The female anchor turned into the dean of an ancient academy

Chapter 289 The Pull on Chen Zigui

She felt a chill on her back. The Queen Mother's words were not an attempt to win her over at all, but a naked threat!

Using her and Chen Zigui as stakes, forcing her to persuade Chen Zigui to surrender to the Queen Mother. She clutched the corner of her clothes tightly, her knuckles turning white, her heart beating like a drum, almost jumping out of her chest.

She took a deep breath, trying to suppress her inner panic and force herself to calm down. Thoughts whirled through her mind like lightning. She had to come up with a foolproof plan that wouldn't offend the Queen Mother and wouldn't put Chen Zigui in danger.

"Your Majesty the Queen Mother, you are too kind." Cen Jiexiao's voice trembled slightly, but she tried hard to control herself and not let her fear show.

"I am a humble servant with little talent, knowledge and experience. How can I persuade Lord Chen? Besides... Lord Chen and I are not as close as the Empress Dowager thinks. We only discuss academic matters occasionally, and we are just friends and colleagues who care about each other." She paused, carefully observing the Empress Dowager's expression, and asked tentatively.

Cen Jiexiao was feeling uneasy, not knowing how the Queen Mother would react. She secretly glanced up at the Queen Mother, only to see that she still had a faint smile on her face, but that smile gave her an inexplicable sense of oppression.

"Empress Dowager, if you really want to win over Lord Chen, why not... do it yourself? With the Empress Dowager's prestige and means, I'm sure you will be more persuasive than a minister." Cen Jiexiao mustered up the courage and continued.

A meaningful look flashed across the Queen Mother's eyes, but then she regained her composure. She said lightly: "I am very busy with affairs and have to deal with all kinds of things every day. How can I have the time to take care of these trivial matters? I'll need you to take care of this matter." Although the Queen Mother's tone slowed down a bit, her words were filled with unquestionable majesty.

The Queen Mother gently patted Cen Jiexiao's hand, as if to comfort her, and her tone became gentler.

"Don't worry, as long as you accomplish this, I will definitely make sure you and Master Chen are together forever."

Cen Jiexiao lowered her head and meekly agreed, but her heart was swirling like a raging sea. How could she resolve this situation? The Queen Mother's words, though seemingly a promise, were actually a threat. She had to inform Chai Zhen and Chen Zigui of this as soon as possible, so they could prepare and devise a countermeasure.

Upon leaving the Empress Dowager's palace, Cen Jiexiao immediately sent word to Chen Zigui and Chai Zhen. She knew the storm hadn't truly begun yet, and she couldn't afford to make even the slightest mistake; any slight misstep could lead to a complete loss.

To gradually entice Empress Dowager Li into her scheme, Cen Jiexiao meticulously orchestrated a campaign, deftly spreading a mixture of truth and falsehood. She first used pre-arranged news channels to release some genuine intelligence regarding the Prince of Yan. While this information was inherently true, Cen Jiexiao skillfully embellished it, exaggerating the Prince's power and insinuating that he was secretly colluding with court officials and plotting nefarious activities, demonstrating his considerable power to be reckoned with.

"I heard that His Royal Highness the Prince of Yan has been very active recently and seems to be contacting ministers in the court..." Cen Jiexiao deliberately brought up this matter when chatting with Chu Shangyi who was beside the Queen Mother, with a hint of worry in her tone.

Chu Shangyi quickly asked, "Really? What is His Royal Highness the Prince of Yan going to do?"

Cen Jiexiao lowered her voice, pretending to be mysterious. "I dare not say anything about this. Anyway, His Royal Highness the Prince of Yan's power should not be underestimated."

This news quickly reached the ears of Empress Dowager Li. She was already wary of the Prince of Yan, and now, hearing this news, she became even more restless. She immediately ordered that the actions of the court officials be closely monitored, especially those who had had contact with the Prince of Yan.

"We must keep a close eye on their movements and report any unusual activity immediately!" the Queen Mother ordered sternly.

The Queen Mother's move played into Cen Jiexiao's hands. She knew that the more the Queen Mother focused on the Prince of Yan, the less she would focus on Chai Zhen's actions, which would buy Chai Zhen valuable time to prepare. At the same time, the Queen Mother's attention was distracted, weakening her power.

In addition to spreading rumors about the Prince of Yan, Cen Jiexiao also set about sowing discord between Concubine Shu and the Queen Mother. She knew that Concubine Shu was arrogant due to her favor, while the Queen Mother was suspicious by nature, and the conflict between the two would easily intensify.

Cen Jiexiao found an opportunity and casually said to Concubine Shu, "Your Majesty, I have recently noticed that the Empress Dowager seems to be becoming much colder towards you."

When Concubine Shu heard this, she couldn't help but feel suspicious: "Really? Why didn't I feel it?"

Cen Jiexiao continued, "Perhaps I am overthinking it. I just feel that the Empress Dowager has recently handed many important tasks to Concubine Li."

Concubine Shu was already dissatisfied with the Empress Dowager, and now, after hearing Cen Jiexiao's words, she felt even more resentful. She began to intentionally or unintentionally distance herself from the Empress Dowager and become closer to the Emperor, hoping to consolidate her position.

At the same time, Cen Jiexiao also began to fan the flames in front of the Queen Mother.

"Your Majesty the Empress Dowager, there seems to be something wrong with Concubine Shu lately. From what I see, she seems to have some complaints about you." Cen Jiexiao said to the Empress Dowager casually.

The Queen Mother snorted coldly, "How dare she! I've treated her so well, how dare she harbor dissatisfaction with me?"

Cen Jiexiao added fuel to the fire, "I've heard that Concubine Shu has been complaining to the Emperor recently, saying that the Empress Dowager favors her own people and neglects her. To appease Concubine Shu, the Emperor has rewarded her with many treasures and even accompanied her on a boat ride to enjoy the scenery..."

The Queen Mother's expression darkened, a fierce glint in her eyes. "How dare this bitch gossip in front of the Emperor! I haven't even gotten to grips with her about all those previous nasty things. Looks like it's time I teach her a lesson!"

Seeing the Queen Mother's reaction, Cen Jiexiao was secretly delighted. She knew that her plan was already halfway successful. Queen Mother Li was now so blinded by anger that she had no idea she had fallen into her trap.

At the same time, Svay Cheng was actively preparing for a counterattack. He continued to secretly contact his loyal ministers, accumulating strength and waiting for the right time.

When Chen Zigui learned that the Queen Mother still intended to recruit him through Cen Jiexiao, he worried that Cen Jiexiao would be coerced and threatened again by the Queen Mother. He was anxious, like an ant on a hot pan, restless. He knew Cen Jiexiao's current situation was precarious, like treading on thin ice, and the slightest misstep could lead to her demise. He clenched his fists, his nails digging deep into his palms, and a conflicting internal struggle arose: he had to find a way to protect her, no matter the cost.

"Sir, you haven't slept for three days and three nights. If you continue like this, your body will collapse." His staff advised worriedly, their tone full of concern.

Chen Zigui rubbed his swollen and aching brow and said tiredly, "I'm fine."

He paused, his voice low and raspy.