Chapter 287: Forging a Century-Long Alliance

County Princess Lin’an lifted the hem of her skirt and knelt before the Empress Dowager. “Grandmother, among all the young men in the capital, Lin’an only has feelings for Zhao Wei. If I can marry into the Defender Duke’s household, it would be of great benefit to you.”

She seized upon the Empress Dowager’s weakness. “The Defender Duke’s household is the Empress’s greatest support, and the Empress has always been at odds with you. But Lin’an is different. The kindness you have shown me—I have always kept it in my heart. If not for your arrangements, Father might not have been able to secure a real position upon his return to the capital. He would likely have remained nothing more than an idle marquis. Our entire family remembers your great kindness.”

“If my wish is fulfilled, I will become the Zhao family’s daughter-in-law, Zhao Wei’s wife. No matter how you put it, the Empress is nothing more than his maternal cousin. When the time comes, who do you think he will side with?”

The smile on the Empress Dowager’s face faded, her expression turning serious as she scrutinized Lin’an.

County Princess Lin’an nervously curled her fingers, yet she did not show the slightest hint of fear. “If the Empress had a son, perhaps the Zhao family would be willing to take a gamble. Grandmother, you should have confidence in Lin’an.”

“You think you can keep hold of Zhao Wei?” The Empress Dowager scrutinized County Princess Lin’an with a sharp gaze. Whether in terms of appearance or character, she was far from outstanding.

Zhao Wei’s family background and status made him a highly sought-after match—countless noble ladies wished to marry him. Yet now, at twenty-six or twenty-seven, he had shown no inclination toward marriage, proving that his standards were exceedingly high.

County Princess Lin’an smiled shyly and kneeled forward, moving closer to the Empress Dowager. “I fear I may not be able to do it on my own, but I have Grandmother.”

Her almond-shaped eyes shimmered with admiration and devotion. “You will help Lin’an, won’t you?”

The Empress Dowager gazed at her for a long moment before suddenly reaching out to pat her head. “Good child, Grandmother will help you.”

County Princess Lin’an, overjoyed, threw her arms around the Empress Dowager. “Grandmother, you are so good to Lin’an!”

Her eyes gleamed with determination—victory was within her grasp!

As soon as County Princess Lin’an left, Madam An brought over a cup of health-nourishing tea and poured a serving for the Empress Dowager.

“Your Majesty, if you interfere in the Zhao family’s affairs, General Zhao may not dare to defy you, but he also won’t be willing to truly acknowledge County Princess Lin’an. In the end, it might only offend the Zhao family.”

The Empress Dowager let out a cold laugh. “For the sake of returning to the palace, I already offended the Zhao family when I took the old Madam Zhao hostage.”

She spoke indifferently, “A man may not love a woman, but he will always love his child. If it were anyone else, I might not be entirely certain. But Zhao Wei—once he marries Lin’an, he will take responsibility for her.”

Madam An hesitated, as if she wanted to say something but ultimately held her tongue.

The Empress Dowager took a sip of tea. “In a few days, it will be the old Madam Zhao’s birthday. That will be the perfect time to send the imperial decree for the marriage and have it read aloud.”

Madam An looked at the Empress Dowager in shock—was Her Majesty planning to force the Zhao family to accept this marriage in front of their guests?

Unease stirred in her heart, and she wanted to offer a word of caution.

Just then, a voice called from outside the door, “Your Majesty, the Empress requests an audience.”

“Let her in,” the Empress Dowager said as she set down her teacup, already guessing the reason for the Empress’s visit.

Madam An had no choice but to step aside.

The Empress entered and respectfully greeted the Empress Dowager. “Mother.”

“You wouldn’t come to pay respects without a reason. What brings you here today?”

The Empress Dowager had no patience for empty pleasantries with the Empress. Her gaze swept over the Empress’s haggard face, and her expression darkened. She couldn’t understand—without any solid backing, why did the Empress insist on opposing her?

The Empress steadied herself and stated her purpose. “Mother, an envoy from Xiliang has arrived, bringing generous gifts and a state letter. Su Wan, the daughter of Marquis Dingyuan, rendered great service by saving the Empress of Xiliang and has become an esteemed guest of their court.

After listening to Su Wan’s counsel, the Empress of Xiliang has agreed to sell their warhorses to Great Zhou annually, open trade between the two nations, and forge a century-long alliance of peace.”