From cute to empress

The morning light filtered through the window lattice, tinting the chambers with a faint golden hue. I rose to wash and freshen, but the uneasiness of last night still lingered in my heart. The Fourth Prince's words were like a stone dropped into a tranquil lake, stirring up ripples that wouldn't settle for a long time.

After breakfast, I sent for Minister Wang, wondering how I could get information from him. Minister Wang was an upright man, loyal to the Emperor. If there were any undercurrents at court, he would surely be aware of them.

"Your Majesty, I pay my respects to you. May you live a thousand years and a thousand thousand years." Minister Wang quickly arrived at Fengyi Palace and saluted respectfully.

"Sir Wang, there's no need to be so polite. Please stand up quickly." I quickly gave him a light support and motioned for him to sit down.

After Minister Wang sat down, I casually mentioned what happened at last night's banquet, revealing a hint of worry in my words.

"Lord Wang, at the banquet last night, I noticed that the Fourth Prince seemed a little absent-minded. Is there something troubling him?" I asked tentatively.

Minister Wang was slightly stunned, and after a moment's silence, he spoke: "Your Majesty, His Royal Highness the Fourth Prince has indeed been troubled by something recently, but I do not know the specific reason."

His answer was so flawless that I had no idea where to start. I sighed inwardly, thinking that I wouldn't be able to get anything out of Minister Wang.

"I understand. Lord Wang is busy with his work, so please go back first." I concealed the disappointment in my heart and said lightly.

After seeing off Minister Wang, I felt even more uneasy. It seemed that if I wanted to find out the truth, I could only rely on myself and Zhen Youcai.

As night fell, Zhen Youcai returned to the palace as promised. I told him about Minister Wang's reaction during the day, feeling worried.

"It seems that there are indeed some forces hidden in this court that we are unknown to." Zhen Youcai frowned after listening to my story. "We must find out as soon as possible, otherwise the consequences will be disastrous."

"But where should we start?" I was a little confused.

Zhen Youcai pondered for a moment, a gleam in his eyes. "Although the Third Prince and Grand Tutor Li have been eliminated, there's no guarantee they haven't left any back-up plans. We can start with their former accomplices and secretly investigate their backgrounds. Perhaps we can find some clues."

I nodded, a glimmer of hope igniting in my heart.

"Leave this matter to me. Don't worry, I will be careful and not alert the enemy." Zhen Youcai held my hand with a firm tone.

Looking into his resolute eyes, I felt a sense of peace. I believe that as long as we work together, we can resolve this crisis and safeguard this hard-earned peace.

"By the way, I plan to go to the military camp tomorrow. The imperial guards also need to be reorganized." Zhen Youcai spoke as if he suddenly remembered something.

I felt a chill in my heart, knowing that the rectification he spoke of was more than just intensified training. It seemed like a new storm was about to begin...

The next day, Zhen Youcai left for the military camp. I watched him leave, feeling a mixture of emotions. I knew that with his departure, the burden on his shoulders would become even heavier. And I could no longer be the little woman hiding under his wing as before.

I called my personal maid, Lu Zhu, and said, "Go, invite Madam Li."

Nanny Li is a veteran of the palace, having served three generations of emperors. She is knowledgeable and thoughtful. She was specially placed by my mother when she was still alive. Over the years, I have always respected her as an elder, but I have never truly understood her.

Nanny Li arrived soon, still with that kind face, and bowed respectfully to me, "This old servant pays homage to Her Majesty the Queen."

"Madam, please stand up quickly," I hurriedly helped her up. "I asked you to come here today because I have something I want to ask you."

I dismissed my attendants and told Li Ma Ma everything that had happened in the past few days and the worries in my heart.

After listening to my story, Nanny Li pondered for a moment before slowly speaking, "Your Highness, you are now the Empress. Your word is yours in the harem. What you need to do is to make friends and cultivate your own power in case of emergency."

After listening to Madam Li's words, I suddenly understood. Yes, I can't just sit there and wait for death anymore. I have to take control of my own destiny!

From that day on, I began to deliberately approach the other concubines in the harem, especially those women of humble origins but quite scheming. I treated them with sincerity and, using my wisdom and charm, gradually gained their trust and support.

At the same time, I continued to woo the palace guards and maids, secretly cultivating a group of loyal confidants. I knew that in the turbulent harem, information is power. Only with sufficient information can one make the right judgment at critical moments.

In this way, during the time when Zhen Youcai was reorganizing the imperial guards, I was also quietly weaving my own network of power in the harem, preparing for the coming storm.

One day, I was admiring the flowers in the garden when the Fourth Prince suddenly arrived. His hurried demeanor, hesitant to speak, made me feel vaguely uneasy.

"Fourth brother, what happened?" I put down the teacup in my hand and asked.

The Fourth Prince took a deep breath, lowered his voice, and said, "Sister-in-law, I discovered something..."

The Fourth Prince took a deep breath, lowered his voice, and said, "Sister-in-law, I've discovered something..." He paused, scanning the surroundings to make sure no one was around before continuing, "I've received news that the Rouran tribe in the north has been active recently, seemingly secretly gathering forces."

I was startled. The Rouran were a nomadic people who had long harassed the border. In recent years, they'd restrained themselves due to the strength of the Yong Empire. Why would they suddenly stir now? Could it be... a terrifying thought flashed through my mind. Could someone in the court be colluding with the Rouran, attempting to overthrow the Yong Empire through internal and external collaboration?

I suppressed my uneasiness and asked calmly, "Is the news reliable?"

The fourth prince nodded and said, "It is absolutely true. I have already sent people to investigate from various sources. The Rouran tribe is indeed secretly mobilizing its troops. Moreover, I also discovered that..." He hesitated to speak, as if he had something to hide.

At this time, Zhen Youcai walked in from outside. Seeing the Fourth Prince was also there, he smiled and asked, "Your Highness the Fourth Prince is here too. How come you have time to come to the palace today?"

"Youcai is here." I quickly asked him to sit down. "My fourth brother just brought me some news. It's of great importance. You should come and listen to it."

I repeated the Fourth Prince's words, and Zhen Youcai frowned after hearing them. "The Rouran tribe has always been ambitious, and their sudden movements are probably no accident. We must be on guard."

"That's what I thought." I nodded. "I plan to send people to the Rouran tribe to gather information on their situation. On the other hand, I'll use this opportunity to strengthen our ties with them, stabilize them, and prevent war."

Zhen Youcai agreed, "Your Majesty is wise. I also believe that the most urgent task is to find out the Rouran tribe's intentions before making any plans."

"Without further delay, you should go there yourself." I looked at Zhen Youcai and said softly, "Remember, your own safety is the most important thing."

Zhen Youcai nodded, his eyes full of determination, "I obey your order."

Just as we were discussing how to deal with the threat from the Rouran tribe, Lu Zhu hurried in with a letter in her hand. "Empress, someone outside the palace has sent a letter specifically for you."

I took the letter, but it was completely empty, with no signature or mark. I wondered who would send me such a letter at this hour.

I opened the envelope and pulled out the letter inside. There were a few lines of beautiful handwriting on it: "Empress, be careful of your partner. The palace is full of dangers."

The contents of this anonymous letter sent a chill down the spines of both Zhen Youcai and me. Although the letter didn't mention anyone by name, between the lines it revealed a terrifying message: a greater conspiracy was brewing within the imperial court, and this conspiracy might very well be hidden right next to us...