Chapter 1908: Mother-in-law and Sister-in-law

The empress calmly replied, “Who says that Golden Token Eleven has no contributions? Ever since he was appointed, he has solved cases brilliantly time and time again. He even received his majesty’s deep appreciation. This is something I believe everyone understands very well.

“Previously, he even uncovered the case of Golden Token Seven’s death, bringing justice to Golden Token Seven’s grievance. His investigation even revealed that there were people plotting against his majesty.

“It was just that back then, this intelligence was not given too much attention, and Zhuxie Chixin was not at the capital, which was what led to the tragedy that followed.”

…

When she listened to how familiar the empress was with Golden Token Eleven’s achievements, Bi Linglong was a bit shocked. She could sense the empress’ trust in Golden Token Eleven.

When did they get so close to each other?

It wasn’t just her alone. Some well-informed people in the court were a bit confused too. In the past, Golden Token Eleven had saved the crown princess, so they had thought he was closer to the crown princess. And yet now, it seemed that even the empress really appreciated him!

Just how is that Golden Token Eleven so good at currying favor? He ended up getting on the good side of both of the palace’s big shots!

After all, the empress and crown princess looked amiable on the surface, but they were actually like water and fire. They had never been able to stand on the same side. He was the first example of such a thing!

King Dai’s face twitched. He recalled what his Chan’er had told him.

“Even if Golden Token Eleven has a lot of contributions, the successive Chief Commanders needed to be appointed by his majesty personally. This is a rule that has long been established.”

The reason that was the case was out of fear of imperial authority weakening. The rule ensured that the Embroidered Envoy only ever remained loyal to the emperor alone. With him taking the lead, many people voiced their agreement, with no lack of King Dai’s people among them, as well as some who had originally been neutral. They didn’t really support anyone in particular beyond their own beliefs.

King Dai grinned when he saw that.

What Chan’er predicted was spot on. I can even make a lot of neutral subjects support me!

When she saw the subjects get more and more worked up, a hint of anger flashed across the empress’ expression.

I’m promoting my lover to nobility; what are all of you causing such a commotion for?

She took a deep breath. A calm smile remained on her face the entire time as she asked, “Crown princess, what do you say about this matter?”

Bi Linglong’s breath caught in her throat. If it had involved anyone else, she would definitely have seized the chance to criticize the empress over it. Not only would it have stopped the empress from planting her own trusted aide, it could even have dealt a blow to her prestige. However, the one who was being promoted was Golden Token Eleven, so she really couldn't resist the temptation.

As such, she smiled and said, “I actually feel that your highness’ words are quite reasonable. Now that something has happened to his majesty and there is no new emperor who has risen to the throne yet, the intelligence the Embroidered Envoy is responsible for is still tied to the safety of the nation, so they cannot be without a leader. Sir Eleven has countless contributions and he is loyal to the country, so he is indeed a good candidate.”

When they heard her say that, the entire court was instantly stunned. They were used to these two constantly tearing at each other, to the point of arguing endlessly over the smallest matters. Today, in this matter, was the first time they had ever seen the two agree so easily. They really weren’t used to it at all!

King Dai was also stupefied.

Why are the results going differently from how Chan’er planned?

He had no idea that even though Madam Dai was full of stratagems, her intelligence wasn’t accurate. She didn’t know that the empress and crown princess both had close relationships to Golden Token Eleven, so it was only natural that she had come to a wrong conclusion.

King Dai still tried to oppose it, but the empress became a bit impatient. She remarked, “King Dai, could it be that you feel that this empress doesn’t have the right to appoint him?!”

“I wouldn’t dare!” King Dai replied, wiping away the cold sweat on his forehead. Even though that was what his side was thinking, who would dare to actually voice it?

The empress then said, “Now that an accident has happened to his majesty, the crown prince might just be the new emperor. Since this empress and the Eastern Palace’s side share similar opinions, then this matter is decided.”

The subjects all began to think to themselves, The crown prince is the son born of the empress’ very own sister, after all. The only reason the empress had never clearly stated her position before was only out of consideration for whether she or Bi Linglong would have more authority in the future. She could actually support the crown prince at any time.

“Understood!” King Dai replied, although he was sweating buckets. The other party was knocking him down a peg here! She could support him as the new crown prince, but she could also support the original crown prince. How could he dare to offend her in the slightest?

In the end, Golden Token Eleven being promoted to Chief Commander was settled. Now, they had to discuss the matter of the new emperor’s ascent. However, the emperor’s death still hadn't been announced publicly. They had to wait for the procession to return from Violet Mountain first. For better or for worse, they had to arrange a cenotaph for Zhao Han. Otherwise, wouldn’t there be a huge commotion throughout the empire if the people learned that they didn’t even have Zhao Han’s remains to bury?

As such, before Bi Qi and Zhao Yuan escorted Zhao Xiaodie and the others back, the various forces were doing everything they could to mutually wrestle and compromise on benefits. In the end, they would select one candidate to support. The crown prince had the highest chance of success, but there were still variables. For example, King Dai was also a popular candidate.

…

When the court session was disbanded, Madam Jin left with an absent-minded expression. She was a bit scared of everything that had happened. Even though she had found out that the Chief Commander was Golden Token Eleven, she had now fully offended King Dai and the Meng clan. She was a weak, widowed woman. She wondered whether they would take their revenge on her.

Then, precisely what she was most scared of happened. King Dai just happened to be waiting in the middle of the path she had to take. Madam Jin lowered her head and pretended to walk past hurriedly as if she didn’t see him. However, who would have thought that King Dai would take a step forward and stand right in her way?

“Why isn’t sister-in-law at least offering me a greeting even though you saw me?” King Dai asked with a big smile.

Madam Jin was alarmed. She quickly said, “A widow shouldn’t be too close to outsiders. I hope that brother king can forgive me.”

“Is that so?” King Dai sneered. “You seemed to be quite good at talking when you accused me of misconduct during the court session, no?”

Madam Jin trembled, saying, “I merely answered what the crown princess asked me. I didn’t intend to go against brother king.”

“Don’t try to shut me up with the crown princess' name,” King Dai said, feeling a bit angry. He had thought that his sister-in-law would have a good impression of him, and he'd even thought that the two of them could enjoy themselves together the previous day. After all, his sister-in-law was now a widow. There was no way he could let her just wither away, right?

However, who would have thought that the Embroidered Envoy would get in the way! He had thought that there would be ample time for it later, and that they would have a chance again. And yet today, Madam Jin’s performance made his heart go completely cold. Only now did he realize that this sister-in-law didn’t have any favorable feelings for him at all! She clearly hated him bitterly! What chance did he have left to have an intimate exchange with her anymore?

When he thought of those things, he asked with a sneer, “Is sister-in-law not worried that things might just happen to the He clan?”

Madam Jin’s expression immediately changed. She asked, “What are you going to do to them? They're innocent! If you are going to do anything, do it to me!”

King Dai looked at her rosy cherry mouth and thought to himself, Being kissed by them must feel amazing. He replied, “At this point, what innocence or guilt is there to speak of? Since you chose to do things that way, you should understand what kind of price you need to pay.”

I do want to do you, but now isn’t yet the time.

Once your entire He clan is ruined, you'll come to me on your own, begging me to do you!

When she heard what he said, Madam Jin’s face immediately went deathly pale.

King Dai wanted to continue, but a voice suddenly called out, “Do you feel no sense of shame bullying a weak, widowed woman?”

Madam Jin turned around and was instantly stunned. The tall and handsome man in front of her was none other than Zu An. For some reason, when she stood at his side and sensed that tall and sturdy figure, she felt a mysterious sense of safety.

King Dai replied with a sneer, “And why did she become a widow? Wasn’t it because you killed her husband?”

Zu An remained calm and said, “With regard to who really harmed King Jin, I believe you also understand that clearly.”

King Dai’s expression changed. He said, "Hmph, I don’t have time to waste on you.” He then stormed off in a huff.

This guy is a crude boor, someone who dares to even kill King Jin. Who knows if he’ll just kill me if I argue with him?! It’s too big of a risk.

A gentleman won’t argue with the petty. Someone like me who has such honorable status won’t bicker with a brute.

When King Dai left, Zu An looked at the bashful woman next to him and asked, “Are you alright?”

“I’m alr…” Madam Jin began, then suddenly shook her head and disappeared. Even though she didn’t hate Zu An, she didn’t want any sort of connection with him. Otherwise, she would just feel a bit strange somehow. What she was most concerned about right now was her family’s situation. King Dai and the Meng clan would definitely get revenge on them.

It’s all my fault! I shouldn’t have come out here to bear witness today…

She thought about asking the crown princess for help, but she had no proof.

The crown princess probably can’t do much either, right? Otherwise, why would she have been pressured so badly by King Dai all this time?

The Chief Commander’s figure suddenly appeared in her mind, and her charming face gradually reddened.

How do I contact him? He’ll definitely have a solution.

As Zu An looked at that weak and delicate figure, he sighed. It was fine if she didn’t want to get involved with him; he wouldn't disturb her peaceful life either. At most, he’d just use his identity as the Chief Commander to watch over her family members a bit. He shook his head, then also left the palace.

…

𝗳𝗿𝐞𝕖𝘄𝗲𝕓𝗻𝚘𝚟𝕖𝐥.𝚌𝕠𝕞

When he left the palace, he began wondering where to go. Would it be better to return to Mount Yuquan to start researching the ‘Baopu Sutra’, or to visit his daughter at Sang Manor first?

Suddenly, a charming voice called out, “Brother-in-law, brother-in-law!”

Zu An looked up and saw that a carriage had stopped nearby. The carriage’s curtains were raised slightly, and he could see a beautiful madam looking at him with a smile. There was another young lady seated at the front of the carriage. Her figure was slim and petite, and her facial features were bright and pretty. The young lady jumped off the carriage and charged at him happily.

As she was running, her extremely short dress fluttered with a special rhythm and lightly flapped against her charming little bottom. Together with the small whip at her waist, she was full of a youthful and energetic air. In that instant, Zu An felt as if he had returned to the time when he first transmigrated to this world.

While he was dazed, that lively and youthful young woman quickly ran into his arms, exclaiming, “Stinky brother-in-law!”

“Xiaozhao!” Zu An exclaimed, feeling surprised and happy. He reflexively hugged the young lady in his arms tightly.

Who else could it be but Chu Huanzhao? The two of them had only become friends after a lot of fights. Later, she had actually become the one who treated him the best in all of Chu Manor.

The ministers who were passing by looked at him curiously.

Who is this young lady? What kind of a relationship does she have with Zu An?

When Madam Jin, who had just gotten into a carriage in the distance, saw the scene, she immediately lowered the curtains.

This Zu An is as the rumors described after all, full of lust. He isn’t even letting such a young lady go! I absolutely cannot let him get close to me.

If I let him take advantage of me, my husband might just come back to life out of anger.