The prince is more stable

Chapter 752 Choosing Sides with the Empress Dowager
A widowed sister-in-law, a passionate brother-in-law, and then all dressed up in royal attire—this combination seems rather bizarre.

Since ancient times, there have been many sordid affairs in the imperial family. At the beginning of the Song Dynasty, Emperor Taizong raped Xiao Zhouhou, the wife of Li Yu, the ruler of the Southern Tang Dynasty. Later, some enthusiasts even drew a picture called "Emperor Taizong's Visit to Xiao Zhouhou", which depicted the process of Emperor Taizong raping Xiao Zhouhou in detail.

This belongs to the realist school.

Fortunately, Emperor Taizong wasn't so perverted as to call Li Yu to his side to watch him have sex with Xiao Zhouhou; otherwise, it would have been a classic case of "the husband committing a crime before his own eyes" in the Song Dynasty.

Therefore, the royal family has never been so noble and sacred since ancient times. The despicable things they did are unthinkable to ordinary people.

If the founding emperors were all like this, how could we expect the emperors and their descendants to be saints who could remain unmoved by temptation?
Now, Zhao Hao is facing his widowed sister-in-law, who has been widowed for many years. Although he cannot see the Empress Dowager's true face through the beaded curtain, this hazy feeling makes Zhao Hao even more excited.

There was a misunderstanding between the uncle and sister-in-law just now. Zhao Hao did not mean it when he spoke, but after being scolded by Empress Dowager Xiang, Zhao Hao seemed to have triggered something and opened the door to a new world.

He couldn't help but recall his sister-in-law's appearance. To be made empress by Emperor Shenzong back then, she must have been quite beautiful, especially considering her current status as empress dowager, and his relationship with her as her uncle and sister-in-law...

Zhao Hao and his son were secretly plotting a treasonous act, so they were naturally quite bold. At this moment, hearing the clear and melodious voice behind the beaded curtain, expressing slight anger towards the Empress Dowager, Zhao Hao immediately had an idea.

This noble status, this beautiful widow, and this long-standing relationship between uncle and sister-in-law—these are simply gifts from heaven!
Zhao Hao had a particular fondness for widows, and wasn't this a ready-made widow right in front of him? Moreover, she had so many buffs, making her far superior to those seductive and shameless women he tried to seduce outside.

If he succeeds in this life, Empress Dowager Xiang will definitely take him into her harem, no doubt about it!

Zhao Hao secretly made a vow in his heart, and a filthy look flashed quickly in his small green bead eyes.

He dared not do such things before, but now he does. After all, he's doing something that could cost his whole family their lives. The victor is king, the loser is villain. He has no objection to giving the throne to his son, but the Empress Dowager must go to his father. This is Zhao Hao's spoils of war.

All these years I've been groveling before the Empress Dowager; it won't be long before I'm the one being served by this woman.

Imagining the enchanting scene of a future boudoir with its pink curtains, flowing streams, and winding paths, Zhao Hao's motivation to usurp the throne grew even stronger.

Those who aspire to great things appear humbler before they succeed.

At this moment, Zhao Hao lowered his head before Empress Dowager Xiang, revealing a look of fear, and repeatedly apologized.

He then proceeded to self-reflect on his moral depravity, invoked the bonds of imperial kinship, and showered the Empress Dowager with lavish praise. Even through the beaded curtain, he could feel the Empress Dowager's unparalleled beauty, which caused him to lose his composure...

After speaking at length, Empress Dowager Xiang, behind the beaded curtain, blushed with embarrassment at these shameless words. While she was embarrassed and annoyed, she couldn't help but secretly rejoice deep down.

Women love to be praised, especially for their beauty. The Empress Dowager was a woman, and she was no exception.

While secretly pleased, they still had to show their true feelings, otherwise the relationship between the uncle and sister-in-law would become ambiguous.

Besides, Empress Dowager Xiang was also secretly surprised.

While the King of Chu in the past was not exactly cautious in his speech to her, he was never as bold as he was today. Zhao Hao seemed to be drunk, and what he said to her could only be described as "flirting".

So what exactly made him so audacious today?
"King of Chu, that's enough! This is the palace. You must be careful with your words. Speaking recklessly will only bring disaster. Do I need to teach you these principles?" Empress Dowager Xiang said coldly, maintaining her dignity.

"Your Majesty, please forgive me. I truly couldn't help myself for a moment..." Zhao Hao was still determined to continue teasing her.

Empress Dowager Xiang suddenly interrupted, her tone even colder: "Alright, I'm tired. Prince Chu, you should leave the palace."

He was given the order to leave rather rudely, but Zhao Hao remained firmly glued to his chair, refusing to budge.

"Wait a moment, Your Majesty, I have important business to attend to in the palace today," Zhao Hao said.

Behind the beaded curtain, Empress Dowager Xiang remained silent for a moment before coldly saying, "Speak."

"His Majesty's health... The Empress Dowager and I are both aware of it. As for the matters that follow, I wonder if the Empress Dowager and the ministers have reached a decision?"

Since it was a taboo topic, Zhao Hao spoke very subtly, but Empress Dowager Xiang understood what "what happened next" meant.

"This is none of your concern," Empress Dowager Xiang said coldly.

Zhao Hao smiled and said, "As a member of the imperial clan, I naturally dare not break the rules. I have never cared about or participated in court affairs. I just want to tell the Empress Dowager that no matter which prince the Empress Dowager favors, my son Zhao Xiaoqian and I will unconditionally support the Empress Dowager's decision in court and are willing to do our best for the Empress Dowager."

Empress Dowager Xiang was taken aback, then a thoughtful expression appeared on her face.

Zhao Hao's words were very straightforward, almost an open declaration to her that he, the King of Chu, and his son, the King of Cheng, were on her side.

Originally, the imperial relatives of the Song Dynasty had no real power. To be honest, it didn't matter to Empress Dowager Xiang which side Zhao Hao stood on, because Zhao Hao's words in court didn't carry much weight.

However, Zhao Hao had just casually mentioned Zhao Xiaoqian, which made Empress Dowager Xiang take it seriously.

Zhao Xiaoqian was also a member of the imperial clan, but he was an exception among them. His words carried considerable weight; it was no exaggeration to say that a single sentence from him could determine which side the court would lean towards.

Indeed, Zhao Xiaoqian truly carried the weight of the order. Putting aside everything else, his numerous victories over the Liao Kingdom and the recapture of Yan and Yun were such great achievements that no one dared to ignore his words in court. In particular, Zhao Xiaoqian's voluntary relinquishment of military power and return to the capital further proved his loyalty to the Song Dynasty to the emperor and court officials. Within just two days of his return, praise and acclaim for him were overwhelming throughout the court and the public.

Empress Dowager Xiang also heard that the Emperor planned to continue to heavily rely on Zhao Xiaoqian and would soon promote him to the position of Privy Councilor, the official second-in-command of the Privy Council.

If a court official of such stature could support her in matters concerning the succession to the throne, Empress Dowager Xiang would be quite willing to accept it.

At this moment, even Empress Dowager Xiang herself realized that her tone of voice had softened considerably.

"Is Zhao Xiaoqian also willing to support me?"

Zhao Hao smiled and said, "I dare not say anything about Qian'er in other aspects, but his filial piety is something that even I find touching. My decision is Qian'er's decision. We, father and son, have no disagreement. We share the glory and honor."

Empress Dowager Xiang smiled: "Speaking of Qian'er, I only met him a few times when he was young. In recent years, he has been busy sharing the Emperor's burdens and working hard to defend the borders of the Song Dynasty. He has worked very hard. Prince Chu, go back and ask Qian'er. If he has time, he might as well come to my Qingshou Palace. I would like to see him."

Zhao Hao blinked, knowing that the Empress Dowager was still worried and needed to ask Zhao Xiaoqian about his attitude in person.

However, the Empress Dowager's words also revealed another thought: that she did need allies, provided that these allies were influential and powerful enough.

Look at Zhao Hao. In the past two years, he has shamelessly entered the palace frequently, and the gifts he has sent out are all extremely expensive. However, he has never mentioned to the Empress Dowager that he is an ally. It is more like he is a sycophant. Meanwhile, she has always maintained the air of a cold goddess and has always ignored Zhao Hao.

As for Zhao Xiaoqian, Zhao Hao had only mentioned him briefly, but Empress Dowager Xiang immediately took notice and offered to meet with him.

Ultimately, Zhao Hao wasn't important enough, but Zhao Xiaoqian was, which is why this woman was so hypocritical.

Zhao Hao gritted his teeth inwardly. "You wicked woman, wait till I've done this, and see how I'll pose you in thirty-six different ways!"
Zhao Hao suddenly pledged his loyalty, even implicating his own son in the act, so Empress Dowager Xiang was no longer in a hurry to send Zhao Hao away.

Behind the beaded curtain, Empress Dowager Xiang remained silent for a long time before whispering, "Since the Prince of Chu has said so, I will not hide it from you. Do you know who I favor?"

Zhao Hao smiled faintly: "It doesn't matter who it is. I have said that I will unconditionally support the Empress Dowager."

Empress Dowager nodded with satisfaction and said, "I dare not violate the ancestral rules and etiquette. I will do whatever the ancestors say. I am just a woman. Even though I am the Empress Dowager, I am afraid of what the world will say. I would never do anything that is not in accordance with the ancestral rules and etiquette."

These words were spoken subtly, but Zhao Hao understood them.

He kept talking about "ancestral etiquette," but what he was really telling him was that the Empress Dowager supported Prince Duan, Zhao Ji.

Because Zhao Ji was indeed the only person chosen who conformed to the ancestral rites and laws.

Who can blame him for being born into the right family? It was just the right time, not too early, not too late.

Through the beaded curtain, Empress Dowager Xiang could not see Zhao Hao's expression, but she cautiously probed, "Prince Duan often visits me at Qingshou Palace. I heard... that Prince Chu and your son Qian'er seem to be at odds with Prince Duan? Is this true?"

Zhao Hao's mind raced, and he immediately laughed nonchalantly, "There was indeed a small misunderstanding with Prince Duan in the past, but it wasn't to the point of irreconcilable enmity. If Prince Duan ascends the throne in the future, as an emperor, he will surely be broad-minded and won't hold grudges over such trivial matters, right?"

Empress Dowager Xiang nodded and smiled, "Your support for me is actually support for Prince Duan. You could say you have made a contribution to the rise of the new emperor. Prince Duan will certainly not hold a grudge against the small misunderstanding from before. On the contrary, he will be even more grateful to you two."

After a pause, Empress Dowager Xiang stared at Zhao Hao's blurry face through the beaded curtain and suddenly asked, "You and your son support me and Prince Duan. I know you are loyal, but I want to ask, what do you want?"

Zhao Hao's eyebrows twitched almost imperceptibly, and a smile appeared on his lips.

This woman isn't exactly naive.

At this age, in this position, and having emerged victorious from the fierce power struggles of the imperial harem, one would naturally possess shrewdness and composure.

She knew very well that there were no free lunches and understood the principle of equivalent exchange.

The King of Chu and his son couldn't have supported her and Prince Duan without a reason; they must have some need. The King of Chu had already presented his bargaining chips, and now it was her turn to present hers. It was uncertain whether her chips would satisfy the King of Chu.

After a moment of silence in the hall, Zhao Hao said in a low voice, "What my father and I ask for is, firstly, that the Empress Dowager mediate and that Prince Duan no longer hold grudges against us..."

Empress Dowager Xiang nodded without hesitation: "I can guarantee that."

"Secondly, we request Your Highness Prince Duan to grant Qian'er permission to enter the Council of State Affairs, become the Vice Prime Minister, and wield the power of a prime minister. Furthermore, we request that his title be hereditary and perpetual, ensuring that his descendants will not be deprived of it for generations."

Empress Dowager Xiang thought for a moment and nodded, saying, "I will discuss this with Prince Duan in detail, and I'm sure he won't object. Is there anything else?"

Zhao Hao continued, "Furthermore, I request the Emperor's grace, for the sake of my descendants, I need the Emperor to bestow upon me a large amount of land and wealth."

This was even easier, and the Empress Dowager replied without hesitation, "I agree."

(End of this chapter)