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In contrast to Princess Jiahe’s unease, Princess Pingyao remained calm and composed, encouraging Qin Yumo every day to perform well without fearing the Regent’s authority too much.
As long as he stayed within his bounds, avoided deliberately angering the Regent, wasn’t too timid, and didn’t meddle in affairs that were none of his business, he could generally manage to protect himself.
Of course, since the Regent had given the three princes consort the opportunity to enter the court, mere self-preservation was obviously only the minimum requirement. When it was time to perform, they should still do so properly. There was no need to emulate the Regent’s decisive and ruthless style, but being bold in thought and speech should be achievable.
To boost Qin Yumo’s courage, Princess Pingyao, who originally only patrolled the palace once a day before returning home, began to break with tradition and rise early. In the morning, the two would almost get up and wash together, have breakfast, and then ride in a carriage to the palace together.
One would go on duty in the Diligent Government Hall, while the other would patrol the palace.
Whether it was a case of the husband following the wife or the wife following the husband, they appeared to have a sweetness reminiscent of a newlywed couple in love.
On this day, while patrolling, they arrived at the Chonghua Palace, and Princess Pingyao decided to go in and chat with the Emperor, as she had nothing better to do.
The imperial guards on duty outside the Chonghua Palace bowed and opened the door for her, then closed it behind her.
Emperor Ji Jin, who had been confined for some time, did not seem much worse for wear. When Princess Pingyao entered, he was still sitting in his usual spot, quietly reading a book.
“I actually admire Your Majesty.” Princess Pingyao said as she sat down in the chair opposite him. “At such a young age, you possess an extraordinary calmness. Even when confined, there’s not a hint of despair or decay.”
Ji Jin looked up at her: “You flatter me, Elder Sister. I am deeply ashamed.”
“With Your Majesty’s composure, if you can keep your cool and, in time, reclaim the regency and secure your throne, it shouldn’t be difficult. I can’t understand why Your Majesty fell so quickly.” Princess Pingyao stared at Ji Jin, her eyes seemingly probing. “What is Your Majesty in such a hurry for?”
Ji Jin was slightly taken aback and lowered his gaze to avoid her eyes: “I was dragged down by the Qin family.”
“Is that so? I don’t believe it.” Princess Pingyao shook her head. “The Qin family may have been foolish, and the Empress Dowager may have been holding you back, but that’s no excuse.”
As the ruler of a nation, even if he hadn’t yet taken full control of the government and had little say in state affairs before the Regent and the court officials, when facing the Qin family, as long as he firmly refused, would Imperial Uncle Qin really dare to oppose the Emperor of a nation?
The Emperor was the Empress Dowager’s son. Even if she was anxious for power, as long as the Emperor asked her to be patient, the Empress Dowager sitting in the rear palace would not be able to extend her reach to the court.
Many things could actually be avoided.
After Princess Jiahe and Princess Jiayu caused trouble, if the Emperor had shown that he was on the same side as the Regent and punished the two Princesses directly without waiting for the Regent to speak, the Regent would have no reason to cause trouble for him.
So this was where Princess Pingyao was puzzled.
She always felt that Ji Jin was not a fool, he was just… unclear about what was on his mind.
“Have there been any major events in the court recently?”
“The Nan Dynasty envoys have arrived.” Princess Pingyao said. “They are eager to borrow troops to resist the Western Zhou Dynasty, but I think the lives of Yong Kingdom’s soldiers are also important, and there’s no reason for them to die for the survival of another country’s realm.”
Ji Jin was silent for a moment, a sense of defeat and desolation flashing in his eyes: “Has Nan Dynasty reached such a state?”
“So Your Majesty wanted Nan Dynasty to be your support, but I’m afraid that wish will be in vain.” Princess Pingyao sighed. “I don’t know what strategy our father came up with back then, it truly tarnished his reputation.”
Ji Jin didn’t speak.
“The Sheng family was annihilated on the battlefield back then, perhaps also part of our father’s strategy.” Princess Pingyao adjusted to a more comfortable position, her voice casual yet carrying a cold and ruthless tone. “You were still young at the time and shouldn’t have been involved, but this was not without the calculations of your so-called good mother. Moreover, everything our father planned was for you, his son who couldn’t yet take full control of the government. It’s only right that you bear some of the costs.”
Ji Jin nodded slowly: “What you say makes sense, Elder Sister.”
“So I should take your throne.” Princess Pingyao said calmly and easily, not at all like someone making a startling statement. “Being a puppet Emperor is painful. If our father knew, seeing you in such an unpromising state, he would probably be in pain too.”
Ji Jin’s eyes widened slightly. Despite his composure, he was clearly shaken by Princess Pingyao’s words.
He asked almost in disbelief, “Elder Sister wants to be Emperor?”
“That’s the idea.”
“How is that possible?” Ji Jin’s hand holding the scroll involuntarily tightened. “Even if there really is a takeover, it should be our uncle, the Regent. Elder Sister, as a woman—”
“What about being a woman?” Princess Pingyao showed a look of disdain. “Is being male or female something we decide for ourselves? From the moment of birth, each person is distinguished by gender. Because one is a man, one naturally enjoys everything in the family. Is being a woman naturally a sin? All things that we cannot decide for ourselves, in my view, are unfair.”
A mocking expression appeared on Ji Jin’s face: “Birth is not something one can decide either. Does Elder Sister believe that she is equal to the common people?”
“I do not believe that everyone is equal, because birth is also something they cannot decide. But if they have the ability to seize the throne, I am willing to accept defeat.” Princess Pingyao stood up. “Unfortunately, there are too many things that the common people cannot decide. Even if they want to protest, they do not have the courage or the foundation to do so, whereas I am not lacking in courage or foundation.”
With that, she turned and walked out.
“Princess.” Minister Ji, along with several envoys, stopped Princess Pingyao outside the Chonghua Palace and bowed. “We beg the Princess to speak to the Regent and see if we can borrow troops to support Nan Dynasty sooner. I have come with the will and expectations of our Emperor, and it is truly out of desperation. We beg the Princess—”
Princess Pingyao stopped: “Minister Ji, you look like a loyal minister for the country and its people, so I want to ask you a question.”
Minister Ji hurriedly said, “Please ask, Princess. I will answer truthfully.”
“After Ling Fengyang went to Nan Dynasty, your Emperor trusted an outsider and no longer let the Princess lead the army. Among you ministers, were there more supporters or opponents?”
Minister Ji’s face turned pale: “Why is the Princess asking this?”
“I just want to know how stupid Nan Dynasty’s ruler and his subjects are, and how many fools there are in the court.”
Minister Ji stammered for a long time: “Princess, the urgent matter—”
“The urgent matter is that Nan Dynasty’s fate is over.” Princess Pingyao interrupted him, the corner of her mouth slightly raised. “Heaven’s will can be defied, but self-inflicted calamity cannot be escaped. Accept the facts.”
“Princess! Princess!” Minister Ji called out anxiously, “Princess!”
Princess Pingyao left without looking back.