Chapter 422: Lobbying (II) (1/2)

Chapter 422: Lobbying (II)

Translated by: Hypersheep325

Edited by: Michyrr

Yang Zhao was also rather dazed.

He was also bursting with the desire for authority, or else he wouldn't have entered the capital. He actually didn't mind getting involved in some War of the Princes, but because Consort Taizhen didn't like anyone mentioning matters of the Imperial Palace in front of her, he had never brought the matter up.

And as time passed, he also began to put the matter aside.

The recent wave of success and the criticisms from all sides had made him further forget those matters, but Wang Chong's words had suddenly reminded him.

Just like Wang Chong said, there were some things that would appear eventually, even if one didn't concern oneself with them or get involved with them.

It would be fine if it were any ordinary matter, but once the War of the Princes dragged Consort Taizhen in, this would affect his own future prospects.

Yang Zhao suddenly turned his head and spoke to his cousin. ”Sister, although I also think that the War of the Princes is no matter that we can lightly involve ourselves in, the words of my sworn brother are not completely without reason. It's impossible to remain completely uninvolved. Perhaps we really should contemplate this matter and decide what to do after discussion?”

Let alone Consort Taizhen, even Wang Chong was surprised by these words. Yang Zhao's words were far more effective than his own; after all, these two were cousins and had a much more intimate relationship.

These words that had originally been intended to convince Consort Taizhen had ended up moving Yang Zhao—a rather surprising harvest.

As expected, Yang Zhao's words finally caused the look in Consort Taizhen's eyes to change. In the capital of the empire, this older cousin was the one she trusted the most and found most reliable.

”Brother, the matters of the Imperial Palace are difficult to describe and discern. They are not things that you can understand,” Consort Taizhen said. Her stance had clearly softened.

”Moreover, the harem cannot involve itself in politics. This is the custom. His Majesty also does not like it when the women of the harem stick their hands into too many things. If I meddle too much, His Majesty might not be happy. Besides, I really can't see how helping the Fifth Prince will improve my situation.”

Her first few sentences had been aimed at Yang Zhao, but the last one was for Wang Chong.

”Hahaha!”

At this question, Wang Chong laughed.

”Your Majesty, do you still not see it? Amongst the princes and the harem, only His Highness the Fifth Prince and Your Majesty are without any supporters and backing. In the palace, not a single person will help him; none of the consorts or concubines from the Three Palaces and Six Courts will back him.

”In the harem and amongst the princes, Your Majesty can only truly pull close to the Fifth Prince. As long as Your Majesty treats the Fifth Prince well, the Fifth Prince, as supporterless as he is, will assuredly rely a great deal on Your Majesty and will definitely not think about betraying you. Moreover, Your Majesty is weak within the palace, and it is difficult to clap with only one hand. If Your Majesty has the Fifth Prince's help, the two of you will present a threat to the other consorts and princes and prevent them from rashly acting.

”More importantly, if, in the future, the Fifth Prince ascends to the throne, he will undoubtedly be extremely grateful to Your Majesty. Even if Your Majesty's status in the future is less than that of the Empress, it won't be by much. Of course, if Your Majesty has other plans, is prepared to harbor the dragon's seed and give birth to a true dragon who will one day ascend to the heavens, that is another matter. Treat these words as if Wang Chong had never said them.”

His head lowered, Wang Chong finished his arguments.

Consort Taizhen had been earnestly listening at the beginning, but she couldn't help but giggle at the end, amused by Wang Chong's joke.

”Little thing, what nonsense are you speaking of? Even if I become pregnant with His Majesty's dragon seed, it will be eighteen years until he matures. By that time, the War of the Princes will have already been decided. Where did this plan come from?”

With this laugh from Consort Taizhen, that aura of sharpness and power suddenly vanished. That charming smile, like thousands of flowers blooming as one, was so beautiful that even Wang Chong was dumbstruck for a moment.

And with this smile, the mood in the hall also warmed.