Chapter 1340: Chapter 497: Palace Scheming Is No Match for Rebellion (Part 34)_3

Hmph!

Each one of you, either the confidant of Prince Liang or Prince Han, or else the lapdogs of the noble families; you are all scheming traitors... I have taken note of you all.

"Empress Dowager, Grand Scribe Wang, Imperial Secretary Feng, Prince Han, you were all entrusted with great responsibilities by the late Emperor, surely you do not wish to see the Jiangshan he fought hard to establish fall into the hands of a foolish ruler, thus I implore you to dethrone Zhao Gui!"

"Dethrone Zhao Gui, and establish the Wise Emperor!"

"Dethrone Zhao Gui!!"

At some point, the Imperial court erupted with a tsunami-like chant.

Though there were only a few dozen people, they created a frightening momentum.

Even Emperor Yongcheng, who believed he had support and had nothing to worry about, turned pale and his heart pounded like a drum upon seeing this spectacle!

Whoosh!

Amid the intimidating waves of chanting, the officials fell to their knees, taking on the posture of "earnest admonition."

It was as though if those prominent figures disagreed, they would spill blood in the court and die on the spot!

As they chanted the names of Empress Dowager He, Wang Yuan, Feng Shou, and others, their gaze eventually fell on He Tiantian.

Because everyone knew that this woman was the key to the deposed Emperor.

If she agreed, things would naturally proceed smoothly.

If she opposed, the dethronement business might just be a farce, with more grinding to come.

Not only these courtiers but also Emperor Yongcheng, lacking certainty, began to anxiously look at He Tiantian.

Mother, yes, she’s indeed angry with me, but she should be able to discern the greater picture.

If I am dethroned, would she allow the son of Prince Liang, our sworn enemy, to ascend?

Or adopt the descendants of Prince Han?

Prince Han is no easy character; he was domineering when serving as Assistant Minister, itching to become Regent King.

If his line’s descendants become Emperor, "Empress Dowager He" will eventually be sidelined!

Mother is a wise person, she knows how to weigh the pros and cons; she in no way will do something foolish!

He Tiantian:... Ha, with that level of intelligence, you think you can teach your mother how to behave?

The vast Imperial court gradually quieted down, everyone’s gaze focused on He Tiantian.

He Tiantian’s expression was as calm as water, showing no hint of joy or anger.

She surveyed the scene, without showing any exaggerated expression, a mere look emanated the authority of the Regent Empress Dowager over the courtiers.

Although previously due to the matter of "bearing a son" for someone else, "Empress Dowager He" was seemingly forced to retire to the Daming Palace outside the city.

But out of the civil and military officials, not one underestimated this Empress Dowager.

Nor did anyone foolishly take the jest "you’re not the Emperor’s birth mother" to disrespect or provoke Empress Dowager He.

Everyone was well aware that historically, there were indeed examples of "mother and son rising in rank," but Empress Dowager He was different.

She herself held power; she wasn’t the average woman who rose through beauty or childbirth.

Emperor Yongcheng became Emperor not because he was the late Emperor’s son, but because he was born of Empress Dowager He’s womb.

If Emperor Yongcheng truly were just born of a Palace Attendant, he’d have no advantage in status whatsoever.

And Empress Dowager He, even without a son, remains the noble Regent Empress Dowager.

Hence, everyone wondered incredibly: just how foolish can Emperor Yongcheng be to discard his greatest backing for the sake of a "Palace Concubine’s Mother"?!

"If this is so, then dethrone Zhao Gui!"

Amidst the anticipation, He Tiantian opened her mouth slowly.

Boom!

The court officials were dumbstruck!

Though many among them witnessed the farce during the Holy Birthday Festival and learned about the so-called "mystery of ancestry."

But those with brains knew: there was never anything like bearing a child for someone else.

Empress Dowager He is indeed Emperor Yongcheng’s true mother!

No resentment between mother and son lasts overnight; even when faced with a rebellious and unfilial son, for a mother accustomed to sacrifice and giving, forgiveness seems to have become "second nature."

Moreover, between Empress Dowager He and Emperor Yongcheng, besides blood, there are interests involved.

Everyone knew of the grudge between Empress Dowager He and Noble Dowager Consort Xie; they were utterly convinced that Empress Dowager He would never allow the descendants of Noble Dowager Consort Xie to ascend the throne.

As for the Prince Han lineage, they too come with many troubles.

Standing from Empress Dowager He’s perspective, continuing to let her own son be Emperor is best.

Even if the son turned out to be a scoundrel, he is after all her biological child.

Everyone was truly astounded, never expecting Empress Dowager He to agree to dethrone Zhao Gui so easily.

Emperor Yongcheng exclaimed in shock, "Mother, are you about to let Prince Liang become Emperor?"

Prince Liang’s eyes were red with excitement, he was utterly exhilarated.

Really, is this for real, is he, is he truly about to become Emperor?

Alright then, seeing He in this sensible way, when he becomes Emperor, he’ll leave He with the title of Empress Dowager, allowing her to continue nurturing her years in the Daming Palace!

He Tiantian:...

It’s truly the "excellent genes" of the late Emperor; neither of his two sons has a clear mind!