Chapter 5, Even the aging queen is not easily deceived

Being praised for intelligence is a good thing, but not at this moment, in this place, and regarding this person. Even though Ling Bo lowered her gaze, the intimidation emanating from her eyes pierced deeply, causing all her prepared responses to evaporate. At this moment, she could only adhere to the principle that silence is golden and chose to remain silent.

Why do you not persuade me to pass the throne to the Crown Prince? This merit should be sufficient for you to enjoy endless wealth and honor for the rest of your life, don't you think

I am still the Son of Heaven of the Great Zhou. They have already killed the brothers Zhang Changzong and Zhang Yizhi, but as long as I am alive, I will never abdicate in favor of the Crown Prince

Noticing Shangguan Wan'er's dazed expression, Lingbo stepped forward and gently patted her back, softly reminding her: "Aunt, why don't you go outside to rest for a while? I will keep an eye on things here for you"

Of course, there is also someone nearby who is taking advantage of the situation and watching the commotion

Ling Bo had never bothered to consider the matter of persuading the Empress. It is important for one to have self-awareness; if her own daughter and trusted confidant had both failed to achieve any effect, what right did she have to overestimate her own abilities? If she thought that the Empress's loss of power would allow her to act as she pleased, that would be truly foolish. Thus, she leaned against the brocade stool beside her, closed her eyes to rest, and suddenly recalled the scene from yesterday when she galloped down the long street.

As the saying goes, if one does not engage in wrongdoing, one need not fear the knocking of ghosts at the door. She believed that this palace coup had no connection to her, and that Shangguan Wan'er’s selfish motives were also unrelated to her. Thus, after a moment of panic, she quickly regained her composure. It was unclear how much time had passed when her hand was finally released, followed by a weary command in her ear: "You go out and bring Princess Taiping and Wan'er in together."

Although everything is almost under control, the one thing that remains unfinished has caused great distress to everyone—there is neither the imperial seal nor the edict. Those who dared to directly make such requests to the Empress have almost all been scolded out. Now, the only ones fortunate enough to remain in the Changsheng Palace are Princess Taiping and Shangguan Wan'er

The Yingxian Palace has already undergone a significant transformation. With the downfall of the Zhang brothers, Zhang Changzong and Zhang Yizhi, very few familiar faces remain, mostly replaced by new individuals who keep their heads down and hands at their sides. Of course, the purging is far from over. As soon as dawn broke, Yuan Shuji hurried to deploy the Southern Yamen troops, preparing to suppress any potential upheaval that might arise; Huan Yanfan went to capture the remaining supporters of the Zhang brothers; and Zhang Jianzhih and Jinghui were responsible for coordinating with other officials to arrange the ascension of the crown prince and various related matters. As soon as dawn broke, Yuan Shuji hurried to deploy the Southern Yamen troops, preparing to suppress any potential upheaval that might arise; Huan Yanfan went to capture the remaining supporters of the Zhang brothers; and Zhang Jianzhih and Jinghui were responsible for coordinating with other officials to arrange the ascension of the crown prince and various related matters.

Ling Bo watched with great interest as Princess Taiping and Shangguan Wan'er took turns trying to persuade the Empress, employing all their skills. However, it must be said that this aunt of hers had held power for so many years, displaying an extraordinary tenacity. She would counter any argument she could, and when she could not, she remained silent, maintaining an unprecedentedly firm stance. Even when Princess Taiping appealed to her emotions and Shangguan Wan'er presented logical reasoning, it did not lead her to relent. In short, the supreme Empress seemed to adhere to a singular principle.

With a cold snort, Ling Bo suddenly felt her hand being grasped by someone. In a moment of panic, she attempted to break free, but that thin, bony hand clamped down on her wrist like an iron hoop, rendering her completely immobile. At that moment, she could no longer evade the gaze that felt almost tangible; the two piercing eyes of the empress seemed to penetrate to the very depths of her being.

Seventeen Young Lady

Look, what is this stubbornness of an old child? She truly cannot understand how a wise and brilliant empress, after a lifetime of greatness, could end up in such a situation in her later years. Even if she were to die without passing on the throne or issuing a jade seal, in the end, it could simply be resolved with a forged edict. Once the empress breathes her last, who could question the authenticity of it all? After all, Her Majesty, the supreme empress, is already eighty-two years old.

With her departure, Shangguan Wan'er found herself even more isolated; despite having issued edicts for many years, she hardly dared to go against the Empress's wishes. The only time she defied an order ended with her being punished by tattooing. Now, standing on the opposing side of the Empress, she knew victory was certain, yet she still felt an inexplicable sense of trepidation.

This command was like celestial music to Ling Bo, so she agreed and quickly got up to leave. Upon reaching the outer room, she vigorously woke up Shangguan Wan'er and ordered someone to summon Princess Taiping, while she herself sought another place to catch up on sleep. Since the Empress had relented, the major situation was already settled, and there was no further business for her to attend to.

Thus, she lowered her gaze and began with a phrase that was steady and composed: "Your Majesty, what are your orders?"

Wealth and honor can only be enjoyed if one has the life to do so. Is she out of her mind to compete for credit with Princess Taiping? Moreover, on what basis does she have such confidence to persuade this stubborn old lady? Ling Bo suppressed the impulse to retort and succinctly replied: "This matter is already decided in Your Majesty's heart; I am merely tasked with guarding Your Majesty and dare not speak further."

Good, good! I thought everyone was just a good-for-nothing, but it turns out there is a clever person in the Wu family! It seems that even a hundred years from now, the Wu family will not become extinct!

After a night of anxiety, coupled with the recent exhausting persuasion, Shangguan Wan'er felt utterly drained. After a moment of hesitation, she agreed. Glancing at the empress, who lay with her eyes tightly shut, she shook her head helplessly and turned to leave. As her footsteps gradually faded away, the palace grew silent, with not a sound to be heard.

When the sky brightened, the snow had already stopped. A round red sun hung high in the sky, yet it brought little warmth. The heavy snow that had fallen throughout the night covered the ground with a thick layer, obscuring the bloodstains and countless disordered footprints.

That naive young man is probably an outsider. If he were to encounter a spoiled young lady from another family, he might have been trampled to death by a galloping horse. However, his silly and clumsy demeanor is indeed quite amusing, much more pleasant to the eye than those who are eager to show off their cleverness. He bears some resemblance to her late father... Wait a minute, how could she possibly connect a stranger with her honest and straightforward father! How embarrassing! ... Wait a minute, how could she possibly connect a stranger with her honest and straightforward father! How embarrassing!

The sudden low call that rang in her ears startled Ling Bo, causing her to open her eyes in a hurry. She saw the Empress on the bed gazing at her with a peculiar look, leaving her momentarily astonished. Although she had been raised in the palace as an orphan, the Empress, who was preoccupied with countless affairs and male favorites, hardly had time to pay her any attention. Now, dressed clearly in the attire of a palace maid, the Empress, in her delirious state, could still remember her name. Should she feel fortunate or should she feel anxious?

After persuading tirelessly to no avail, Princess Taiping finally could no longer hold back her frustration and, in a fit of anger, swept her sleeves and left. Although she was once the most favored daughter of the Empress, her first husband was killed, and she was repeatedly framed. Even someone as strong as she was filled with resentment towards her mother.

At the age of eighty-two, and considering that his illness was widely known, it is not surprising that he has passed away peacefully at this time

Despite lying there, appearing so weak that even raising a hand seemed difficult, the Empress's eyes were devoid of any murky color, sharp as they had been in the days of her reign. After gazing at Ling Bo for a long time with that penetrating look, she finally smiled and said, "You are nothing like your father. He is an honest man who would never say an extra word, yet I never expected to have such a clever daughter like you."