Chapter 186: Favoritism

The Empress Dowager was in a good mood and ate an extra bowl of rice compared to usual.

Madam An sighed in her heart. The Empress Dowager had only two sons, but she favored the one who appeared gentle and elegant—the Emperor Jing. In front of the Empress Dowager, Emperor Jing seemed to have no temper at all, and even for the smallest matters, he would ask the Empress Dowager to make decisions. Even after marrying, every matter, big or small, in the household had to be approved by the Empress Dowager.

The Empress Dowager had a strong desire for control, and Emperor Jing’s actions greatly pleased her, giving her a sense of accomplishment, a feeling of being deeply needed and relied upon.

The Regent was different. He was taciturn and disliked troubling others. He handled everything, big or small, by himself and never bothered the Empress Dowager.

When the Empress Dowager tried to intervene or make decisions for him, the Regent would always reject her. Either he stood there expressionless, listening to her scolding without arguing, or he wouldn’t take it to heart, continuing to do things his own way.

The Empress Dowager was deeply displeased with the Regent’s defiance and lack of obedience. She loathed the feeling of losing control.

Her heart leaned entirely toward Emperor Jing.

The greater reason was that Emperor Jing’s ascension to the throne meant that the Empress Dowager had more influence over state affairs.

Thus, the Empress Dowager often whispered in the late emperor’s ear, saying: “Your Majesty, the Zhou Kingdom has just experienced a war, and now we are in a peaceful era, where the seas are calm, and the rivers are clear. There is no need for a supreme ruler who seeks to unify the world.

What is needed is a benevolent ruler with the people in his heart, someone who will develop the scholars, farmers, artisans, and merchants, leading the Zhou Kingdom to new heights.

Ling’er is compassionate and righteous, and he will surely become a wise ruler in the future. Even if I am mistaken and his abilities are limited, he can still maintain the kingdom’s stability.”

“Xuan’er, on the other hand, is naturally cold and ruthless, with deep and calculating thoughts. Such a character has always, throughout history, led to tyrants who eventually bring about the downfall of their kingdoms.”

“He is a master of warfare, brave and skilled in battle—a sharp weapon for the nation. Placing him at the border to guard it would intimidate the other three kingdoms, preventing them from daring to invade Great Zhou.”

“Ling’er and Xuan’er are brothers. If they support each other, they will certainly govern Great Zhou well.”

The late emperor favored Ji Xuan the most, for he was both scholarly and martial, possessing both courage and wisdom. Ji Ling, on the other hand, lacked decisiveness and boldness, showing the softness of a benevolent ruler. Compared to Ji Xuan, he could never catch up, not even by a long shot.

“The Xuan’er I favor—if he were to lead Great Zhou, he might be able to fulfill the grand vision of our ancestors, making all nations bow before him, with the world paying tribute.”

“Your Majesty, I have spoken with Xuan’er. He does not wish to inherit the throne but desires to support his elder brother. Please do not force Xuan’er, or you will cause strife between the brothers.”

The late emperor feigned anger and said, “Are you accusing me of sowing discord between brothers?”

“I, Your humble subject, would not dare.”

The Empress Dowager whispered something to the late emperor, and soon after, the sound of joyful laughter filled the room.

Madam An, recalling this memory, could only feel that the Empress Dowager’s favoritism knew no bounds. Not only did she use Qi Min to make the Regent voluntarily give up the throne, but after achieving her goal, she turned hostile and forbade the Regent from marrying Qi Min. The outcome of the present situation was truly of her own making.

Instead of reflecting on her actions, the Empress Dowager had developed the intent to eliminate all threats, leaving nothing behind.

The bonds of royal family affection, in the face of power, truly are fragile and easily shattered.

Madam An naturally dared not express her opinions aloud, only daring to harbor them silently. She collected herself and handed the Empress Dowager some tea to rinse her mouth. “Would you like to take a walk to aid digestion?”

“Yes, let’s walk,” the Empress Dowager replied, harboring resentment towards Ji Xuan for his cruelty—he had confined her to the imperial temple and led Ji Ling astray, causing him to become obsessed with the pursuit of immortality and neglect the affairs of state.

Now that Ji Xuan was poisoned and his death imminent, expecting Ji Ling to resume governing the country was clearly impossible.

At this moment, she needed to choose a prince from the royal descendants to nurture and raise as the future ruler.

As for who this person would be, the Empress Dowager had yet to decide.

Stepping out of her room, she saw Ji Wufeng approaching in casual attire, accompanied by Ji Lin.