Springtime Farming: A Happy Wife At Home

Chapter 2287: The Third Prince Felt Hopeless

Su Huai confidently exited the palace, clutching the freshly signed imperial edict in his hand.

Meanwhile, it seemed as though all the strength had drained from the Third Prince’s body. He sat motionless on the dragon throne, his chest heaving with rapid breaths of fury. He felt utterly hopeless.

Counting on Su Huai to reclaim the world? He found the notion utterly improbable.

Even for Hangzhou City alone, he couldn’t guarantee its return to his control.

Repeated disappointments had shattered his faith in Su Huai’s abilities.

Yet, he found himself unable to rid himself of Su Huai. What options did he have left?

Despair settled upon the Third Prince.

Su Huai marched onward with the imperial edict, compelling the Ministry of War and the Ministry of Revenue to procure funds, provisions, and supplies. The court erupted in chaos.

Courtiers filed their petitions, vehemently advising against further conflict. They couldn’t afford to continue the struggle any longer!

While they had secured the prosperous Jiangnan region, their conquest had not come without cost. Though the initial battle hadn’t exacted a steep toll, sustaining control over the area had drained significant military and logistical resources—a price not easily overlooked.

Their prolonged struggle with Huaixi province had already strained the Imperial Court to its limits. Now, contemplating further conflict, the question arose: Could they even afford it?

What resources did they have left to sustain another campaign?

Some of the more outspoken voices went so far as to suggest conscripting commoners and seizing their wealth to fund the war effort.

The Third Prince felt a deep sense of shame, his face flushing with embarrassment.

How could he not have foreseen the repercussions of issuing that imperial edict? How he wished he could retract it now. But what choice did he have?

The edict had been decreed. To rescind it would undermine his authority and credibility before the court.

Moreover, deep in his heart, he still harbored hopes of reclaiming Hangzhou City…

The Third Prince had no choice but to dismiss these objections, subtly advocating for Su Huai.

All the courtiers secretly harbored disappointment.

Some began pondering ways to extricate themselves from this predicament…

What hope remained in this court?

Upon Su Huai’s return, the women of the Su family trembled once more.

Previously, Su Huai’s faction had suffered a devastating defeat and lost Hangzhou City, causing a stir throughout the realm. Overnight, the Su family’s prestige plummeted.

Despite Madam Su and Young Madam Su’s formidable personalities, they could do little but lower their heads in submission.

Consort Su faced similar challenges in the palace.

Her arrogance and disregard for decorum alienated her from others. Her harsh tongue and physical aggressiveness made even servants wary. Yet, the Emperor’s favor shielded her from repercussions, leaving other concubines seething in silence.

With the opportunity at hand, who would dare to oppose her?

True, she knew how to use her fists, but she had only two hands. Could she overpower the palace servants? Could a few servants not bring her down?

Did she truly believe her arrogance alone would protect her? What a farce!

In the palace, those who acted rashly often met swift ends.

Given Consort Su’s volatile temper, it wouldn’t take much for others to scheme against her.

She couldn’t help but speak her mind about the Su family’s misfortunes. Provoked again, she lashed out with words and blows. If word reached the Empress, would she miss a chance to assert her authority?

In accordance with palace regulations, Consort Su was publicly disciplined that day, receiving twenty blows. She was demoted to concubine status and confined to the temple hall for half a month.

There, she was tasked with copying Buddhist scriptures daily and required to finish them to receive meals.