Female supremacy: blasphemy of imperial power [Yuri/GL]

☆, Chapter 16: Departure ✨

Two months passed before the Empress awoke and recovered, during which time significant events unfolded.

Most notably, Chao Huang ascended to the throne.

For Chao Yang, facilitating Chao Huang's rise from Crown Princess to Empress was a straightforward task. Her influence extended far beyond the Empress's comprehension, revealing that the Princess's power surpassed even the Empress's estimations.

Chao Yang's control over the Imperial Hospital was absolute. A declaration from the hospital stating the Empress's incurable condition, combined with an imperial edict bearing the Empress's seal and Chao Yang's backing, enabled Chao Huang's swift ascension to the throne.

The Empress's secret guard, faced with an unconscious Empress and the Crown Princess, chose not to intervene. Once Chao Huang ascended, these guards would serve her. Loyal only to the reigning Empress, not to individuals or even the retired Empress Chao Jun, the secret guard's small but elite force of two thousand was known only to the Empresses. This formidable power explained Chao Yang's reluctance to confront Chao Jun directly. The mysterious circumstances of Chao Jun's poisoning had provided the Princess the opportunity to act.

The new Empress's coronation saw the Southern Kingdom presenting gifts, including the precious baise grass, which cured the Empress's ailment. This gesture strengthened the bond between Yunqi and the Southern Kingdom.

Regarding the marriage alliance, Princess Yongle's stay in Yunqi was redefined as a diplomatic "exchange," effectively dissolving any marital expectations.

This was Chao Yang's doing, leveraging her friendship with Chen Yongle to protect her while demonstrating Yunqi's strength and stance. The message was clear: alliances with Yunqi were possible, but attempts to undermine them would not be tolerated.

The balance of power among the three great empires shifted subtly, with intricate maneuvering taking place behind the scenes.

Chao Yang sat by former Empress Chao Jun's bedside, her expression serene.

"I didn't anticipate such swift action from you," Chao Jun remarked, her expression complex. Despite her well-maintained, wrinkle-free face, the passage of time was evident in her weary eyes.

"Neither did I," Chao Yang replied calmly, her dark eyes clear. "Your coma presented an opportunity."

She added with a hint of mockery, "You've been clever all your life, manipulating everything, yet a mere insect brought you down."

"Ah, such is life—victory and defeat," Chao Jun laughed, surprisingly at ease.

"You're taking this well. After all, your favorite daughter now sits on the throne, so it hardly matters, right?" Chao Yang said indifferently.

"...I never imagined we'd converse like this," Chao Jun reflected, her pale fingers resting on the red quilt, appearing almost translucent.

The once powerful and domineering Empress now resembled a simple mother, gazing at Chao Yang with warmth and affection.

"Regarding Huang'er, I don't understand why you'd choose to support her fully. After all..." After all, you should have been jealous, filled with hatred. Yet Chao Yang chose to reveal herself by supporting Chao Huang's rise.