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

Zhao Fucang was a little surprised. He coughed lightly twice, pressing his fist to his lips, and asked in a questioning tone, "Hiding your talents? Who? Ji Tingyao?"

This girl seemed like a simple and honest person. He had also sent his Imperial Guards to investigate Ji Tingyao. She was obedient and meek, and when faced with her stepmother's bullying, she was weak and did not fight back.

I met Zhao Siwei a few times, probably because of Meng**. He wasn't good-looking, and he probably wasn't good at dealing with people either, otherwise he wouldn't have been completely unknown in the capital.

It can only be said that Zhao Siwei saw the Bai family's usefulness and specifically went to recruit Ji Tingyao.

Faced with Zhao Siwei, such a high-ranking offer, unless she's incredibly stupid, she'd definitely know what to choose.

The marriage then proceeded naturally.

Originally, that was what he thought too; Zhao Siwei would probably choose Ji Tingyao as his principal wife and Xu Tutu as his concubine.

It doesn't matter whether it's the front or the back; as long as you marry the daughters of the two most useful families, that's enough.

As for what happens in the future, we'll have to wait and see.

Even though Xu Tutu was a concubine, Ji Anzhi didn't dare to order her around.

Unexpectedly, Xu Tutu had no part in the marriage at all.

Looking back now, it really wasn't the right choice.

He was so vengeful that he killed Ji Tingyao's grandmother.

How can a couple like this maintain harmony in the future? They can't even fake affection if they're afraid of death.

The mother-son relationship will be completely shattered, and even if they meet again in the future, it will likely only be a superficial mother-son relationship.

Killing one person completely ruined Zhao Siwei's life; the Xu family is truly formidable.

Empress Yan said, "I don't believe that the Ninth Prince would choose Ji Tingyao as his principal wife just to please the Bai family and His Majesty. His Majesty watched him grow up. If he didn't want something, Zhang Zhan wouldn't dare to actually do it."

Zhao Siwei may seem carefree and irresponsible, but he really is; he just has a low bottom line and you generally won't cross it.

Moreover, the person who actually stepped on it was definitely someone they knew.

If it's someone you know well, Zhao Siwei will handle it differently.

Zhang Zhan had done many such things. Zhao Siwei painstakingly found the shimmering brocade to make clothes for Empress Yan, but Zhang Zhan knowingly took it and used it to make clothes. He even dared to wear it to Consort Xian's birthday banquet, where he displayed his peacock tail.

Zhao Siwei was so angry he almost laughed. It had only been a month since he had received any of Zhang Zhan's belongings from the palace. In other words, instead of having them delivered to Zhang Zhan, Zhang Zhan now had to come to the palace to collect them himself.

Zhao Siwei found a good cook for Zhao Fucang, and he took him back to work. He also collected rare books with Zhao Siwei, but Zhao Fucang wouldn't give them to him even if he wanted them. Zhang Zhan took them and gave them away.

Zhao Siwei was so angry that he chased Zhang Zhan for most of the palace. When he caught him, he didn't kill him immediately. Instead, he dragged him back to the palace and scolded him. At most, he would ignore him for a few days.

However, the insults were quite harsh; Zhang Zhan emerged looking like a quail that had been poisoned.

But if it were anyone else who was courting death, Zhao Siwei would definitely be ready to draw his knife.

It is said that Tingyao's return to the imperial selection was at Zhao Fucang's behest, and this is the most serious accusation Zhao Fucang has suffered since becoming emperor.

No, he wouldn't dare force Zhao Siwei to marry anyone. That guy is really capable of becoming a monk.

"To be honest, Tingyao isn't outstanding. Last night, she could have come to Xuanzheng Hall to beg for help, and he would have helped her no matter what. But instead, she went to Consort Xian's place."

I don't know if it's just being honest or if it lacks a certain spark.

Empress Yan saw through Zhao Fucang's thoughts and blew on the medicine, saying, "If His Majesty really lets him leave the palace, then His Majesty will bear the consequences, and she will have to bear the infamy of her brother's family being in turmoil. If she goes to Consort Xian's side, and Consort Xian refuses, then there are too many things that people can think of. His Majesty has already found out everything, and Tingyao has locked down the suspect based on her intuition."

In her opinion, Tingyao is amazing.

If someone is already dead, how can they survive if they go out?

The best course of action is to immediately launch a counterattack and retaliate!

Therefore, it is good to stand at the entrance of Consort Xian's palace.

She stood there all night, and because of the Yan family's affairs, she couldn't suppress the matter, which had now spread throughout the entire palace.

The new daughter-in-law begged to see her grandmother who raised her one last time, but her pleas were ignored all night.

Outsiders spread rumors that Tingyao is a jinx, but discerning people wouldn't say a word against her. They would only think that this child is helpless and vulnerable, and is being bullied in the deep palace.

The message has reached the front lines. If a single report comes back, Zhao Siwei will probably have worked for nothing.

Zhao Fucang took a breath and said slowly, "It's good to let Consort Xian leave, otherwise His Highness the Ninth Prince will really have nothing left."

“I have always told Zhang Zhan not to acknowledge his ancestors and return to the family, because I am afraid that he will think that I want to protect Consort Xian. Once he becomes a prince, he will have nothing to do with the Marquis of Pingyang’s family. Then, he will have nothing to do with Old Master Zhang and Old Madam Zhang either. This is to force him to let go of his hatred.”

"This would only fuel his hatred and could even implicate Lao Jiu and Xiao Mei, which is why we dare not let him come back."

"Look at the way he behaved at the hunting grounds! He wanted to tear me, his own father, apart alive!"

Empress Yan sneered inwardly, "Isn't it because you have something to hide?"

Back then, who wasn't afraid of Zhang Zhan?

Zhao Siwei became like a grandson in front of him.

They seemed to understand what Zhao Fucang was about to say.

"I plan to restore Zhang Zhan's status as a prince after Consort Xian has been at the imperial mausoleum for a while. What does the Empress think? There's no need to change his name. The character 'Zhan' is excellent; it means to have foresight, to consider both the past and the future, and to be able to see things that should be taken into account."

What can be said? How could she possibly defy Zhao Fucang now? She could only ask those around her for their help in deciding how the Yan family would deal with her.

Is he her husband? No, he is her everything.

"Your Majesty has already made a decision, and all I can say is that it is wise."

Zhao Fucang looked at his wife and said, "I intend to register him under your name."

Empress Yan nearly spilled the medicine in her hand. "Under my name?" Why? Why was Zhang Zhan, this hot potato, being given to her? "There are princesses in the palace who don't have birth mothers, and they still grow up just fine."

She considered herself to be very good to the princesses. Although they were not her biological children, she raised them as legitimate princesses and would occasionally make surprise visits to check on them to prevent them from being bullied.

Zhang Zhan could have handled it the same way.

There are several empty palaces next to Zhao Siwei; just choose the closest one and stuff the person in.

If you think that the two of them getting too close will cause trouble, then put them near the Xuanzheng Hall. With Zhao Fucang, the emperor and father, watching over them, what trouble can they cause?

Why should we give it to her?

She couldn't possibly want Zhang Zhan, that little fire dragon.

"This child hasn't been doing well; once he returns to the palace, he'll need someone to care for him."

"I'm afraid you're all overthinking my coming. The main problem is Zhang Zhan's personality; he's arrogant and spoiled. Who knows what he might do to disrupt the court, taking advantage of my indulgence?"

"If he's right under your nose, he'll be capable, and you'll benefit from it too. If he's unhappy, he'll definitely go to Lao Jiu and complain about everything. That way, you'll have the kid under control."

It is a comprehensive and strategic plan.

"Is Your Majesty trying to promote another prince, hoping to force the Ninth and Tenth Princes to become enemies?"

Empress Yan has changed her title.

Zhao Fucang coughed again, "Can you please stop spitting out knives that pierce the heart?"

"Is it inappropriate to address you as the Tenth Prince?" Empress Yan noticed his cough and suddenly lost her patience. "Otherwise, His Majesty will feel that your position is threatened."

Empress Yan fed him medicine.

Zhao Fucang looked at her, "I won't live much longer. Zhong Youling is dead, which means someone wants me dead. But you will live to be a hundred. With Zhang Zhan under your name, no matter who ascends the throne in the future, you will be noble for life."

Empress Yan was stunned for a long time before she said, "Zhao Fucang, sometimes I can't figure out whether you are using me or if you really have a little bit of pity for me."

Zhao Fucang said, "You and I are husband and wife, which is different from other concubines."

Empress Yan had no way to respond to that.

Zhao Fucang leaned against the pillows. "I'm a little tired. Empress, please don't leave Xuanzheng Hall for the next few days. Apart from coughing and it being a bit noisy, there's nothing else to do here."

Empress Yan hummed in agreement.

Zhao Fucang closed his eyes and sighed deeply, "I only have three sons. I want them all to be well, but each of them has a different intention in his heart."

Empress Yan sneered inwardly, thinking that Zhao Fucang was being incredibly naive.

Even if the three of them are willing to live together peacefully, others may not allow them to.

**

When Zhao Siwei returned to the palace, Tingyao was waiting for him.

After changing her clothes, she came out and saw food on the table. Tingyao took the initiative to speak, "Let's each talk about our own things. Your mother and you are two different people."

She couldn't lose her composure. Since Zhao Fucang had already dealt with Consort Xian, she had to endure this.

Consort Xian was too clever for her own good and ended up being used as a tool.

The imperial mausoleum was such a godforsaken place that even Consort Xian herself could drive herself crazy.

Not to mention, there's also Zhang Zhan.

Even with a knife held to her neck, she didn't believe Zhang wouldn't seek revenge on Consort Xian.

Zhao Siwei looked at the table full of his favorite dishes, and then at Tingyao, who was still the same as before, unmoved even if Mount Tai collapsed in front of her, only the redness in the corner of her eyes betrayed her.

With just one glance, everyone in the room left.

Before Zhao Siwei could speak, Tingyao said, "I know how to handle my grandmother's affairs. As for other matters, you can handle them yourself first."

She had no involvement whatsoever in the downfall of Empress Yan in her previous life.

Zhao Siwei nodded, watching the person pick up chopsticks to put food on her plate, and listening to him say, "I won't hate you just because you're Consort Xian's son. I know what I'm doing. While we're eating, I need to confirm something with you. What are you really thinking this time?"

Zhao Siwei: "I think everyone is alive. Since we only have one lifetime, let's put aside our grudges."

Tingyao looked at him for a moment, "Everyone?"

Zhao Siwei said, "I'll try my best."

Looking back on his past life from today's perspective, Zhao Siwei realized that he had made some serious mistakes.

However, things didn't turn out that way in his previous life. Since everyone who didn't want to be associated with him was dead, he had no choice but to rise up in rebellion.

Tingyao felt that this was a bit naive.

The more you desire a happy ending, the more likely you are to end up with nothing.

"Can I ask you the same question again?" Tingyao looked at him. "You're fighting to avoid being killed, or are you actually trying to kill someone?"

Zhao Siwei: "My answer remains the same: I want all the people I care about to survive."

Tingyao got up and paced back and forth a few steps, then chuckled, "My reading comprehension is really flawed. Even though you've explained it so clearly, I still foolishly believe that the people you care about don't include Zhang Zhan, Zhao Sicong, and the Yan family, who want to kill you."

Zhao Siwei: "This life is different now, Tingyao, are you angry?"

Tingyao: "No, as I said before, I will help you with whatever you want in this life. I'm going back to the Ji family now. After you finish eating, hurry up and go to the Yan family. Don't worry about me."

Zhao Siwei: "Tingyao".

Tingyao paused in her steps as she walked out, when she heard Zhao Siwei say, "Do you want to be the empress?"

Tingyao lowered her eyes, did not answer the question, and strode out.

Tingyao went to the Ji family's residence after leaving the palace. Ji Boming and the others had already been arrested, except for—

"Where is the First Madam?" Tingyao asked simply. "Father, at this point, are you still going to protect her?"

Ji Boming said, "Your mother didn't interfere, she just didn't stop it. Child, let's not pursue it further. Now that your grandmother is dead, all of us officials in the family have to observe three years of mourning. Even those with minor official titles can't take the imperial examinations anymore. We can only rely on our in-laws to help us move around in the court. Your second aunt's family has fallen on hard times, and your third aunt's family is a merchant family. Although some of her relatives are officials, they are all minor officials outside the capital and can't even reach the capital. So we only have..."

The Sun family had established a firm foothold in the capital.

"Does Father think my maternal grandfather from the Bai family is unreliable? Or does he think I, as a royal consort, am useless?" Tingyao retorted. "The Sun family stood by and watched the Ji family suffer, causing this catastrophe. Has the Sun family recovered? Has the Ji family recovered?"

Ji Boming sighed, "The child..."

"In Father's words, this matter is something to be kept quiet about, but she is Father's wife, yet she did not think properly about Father's career. Instead, she forced Father not to punish her. I am investigating this matter, and the royal family is also investigating it. How Father handles it is being watched by the imperial family."

“If Your Majesty spares the First Madam, and Your Majesty thinks Father is being unreasonable, you can leave Father in mourning now, but once Father is out of mourning, his official position can be easily transferred.”

"So I advised my father that if he really wanted to save face, he should just divorce his first wife. At least that would fulfill his filial duty."

Upon hearing "divorced," Ji Boming stared in disbelief. "Have you lost your mind since becoming an imperial concubine? Divorce me? At this critical juncture?"

"Father, you should think about the future. Do you really want me, your daughter, to break off all ties?" Tingyao's voice was tinged with coldness, and a threat flashed in her eyes.

Ji Boming's heart skipped a beat.

Tingyao is Zhao Siwei's principal wife. If Zhao Siwei successfully ascends the throne, Tingyao will be the empress.

A wife who refused to help his mother when she was dying, causing him to be in mourning, and a daughter who had already married into a wealthy family.

What will happen in the third grade is unpredictable, but Zhao Siwei's meteoric rise to power is inevitable.

The Yan family collapsed, and the crown prince was overthrown.

Even if Zhang Zhan regains his status as a prince, he will still be a prince who follows Zhao Siwei around.

The court has completely changed.

As long as the Bai family wins, Tingyao's position will remain unchanged.

Seeing Ji Boming deep in thought, Tingyao knew he had figured it out.

She straightened her clothes. "I'm going to His Highness the Ninth Prince's private residence. I'll be back later."

If you still can't get rid of Sun Shi after this back and forth, don't blame me for not showing any fatherly affection.

Although you and I, and the original owner of this body, have no emotional connection.