Favored concubine deposed empress? I'll seize your throne and marry you to a powerful minister.

Moreover, he did not intend to punish Wei Rong to this extent.

Shen Mingxiu's hand was injured, and leaving Wei Rong alone to return to the palace was already his punishment.

Xiao Heng wouldn't leave her alone in the snow to wait all night.

But then I thought, it's still early before the time for court, how could Grand Tutor Nian have arrived so quickly?

Did Wei Rong not do anything during all of this?

Thinking of this, the slight pity vanished, turning into an uncontrollable sense of annoyance.

He always wanted Wei Rong to be a bit stupid, a pretty face but no substance, and to obey him blindly.

But Wei Rong is different; she's hard to control, unlike Shen Mingxiu who's lovable.

If she were well-behaved and sensible, perhaps he would make it more comfortable for Wei Rong to sit on the throne as empress.

But she clearly did not share his sentiments.

Out of respect for Grand Tutor Nian, Xiao Heng personally went to the gate of Wenchang.

With the time for court to begin approaching, he needed to silence the court officials.

As the dragon carriage approached its halfway point, a large crowd of people gathered ahead, creating a lively scene.

Wei Rong never expected that Ling Xianru would appear just as Shen Minglan rushed over to question her.

Perhaps the wind and snow were too heavy, even the sound of cart tracks was drowned out. At that time, she was resting her chin on her hand in the small window of the imperial carriage. Her face was ashen from staying up all night, but her expression was relaxed.

"Lord Shen, are you saying that I should call for reinforcements?"

Shen Minglan knew that, in order to save face, the emperor would definitely punish him severely as a warning.

"Your Majesty, bringing in Grand Tutor Nian will not do you any good. Everyone in the palace is opportunistic. Your Majesty should understand that every step you take from now on will be difficult. Before you offend your subordinates, why don't you think about your future situation?"

Wei Rong chuckled upon hearing this.

It wasn't ironic; it was actually delightful.

Her smile was incredibly beautiful, the surrounding snowy landscape serving as a backdrop, making her resemble a red plum blossom amidst the snow, causing Shen Minglan to pause slightly in surprise.

"Lord Shen, why are you worrying about my situation when you'll be demoted this time?"

"you--"

"But I am still the Empress. Is it His Majesty's decree that I am made to wait here, or is it a false imperial edict you are conveying?"

When this label was put on him, Shen Minglan turned deathly pale.

He hadn't informed Xiao Heng beforehand, and now he was shooting himself in the foot, regretting his actions.

"Grand Tutor Nian, don't you understand? Your Majesty, don't you understand? I've been here all night; do you think the court officials can't see or understand this? But the consequences certainly won't be borne by Your Majesty. Who will bear them then?"

After Wei Rong finished speaking, she clenched her fist and coughed violently a few times, pressing it against her lips.

"So Your Majesty clearly understood all of this, and had this in mind when I said those things?!"

"No, that's not it," Wei Rong said, losing her patience. "I just didn't expect you to be so stupid."

Shen Minglan was furious and embarrassed. If before she was just jealous of Wei Rong's background and afraid that she would compete with Shen Mingxiu for favor, now she had truly become enemies.

*Slap slap slap*

A round of applause came from behind the imperial carriage, and the newcomer commented at just the right moment: "Your Majesty is indeed quick-witted."

Wei Rong's eyes flickered, and she caught a glimpse of a tall, dark figure in the corner of her eye. She didn't know how long the person had been there, and the heavy twilight enveloped him, making him appear somewhat gloomy.

This was the first time she had seen Ling Xianru up close—the powerful prime minister of the court, Xiao Heng's most trusted advisor.

So that's what a devilishly beautiful face she has.

A boy holding an umbrella for him stood beside him, but the umbrella didn't even reach his shoulder.

His ambiguous gaze lingered on Wei Rong's face for a moment before he looked away and bowed slightly, saying, "Greetings, Your Majesty."

"Prime Minister!" Shen Minglan immediately stepped forward with a fawning smile and took the umbrella handle from the child: "Why did you arrive so early?"

He was secretly relieved that Lingxian was one of His Majesty's people, and therefore one of his own.

Besides, that comment just now, "witty and sharp-tongued," is neither praise nor criticism.

However, when Wei Beimu was alive, he looked down on Ling Xianru, saying that he was not a loyal minister and that Xiao Heng should be cautious in using him.

As time went on, rumors began to circulate in the court that the prime minister had become enemies with the Wei family.

Then those words might not be a good thing.

Although Ling Xianru was a civil official, there are countless examples throughout history of discord between civil and military officials. Wei Rong was a daughter of the Wei family, so how could Ling Xianru possibly be on good terms with her?

"The snow is heavy and the roads are slippery," Ling Xianru said succinctly, "I had no idea the palace was bustling with activity."

"Your Majesty was unlucky and missed the palace curfew. Perhaps it was the cold winter night. You just had a heated argument with me. I am fine, but Your Majesty's health is not good, which is worrying."

Shen Minglan started pouring out her grievances like beans, saying whatever she felt wronged about.

Just as Wei Rong was observing, Ling Xian looked up and bumped into her. As expected of a powerful minister, he was respectful, but there was a hint of arrogance in his demeanor. He neither retreated nor avoided her, and they sized each other up.

Until her throat itched, Wei Rong turned away and coughed violently, causing pain that even affected her heart and lungs.

She recalled the basket of fine silver charcoal from earlier that day, and knew that Ling Xianru was unaware that his steward had taken it upon himself to provide her with this timely help.

Otherwise, why would they mock her for being eloquent?

"Looks like you're really unwell." Whether it was a sigh or a veiled remark, Ling Xianru chuckled lightly, "Why don't you go back to the palace to rest?"

Shen Minglan wanted nothing more than to embarrass Wei Rong: "His Majesty hasn't given any orders yet, but the Empress has brought in Grand Tutor Nian to stand up for her."

If we're talking about Grand Tutor Nian, who was highly respected, the only person he looked down on in the court and among the people was Ling Xianru. He even pointed his finger at Ling Xianru and cursed him as a treacherous and wicked man who was spreading rumors and misleading the emperor.

The two are at odds, which is obvious.

If Ling Xianru hears this and decides to go against Grand Tutor Nian, then Wei Rong will suffer, and I will also have a show to watch.

"Is that so? It must be hard on the old man." Ling Xianru said casually.

Shen Minglan continued, "You know Grand Tutor Nian's temper, Prime Minister. Even His Majesty has to be somewhat tolerant of him. Alas, Her Majesty the Empress should also have been more considerate of His Majesty."

After Shen Minglan finished speaking, he felt Ling Xianru cast an ambiguous glance at him.

Looking up again, he found Wei Rong also smiling in a half-smile.

Before he could figure out why, he heard a row of guards in front of him bowing and saying, "Greetings, Your Majesty!"

Shen Minglan quickly bowed.

As the others approached, Wei Rong calmly got up and alighted from the carriage. With Qiao Yu's help, she bowed and said, "Your Majesty, may you be well."

Xiao Heng stood with his hands behind his back, not calling out immediately, his gaze sweeping over Ling Xianru: "My dear minister is here too, I had no idea it was so lively here."

"I happened to run into Your Majesty here, so I paid my respects." Ling Xianru strolled to his side: "It seems that things were not peaceful in the palace last night."

"It's a small matter," Xiao Heng then looked at Wei Rong: "It was originally a small matter, but the Empress's willful and presumptuous behavior has disturbed everyone's peace."

It turned out to be Wei Rong's fault.

However, she had anticipated that Xiao Heng would make trouble, so it wasn't surprising.

She smiled faintly: "Since there are loopholes in the palace regulations, Your Majesty should improve them. Even as the Empress, I am not allowed to enter the palace. It is inevitable that there will be exceptions in other palaces. If we let those with ulterior motives take advantage of this, it would be bad if our reputations were ruined."

It goes without saying who the phrase "a person with a heart" refers to.

Shen Minglan couldn't hold back any longer: "Rules are meant to be followed. There's no reason to amend the palace rules just because Your Highness made a mistake, is there?"

"Those who have a reason for their actions should not be condemned outright. The servants' carelessness has ultimately implicated His Majesty. Lord Shen should understand this deeply."

Shen Minglan was speechless, her face flushed red, and she looked at Ling Xianru.

This person has been standing by with nothing in sight, and I can't figure out what they're thinking. They really seem like they're just there to watch a show.

Xiao Heng, on the other hand, was only trying to put Wei Rong in her place. After being given this advice, he became even more annoyed and was about to make a move.

Suddenly, Wei Rong bent over and coughed violently.

"Your Majesty!"

The coughing stopped abruptly. Qiaoyu couldn't support Wei Rong's limp body, so she hurriedly reached out a hand to steady her and picked her up in her arms.