"If there hasn't been any overt action, it's because they fear my authority. But behind the scenes, there may well be efforts to change everything, to 'roll back' the system, and regress society by several decades.
"Factional friction over such ideas is normal, as I mentioned earlier, social progress takes time and opportunity, but they shouldn't be taking covert actions.
"Of course, if there's no concrete evidence, I wouldn't say anything." Empress Dowager Lu said, opening a drawer beside her and taking out a stack of papers and letters. "Since the late emperor's passing, there have been people submitting memorials to the emperor, requesting changes to the rules of the Flower Moon Society, primarily aimed at removing certain benefits attached to the Flower Moon decree.
"For example, the leader holding the Flower Moon decree has the right to divorce, the right to settle property disputes upon divorce, and the right to raise children alone after divorce.
"These are some of the letters and poems they exchanged privately, their intentions are clear. Do any of these names look familiar to you?"
Grace took the letters, and indeed, there were several names she recognized. She suddenly realized, "These rules are the core of the Flower Moon Society. Although they dare not openly defy the decree and Your Majesty, by instigating the emperor to amend the rules, making the Flower Moon Society an empty shell, they can achieve their goals just the same."
Empress Dowager Lu nodded. "According to my investigation, in recent years, over thirty percent of all leaders who obtained the Flower Moon decree got married and divorced, taking their children with them.
"The people who submitted memorials claim that these benefits increase the likelihood of divorce, which is detrimental to the stability of the inner court. But in reality, without these attached benefits, these thirty percent of women would be trapped in unhappy marriages for life."
Grace lowered her head to read the letters, all written in classical Chinese, but she could grasp the general meaning. Nevertheless, the fact that Empress Dowager Lu had acquired such private correspondence was enough to show her considerable behind-the-scenes influence.
Suddenly, she found herself wondering, "What does this have to do with Sean?"
Empress Dowager Lu glanced at her. "Sean has been in charge of the Flower Moon Society in the capital for a long time. Many people want to obtain the Flower Moon decree, and being in his position is quite lucrative.
"I don't know if he's corrupt, but regardless, I must protect him for now. If he is confirmed to be guilty, the best-case scenario is that they'll pressure the emperor to amend the rules of the Flower Moon Society, and worst-case scenario, they'll tarnish the reputation of the Flower Moon Society.
"And if not Sean, who will take his place? And who knows who will be chosen then?"
Grace wiped her sweat. "But if this is true, if he embezzled a hundred thousand taels, and it's related to military funds... that can't be covered up, can it?"
"When dealing with major issues, you can't worry about minor details. First, protect him. Once we find a suitable replacement, then we can punish him. What we need to do now is to maintain the normal operation of the Flower Moon Society and thwart their conspiracy. In short, we can't let them succeed."
As Grace listened, she couldn't help but admire the political maneuvering. While others are playing at the third level, she's probably already on the seventh or eighth level.
She picked up her chopsticks, and when she looked up, Empress Dowager Lu had resumed her composed demeanor. Even this composure was admirable.
But a capable boss isn't necessarily a bad thing.
Grace ate a few pieces of meat calmly, thinking about the surprised expressions of the Marquis Qingyun and his family yesterday when they heard she had cooked for Empress Dowager Lu. She wondered if they would drop their jaws when they heard she had not only cooked for her again today but also dined with her. Then she remembered her purpose for coming today, and suddenly felt a chill...
If Sean's case is related to the national policy formulated by Empress Dowager Lu, then the Qingyun Marquis's stance isn't just about this case anymore. The influence of the Flower Moon Society has spread throughout the country. Now, Empress Dowager Lu is patiently chatting with her. Is she just using her as a pawn?
Why does she feel like she's falling into a trap again?
And with this sudden tremor, the piece of meat she had just picked up fell back into the pot, splashing some soup onto Empress Dowager Lu's plate, earning her a cool glance.
Grace covered her stomach with her hand, her lips trembling as she said, "I think I'm feeling a bit unwell. I feel weak all over, and my legs are cramping... Your Majesty, can we discuss the national policy another day? I'd like to leave the palace now..."
"Not feeling well?" Empress Dowager Lu's gaze swept over her, then she said, "Summon the imperial physician!"
Grace froze...
She forgot she could command everyone!
"The Imperial Hospital specializes in treating all sorts of difficult and miscellaneous illnesses. What's wrong with you?" Empress Dowager Lu's eyes even seemed "concerned."
Grace could only awkwardly put her hand down and sit up straight again. "No need to trouble... I think I'm feeling better now."
"As long as you're feeling better." Empress Dowager Lu looked at her through the smoke, then said, "We're fellow time travelers after all, and in the future
, when you're running errands for me, I'll have to take some responsibility for you."
Grace couldn't take it anymore. "Your Majesty, if you have any instructions, just tell me! It's uncomfortable to beat around the bush like this!"
It's better than feeling so uneasy!
"I'm not asking you to kill him, why are you looking like you're attending a funeral?" Empress Dowager Lu looked at her dissatisfiedly. "Why are you so indecisive? Didn't you agree earlier to work together on our business ventures?"
"But I didn't expect you'd ask me to target my own father!"
Grace felt incredibly unlucky.
She thought Empress Dowager Lu was causing trouble for Marquis Qingyun because of Sean alone, but this case turned out to be much more complicated. It sounded nice, just convincing someone, but if she really did, wouldn't that be betraying the emperor?
After all, the emperor is her ultimate boss, wouldn't she have to find ways to please him in the future?