"Besides, marrying her might offend the two great tribes beyond the frontier. The Crown Prince certainly won't let me off easily either. If he starts watching me, things will become even more troublesome."
Over the years, he had gone to great lengths to conceal his abilities. Many times, he had even handed over the credit for achievements already within his grasp to the Crown Prince, or to the Second Imperial Brother and Third Imperial Brother. What had it all been for?
Wasn't it precisely so that His Majesty wouldn't guard against him, and the Crown Prince wouldn't keep an eye on him?
"So you're planning to give up on Su Qiao?" Imperial Noble Consort Yun was actually hesitating at this point.
The Emperor was still in the prime of his life, and abdication was still far off. If they exposed their intentions now, given how much he valued the throne and the Crown Prince, they certainly wouldn't meet a good end.
But if she gave up on Su Qiao and the tremendous support hidden behind her, she was unwilling to accept that either.
It was just that having her son take a lame woman as his consort would inevitably make them a laughingstock. Even if they found a way to quietly make her disappear after everything was accomplished, this matter would always remain a stain on her son.
Xi Muyan slowly shook his head. "Not for now. I still have a use for her."
Imperial Noble Consort Yun thought until her head hurt, but still couldn't come up with a good solution. She waved her hand. "Forget it. Handle your own affairs. In any case, I've already explained all the implications to you clearly."
Xi Muyan hurriedly reassured her. "Imperial Concubine Mother, don't worry. I know what to do."
"That's