Emperor's Words, the Lotus Blooms

That day, both the empress and Consort Shu were completely satisfied, each having gotten everything she wanted.

The empress had no interest in power struggles. She only wanted her son to enjoy a life of wealth and comfort, even if that meant becoming a prince one day.

Consort Shu, however, was secretly delighted. After the emperor had been shaken by what happened that day, he had actually agreed to let the eldest prince govern in his stead, with the support of the left and right chancellors.

After what had happened at Tiger Gate Pass, she hadn't even dared bring it up.

Mother and son had stopped discussing court affairs and no longer nagged the emperor, as if they had become entirely different people.

She had never expected that, with Zi Jin ascending to the heavens in a single day, she would finally get her chance to turn things around.

At that moment, she felt that all the grievances she had suffered in the past had been worth it.

Night had fallen, and the world was quiet.

The empress stayed by the emperor's side, a faint worry clouding her face.

After some thought, she asked, "Your Majesty, you're a man of iron and steel. How could Zi Jin's matter unsettle you so much that you've even stopped attending to state affairs?"

Though summer was still some time away, the thought of the emperor going to South Mountain Temple to cultivate filled the empress with worry.

After all, a temple was no imperial palace. It couldn't have an army stationed there.

If something happened to the emperor, life would surely be difficult for her and the second prince from then on.

The emperor shook his head.

He smiled. "The dynasty has its might today entirely because it made compromises with the Four