Transmigration: Reverse Exploitation, the System Works for Me

The attitude of Lady Yu, the wife of Prince Mu, towards the Fourteenth Prince's household was irrelevant, but the attitude of her younger sister, Consort Zhuang, was of utmost importance.

The Fourteenth Prince's wife didn't understand the Emperor, but she understood men.

A favored concubine with children will surely hold a place in a man's heart and will certainly have a voice.

Moreover, in just two short years, Consort Zhuang rose from a lowly palace maid to the position of a concubine, and even raised the emperor's youngest son. With such favor, who would believe that the emperor had no feelings for her?

Their household was already disliked by the emperor, and now, due to the empress dowager's foolish move, they have incurred the wrath of Consort Zhuang. Not to mention a peaceful life in the future, it is feared that her sons, Hongming and Hongkai, will suffer a lot in the palace.

The thought of her two sons being mistreated and tormented caused the Fourteenth Prince's loving motherly heart to go numb with pain, inevitably leading her to resent the Empress Dowager, her mother-in-law.

At the same time, her resentment towards her husband, the Fourteenth Prince, grew even stronger.

It is your business if you and your sons want to compete with the emperor, but what you should never have done is put her two sons in danger.

If the emperor hadn't softened his heart for a moment when she was poisoned last time, how could her son still be alive today?

No, she has to find a way to save herself!

In Yikun Palace, Consort Hua received Xi Qiao in the main hall.

Since the arrival of Princess Fengshengge, Consort Hua's attire has become more simple and warm, no longer as luxurious and grand as before.

But such simple attire did not diminish her graceful demeanor; on the contrary, it added a touch of kindness and warmth, making her more approachable.

Today, her attire was quite simple. She wore only a phoenix hairpin and two pearl flowers on her headdress, which represented her status as a noble consort. She exuded a sense of elegance and a refreshing demeanor.

"This humble servant greets Your Highness, the Noble Consort."

Xi Qiao knelt down and bowed to Consort Hua.

"Princess Consort, please don't stand on ceremony."

Consort Hua was exceptionally kind and personally came forward to help Xi Qiao up.

"We're family, why stand on ceremony? I regretted not being able to congratulate you in person before. Although it's late today, I still want to make up for it. Congratulations, Your Highness."

Xi Qiao smiled at her and said without any hesitation, "I appreciate Your Majesty's kindness. However, if we're going to discuss this in detail, it should be me who comes first to thank Your Majesty."

"Although the Empress Dowager suffered a stroke that day, Sun Zhuxi repeatedly stated that it had nothing to do with Your Highness, but as far as I know, it is impossible for the Empress Dowager to be so angry that she vomited blood because you were plotted against."

Xi Qiao genuinely didn't know what had happened between Consort Hua and the Empress Dowager, but based on what happened later and the plot where Nian Gengyao helped Prince Dun in the palace coup, it was most likely that Consort Hua was relaying a message to the Empress Dowager on behalf of the Fourteenth Prince's residence.

Both Prince Sisi and Prince Dun were members of the Eighth Prince's faction. Nian Gengyao had a relationship with Prince Dun, so it was impossible for him not to be familiar with Prince Sisi.

She didn't say much about it, only mentioning it vaguely, and continued:

“After Her Majesty and the others left Shou Kang Palace that day, Sun Zhuxi threatened me with the fact that Consort Zhuang and the Sixth Prince, forcing me to ask to become a concubine in the Fourteenth Prince’s residence.”

A mocking smile appeared on her face: "Unexpectedly, the Emperor had already seen through the Empress Dowager's scheme. That very night, as soon as he arrived at Zhongcui Palace, he asked me directly whether I was willing to marry Prince Mu."

These words were obviously meant to deceive the Imperial Concubine.

The Nian family cannot fall; if Xiao Liu wants to contend for the throne, someone must have the power.

However, the Nian family had private dealings with the Fourteenth Prince. If the emperor found out, the Nian family might not escape the fate of having their property confiscated and their clan exterminated, as depicted in the original story.

Consort Hua's pupils contracted; the Emperor knew!

But how could the emperor know?

She did it so discreetly, and the messengers were all secretly sent by her family.

The Empress Dowager could not bring it up with the Emperor on her own initiative, because at that time the Emperor truly harbored murderous intent towards the Fourteenth Prince's family. If that old hag dared to say anything more, it would only make the Emperor more disgusted, and thus more furious and murderous towards the Fourteenth Prince's family.

Did the person her family arranged for her expose herself?

No, that's not right. If it had been exposed, the letter couldn't have reached Shou Kang Palace through her hands.

Therefore, there is only one possibility: the emperor planted spies around that old hag Empress Dowager!

If that's the case, then doesn't the emperor already know that she and the Nian family have dealings with the Fourteenth Prince's residence?

Consort Hua's pupils dilated, and she silently swallowed.

She needs to tell her family about this as soon as possible.

Although Consort Hua was flustered, she managed to keep her composure on the surface. She barely managed to suppress her wild thoughts and looked at Xi Qiao, saying, "That's quite a coincidence. I just wanted to vent my anger."

Xi Qiao flattered, "Your Majesty did it on a whim, but to me it is like a second life. Sun Zhuxi said something very true: Sixth Prince should not have a aunt who is a slave."

"If it weren't for Your Majesty's favor, how could I have such a noble, respectable, and carefree life today? I will never forget Your Majesty's kindness."

As she spoke, she rose again and bowed to Consort Hua, her expression filled with deep gratitude, and her words and actions were exceptionally solemn and earnest.

Consort Hua was lifted high, which improved her mood considerably. She smiled and waved her hand at her, "Alright, alright, it's just a small matter, there's no need for such a grand ceremony. Don't stand on ceremony, please sit down."

"I specifically asked you to stay today because I had something important to discuss with you, but..."

Consort Hua hesitated, only after hearing Xi Qiao mention that the Emperor was monitoring the Empress Dowager. She couldn't help but worry that the Emperor had also sent people to monitor the Nian family's movements.

The Nian family's support for the Sixth Prince's bid for the throne naturally required financial backing.

As is well known, Prince Yin Tang of Gushan was good at accumulating wealth. However, he had many children, his rank was extremely low, and he had an old grudge against the emperor, so he had to make plans for his descendants.

Unfortunately, Prince Mu had no one to inherit the title, and he was left without power or wealth.

They have power and influence, the Prince of Gushan is rich, and the Princess Consort of Prince Mu has a title. Isn't that just perfect?

The idea is good, but it is risky.

Unable to fathom Consort Hua's desires, Xi Qiao remained vigilant and declared, "Your Majesty, please speak freely. I will do my utmost to help in any way I can."

Consort Hua frowned slightly, and after her lips parted and closed silently several times, she did not directly state the family's intentions. Instead, she asked her tactfully, "Do you have a preferred heir?"

Xi Qiao's eyelids twitched, but he didn't say whether he meant yes or no. He simply told her his thoughts: "Your Majesty, the Sixth Prince is still young. It's far too early to place a bet."

Consort Hua understood this principle perfectly well. It was still too long before the Sixth Prince came of age. Deciding on an heir too early would only attract attention from all sides, and it might not bring many benefits.

If the succession to the title of king is uncertain, those who are interested in it will surely gather around the title and do their best to win it.

Leaving it vacant is the best and most advantageous approach.