flstandardbreds Chapter 151 The Empress Conferment Scandal Begins
Chapter 151 The Empress Conferment Scandal Begins
Xiao Yanzi's days in the palace became increasingly unbearable. Ever since Hongli announced the decree to make her empress, she had become the target of everyone's criticism. On this day, she was in her palace, staring blankly at herself in the mirror, with Xiao Tao serving her beside her.
"Your Majesty, please don't look so sad. No matter what, His Majesty's feelings for you will never change," Xiao Tao gently comforted her.
Xiao Yanzi smiled bitterly: "Xiao Tao, you don't understand. The struggles in the palace are far more complicated than I imagined. I didn't want to get involved in these troubles, but now I have no choice."
Just then, Lin Yuhang requested an audience. Xiao Yanzi quickly let him in.
"Sister, I heard that Zhixi is searching everywhere for dirt on you. You must be very careful," Lin Yuhang said with a worried expression.
Little Swallow sighed and said, "Brother, I know, but I've always acted with integrity. What could I possibly have done to offend her?"
"Sister, you must not be careless. In this palace, anyone can find a pretext to frame you," Lin Yuhang warned.
Little Swallow nodded: "Brother, don't worry, I will be careful. By the way, brother, do you know if the Zuo Ling Nara Nerbu would be willing to take me as his daughter?"
Lin Yuhang shook his head: "I'm not too clear about this matter either, but the Emperor's decree has been issued, and he probably wouldn't dare to disobey. However, the process will likely not be smooth."
Meanwhile, in Zhixi's palace, she was discussing matters with Rong Momo.
"Granny, have you found anything wrong with that Little Swallow?" Zhixi asked with a sinister look in her eyes.
Rong Momo replied respectfully, "Your Highness, this old servant has been investigating, but so far we haven't found any major evidence. However, Xiao Yanzi acts strangely, and her words and actions are often unlike those of a lady from a respectable family. This old servant thinks we can start from this aspect."
Zhixi frowned: "I'm afraid this won't be enough to change the Emperor's mind. We need to dig deeper."
Meanwhile, in the imperial court, the ministers continued their discussions about making Xiao Yanzi empress. One minister stepped forward and said, "Your Majesty, I have heard that when the Imperial Noble Consort was in the Prime Minister's residence, she associated with some martial arts figures. Such behavior may damage the royal family's reputation, and she is not suitable to be empress!"
Hongli's face darkened: "I have already said that I will make my own decision regarding Xiaoyanzi's matter. You should stop talking nonsense."
But the ministers' discussions continued.
After learning about what was happening in the court, Xiao Yanzi felt troubled and decided to go see Hongli. Upon seeing Hongli, Xiao Yanzi couldn't help but say, "Your Majesty, I don't want the position of Empress anymore. I don't want to see you in such a difficult situation, nor do I want to be schemed against in this palace every day."
Hongli grabbed her hand: "Little Swallow, I won't allow you to say such things. Since I've decided to make you my empress, I won't change my mind easily. I'll handle what those ministers say, so don't worry."
"But Your Majesty, there are too many conspiracies and schemes behind this, I'm afraid I can't handle it." Little Swallow's eyes were filled with tears.
"With me here, you have nothing to fear. I will protect you and ensure your smooth ascension to the throne," Hongli said firmly.
As the coronation ceremony drew near, the atmosphere in the palace grew increasingly tense. Xiao Yanzi spent each day in anxiety, unsure what tricks Zhixi would pull next, or what objections the ministers would voice.
At this critical moment, Nara Nerbu suddenly entered the palace to request an audience with the Emperor. He said to Hongli with a look of fear, "Your Majesty, I am terrified. I know that my status is too low and I am afraid that I am not able to shoulder the heavy responsibility of being the father of the Imperial Noble Consort. I beg Your Majesty to rescind your order."
Hongli was furious: "How dare you change my decree at will? Don't be misled by others, just do as I say."
Nara Nerbu withdrew trembling with fear, but the incident caused a great uproar in the palace.
Upon hearing this, Xiao Yanzi felt even more uneasy. She went to Lin Yuhang to discuss countermeasures.
"Brother, what should we do? If Nara Nerbu refuses, the matter of her becoming empress will likely be hindered," Xiao Yanzi said anxiously.
Lin Yuhang pondered for a moment: "Sister, there must be something fishy about this. I'm afraid Zhixi and the others are up to something behind the scenes. We need to find a way to make Nara Nerbu change her mind."
"But what should we do?" Little Swallow looked at Lin Yuhang helplessly.
"I'll go and scout out the situation first, and see if I can find a breakthrough," Lin Yuhang said.
Amidst the turbulent power struggles of the imperial court, Xiao Yanzi and Hongli's love story and their path to becoming empress are fraught with uncertainty and challenges. Will they be able to overcome all obstacles and successfully celebrate their coronation as empress?
This chapter concludes here. Stay tuned for the next chapter.