What a disaster! To go as far as opposing the emperor—wasn't that just hastening one's death? In her past life, she had been consumed by her obsession to protect her son, barely sparing a moment to think things through. While her children had been ungrateful, the ultimate tragedy was, in fact, the result of the emperor's meticulous schemes.
Outwardly, the emperor had appeared to treat her, the empress dowager, with respect and filial piety. But in truth, he was petty and vengeful, devising the most cruel death for her—by the hands of her own children. That was a fate she could not rest in peace with.
"Your Majesty plans to announce the implementation of new policies at court in two days," Jiang Hui said, brimming with indignation. "Clearly, this is an attempt to weaken your influence and strip the imperial clans of their power. I've already contacted numerous ministers and members of the imperial family. We'll make sure to strongly oppose this at tomorrow's court session and prevent the emperor's scheme from succeeding!"
Jiang Hui's tone was resolute, his confidence evident. Everything had already been carefully planned for the upcoming court session. With the Jiang family currently at the height of its power, nearly half the court was under the influence of Empress Dowager Jiang.
Jiang Mingzhu had just returned to this moment in time, though the details from years ago were hazy. She only vaguely remembered that such an event had indeed taken place.
"I have no such intention. The emperor's new policies are a good thing, and none of you are to obstruct them," she said calmly.
She had finally saved the young crown prince, untangling one of the knots from her past life. These new policies were another point of contention between her and the emperor in her previous life. He had tirelessly pushed for reform, while she had fought tooth and nail to protect her own power.
It wasn't until the year of her death that the new policies had been fully implemented. She had always known they were beneficial for the country.
Jiang Hui was taken aback, unable to fathom why his younger sister's attitude had suddenly shifted. He looked troubled. "Your Highness, the arrangements have already been set in motion, and the matter is imminent."
"Brother, let me be honest with you. I've been observing Qier recently, and he's growing more reckless by the day. He clearly doesn't have the makings of a ruler. On the other hand, the current emperor is genuinely wise, capable, and ruthless—a true sovereign. Since I've made my decision, I must let you know my stance."
"You no longer wish to fight for power?"
"No. I only wish for a few peaceful days now. What's the point of all the fighting? Look at our nephew Cheng—he's a disgrace. It's better to withdraw while our disputes with the emperor are still manageable and find a way to safeguard the Jiang family."
Jiang Hui was speechless for a moment. Manageable disputes?
"Your Highness, even if you wish to step back, our second brother will not agree. He's determined to expand the Jiang family's influence."
At the mention of Jiang Su, her ambitious second brother, a cold glint flashed in Jiang Mingzhu's eyes. In her past life, Jiang Su had not only engaged in numerous shady dealings behind her back but had also manipulated her rebellious son, Nangong Qi. Worse yet, he had colluded with spies for personal gain, ultimately defecting to the enemy with his son after the Jiang family's downfall.
"Brother, one must always guard against others. After all, second brother isn't fully aligned with us. His actions are becoming increasingly unrestrained, serving his own interests rather than the family's."
"Sister, you mean…"
"Brother, just inform our own people. As for second brother, if he insists on acting, let him. Don't interfere."
A fierce determination flashed in Jiang Mingzhu's eyes. Her elder brother had always followed her lead, but Jiang Su wouldn't abandon his ambitions simply because of her instructions. If that was the case, she would let him bear the emperor's wrath on behalf of the Jiang family.
Jiang Hui immediately left the palace to make arrangements, reassured by her commands. He was dependable as always. But the Jiang family's affairs were complicated, and they wouldn't be resolved overnight. Jiang Mingzhu needed to think things through carefully.
She rubbed her temples out of habit, her thoughts in disarray. Suddenly, a pair of soft hands pressed gently on her temples, the pressure just right.
"Your Grace, if you ask me, now that you're the empress dowager, why bother worrying yourself with all this? You'll only exhaust yourself."
The young voice of Fang Ruo rang out, and Jiang Mingzhu's eyes grew misty.
At this time, Fang Ruo was still alive, not yet having died in that freezing winter, shielding her from an assassin's blade. That disaster had been caused by her rebellious daughter, yet it was Fang Ruo who paid the price.
After Fang Ruo's death, there was no one left to share heartfelt words with her. Her actions grew increasingly stubborn and reckless, with no one to guide her back.
"Fang Ruo, you're right. I couldn't let go before, but from now on, let's live a quiet life and stay out of everything."
"Fang Ruo, I haven't had your sweet osmanthus rice dumplings in ages."
Her tone carried a hint of coquettishness. Those dumplings had always been her favorite, but she hadn't tasted them in years.
"This servant will make some for you right away."
For a moment, Jiang Mingzhu felt as if she had returned to the carefree days of her youth. But such peace and warmth lasted only briefly.
The door burst open, and Nangong Qi stormed in, his anger blazing.
"Mother, how could you be so cruel? Wan'er is filial and respectful, yet you treat her with such disdain. What gives you the right to insult her?"
Jiang Mingzhu stared at her son, who barged in without understanding the situation and immediately launched into accusations. Every word was filled with his defense of that commoner girl, without even attempting to hear her side of the story.
"Are you here to demand justice for that commoner?"
Her phoenix eyes narrowed as she looked at this rebellious boy, consumed with rage. A few words from a woman had him utterly forgetting his mother's years of love and care, to the point that he seemed ready to turn against her. It was no surprise he had acted the way he did in her past life.
"Mother, I love Wan'er. She saved my life. Whatever schemes you're planning, I won't let you hurt her. Wan'er must become my official wife, and nothing will change that!"
Jiang Mingzhu couldn't help feeling disappointed. This was her own flesh and blood, yet she had grown numb to it after the endless letdowns of her past life. All that remained was a deep-seated fatigue.
"Do you realize that Xie Wan is merely a commoner, not even the daughter of an official?" she asked calmly, her voice devoid of emotion.
"I do."
"Do you realize that marrying such a woman will bring no benefit to you and will only make you a laughingstock? Her lowly status means she cannot fulfill the responsibilities of the Wangfu's mistress."
"Mother, stop finding excuses. My mind is made up. Wan'er will be my wife. If not, I'd rather never marry."
To emphasize his resolve, Nangong Qi even declared he would remain unmarried forever, thinking such a statement would intimidate Jiang Mingzhu.
"Very well, then marry her."
Jiang Mingzhu's words were so light, Nangong Qi thought he had misheard. "Mother, what did you say?"
"Didn't you claim to be grown up and capable of taking responsibility for your own decisions? From now on, do as you please. You don't need my permission for anything anymore."