The Daily Life of a Concubine

Chapter 68 - The Drug Takes Effect

"We can't get rid of all the imperial consorts at once. We have to take them down one by one. But what if the Emperor can't father children anymore?" It was their soft-heartedness back then that spared the Emperor's life. Otherwise, these current problems wouldn't exist.

The Empress Dowager understood his meaning. "He's already had difficulty fathering children. Otherwise, after all these years, only two princesses would not have been born. The reason so many are pregnant now is simply that the Emperor has been restoring his health." The Empress Dowager was tempted but also filled with fear.

"If Shu Fei takes action and the Emperor doesn't find out, it's fine. But if he does, the Zhang family will be doomed. How will Duan'er secure power when he ascends the throne?" The Empress Dowager was reluctant to drag the Zhang family into this.

The first time, the Emperor spared the Zhang family because of her and Wenke. If it happened again, the Emperor would likely wipe out the Zhang family entirely.

She couldn't gamble on her son's kindness.

Dezhong couldn't expose too much of his influence. "But if we miss this opportunity, the more people we'll have to deal with in the future." Although there is only one Emperor, there can be countless women.

If they wanted to eliminate the Emperor's offspring, there would be many people to contend with. Let alone the clans behind these women, who were not easy to deal with.

The Empress Dowager understood his point but was still unwilling to involve the Zhang family. "I disagree with this. Have someone switch Shu Fei's medicine," the Empress Dowager said, unwilling to listen further.

"Women in the harem are easy to handle. If we drag this out for a few more years, the ministers in court will naturally urge the Emperor to appoint an heir. When he doesn't have one, that will be our opportunity for Zhi'er (Prince Duan's son) to rise." The Empress Dowager spoke in a low voice.

After speaking, she looked at Dezhong and saw disapproval on his face. She immediately became stern. "I don't care what you're thinking, but I forbid you from scheming against the Zhang family. Do you understand?" She used her authority to suppress Dezhong.

But she forgot that after being entangled with Dezhong, she had already been manipulated and lost the upper hand. How could she suppress an ambitious man?

"Alright, don't be angry. I'll do whatever you say." Dezhong quickly changed his tone, hiding his displeasure. "The Zhang family is my in-laws too. Why would I harm them? My dear, do you not trust me?"

His placating words finally dispelled the Empress Dowager's suspicion of him.

Following her orders, the medicine meant for Shu Fei was switched.

Watching Dezhong's departing figure, the Empress Dowager still felt uneasy.

"Come here."

A momo dressed in simple palace attire emerged from the shadows. "Your Highness."

"Keep an eye on him. I don't like disobedient dogs." The Empress Dowager's expression and tone were vastly different from what they had been in front of Dezhong earlier.

Indeed, she hadn't become Empress Dowager for nothing. She had her ways of self-preservation.

"If he disobeys, there's no need to keep him around. The Zhang family can't afford another disaster," she muttered as the nanny left.

"Understood."

Shu Fei had no idea her plans had been discovered. Her dear aunt was still trying to cut off her escape route.