Chapter 379: A Springboard

Name：The Girl Who Struggled Through Palace Intrigues to Become the Empress Author：
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Chapter 379

Yan Qi's straightforward advice brought the matter of the successor to the throne into the open. The following day, during the morning court assembly, this issue became the sole topic of discussion among the courtiers.

There were many courtiers who advocated for urging Xiao Jingheng to choose his successor as soon as possible. They were not swayed by any personal interests but rather considered the welfare of the nation.

Currently, Xiao Jingheng has only one son, Chenghuan. However, the court physician had previously stated that Chenghuan's skin condition, known as "snake scale psoriasis," was a severe illness. If afflicted with this condition, there was a high probability that he would not live past the age of five. Even if he managed to survive beyond five years with careful attention, his future would be extremely difficult. The constant breakdown of his body would lead to recurring infections, ultimately depleting his health until his demise.

An imperial prince who could pass away at any moment clearly had no hope of inheriting the throne.

In the matter of selecting the successor, some loyal courtiers who were devoted to the well-being of the dynasty advocated for choosing Zhao Hua as the empress. Their reasons were as follows:

The royal lineage carries utmost importance, and Empress Jiawei had not borne a legitimate son for Xiao Jingheng. Therefore, the male fetus currently carried by Zhao Hua became the best choice.

If Zhao Hua were to become the empress, her child would be of legitimate birth, with pure royal blood.

On the other hand, some courtiers skilled in flattery also advised Xiao Jingheng to choose Zhao Hua as the empress. They were adept at discerning the imperial intentions. From their perspective, Xiao Jingheng's previous efforts to improve Zhao Hua's family background, such as marrying her into the Luo family, were paving the way for her future as the empress.

Hence, their advice today was merely following Xiao Jingheng's inclinations.

The custom of paying respects to silkworms occurred at the beginning of March, which coincided with Zhao Hua's due date.

From this perspective, choosing Zhao Hua as the empress seemed to align with the auspicious timing and harmonization of heaven, earth, and humanity.

However, during the morning court assembly, Xiao Jingheng did not make a final decision. He temporarily set aside the matter for further discussion.

*

Before the imperial concubines gave birth, maternal relatives were allowed to enter the palace for visits.

On this day, Mrs. Luo was summoned to the palace to see Zhao Hua.

"Mother, please don't laugh at me, but all I want is to live a carefree life. With abundance in life, children and a loving husband, and the grace of the emperor, that's already wonderful. I know my father is planning for my sake, but all these good intentions will push me into a pit."

"You, my child..."

Mrs. Luo sighed repeatedly, feeling quite helpless.

After a while, she picked up the tea cup offered by Zhao Hua and took a shallow sip.

"Alright, alright. Even if your father succeeds in planning for your position, your future days will be devoid of much joy. Whether you become a noble consort or an imperial noble consort, you will still be a concubine of the emperor. If you truly love the emperor and want to be his rightful wife, don't you desire that?"

During the private conversation between Mrs. Luo and Zhao Hua, Zhao Hua responded confidently and fluently, except when she heard these words, a hint of melancholy flashed across her brows.

However, she still forced a smile and said, "As long as we hold each other in our hearts, why should we care about the distinction between wife and concubine? I only know that Xiao Lang is my husband, and in his heart, he also considers me his wife. That's enough."

Later in the evening, Zhao Hua invited Mrs. Luo to have dinner at Chang Le Palace.

Originally, she wanted her to stay overnight in the palace, but Mrs. Luo declined, citing that Lord Luo had been suffering from rheumatism and she needed to return home to take care of him. Zhao Hua didn't insist and instructed Xiao Fuzi to see Mrs. Luo off properly.

As expected, after Xiao Fuzi left, he returned about an hour later.

At that time, Zhao Hua was soothing Ruo Xin to sleep. Xiao Fuzi waited outside the door for a while, only speaking in a low voice when Zhao Hua quietly left the side hall.

"Your Majesty, Mrs. Luo left the palace in a sedan chair but returned after half an hour. I secretly observed that the sedan chair was taken in the direction of Chaoyang Palace."

Zhao Hua smiled gracefully and replied, "It is understandable for the Empress Dowager to visit her son-in-law."

Xiao Fuzi also smiled and said, "Your Majesty, you predicted that the Emperor would send Mrs. Luo to test you. After hearing your conversation with her earlier, I believe the Emperor must have been moved."

Zhao Hua chuckled and shook her head, then raised an eyebrow at him, teasingly saying, "She is not my mother, but merely a stepping stone. A stepping stone should fulfill its role properly to be truly useful. Otherwise, it would be no different from a useless piece of wood thrown into the fire to burn, wouldn't it?"