roccoschili Chapter 132 Even Worse
Chapter 132 Even Worse
Zhao Xian'er has an impatient temperament and lacks the calmness and patience needed to achieve great things. The Queen Mother sees this clearly and naturally will not waste her precious time on a candidate like her.
The empress dowager's eyes turned slightly, and she quickly calculated the current situation in her mind: the power struggle between Song Yanyi and Song Yanchen was in full swing, and the future ownership of the throne was still undecided.
If Song Yanchen could ascend the throne, then his mother, Concubine Jing, would naturally be easily controlled because she had no powerful family to back her up.
And if Song Yanyi wins in the end, he will undoubtedly play a tricky role. After all, the queen has been running around between the court and the harem to support Song Yanyi. Once Song Yanyi ascends the throne, the queen will become the empress dowager. Then the status of the current empress dowager will probably be the first to be affected and face severe challenges.
A gleam of light flashed in the Queen Mother's eyes, and suddenly, her gaze locked on Zhao Xian'er, as if she was thinking about something: If Song Yanyi married a woman with an ordinary background who was easy to manipulate...
"How could that be? Although I have lived in this deep palace for a long time and rarely involved in worldly troubles, I have heard of your reputation as a talented woman. If you seem to be clumsy in speaking, then wouldn't others seem even more helpless?" The Queen Mother's words contained some admiration, but also implied a test for Zhao Xian'er.
When Zhao Xian'er heard the empress dowager's praise, her face suddenly lit up with joy. She glanced at Cui Rong provocatively, as if showing off her favor.
However, Cui Rong just smiled faintly at this. She knew in her heart that Zhao Xian'er couldn't even realize the Queen Mother's deeper intentions, so how could she get what she wanted?
The two men stayed beside the Queen Mother, talking and laughing one after another, until the morning glow outside the window gradually dyed the sky red.
At this time, the Queen Mother smiled and said, "It has been a long time since I have been so busy here, but it is getting late, you should go back and rest early."
"Miss Zhao, next time you come to the palace to pay your respects, if you don't mind that my place is too boring, you are welcome to come and chat with me anytime."
Zhao Xian'er quickly held up a cup of hot tea with both hands, her tone full of urgency: "Yes, I will definitely keep it in mind!"
The Queen Mother smiled and ordered, "Fang Fei, escort Rong Rong and Miss Zhao out of the palace."
"Yes, as ordered."
Fangfei accompanied them attentively all the way until the two were about to step into the carriage. Zhao Xianer took the opportunity to cast a barely perceptible smug look at Cui Rongrong, but said, "I was talking to the Queen Mother just now and was not able to take care of Sister Cui. I hope Sister doesn't mind. I just saw that the Queen Mother was in a very good mood, so I chatted a little more, hoping to make her happier."
"I will be careful in the future and try not to make my sister feel left out."
Cui Rongrong smiled sweetly, knowing clearly in her heart that in the Empress Dowager's bedroom, Zhao Xian'er was afraid that she would be too close to the Empress Dowager, so she kept interrupting and showing her courtesy, acting like a personal maid.
She was happy to be free and watched Zhao Xianer's performance.
Zhao Xian'er took the Queen Mother's polite words seriously.
Even if the Queen Mother does not grant any substantial favors in the future, it does not seem difficult to control such a simple-minded person like Zhao Xianer.
Cui Rong put away the distracting thoughts in her mind and responded with a smile: "Sister Zhao, you are too kind. I am very happy for you that you can make the Queen Mother happy."
"Besides, we haven't seen each other for a long time. If my sister is not in a hurry to go home, how about we find a quiet place and have a good chat?"
Zhao Xian'er wanted to decline, but then she thought again, she had just come into contact with the empress dowager and knew very little about her preferences, whereas Cui Rong had served her for a long time and must have known a lot of information inside the palace.
In order to replace Cui Rong's position one day, she decided to delve deeper.
"That's exactly what I want. We weren't able to have a satisfying conversation in the palace. Now is the right time to find a quiet place and talk to each other." Zhao Xian'er replied with a smile.
Afterwards, they took a carriage together, found a remote teahouse, sat down, and ordered some exquisite snacks.
After a brief greeting, Zhao Xian'er began to ask questions indirectly, trying to learn more about the Queen Mother from Cui Rongrong.
"Although the Queen Mother favors me, I only have a vague idea of her true preferences. I'm always worried that inappropriate words will anger the Queen Mother." Zhao Xian'er sighed, looking a little distressed.
"My father was exiled, and the family only has a small official position left. I must be careful with every step I take to avoid bringing trouble to my father. The situation of the Zhao family is like a candle swaying in the wind, precarious."
When she said this, her eyes flushed, making her look particularly pitiful.
Cui Rongrong remained calm and comforted him in a gentle voice: "Master Zhao is very talented. A temporary setback does not mean forever. With his ability, it is only a matter of time for him to make a comeback. What's more, he has a filial daughter like you by his side, so there is no need to worry too much."
Zhao Xianer sobbed softly: "I understand the truth, but when will these hard days end... Sister Cui, I have had a really hard time during this period... If others no longer look down on me because of the Queen Mother's appreciation, I will be satisfied..."
"Sister, can you help me?"
She looked at Cui Rong with tearful eyes. Cui Rong sighed softly and handed her a handkerchief: "I understand your situation. From the glory of the Imperial Counselor to the disparity now, you must feel bad."
"I am willing to help you, but the Queen Mother's thoughts are hard to guess. If we are found to have some plans, I am afraid it will cause her displeasure."
Zhao Xianer said hurriedly: "Don't worry, sister. If there is any criticism, I will never implicate you!"
Cui Rongrong shook her head: "This method is not feasible. I have another idea. Maybe you can try it."
Although she was unwilling to accept Cui Rongrong's rejection, Zhao Xianer heard that there seemed to be a deeper meaning in her words, and couldn't help but ask, "What is the solution?"
Cui Rong smiled lightly, looking mysterious: "Don't worry, sister Zhao, you urgently need to find a strong shelter. The Queen Mother seems to be the best choice, but her thoughts are unpredictable. As you said, if you are not careful, Lord Zhao's situation may become worse."
"Then why doesn't Sister Zhao consider asking the Queen for help?"
Zhao Xianer seemed a little confused for a moment, "I don't quite understand what Sister Cui means..."
The Queen Mother had no intention of intervening, so why would the Queen take the initiative to lend a helping hand?
Cui Rongrong explained slowly: "The Queen is compassionate and kind in managing the harem, and is deeply respected by all the concubines. You have a good relationship with the Crown Prince. As long as you honestly explain your predicament to the Queen, for the future of the Crown Prince, the Queen will definitely not sit idly by."