Chapter 1757: Chapter 835: We’ll Talk About It Later
Which of those Yang God True Monarchs dares to disrespect Su Ziyue?
Especially with the Taoist Divine Palace as her backing.
Thus, not long after Su Ziyue arrived, Princess Pingyang prudently handed over her power, but was still roped in by Su Ziyue and continued to manage many affairs.
The previous teasing with Chen Yuan was merely in jest.
Entering the harem, Chen Yuan no longer felt much sentiment, but watching the familiar territories, he nevertheless felt a certain indescribable emotion. Previously, every time he came to the harem, he was merely a court official.
Now, he was the master of the entire harem.
Who caught his eye was considered fortunate.
Many of the concubines initially had high expectations; a significant number of them were left from Jingtai, merely without any opportunity to serve in the bedchamber, passed on to become Sima Ke’s inheritance.
Due to the country’s great situation, there was no interest in extravagant indulgence.
After Chen Yuan entered the city, apart from the Empress being taken back to Anle Marquis Mansion, Sima Ke didn’t make the slightest change in the harem.
With his Divine Thought extending outward, the entire Imperial City was within Chen Yuan’s perception. He quickly sensed what Noble Consort Yang was doing at the moment and smiled faintly, his figure gradually becoming illusory.
...
Inside the great hall, the Yang Empress Dowager looked solemn, resting her chin as she contemplated. After Chen Yuan came to the capital, they met once outside the Duke Wu’an Mansion, where she had even prepared for a great confrontation at night.
However, a great battle suddenly erupted, leading to Chen Yuan’s seclusion, leaving her restless for days, though she dared not show it openly.
Many concubines in the harem seemed to think her power was waning and showed signs of vying for favors, if not for Princess Pingyang still holding significant power, surely there would have been trouble from those with foolish ambitions.
Her concern was naturally about what would happen if Chen Yuan no longer wanted her in the future.
In front of Sima Ke, she maintained confidence, saying that Chen Yuan wouldn’t do anything as long as she had her standing, but who knew the unease in her heart.
Chen Yuan was now the Regent King, effectively the Emperor, with the Central Plains Thirteen States under his control. Wanting to proclaim himself Emperor was just a matter of words.
Would such a man lack women?
Wouldn’t such a man want to maintain his image?
Though she wasn’t old and fading, she certainly couldn’t compare to fresh, young girls, making it quite difficult to continue enjoying power and wealth in the harem.
A slight breeze ruffled her hair, and in an instant, a pair of large hands reached and firmly gripped the strength of the Yang Empress Dowager, startling her, and she immediately shouted:
"Impudent! Who are you? Get out..."
"Oh, really?"
A familiar yet faint voice reached her ears. She paused, seemingly recalling something, quickly turned back, and saw the person of her heart.
Her expression instantly changed, joyfully, but she still gently reprimanded:
"How audacious, you dare to contradict me."
Noble Consort Yang understood Chen Yuan’s preferences and quickly got into character.
"Does the Empress Dowager like it?"
"I..."
...
Later.
A fragrance lingered, enshrouding the grand hall. Chen Yuan was about to pull away when the Yang Empress Dowager suddenly stopped him, took a sharp breath, and said:
"Don’t move."
"Hmm?"
"I like this fulfilling feeling; it makes my heart feel secure."
"Heh...."
Chen Yuan chuckled softly, saying nothing.
"I thought you heartless would abandon me?"
The Yang Empress Dowager calmed down for a while, her body no longer trembling, and whispered.
"I am heartless?"
"If you had a heart, would it take you this long to see me?"
"I have important matters to attend to."
"I know, I’m just complaining lightly."
"Alright."
"How do you plan to arrange for me?"
"How do you want to be arranged?"
"I just want to stay by your side, as long as you don’t chase me away." Noble Consort Yang truly feared being left alone; only with Chen Yuan around could she sleep soundly.
"Okay."
"Really?"
"Could it be false? You’ve been doing well in the Capital. I’m aware, but the harem might need some tidying up in the future to prevent unfavorable rumors from spreading."
"You’re the master. By the way, what about Pingyang?" Noble Consort Yang nestled in Chen Yuan’s arms, whispering in conversation.
"Why not ask about Sima Ke, instead of Pingyang?"
"Isn’t he enfeoffed as Anle Marquis? Are you still uneasy about him?"
"Heh, you seem to know quite a bit."
"Naturally...."
"Pingyang will become the Imperial Concubine in the future, assisting the Empress in managing the Eastern Palace affairs; in the future... you might have to call her elder sister."
The Yang Empress Dowager’s face flushed, understanding Chen Yuan’s intention:
"You seem ambitious, not willing to leave out a single one. If Jingtai knew in the afterlife, who knows how he would hate you."
"I’m not afraid of the living, why fear the dead?"
"Alas, how did it come to be again...."
"What do you think?"
...
Days later.
The dignified and noble Noble Consort Yang was now collapsed on the ground, as limp as soft clay, seductively looking at Chen Yuan, feeling at this moment as if she could die content.
"Mother, Pingyang seeks an audience."
Outside the hall, an audacious voice of Princess Pingyang was heard.
Chen Yuan glanced at Noble Consort Yang and nodded.
Noble Consort Yang rolled her eyes at Chen Yuan, took a few deep breaths to compose herself, and said in a deep voice:
"Come in."
The moment Princess Pingyang, cloaked in a simple long robe, entered, she noticed a peculiar scent and was just about to inquire when she suddenly looked up and saw a handsome man sitting at the head.
Her heart skipped a beat, and she glanced over at her graceful mother, who, though smiling, still hadn’t completely lost the blush from her face.
It was clear to the discerning what had transpired.
But Princess Pingyang remained composed, bowed slightly, and greeted:
"Regent King, Mother."
"Ziyue didn’t give you any trouble, did she?" Chen Yuan asked curiously.
Even if not speculated about, it was evident that Su Ziyue must have met with Princess Pingyang; although nothing serious would happen, it was appropriate to ask.
The previously composed Princess Pingyang instinctively glanced at her mother, a flush blooming on her neck as she seemed to recall something, pursed her lips, and shook her head, saying:
"No... The Princess Consort just had a heart-to-heart with Pingyang."
"That’s good."
Chen Yuan nodded.
The three exchanged looks in silence, and the hall fell quiet, until Princess Pingyang finally broke the silence, smiling and asking:
"How is the Regent King’s injury now?"
"It’s nothing serious, don’t worry."
"And the affairs in the Capital are all...." Princess Pingyang chatted trivially, briefly updating Chen Yuan on recent events, essentially a major purge after a period of stabilization.
The Sima Royal Family’s remnants were needless to say as they had acted extreme previously, except Sima Ke and a few others, including Princess Pingyang.
The rest faced execution after having their crimes read publicly.
Their confiscated family wealth was all nationalized.
Numerous former civil and military nobles, having aligned with multiple sides, also faced family extermination, greatly enriching the treasury with treasures and resources.
Without strength and a foundation, those former dynasty nobles were just sitting ducks, slaughtered when the time was right without fearing rebellion....
The Divine Capital currently abounds with strong individuals and rain-like soldiers, are they even worthy?
No rush to proclaim the Emperor, but some individuals and matters couldn’t be delayed, serving to eliminate future obstacles.
"You’ve done well, really hard-working."
Chen Yuan nodded, feeling reassured by Princess Pingyang’s ability; had she been born a man, she would certainly stir up a storm in such turbulent times.
Unless meeting someone exceptionally talented like Chen Yuan, she would have achieved great feats.
"How does the Regent King plan to reward Pingyang?"
Princess Pingyang asked with a light smile.
"What kind of reward do you seek?"
"Hmm...." Princess Pingyang hesitated for a moment, then softly said:
"Pingyang’s been feeling unwell recently, somewhat lethargic and unable to pinpoint the reason. It’s said the Regent King has exceptional medical skills, might you check me thoroughly?"
She wasn’t shy, but instead faced Chen Yuan openly, as if seeking nothing more than an ordinary examination.
————
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