Chapter 1323: Chapter 492: Palace Intrigue Is No Match for Rebellion (Part 29)

Disgust? 𝐟𝕣𝗲𝕖𝕨𝗲𝐛𝗻𝗼𝐯𝗲𝚕.𝗰𝚘𝐦

None!

Speaking of it, there was no direct grudge between her and Wang Shijiu.

The reason they were discussed together was simply because of a worthless dog man.

Envy?!

That, perhaps, there has been!

Empress Tao didn’t want to admit it, but when she saw Wang Shijiu, dressed in official robes, exuding confidence and pride from her bones, she felt very envious.

Just now, Empress Dowager He’s words echoed in her ears again.

"At the age of fifteen or sixteen, like a budding flower... truly ’fresh clothes and fierce horses’!"

Yes, they were all young ladies once, all once noble ladies full of youth and vigor in the capital!

Now, Wang Shijiu was still young and carefree.

While she, Tao Youwei, was forced to become a resentful woman by the deep palace.

During these days of being grounded, Empress Tao couldn’t leave, but she could still hear the happenings outside.

For example, Dog Emperor Zhao Gui caused a huge mess over the salt reform, and it was Empress Dowager He who stepped in at the critical moment to clean up the mess.

Wang Shijiu, the Female Assistant promoted by Empress Dowager He, openly stepped into the front of the Imperial court.

A woman boldly standing on the Imperial court, originally reserved for men, speaking eloquently, actively discussing politics...

Just imagining that scene made Empress Tao envious.

Both being women, both raised as noble ladies from a young age.

She was trapped in the deep palace because of a dog man, buried like a blooming flower under manure.

As for Nineteenth Lady Wang, she was already out of the inner chambers, participating in political discussions with men, directing Jiangshan together!

Envy!

She truly envied her!

She wishes she could turn back time, that she would never covet the title of Empress, but continue to live freely as a vibrant noble lady.

She knows that with her ability, she cannot reach the heights of Wang Shijiu.

But, with the power of the Duke Mansion, with the noble family name from her maternal side, she could still live as she pleased.

Instead of being like now, without favor, without children, being treated as a ’hostage’ against the Tao Family by the heartless Dog Emperor!

... Thinking of these things, Empress Tao becomes deeply regretful!

"Empress?"

Wang Shijiu, holding the items, remained in a curtsying position.

Yet she heard no response, she quietly lifted her eyelids to secretly observe Empress Tao’s appearance.

Empress Tao did not appear angry, nor did she show any sign of wanting to pick a quarrel, she was unexpectedly lost in thought!

Wang Shijiu felt puzzled but did not show it, instead slightly raising her volume, she called out once more.

Her call did not wake Empress Tao.

However, the nanny beside Empress Tao, realizing her mistress had ’lost composure’, quickly tugged lightly on Empress Tao’s sleeve.

The nanny mistakenly believed her mistress was still holding a grudge against Wang Shijiu, deliberately using the title of Empress to oppress her when they met.

Oh dear, this is not good!

Not to mention that Wang Shijiu is the daughter of the Wang Family, and the Heir’s wife of Prince Nanping’s Mansion, just considering she is now Empress Dowager’s female officer, the Empress couldn’t lightly provoke her.

Even when beating a dog, one must think of its master.

Our Empress, just outside the Empress Dowager’s palace gate, deliberately making things difficult for her female officer... anyone who hears this would think Empress Tao harbors dissatisfaction towards Empress Dowager He.

Empress is already isolated in the palace, Empress Dowager He, out of old affection, had released goodwill towards the Empress.

Yet, not only did the Empress not show gratitude, but also——

The nanny dared not think further, she promptly tugged on Empress Tao once more.

Empress Tao finally came to her senses, raising her eyes to see her wet nurse’s anxious and worried expression.

Then, Empress Tao suddenly remembered, Wang Shijiu was right in front of her.

"Wang——"

Empress Tao originally intended to say "Princess Consort Wang," but immediately thought, Wang Shijiu had more than the honor given by her husband’s family.

She herself held an official position.

Not a nominal position, but a real official of the court.

However, wait, what was Wang Shijiu’s position in the Bowen Academy, it seems to be a scholar?

"No need for formalities, Scholar Wang, please rise!"

Empress Tao tentatively said.

Seeing Wang Shijiu politely express her thanks without showing any unusual expression, Empress Tao knew she guessed right.

Wang Shijiu truly became "Scholar Wang"!

"Scholar Wang must be here to report state affairs to the Empress Dowager!"

Glancing at the stack of documents Wang Shijiu held, Empress Tao lowered her eyes, masking her complex emotions.

She gently said, "The Empress Dowager is in the side hall, you should go there now!"

"Thank you for the guidance, Empress!"

Wang Shijiu again politely paid her respects, then holding the documents, she walked slowly towards the side hall.