Chapter 39: The Empress Is About to Turn Dark

Chapter 39: The Empress Is About to Turn Dark

The entire court was stunned. They never expected that His Majesty would personally lead the expedition against the bandits before his rule was fully established.

"Your Majesty is wise. If we can eliminate those bandits, trade and commerce with other countries will surely become much smoother, and our people will live in greater peace and confidence." The Grand Tutor strongly approved of the Emperor's decision.

"But, Your Majesty, if you lead the expedition, what about the affairs of state..." someone expressed concern.

"What, do you think the court will fall into chaos just because I'm leading an expedition against bandits?" the Emperor sneered.

"Oh, it might really turn chaotic, Uncle. After all, some people have been plotting for years, waiting for this opportunity when you're not around!" Ruo Xi couldn't resist jabbing her uncle again.

Xiao Yin: "..." She’s my niece; I have to dote on her!

"Your Majesty, please calm down!" The ministers dared not say anything more and knelt together.

"The court is dismissed!" The Emperor carried his niece out of the hall.

Great Wei is located in the central part of the continent, in a plain region.

The capital of Great Wei is situated slightly to the north, so once autumn arrives, the weather quickly turns cold.

Even little Ruo Xi was wrapped layer upon layer.

Her uncle must have been worried she'd be too cold early in the morning, so he had wrapped a blanket over her swaddling clothes. When a cold breeze blew by, it made her feel much better after feeling a bit stuffy.

"Your, Your Majesty!" someone chattered through clenched teeth.

"Chancellor, are you more awake now?" The Emperor, carrying a swaddled baby, turned to look at the man being doused with ice water and asked indifferently.

"Your Majesty, you might as well kill me. Humiliating me like this... I’d rather die!" The Chancellor's face, swollen from twenty slaps, looked as if it had doubled in size. With tears and snot streaming down his face, he turned to look at the Emperor and the crowd of ministers and palace servants watching him. He truly wished he could die.

"Oh, psychological warfare, Uncle is indeed skilled!" Ruo Xi understood: "I thought rumors said Uncle was a tyrant, but why didn’t he act against this old man who was so aggressive in court? Turns out, he was humiliating him!"

In recent days, Ruo Xi had learned more about Great Wei's internal affairs through observation and historical records.

The Chancellor had been appointed three years ago for his contributions, and he was also the Emperor's father-in-law. Therefore, Xiao Yin had entrusted many matters to him.

Before that, the Chancellor was merely a minister in charge of foreign affairs. After his promotion, he gained considerable influence over the past three years, making him increasingly arrogant and corrupt.

He often acted as if he were above everyone else, even in court, which had long irritated the Emperor.

"Fine, go ahead and die. Before you do, write your last will and testament, tell everyone, tell the Empress, that you chose to die!" The Emperor finished speaking and turned to leave, still carrying Ruo Xi.

Ruo Xi yawned, uninterested in such an old man.

Xiaoyao originally had her own palace, but the Empress Dowager's Fu Shou Palace was too quiet, and she always missed her granddaughter. So, the elderly lady had Xiaoyao move into Fu Shou Palace.

After the court session, Xiao Yin went directly to Fu Shou Palace.

"You’re quite amusing, bringing Xiao Xi'er to court. Did the Chancellor criticize you?" The Empress Dowager hurriedly had a nanny bring Ruo Xi over. "You should be careful not to let our Xiao Xi'er go hungry!"

"I made sure Yue'er fed her before I brought her along, Mother. You don't need to worry," Xiao Yin smiled.

"Did you gain anything by bringing Xi'er to court, Brother?" Xiaoyao asked.

"Gained? What you know is enough," the Emperor smiled. "I was looking for an excuse to humble the Chancellor, and now I feel relieved!"

"Hmm, you feel relieved, but look at your harem. Are they relieved? Oh, you!" The Empress Dowager sighed.

After breakfast at Fu Shou Palace, the Emperor returned.

Before leaving, he wanted to take Xiao Xi'er with him, but she had fallen asleep again.

Attending the morning court session was exhausting. Ruo Xi came back, had her fill of milk, and slept for half the day before waking up.

"Waaah!"

Crying pierced the air, and the great demon was annoyed.

"What’s going on? Can’t even sleep peacefully. Watch out, or I’ll..." she waved her tiny arm.

Goodness, Ruo Xi woke herself up completely.

It had been over a month, yet she still hadn't adapted to being a weak baby, wanting to slap someone with her tiny hand.

"You disturbed Xiao Xi!" A cold voice rang out, and Ruo Xi realized her uncle was nearby.

And she seemed to be in her uncle's Nourishing Heart Palace.

"Please strip me of my position as Empress!" The voice sounded familiar. Ruo Xi thought for a moment and remembered it was the Empress, her aunt.

"I’ve said it before, your father is your father, and you are you. Don’t mix them up or cause trouble!" Xiao Yin said coldly.

"I am incompetent and cannot persuade my father or assist Your Majesty. Please punish me!" The Empress persisted.

"Oh, how annoying, Uncle should grant her wish!" Ruo Xi was annoyed and stretched her tiny arm, blowing a bubble. "Baby is hungry!"

"Sister, did Xiao Xi'er wake up?" Xiaoyao came forward, carrying her daughter away.

Earlier, the Emperor had summoned her to the Nourishing Heart Palace for a meal and instructed her to bring Yue'er, saying he had a gift for her.

Knowing her daughter loved nice things, Xiaoyao brought her along.

Little did she know, the Empress arrived just as she got there.

"My patience has limits!" Xiao Yin stood up, looking down at the Empress and said coldly, "I give you one month to think it over. If you don’t understand, move to the Cold Palace yourself!"

"Your Majesty!" The Empress was taken aback; she lifted her eyes to look at the Emperor.

However, the Emperor had already gone to the table and started watching the eunuchs and palace maids set out the bowls and chopsticks.

The Empress got up and looked toward Xiaoyao, who was feeding baby Ruo Xi in the side hall, her back molars clenched tightly.

"Tsk, I can sense a very strong resentment. It seems the Empress is about to turn dark! Women in the harem, they turn dark so easily!" Baby Ruo Xi sighed while feeding.

Xiaoyao's brows furrowed, and she decided to return to the General's Mansion in two days.

During the meal.

Hearing her sister say she wanted to go back, the Emperor's brows knitted together.

"Why go back? That General's Mansion is full of filth!" the Emperor said coldly.

"To gather information for His Majesty!" Xiaoyao said with a smile.