Chapter 12 Forging Alliances
I went to the palace to return the token to Father Emperor.
But he told me to keep it, his eyes deep as the sea.
"Tangyue, hold power tightly."
"When your wings are full, Father Emperor will write the decree himself."
This was almost explicit.
I suppressed excitement and bowed to leave.
Then, I moved to gather my forces.
I knew who would become key ministers, how the capital's situation would unfold.
Before being locked in You Ting, a wrongful case hit the court.
Household Minister Chu Hanxi was impeached for embezzlement, house raided, imprisoned.
Later, after hardships, Prime Minister Liu Yin overturned it, and Chu Hanxi joined Liu's faction.
They became close.
Seizing this, after Chu Hanxi's impeachment, I presented key evidence proving his innocence.
When his house was raided, I arrived with an imperial edict.
"Stop! No disrespect to Lord Shangshu's family!"
Chu's house was in chaos; my arrival was a dawn in darkness.
Chu Hanxi cleared his name and joined my side.
In official robes, upright and bold, he asked directly. "Your Highness's grace, I won't forget. But does Your Highness need my service for yourself or the Third Prince?"
I curved my lips.
"Of course, for me."
"I understand."
Chu Hanxi bowed and left after knowing.
I interfered more in court affairs, but Father Emperor blocked the storms.
I just acted freely, using ability to make them submit.
The one who noticed was my Imperial Consort Mother.
She rushed to the princess mansion, asking suspiciously.
"Tangyue, why didn't you consult me on these?"
I sipped tea casually, blowing the steam.
"Why consult you?"
Imperial Consort Mother's eyes widened, voice sharp.
"I'm your Imperial Consort Mother! Without my help, what can you achieve? Look at Chu Hanxi you saved; I asked him to speak for Yan'er, seek a good post before the Emperor, but he defied me? It infuriates me!"
Under her angry gaze, I laughed.
"He's my man; of course he won't work for you or Zhao Yan."
Imperial Consort Mother was stunned.
"What do you mean?"
"It means, Imperial Consort Mother, I won't be controlled by you anymore."
I stood, meeting her eyes levelly.
"Nor make way for Zhao Yan."