"How many imperial thrones exist in the entire world? It's no ordinary feat to claim one. If she aspires to contend for it, she ought to demonstrate at least some capability in governing a nation—not just rely on underhanded tricks.
A talent like her, who refuses to walk the righteous path, should be sent abroad to wreak havoc elsewhere! Who knows? She might actually carve out a realm of her own.
Isn’t there a saying: If you hold a grudge against someone, spoil your daughter rotten, then marry her off to them when she grows up—vengeance served!
Doesn’t that align perfectly with sending Xie Zhiyao off for a political marriage? If she stays in Dayan, she’s doomed anyway.
Why not let her seek her fortune elsewhere? Who’s to say a woman can’t sit on a throne?"
[But what if she thrives abroad and later supports Prince Qi in seizing the throne?]
"If Emperor Mingxi and Xie Zhiyan can’t even hold onto their positions, then they’re simply incompetent. Losing the throne would be their own fault—let the strongest claim it.
But your concern is unlikely. Judging by how she treats her own mother, this girl is cold and self-serving.
Her bond with Prince Qi is strong only because he offers her more.
Prince Qi dotes on her not just out of paternal love but because she’s as capable as his sons.
Mark my words—if Prince Qi ever fails to deliver the power she craves, Xie Zhiyao will be the second to abandon him the moment he falters.
Besides, hasn’t Prince Qi already been... neutered? What chaos could he possibly stir now?"
[Master makes a fair point! Prince Qi doesn’t even know he’s been emasculated—Little Zhu is a professional in that department! Ahahahaha!]
The raucous laughter of the system reverberated through the hall, giving everyone a headache. But the thought of Prince Qi’s predicament made suppressing their amusement nearly impossible.
Once the laughter subsided, the system recalled another detail. [Master, who’s the first to abandon Prince Qi?]
"Obviously his beloved eldest son, Xie Zhiting! Haven’t you noticed? Prince Qi does all the dirty work, but who reaps the rewards? Xie Zhiting!"
Both Prince Qi’s son and daughter take after him—they’re cut from the same cloth.
Some say power is like a fetid swamp glowing in the dark, its surface shimmering with allure while concealing filth beneath.
Those who step into it are tainted beyond recognition, their purity and goodness lost forever.
Prince Qi’s family has lurked in the shadows for years, amassing strength to covet the throne. Steeped in the corruption of power for so long, their hearts have blackened entirely. Power erodes humanity, driving men to madness, distorting them beyond recognition.
Feng Suiyu watched her daughter enter, listening to Yue Fuguang and the others discuss the situation, and suddenly felt she no longer recognized the child she’d raised.
So it wasn’t just a princess’s title she wanted—she aimed for the throne itself?
When had such ambition taken root?
The Empress Dowager and the Emperor, too, were desperate to know: When had this daughter of the Xie family grown so audacious as to covet the seat beneath him?
Fine. He’d grant her a grand gift—a ladder to the heavens. Whether she could climb it would be up to her.
Emperor Mingxi addressed Xie Zhiyao as she approached: "I won’t dwell on your past foolishness. You’ve grown up, and as the saying goes, 'A grown daughter is like spilled water—keeping her only breeds resentment.'
The Western Qiang have sent a missive seeking a marriage alliance. Coincidentally, you’re already acquainted with their envoys and share their customs. You’re the perfect candidate."
Ignoring Xie Zhiyao’s ashen face, he turned to Prince Qi, whose expression was equally grim. "Prince Qi, you should stay confined to your estate these days and spend time with Zhiyao. Once she’s wed to the Western Qiang, reunions will be rare."
Then, with pointed emphasis, he added, "You’re no longer young. You ought to know—some things are beyond your reach, no matter how much you covet them.
After Zhiyao departs, recall all the agents you’ve scattered abroad. If the court officials were to find out...
Even I couldn’t protect you."
Prince Qi’s face drained of color. He realized his schemes had been uncovered—every move, laid bare.
Kneeling silently, he murmured, "As Your Majesty commands."
Emperor Mingxi, seemingly in high spirits, continued, "I’ll have someone collect your... assets.
Oh, and I’ve heard your private treasury holds many treasures. Be sure to select the finest and deliver them to the Yu residence.
A reminder—Yue Fuguang only favors gold, jade, and exquisite curios. Choose your gifts accordingly."
Those "assets," of course, referred to the weapons, funds, and private soldiers Yue Fuguang had mentioned.
With a few words, Emperor Mingxi had exiled Xie Zhiyao, placed Prince Qi under indefinite house arrest, confiscated his wealth, and even let Yue Fuguang sip from the spoils.
On the surface, Prince Qi got off lightly. But rebellion aside, the Emperor would never forgive his affair with a favored concubine.
Yue Fuguang suspected a timely "sudden death" awaited Prince Qi in the near future.
As for those tied to Prince Qi’s faction—especially the Feng family—Emperor Mingxi would show no mercy.
Once the Qi household was dealt with, the Emperor waved dismissively. The group took the hint and turned to leave.
"Princess Taikang, your matter isn’t finished. Why are you leaving?"
Princess Taikang, mid-step, froze awkwardly. "Didn’t Your Majesty order me to await your decree at my estate?"
Emperor Mingxi replied, "The edict will arrive shortly." Then, shifting his gaze to Xu Wei, he said, "Since Xu Wei is here, I have a few questions for him."
"Your Majesty, please speak," Xu Wei bowed, his face tense.
His eldest son, Xu Mao, cowered slightly, a stark contrast to the poised Shen Kang. The Emperor’s distaste for Xu Mao was palpable.
Yue Fuguang internally scoffed: Love and disdain are glaringly obvious. Emperor Mingxi is such a hypocrite.
"Xu Wei, Princess Taikang claims you left for the estates yesterday. So why were you spotted in Peach Blossom Lane? Do you own property there?"
The question sent cold sweat dripping down both father and son. Xu Wei wiped his brow discreetly while bowing. "Your Majesty, this subject did indeed take my eldest son to an estate fifty li outside the city yesterday.
On our return, we happened upon a friend who expressed interest in the estate’s produce. We agreed to discuss the matter in Peach Blossom Lane."
"Discuss business?" The Emperor’s tone was unreadable.
Xu Wei nodded frantically. "Yes! Business!"
A slow, icy smile curled Emperor Mingxi’s lips. "Xu Wei, shouldn’t business be discussed in teahouses, taverns, or pleasure houses? Why Peach Blossom Lane? To admire the blossoms?"
"W-well, Your Majesty, the courtyard there belongs to the Princess. Its refined ambiance suits my friend’s tastes, so... I chose it to accommodate him! Yes, precisely so!"
"Accommodate him? What nationality is this friend of yours?"
