply cherished by Father. If we ally with her, our chances of victory would increase." Prince Jing continued, "Noble Princess Consort Ying has managed to remain favored by Father without having children over the years, which is no small feat. Moreover, she holds great importance in Father’s heart. If she speaks well on my behalf before Father, he will surely listen to her to some extent."

Empress Xie’s face remained expressionless, saying nothing.

"Mother, don’t underestimate the weight Noble Princess Consort Ying holds in Father’s heart."

Hearing her son say this, Empress Xie felt an increasing resentment towards Noble Princess Consort Ying.

"Mother, for our grand plan, I’m afraid we’ll have to humble you. After it’s accomplished, you can deal with Noble Princess Consort Ying as you wish."

This proposal struck a chord with Empress Xie, for she had long wanted to eliminate Noble Princess Consort Ying. However, the Emperor protected her, leaving Empress Xie powerless against her. Once she became Empress Dowager, that wretched woman would be at her mercy.

"For you, I’ll give that wretched Noble Princess Consort Ying one more chance."

"Thank you, Mother."

Prince Jing supported Empress Xie on a brief walk, coaxing her along the way, before leaving Zhao Yang Palace.

Empress Xie was coaxed into great joy by her son, saying, "Go summon Noble Princess Consort Ying and ask her to come over for tea tomorrow." It was impossible for Empress Xie to personally invite Noble Princess Consort Ying to Zhao Yang Palace for tea, as it went against her dignity as Empress.

"Yes, Your Highness." Jiang Chuan took the order and went to Noble Princess Consort Ying’s residence to relay Empress Xie’s message.

Upon hearing it, Noble Princess Consort Ying showed no reaction, and dispatched a palace maid to see Jiang Chuan out. As Jiang Chuan was leaving, he arrogantly instructed the palace maid to ensure Noble Princess Consort Ying didn’t displease the Empress by skipping the tea.

When Jiang Chuan turned to leave, the palace maid by Noble Princess Consort Ying spit towards his departing figure.

"What a thing."

The palace maid returned to the hall, angrily recounting Jiang Chuan’s words to Noble Princess Consort Ying.

"Your Highness, are you really going to Zhao Yang Palace for tea tomorrow?"

"Why would I go just because she summons me? I’m not her dog," Noble Princess Consort Ying sneered with disdain, "What right does she have to call me to serve her tea? I’ll be having tea with the Emperor tomorrow."

"Exactly, who does the Empress think she is? A neglected old hag daring to boast in front of you," the palace maid sneered, "She hasn’t seen the Emperor visit Zhao Yang Palace in a long time. That place is practically a Cold Palace now. How does she still have the face to play the part of an Empress?"

Noble Princess Consort Ying playfully tapped the maid’s nose, saying with a smile, "Just say these things to me. Don’t speak them outside."

The palace maid smiled obediently at Noble Princess Consort Ying, "Rest assured, Your Highness. I only say such things before you, never outside."

"Good to know. After all, she still holds the title of Empress."

"Your Highness, all she has left is the empty title of Empress," the palace maid said spitefully. "Look at how old and ugly she’s become over the past few years. Not only does the Emperor dislike her, even we, the servants, can’t stand to look at her wrinkled face."

Noble Princess Consort Ying playfully pinched the maid’s lips and laughed, "Your sharp little mouth really doesn’t give anyone a break."