Resisting the Wind and Splendor

Chapter 134 Not necessarily, there is no place to stand.

The Empress was shocked for a long time before she calmed down.

She understood what Chu Yueli said.

Even if the Fourteenth Prince is very capable, it's a pity he's too young. And the Emperor is unwell, so he might not be able to wait ten years to establish a Crown Prince.

Chu Yueli dared not spell out her words, but everyone could understand that speaking like that was a capital offense!

How dare she?

The Empress let out a sigh of relief, and after a long while, she said, "Ali, have you been driven to a dead end by Consort Rui?"

"Yes and no." Chu Yueli looked at her and said calmly, "There will always be some road ahead, we can walk and try."

The Empress pursed her lips and did not speak immediately.

This girl is only seventeen, but she's got quite the nerve.

However, it's likely that Consort Rui really drove them to desperation, leaving them no choice but to rebel.

"I've heard that when Prince Jin went on his campaigns, he always took you, Ali, with him, and you were... his strategist?"

"I am just my elder brother's strategist. Wherever my elder brother is, I will be there."

These words made the Empress's eyes light up: "Is Ali reminding me? What about General Chu..."

“My elder brother is honest and kind, and he will only be loyal to the people.” Chu Yueli immediately interrupted her.

The Empress was not angry; she was simply lost in thought.

"So, Ali, what do you think constitutes loyalty to the people?"

"As long as he is a wise ruler, my elder brother will naturally be loyal to him." Chu Yueli's attitude was clear: she would not allow her elder brother to be dragged into the power struggles of the harem.

Granny Lan was about to say something, but the Empress waved her hand and smiled, "Ali, there are many things in this world that are beyond our control, but..."

She paused for a moment before continuing, "However, I am not on the same side as Consort Rui, so naturally I will not use any means to force you, Ali, to do anything. What I hope for is that you, Ali, will be willing to spend more time with me, and it would be my wish if you could come to enjoy tea and flowers with me often."

"Thank you for your understanding, Your Majesty," Chu Yueli replied with a smile.

"But I still have some doubts. I wonder if Ali can help me resolve these concerns?"

Without giving Chu Yueli a chance to refuse, the Empress continued, "The Fourteenth Prince is still too young. My days in this harem are indeed not easy. Even the little Consort Rui, with her son's achievements outside, is gradually becoming domineering in the harem."

She quickly added, "Ali, we're all family here, so I might as well speak frankly. Ali, since I can't rely on the Fourteenth Prince for the time being, then... how can I survive?"

"Your Majesty flatters me. As the head of the six palaces, Your Majesty only shares the splendor with the Emperor. The word 'surviving in ignominy' is simply not fitting for the Empress. However..."

The Empress's heart immediately tightened: "But what?"

Chu Yueli lowered her eyes, seemingly hesitant.

The Empress hurriedly said, "Ali, we've already talked this far, so don't keep me in suspense. When I gain power in the future, I will definitely not let Consort Rui bully your Duke's Mansion!"

Chu Yueli sighed before raising her eyes to meet her gaze: "After all, A-Li is not a member of the royal family. How could A-Li dare to interfere in the affairs of the royal family?"

"I only saw the Eighth Prince at a banquet the other day, and I was amazed at how strong and robust he has become."

She sighed softly, "The Eighth Prince was also unfortunate. After Consort Lian gave birth to him, her health deteriorated, and she passed away not long after. If Consort Lian were still alive, with her support, the Eighth Prince, with his current talent and ability, should have been able to achieve similar success as Prince Jin and Prince Mo. Unfortunately, Consort Lian is gone, and no one can see the Eighth Prince's brilliance."

She looked at the Empress and said quietly, "Your Majesty, don't you think so? If the Eighth Prince had a loving mother, he might not necessarily lack a place in the royal family in the future."