Chapter 1321: Chapter 491: Palace Strife Is No Match for Rebellion (Part 28)_2

Indeed, Empress Dowager He is quite difficult to deal with.

For Zheng Nianer, a favored consort in the harem, to rashly plot against her is akin to an ant trying to shake a tree.

However, this task isn’t entirely without a chance of success.

Wait, Empress Dowager Liu?

In official history, she is praised for having the talents of Lu and Wu without their evils.

Moreover, in folklore, she is known for the tale of "The Cat Exchange for the Crown Prince!"

"The Cat Exchange for the Crown Prince! The Dragon Robe!"

Later in life, Zheng Nianer grew up with her grandparents.

These two had no other hobbies but enjoyed singing Peking opera, as amateur ticket friends.

Thus, from a young age, Zheng Nianer heard many famous Peking opera segments.

Influenced by these operas, she, for a long time, treated opera tales as true history.

Only after attending school and learning real history did she realize how absurd the folk tales were.

Yet—

Though these opera stories deviated from history, they weren’t entirely useless.

As Zheng Nianer recalled those classic Peking opera segments, a vague idea formed in her mind.

However, she needed help and time to prepare.

"Tiantian, Lady Hu has entered the palace again!"

Student Xiao D, an enthusiast of Eight Trigrams and a universal camera, would eagerly share "news" with He Tiantian whenever caught.

He Tiantian raised an eyebrow, "Oh. She must have been summoned into the palace by Zheng Nianer."

Lady Hu was Emperor Yongcheng’s wet nurse, highly favored by the emperor.

Previously, Lady Hu remained in the palace, almost like "half a master."

Emperor Yongcheng even used Lady Hu to provoke Empress Dowager He, at one point overshadowing Empress Dowager He in the palace!

As a palace "old-timer," Lady Hu was later sent away by Emperor Yongcheng, but now occasionally entering the palace wasn’t considered newsworthy.

Moreover, He Tiantian speculated that it wasn’t Emperor Yongcheng who summoned Lady Hu, but someone else.

Considering Lady Hu’s biological daughter is the palace’s Noble Consort, and according to palace rules, once concubines reach a certain level, they can summon family members from their home.

Thus, He Tiantian remarked, "She should have been summoned by Zheng Nianer."

Having long given up on holding back from He Tiantian, Student Xiao D couldn’t resist asking: "Tiantian, why don’t you think it’s the emperor summoning Lady Hu?"

"Because the emperor already knows, I no longer care about so-called ’deep mother-son affection’!"

Emperor Yongcheng, that troublesome son, besides having genuine feelings for Lady Hu, mostly wanted to "defy" Empress Dowager He!

As if elevating his wet nurse and suppressing his mother’s family, he could gain an upper hand in front of his mother.

The original character genuinely cared for her son, thus would be greatly provoked, reacting intensely.

Since He Tiantian arrived, she paid no mind to Emperor Yongcheng.

Hence, Lady Hu’s presence was indifferent to her, even if Emperor Yongcheng dared to confer any "Lady Fengsheng" title upon her, He Tiantian would merely offer a cold smile.

Unable to provoke Empress Dowager He, his actions might even be met with impeachment and dissatisfaction by the ministers.

Emperor Yongcheng wasn’t entirely foolish and wouldn’t corner himself like that!

Furthermore, Emperor Yongcheng was busy with salt administration, hadn’t had time for the big exam, and had no intention of causing "trouble" for He Tiantian.

...After He Tiantian’s analysis, Student Xiao D could only offer a thumbs up, with no further response.

"Empress Dowager, the Empress has come to pay respects!"

During He Tiantian and Student Xiao D’s casual chat, Nanny Song listened to a report from a young palace maid and leaned in to remind He Tiantian quietly.

"Let her in!"

He Tiantian arranged the petition in her hand, not bothering to adjust her appearance, remaining seated comfortably and cross-legged.

"I pay respects to the Empress Dowager!" Empress Tao respectfully saluted.

"Rise, we are all family, no need for such courtesy!"

He Tiantian looked at Empress Tao with affection, speaking warmly.

"Speaking of which, you are not a stranger to me. When you were born, I even held you."

He Tiantian intentionally mentioned "the past," with a tone of reminiscence and melancholy, "Back then, you were just a tiny bundle, fair-skinned, with round eyes, tiny hands, and feet full of energy!"

"At that time, I said you were a good child, you looked blessed!"

Blessed?

Kneeling at the lower seat, Empress Tao’s eyes flashed with bitterness.