Phi-Fic Chapter 597: Still Too Young
Chapter 597: Still Too Young
Jiang Suining took a deep breath and said, "Your Majesty really has a good method. I admire it."
Empress Shi chuckled and said faintly, "I thought that Lady Jiang would ask me why I didn't threaten He Qingrui to confess her guilt, but instead asked her to die to prove her will."
Jiang Suining shook his head and said with understanding: "There is no need to ask this question, because there is only this one way."
He Qingrui agreed to work for Concubine Cheng just to protect her family. She would never admit that she poisoned the family. If she did so, the He family would inevitably be implicated. Therefore, such a threat would be completely ineffective and might even backfire.
In addition, He Qingrui committed suicide, not only to express her will, but also to completely clear Concubine Cheng of all responsibility, which makes it difficult for people not to suspect that He Qingrui's death was related to Concubine Cheng.
On the surface, this approach seemed to be clearing Concubine Cheng of suspicion, but in reality it put Concubine Cheng in an embarrassing situation from which she could never be completely cleared.
"Your Highness should have guessed long ago that the Emperor would not really use this incident to punish the Imperial Concubine, nor would he really investigate the matter thoroughly, so he chose this method. On the surface, it seems that the Imperial Concubine has escaped unscathed, but in fact, in the hearts of many people, including the Emperor, she has already been identified as the murderer, and a murderer who killed people to silence them."
Because they had anticipated this outcome early on, and because they had guessed the emperor's choice clearly, instead of waiting for a long tug of war with unsatisfactory results, they might as well take the initiative to accuse the other party of a crime in order to silence him in order to clear his suspicion.
As a result, the emperor would have some resentment towards Concubine Cheng and feel guilty towards Empress Shi.
As for those concubines in the harem who wanted to see Concubine Cheng's downfall, they would be disappointed and even more jealous of the favor she received.
only……
"Aren't you afraid, Your Majesty, that the Imperial Concubine will use this opportunity to win over the court officials for the Fourth Prince, making them think that the Emperor has already chosen the Fourth Prince?"
"Afraid." Queen Shi smiled, "But what I'm afraid of is that she didn't do that."
After all, she and the emperor have been husband and wife for many years, and she knows this emperor too well.
On the surface, he appears peaceful, tolerant, and loving, but in reality, he is filled with suspicion and scrutiny deep down inside.
Although he usually appears to be a loving father and a benevolent monarch, once the imperial defenses in his heart are aroused, it is impossible to suppress them.
This time, keeping things quiet is already a concession and tolerance. If Concubine Cheng takes advantage of this opportunity to continue to scheme, it will only cause the emperor's dissatisfaction.
As for the Fourth Prince...
Looking at those princes, he is indeed the best, but the emperor is in his prime after all, and may have to reign for many years. What the harem lacks the least is new people and new favorites. Once someone gives birth to a favored prince, the situation may change again.
Even if a crown prince is appointed, he can be deposed and appointed again. What's more, the fourth prince is not the crown prince yet, and everything is far from being settled.
It’s just that when some people are in the midst of it, they can’t help but be overwhelmed by the pride in front of them and fail to see things clearly!
Jiang Suining stood where he was, looking up at Queen Shi quietly.
She didn't ask why, but she roughly guessed the reason in her heart.
After all, they have been married for many years, and perhaps the Queen in front of them is the one who knows Emperor Xiao best.
"So, what is your Majesty going to do next? Expose the matter of He Qingrui's father and, by the way, bring up the fact that the Imperial Concubine knew about this a long time ago, so as to add another layer of suspicion to her?"
Empress Shi looked at Jiang Suining with admiration, "I really like you. If you are willing to stand by my side and work for me, I will never treat you unfairly."
Among these female officials, He Qingrui will not be mentioned. Lu Yan has the highest status and is also careful enough. However, she was taught by Grand Tutor Lu after all, and she has some literati dogmatism and pedantry in her bones and lacks flexibility.
Wei Yao has no foundation in the imperial city, and her abilities are not the most outstanding, but she has a strong desire to move up. It is probably because of this that she was chosen by Xiao Yue, who thought she could be bought off to work for him.
Only Jiang Suining has the ability and courage, as well as a star that wants to climb up.
When he was doing business before, he not only made a lot of money, but also won a good reputation and even received praise from the emperor, which shows that he is a capable person.
Later, she overturned her father's case, not only regaining her status as an official's wife and gaining a good reputation, but also successfully married into the Shen family.
He took each step without any mistakes. Now, looking at the female relatives, how many of them would dare to look down on Jiang Suining's background?
If someone really dared to target her, Jiang Suining wouldn't even have to take action, Shen Yanxi would have jumped out to settle the score first.
In addition to the money that Jiang Suining holds, it would be of great help if he could win over such a person to his side.
only……
Queen Shi looked at Jiang Suining's calm eyes and knew it would not be easy to win her over.
"Lady Jiang, my proposal is not for the time being. You can take your time to consider it. Perhaps you think that I am just a childless queen and that it seems that I have less prospects than Noble Concubine Cheng. However, I understand your ambitions, and I can assure you that I can give you more than Noble Concubine Cheng."
"Your Majesty, there is no need to do this. After all, there will probably never be a day of peace between me, Noble Concubine Cheng, and the Fourth Prince." Jiang Suining said in a calm and frank tone.
Xiao Yi is the real culprit who killed his father. It is impossible for them to stand on the same side.
Jiang Suining's words made a gleam of light flash in Empress Shi's eyes, but soon she calmed down.
"I was indeed a little ruthless about He Qingrui's matter, but if we were in different places, you might have made the same choice as me. And she did choose to obey Concubine Cheng's order and poison me. I have done nothing wrong to her."
Queen Shi stood up, walked to Jiang Suining's side, and looked her straight in the eyes.
"I admire your quick reaction and your quick discovery of the Imperial Kitchen. But I have to remind you that even if you continue to investigate, you will not get any results. In fact, you will only lose two more lives in vain."
Queen Shi paused briefly and then added.
"I'm not talking about Jixiang and Hong'er, but Jixiang and the maid who tipped you off."
This naked threat made Jiang Suining's face grim. She looked at Queen Shi. The cold-bloodedness and ruthlessness that had been cultivated in the deep palace for many years were fully displayed at this moment.
As the cold expression looked at Jiang Suining, a smile gradually appeared. Queen Shi shook her head, and her tone sounded like she was sighing with emotion and reminiscing.
"Madam Jiang, you are still too young after all, but sooner or later you will understand that in order to achieve your goals, everything can be sacrificed."