Chapter 382 - 160: The Emperor Spoils Song Zhaoyi Too Much

Chapter 382: Chapter 160: The Emperor Spoils Song Zhaoyi Too Much

Song Yunzhao heard the Emperor grit his teeth and placed her other hand over his, as if to soothe him.

Feng Yi stared ahead and said slowly, "In the time of the Founding Emperor, our dynasty’s armies were vast and our generals plentiful. The Capital Guard was brimming with talent, and it was an honor for anyone to join its ranks."

Song Yunzhao listened quietly. She knew Feng Yi didn’t need her to say anything; she just had to be a listener.

"During Emperor Wenzong’s reign, wherever our grand armies marched, their banners stretched as far as the eye could see and their drums thundered, shaking the very heavens. Our enemies would lose heart at the mere sound of our approach. But now? The great Capital Guard is nothing but a joke!"

Song Yunzhao couldn’t quite empathize with the Emperor’s feelings. But then she thought about it from a different angle. ’If I had a straight-A student for a son, and his grades suddenly plummeted, I’d instantly feel the same way.’

’Such a disappointment, so frustratingly unambitious.’

’They got money when they asked for it, provisions when they needed them, and men to fill the ranks. And yet, the Capital Guard is still a useless mess.’

’How could he not be furious?’

’If it were her, she’d be livid too.’

’The Capital Guard was rotten from top to bottom. They neglected their drills, the soldiers were lazy, the Ministry of War deceived the Emperor, and the Left and Right Ministers turned a blind eye. The amount of silver allocated from the Ministry of Revenue each year was no small sum. So where did it all go?’

’She didn’t have to think too hard to guess.’

"Zhaozhao, I feel so weary."

Song Yunzhao tilted her head to gaze at the Emperor. The disappointment and exhaustion on his face were unconcealed. This was the first time she had ever seen him so vulnerable.

"Your Majesty." Song Yunzhao tilted her head and leaned toward the Emperor. "The first step is always the hardest. You ascended the throne at such a young age; to have achieved what you have today is already remarkable. Every dynasty has had its parasites in the court. You can deal with them one by one."

Of course Feng Yi knew this. But he had already endured for five years, believing his patience would eventually yield results. Yet these courtiers, far from showing restraint, had only grown more brazen.

He didn’t want to endure it any longer. He was the Emperor, the Son of Heaven. Why should he tolerate this time and time again?

Feng Yi looked down at Yun Zhao. "Deal with them one by one? You’re too soft-hearted."

Song Yunzhao: ?

’What does that have to do with being soft-hearted?’

Feng Yi’s mood gradually calmed. He squeezed Yun Zhao’s hand tightly. "In the time of the Founding Emperor, our armies were elite, our soldiers strong, and our generals fierce. They swept away all before them, utterly unconquerable. I wouldn’t dare compare myself to the Founding Emperor, but I cannot allow our military to grow so lax that it becomes useless."

"How awe-inspiring, Your Majesty." Song Yunzhao was impressed. ’He’s truly worthy of being the male lead; his ambitions are certainly grand.’

’The founder of any dynasty sets the gold standard for his era.’

’Feng Yi was never raised to be the Crown Prince. He taught himself everything he needed to know to ascend the throne, and he still harbors such ambitions. It really seems that in the world of this book, only the male lead could be this capable.’

Now that he was calm, Feng Yi looked at Yun Zhao and asked, "Did I scare you just now?"

Song Yunzhao shook her head. "I knew you wouldn’t hurt me, so what was there to fear? I just feel for you, Your Majesty. If those greedy, shameless officials truly harm your sacred health with their infuriating actions, then chopping off their heads wouldn’t be enough to quell my anger."

Hearing Yun Zhao defend him so fiercely warmed Feng Yi’s heart. For someone as gentle as her to speak of chopping off heads, the matter must be serious indeed.

"Zhaozhao, I am going to rebuild the Capital Guard."

"I know you can do it."

Hearing this, Feng Yi felt a weight lift from his chest. He felt more and more that he had found a true treasure. Initially, he had only been drawn to her fiery personality; he never imagined that her place in his heart would one day change so profoundly.

She would be the mother of his child. The one who would stay by his side. Someone who understood him. Someone who would applaud and cheer for him no matter what he did.

He had walked alone for too long. He had never believed there was anyone in this world whose shoulder he could lean on.

But now, perhaps he no longer had to envy others. He, too, had someone who made him feel at peace.

He reached out and pulled Yun Zhao into a tight embrace, but then, remembering the child in her womb, he eased his grip.

At that moment, Song Yunzhao leaned against Feng Yi’s chest, listening to his strong, steady heartbeat and feeling his arms around her. She didn’t know if it was because of their child, but in that instant, she suddenly felt as though they were true companions.

’Like husband and wife.’

Song Yunzhao froze, shocked by her own thought.

She wrapped her arms around Feng Yi’s waist and slowly closed her eyes.

For a rare change, Feng Yi did not return to Taiji Palace that day. He had dinner with Yun Zhao and even stayed the night at Wangyou Palace.

When the news reached Shouci Palace, the Empress Dowager’s expression turned grim.

"That Song woman is pregnant. How can she possibly be attending to him in bed? The Emperor is truly addled," the Empress Dowager snapped.

An Shutong, who was bringing the Empress Dowager her bird’s nest soup, heard this remark. Without raising her head, she glided forward and gently placed the soup on the table.

Nanny Yao glanced at Miss An, then hesitated before speaking up. "Your Majesty, in the past, with no one to manage the harem, such matters naturally went unchecked. But now that you have returned, it would be best to speak with the Emperor about it. We must prevent word from spreading to the outer court and damaging His Majesty’s reputation."

The late Emperor had many favored concubines, and a few he truly cherished, but he never stayed overnight with them while they were with child.

’Is the Emperor doting on Song Zhaoyi too much?’

An Shutong stood silently to the side, but she was thinking, ’Nanny Yao’s suggestion probably won’t work. The Empress Dowager has been back in the palace for some time, and the Emperor, busy with state affairs, rarely sets foot in the harem. But on the rare occasions he does, he invariably goes to Wangyou Palace.’

’She had heard that when Song Zhaoyi first entered the palace and gained favor, the Emperor would still visit the Three Concubine Palaces. But it wasn’t long before he stopped going there, and he hadn’t even shown his face in the quarters of the other concubines.’

’Of all the concubines who entered the palace at the same time as Song Zhaoyi, she was the only one who had ever served the Emperor.’

’This just went to show that Song Zhaoyi’s methods were anything but simple.’

At this thought, An Shutong glanced at Nanny Yao before speaking softly, "Aunt, I feel we shouldn’t act too hastily in this matter. The priority should be to ease the tension between you and the Emperor. If you are the one to bring this up, His Majesty could easily misunderstand your good intentions. Wouldn’t that harm the bond between you?"

Hearing this, Nanny Yao glanced at An Shutong and said with a smile, "Miss An is indeed more thoughtful. It was I who was too hasty."

"Shutong knows you were only thinking of Aunt, Nanny. There is no fault in that," An Shutong replied with a smile.

The Empress Dowager nodded slightly. "Shutong has a point. It is indeed not appropriate for me to intervene directly. With the Emperor’s temperament, he would surely misinterpret my intentions. Nanny, take a trip to Princess Consort Zhuang’s residence. Princess Consort Zhuang is a clever woman; she will know what to do."

Nanny Yao acknowledged the command and turned to leave.

Once Nanny Yao had gone, the Empress Dowager bade An Shutong sit. She sighed softly and said, "You are a good child. Rest assured, no matter how arrogant that Song Zhaoyi gets, she will never surpass you in the end."

"With you here, Aunt, how could Shutong worry about such things? My only wish is for you to be healthy and happy." An Shutong smiled, hugging the Empress Dowager’s arm affectionately.

Where the Empress Dowager could not see, her gaze grew distant and cold.