Transmigrating into a book to save her best friend, her sickly husband vies for her affections every

"I am aware of the relationship between Consort Xian and Prince Fan, and Your Majesty must know as well. I just feel that with Prince Fan as a backer for the Ninth Prince, the two princes in the court will be equal in power, which you would be happy to see."

"His Highness probably has mixed feelings of gratitude and resentment towards you and Consort Xian. You have been investigating Zhang Zhan for a long time, and Consort Xian knew who Zhang Zhan was, yet she still sent him to Prince Fan."

"I don't know whether His Highness has any ambition to seize the throne, but Zhang Zhan definitely wants to help him."

Zhao Fucang didn't want to talk; his eyelids started to droop again.

Empress Yan sensed his exhaustion. "If Your Majesty does not wish for the Crown Prince to temporarily assume power, then let His Highness leave."

The reason Zhao Fu'er was groomed was simply because Zhao Siwei was incompetent and they didn't want the Crown Prince's family or the Yan family to become too powerful.

Speaking of Zhao Fu'er, Zhao Fucang laughed, "Have you all been bribed by Zhao Siwei?"

In retrospect, Zhao Siwei did nothing, yet he accomplished everything.

Zhang Zhan helped him win over the court officials, and Zhao Fu'er helped him gain absolute support from the royal family.

Fortunately, Zhao Siwei didn't have any prominent maternal family.

Otherwise, he would probably have stepped down long ago.

Empress Yan stood up. "Your Majesty is too kind. What does the Ninth Prince have? Nothing at all."

Otherwise, why would she dare to harbor thoughts of killing Zhao Siwei every now and then? Isn't it because this prince doesn't have any real backing?

He paused, then said, "Your Majesty, please sleep a little longer."

She's going to the outer room; if she stays there, they'll probably start arguing again.

Seeing his wife about to leave, Zhao Fucang felt an even deeper chill in his heart.

He's not even really on his deathbed yet, and they're all already starting to stop pretending?

"What, you also want me to die? Well, if I die now, the Crown Prince can immediately ascend the throne."

Empress Yan raised an eyebrow sharply, her voice becoming shrill.

"The throne is too high and too cold. His Majesty is constantly changing once he sits on it. No one can sit in this position for a lifetime."

Before Empress Yan could even speak, Zhao Fucang simply told her to get lost.

Empress Yan took a deep breath. "Your Majesty, the Yan family has been kind to you, and the Crown Prince was raised in your arms. He was born when you were still a child. Whether you love him now or not is not important. I must protect him."

"Take it out on me, Cong'er is innocent."

"At least during his years as crown prince, he genuinely wanted to share your burdens and solve your problems."

"He was doing things that benefited the country and its people. Although he didn't achieve great success, he didn't make any mistakes either."

**

They were in a great hurry when they finally evacuated.

The princes and princesses were crammed together in the fairly spacious carriage.

Zhang Zhan was still feeling unwell, his face was pale, and he leaned against Zhao Fu'er.

He was burning up and in a daze.

Even Zhao Sicong was so frightened that she personally fed him the medicine.

If this burns out, something bad might happen.

Zhao Fu'er gently called Zhang Zhan's name and patted his face, "Open your mouth and take your medicine."

Zhao Sicong also called to him, "Zhang Zhan, just eat it and you'll feel better."

Zhao Siwei leaned against the doorway, eating something.

He was terrified that Zhang Zhan's dreams were all about his past lives.

He didn't want to face Zhang Zhan from his past life.

After barely managing to feed him half a bowl, Zhao Sicong waved his hand and said, "Let him sleep."

He then pulled the man down to lie on his lap and covered him with a cloak.

Zhao Fu'er wiped her hands before she had a moment to ask the person who was lost in thought.

"What did you say to your father? Even I got scolded."

This is like encountering a living ghost.

She clearly knew nothing and hadn't participated in anything.

He also went to Yongzhou and made great contributions before returning.

Zhao Fucang grabbed her and started yelling at her.

She has no elder-like demeanor at all and only knows how to fool around with the younger generation.

What is she doing?

What nonsense are you talking about?

Even fooling around takes time, right?

She's not even in the capital!

However, this is also a way of telling her.

While she was away from the capital, Zhao Siwei probably caused a huge uproar.

Zhao Siwei dared not reveal what he had done.

Zhao Fu'er is, after all, the Emperor's own sister; she shouldn't pounce on him and strangle him!

He was betting that Zhao Fucang would have no choice but to listen to him.

Zhang Zhan seemed to be talking in his sleep, but it was impossible to understand what he was saying.

Zhao Sicong suddenly sneezed.

"Have you caught a cold?" Zhao Siwei asked. "Don't let your illness affect Zhang Zhan."

Zhao Sicong: "..."

From any perspective, it should be Zhang Zhan who passed on his illness to him.

Thinking about it, another sneeze came out.

Oh no, I think I've really caught a cold.

**

When they arrived at the hot spring resort, Zhao Fucang had fallen into a coma again.

Zhao Sicong also caught a severe cold, so badly that he couldn't get out of bed and needed to recuperate.

Zhao Fu'er, on the other hand, had to manage affairs. The matters of Yongzhou could not be entrusted to others, and she also had other political affairs under her charge. She was like a spinning top, spinning wildly.

Zhao Siwei, the only one who was free, suddenly became the pillar of support for everyone.

No one expected him to handle government affairs, let alone handle them so well.

He figured out the backlog of memorials that had the cabinet on the verge of collapse in just a few words.

Finally, I'll just casually tell you, don't disturb your father's rest.

The ideal heir apparent has emerged in the hearts of the upright officials.

Remain calm in the face of danger, and keep your eyes and ears open.

Zhao Siwei had fought many battles with these old men in his previous life and knew very well what kind of monarchs they liked.

Having confirmed that all the major matters had been dealt with, he was also curious as to why Xu Tutu wanted to hold a banquet.

This banquet had never been held before, and only today did we finally have something to offer as a treat.

He didn't send anyone ahead to inform them; instead, he simply arrived at the scene.

As soon as he entered the room and noticed the subtle, ambiguous glances from everyone, Zhao Siwei's heart skipped a beat.

This kind of narrow-minded, scrutinizing gaze is just watching the show.

Using Zhongyou Ridge as a stop, Zhao Siwei was able to talk to the Ji family girls.

However, even faster than the Ji family girl's mouth was Meng**'s mouth.

"Do you have a piece of purple jade pendant? Is it part of a pair?"

Zhao Siwei is right.

Then I heard Meng** say, "It's hanging on Xu Tutu's waist right now, they say it was given to her by your mother, what does that mean?"

Tingyao's gaze was somewhat unfocused.

What do you mean by "can"? I may not be your principal wife, but I am determined to have your concubine.

Xu Tutu's actions are a self-destructive move, as they have completely ruined her reputation.

Moreover, Zhao Siwei disliked others making decisions for him.

Upon hearing Meng's words, his face immediately darkened.

She still retained a sliver of reason, and looked toward Zhong Youling.

Zhong Youling nodded almost imperceptibly.

Zhao Siwei's expression changed completely.

Xu Tutu called out to Zhao Jiu.

Zhao Siwei turned around, his gaze first fixed on the jade pendant at her waist.

This was the token of love he gave to Tingyao in their past life.

This is for Tingyao!

Now it's been dirtied by Xu Tutu!

What does Consort Xian mean by this?

Isn't it clear that the imperial harem must not interfere in politics?

"Is it pretty?" Xu Tutu stepped forward, a smile spreading across her face.

Mother is right. Even if she is a concubine, as long as she can marry Zhao Siwei first, that's fine.

Given the status of the Xu family in the capital, no matter who the principal wife is, they all have to fear her.

Furthermore, she had noticed Zhao Siwei becoming increasingly dazzling these past few days, coming and going.

“This isn’t something I gave you,” Zhao Siwei said directly, even raising his voice so everyone would hear clearly. “Who gave it to you? Who do you like? I don’t like you.”

Xu Tutu wanted to call everyone over so that everyone could see what was on her waist.

She had received news that Zhao Siwei would be selecting concubines during her return to the capital.

Hearing Zhao Siwei's words, his smile gradually disappeared, and his face turned pale.

Zhao Siwei's words were very harsh. He knew that if he didn't make a definitive statement at this time, it wouldn't be good for him or for Xu Tutu.

"Don't belittle yourself so much, or you'll lose your father's pride."

"The eldest daughter of the Duke of Xu's family has many suitors."

"I won't trouble you with that."

He rarely said these things to women.

It really does seem like they want to distance themselves from each other.

He never wanted to have any contact with Xu Tutu in his life.

He couldn't even figure out what Xu Tutu liked about him.

He changed it immediately after I told him.

Xu Tutu still had gauze on her head, and as she listened to Zhao Siwei's words, her face gradually lost its color.

"Zhao Jiu, how could you..." She could barely speak.

Seeing that she still acted as if he had abandoned her, Zhao Siwei spoke even harsher.

“I won’t choose you when selecting concubines. You won’t be a chance for either the principal wife or the concubine. You don’t need to hang yourself by my side.”

“You know what you’re doing this banquet on, but I don’t. But listen to me clearly: I have absolutely no connection with Xu Tutu.”

The sound became louder, and everyone could hear it more clearly.

Zhao Siwei had a cold face.

I don't think there's anything special about organizing this banquet.

It's pouring rain now, and the mountains are blocked by landslides.

How many people would have to die or be injured to get this food in?

"My father is still ill, and you dare to sing and dance here? Do you think any member of the royal family would want you because of this?"

Zhao Fucang was desperate to hide the fact that he had been poisoned, but he told the outside world that he had caught a cold and needed to rest.

Crown Prince Zhao Sicong was affected by the illness, which is why he became bedridden.

Holding a banquet at this time, even if it's low-key, is still very unseemly if it's brought into the open, especially by members of the royal family.

Xu Tutu looked very unwell.

She began to explain, "It was just a small banquet..."

"Xiao Yan, how did I get here? Why are there so many women here?"

What are you trying to tell these people?

Xu Tutu gripped the thing hanging from her waist.

"This was given to me by your mother."

"So you know, it wasn't me who gave it to you, it has nothing to do with me."

Zhao Siwei shook the hem of his clothes and glanced around at the crowd of onlookers.

"If there's nothing else, let's call it a day."

With that, the people with the eye patches dispersed on their own.

There are fewer and fewer people.

Xu Tutu stared at Zhao Siwei, looking very sad; her round face had lost all its energy.

"Who exactly made you reject me? Even if you don't like me, you should at least want the power behind me, right?"

"The power behind you is bestowed by the imperial authority. What, do you think it belongs to your Xu family?" Zhao Siwei said bluntly.

Xu Tutu clenched her fists.

The Zhao Siwei of the past would not have been so aggressive towards her.

Zhao Siwei walked out with his arms crossed, saying, "Go ahead and court death. If you can become my wife or concubine, you'll be my great-aunt, and I'll kowtow to you pounding my knees."

That's a very humiliating statement.

You could even say he was venting his anger.

The banquet vanished with Zhao Siwei's arrival.

Five days later, torrential rains triggered mudslides that made it impossible for people to walk.

Zhao Siwei's name was etched into everyone's hearts within five days.

Prince Fan was executed for disrespecting His Majesty and poisoning the emperor. All his personal guards were also executed, with the Ninth Prince Zhao Siwei personally carrying out the executions.

Killing a prince directly is no small matter.

Zhu Fucang was recuperating from poisoning, and Zhao Sicong was also recovering from illness. Zhao Siwei took over the important affairs of the court, and things at the hunting grounds and in the capital proceeded in an orderly manner.

They even used some unknown method to get the Yan family to hand over half of their military power.

As for Zhang Zhan, no one dared to utter a single word.

Zhao Siwei made an example of several people who had used foul language, personally dismembering them by force.

This made people avoid Zhang Zhan altogether.

Upon returning to the capital, news of Zhao Siwei's plan to select a concubine spread throughout the streets and alleys.

All daughters of fifth-rank officials participated in the selection process.

All the girls in the Ji family are on the list and will be attending the banquet at the end of the month.

In no time, Zhao Siwei's name was on everyone's lips.

Everyone started praising the prince.

Holding the invitation card with her name on it, Tingyao asked Jingzhe, "What has Zhao Siwei been doing these past few days?"

This person either does nothing and lies around like a salted fish, or moves like a rabbit and is impossible to find.

Jingzhe: "I don't know, the Ninth Prince has been running around everywhere lately."

Tingyao asked again, "How is the situation in the palace?"

Jingzhe: "His Majesty is still recovering, the Crown Prince has recovered, and Zhang Zhan is helping him deal with the Yan family's military power."

Tingyao hummed in agreement, indicating that the explanation was too vague and she didn't quite understand.

“The Yan family voluntarily handed over half of their military power, but the remaining half would actually keep His Majesty from sleeping peacefully. Therefore, Zhang Zhan is trying to find a way to get the Yan family to give this part of the military power to His Highness the Crown Prince.”

Tingyao: "Is Zhang Zhan now with the Crown Prince?"

"I'm not entirely sure about the Awakening of Insects, but it looks like this."

Seeing Tingyao remain silent, Jingzhe spoke again.

"Actually, I don't know much."

Her only responsibility now is to protect Tingyao.

Tingyao paced around the room. "Could you let him come see me?" She needed to exchange information.

Jingzhe (Awakening of Insects): "We have to find it."

It means that Zhao Siwei is now nowhere to be found.

Tingyao stopped in her tracks and looked at the dress that Ji Anzhi had given her, as well as the jewelry that Yang had given her.

One group told her to dress up beautifully to try and become the principal wife, while the other group told her to try being a concubine.

Jingzhe saw Ruyi approaching and said that Old Madam Ji wanted her to come over.

When Tingyao arrived at Old Madam Ji's courtyard, she was surprised to see Old Madam Ji tending to the flowers.

"Grandmother, what makes you so happy?"

Grandma Ji: "We've found that person to beat up."

After a moment's thought, Tingyao realized it was the original owner's arranged marriage.

This is probably the butterfly effect of changing the plot of Grandma Ji's death.

Grandma Ji said, "They said they live in Wutong Town, Shazhou. I've already sent people to look for them."

Tingyao watched the person pruning the flower branches with scissors, listening to her continue her rambling.

"Wutong Town is the largest book printing center in our dynasty, and everyone there is literate."

“I’m going to release this information, so you don’t need to attend the banquet at the end of the month.”

"His Highness Ninth Prince can't hide it anymore. It hasn't been long, and everyone in the capital is praising him to the skies."

"Not to mention that Zhang Zhan's identity is both true and false, so you shouldn't get involved."