It’s a pity that the Emperor is not seeing anyone now. Song Hong submitted his card, waited for half a day but wasn’t summoned, and returned to the Duke Weiguo Residence disappointed and unwilling to see any guests.

Seeing Song Hong in such a state, the Crown Prince and Duke Qiguo perked up. Others, observing the situation, increasingly showed allegiance to the Crown Prince’s faction.

For a time, the Crown Prince’s influence was at its peak in the court, pressuring the other princes to band together to barely counter it.

Not only in the front court but also in the harem, the Crown Prince’s mother, Consort Xian, felt her status was not what it used to be, as her son was about to become the next monarch.

By then, she would at least be a Saintess Empress Dowager, with her biological son as Emperor, a rightful position compared to the Empress Dowager.

Moreover, some harebrained concubines, hearing only snippets from the front, believed that His Majesty was neglecting state affairs, infatuated with the new Vixen Spirit, and had handed significant powers to the Crown Prince, making him the de facto Crown Prince and future Emperor.

These concubines, lacking favor and children, were already living tough lives. If a new Emperor ascended, their lives might become harder. It was better to seize the opportunity to cling to the future Saintess Empress Dowager, currently Consort Xian, for a peaceful retirement.

As a result, they would visit Consort Xian’s palace daily, offering flattery and service, without delay.

The other princes’ mothers watched enviously, but the situation favored others, as the Crown Prince was gloriously leading, overshadowing their sons. What could they do?

Instead, they aligned with their sons, forming bonds of motherly affection, joining forces, and found themselves in a tit-for-tat struggle.

Meanwhile, everyone forgot the Empress and the Ninth Prince, and it was no wonder.

If the Empress had enjoyed favor before, they would have respectfully backed off, but like them, she hadn’t been summoned by the Emperor for days, clearly out of favor.

Even if she wanted to fight, the Ninth Prince was still a baby; what use was he?

Moreover, the Empress had been keeping a low profile lately, the doors of Changchun Palace tightly shut, rarely seen, so everyone simply ignored them.

They didn’t realize that in Changchun Palace, the Emperor was lounging on the Warm Pavilion’s heated bed, playing with the nearly one-year-old Ninth Prince.

The Empress, dressed in casual clothing, was doing some needlework, clearly making a little cap, undoubtedly for the Ninth Prince.

She paused after a few stitches, raising her head to see the Ninth Prince tottering as he held onto the bed table, trying to stand and take a few steps.

The moment he stepped forward, his mischievous father, the Emperor, extended a single finger to lightly push the Ninth Prince’s forehead, causing him to plop back onto the bed, confused about what had happened.

But the Ninth Prince had a good disposition and wasn’t angry, thinking his father was playing with him, cheerfully trying to get up again, only to be pushed down by the Emperor once more.

After several such attempts, even the ordinarily docile Ninth Prince couldn’t take it any longer, his mouth opening in a wail.

Crying, he called out to the Empress, pointing accusatorily at the Emperor, seeming to lodge a complaint.

Especially when he indignantly slapped the bed table, in a manner identical to the Emperor’s angered table-slapping, if not for his smaller stature.

The Emperor couldn’t help but laugh and scold, "You brat, you’re small but have quite the temper!"

The Empress helplessly stepped forward, cradling the Ninth Prince in her arms, soothing him softly for a while before he was calmed.

After all, the Ninth Prince was still young, and after this round of antics, he fell asleep from exhaustion.

The Empress placed him to the side, covered him with a small quilt, and gently patted the not-quite-asleep prince while scolding softly, "His Majesty teases little Jiu like this, of course, little Jiu gets upset! If His Majesty has no business, please return to the front palace where there are plenty of people to play with. Why bother us mother and child?"

"Now that we are already a joke in the palace, if we lose our temper, this place might soon not have room for us."

The Emperor, hearing this, showed some regret. Of course, the current palace situation was his doing, fostering and magnifying the chaos.

He knew well that the Empress and the Ninth Prince had suffered during these times.

Especially the Empress, as the mother of the nation, for the sake of his grand plans, she had to endure, allowing those concubines to climb over her.

The Emperor, after testing all the grown princes over these days, saw them not as sons but as enemies vying for his power, naturally found none of them pleasing.

Their mothers, his women, spoke sweetly, claims of their hearts filled with loyalty, willing to do anything for His Majesty.

But when things got serious, none thought of him. All were plotting how to help their sons seize the throne.

In this entire palace, only with the Empress could he find a bit of peace and comfort.

And since the Empress was discerning and insightful, most importantly with the Ninth Prince still young, they had to rely on him, their fates entwined, the most reassuring for him.

So when feeling troubled, he would quietly visit the Empress, listen to her speak, play with the blissfully unaware Ninth Prince, and enjoy family warmth.

The scheme he set, the net spread, had tightly ensnared both court and harem and would be drawn in smoothly soon.

Seeing the Empress’s pitiful and lovely appearance, he couldn’t help but hold her in his arms, softly consoling, "Zitong, rest assured, I’ve seen and remembered all the grievances you and little Jiu have suffered. Endure a few more days, and when it’s over, I’ll certainly make it up to you both."

Hearing his tone, the Empress knew the Emperor was likely preparing to reel in the net.

It was an excellent opportunity to make a good impression, so she turned her anger into joy, her face full of trust and reliance, "With Your Majesty’s words, little Jiu and I are willing to endure a bit more."

The Emperor’s eyes flickered before he calmly spoke, "Speaking of which, I remember little Jiu is about to turn one."

The Empress’s heart jumped, but her words were filled with thoughtfulness, "Your Majesty, in these times, less trouble is better. Besides, it’s New Year’s Day, and the entire palace is bustling. I thought we wouldn’t make a big occasion. In the evening, we’ll have a small family banquet in Changchun Palace. If Your Majesty finds the time to come see little Jiu, it would be his blessing."

Those were the Empress’s true thoughts. Even with the Emperor’s words, the situation was unclear, so maintaining a low profile was best for Changchun Palace. If their attention drew others’ notice, sabotaging little Jiu’s birthday or ruining the Emperor’s plans, it would not be worth it.

She instead suggested not making it grand, demonstrating her and little Jiu’s priority for the Emperor, also hoping to gain his sympathy and future compensation.

The Emperor, hearing her words, felt more tenderness in his eyes. After pondering for a moment, he said, "In any regular family, a child’s first birthday shouldn’t be taken lightly, let alone our little Jiu, a legitimate prince with noble status. This birthday should naturally be livelier than others."

"I understand your concerns. Feel free to arrange it, and let it be as grand as possible."

Hearing this, the Empress’s eyes darkened, hiding her anger beneath lowered lids, but she obediently replied, "Your Majesty’s kindness as a father, I thank you on behalf of little Jiu."