In all dynasties, the greatest taboo was the usurpation of power by maternal relatives. To prevent this, the former Emperor Gaozong established a rule: whoever became Crown Prince would have his mother executed. This was to prevent a situation where the son was weak and the mother was strong, leading to the maternal relatives controlling state affairs and causing rebellion.
Until the current Emperor Taizong, who was benevolent and could not bear to see rivers of blood, abolished this policy that had lasted for hundreds of years. He merely ordered that no one from the mother's family could hold official positions.
The former emperor passed away in his prime, and Emperor Xuanwen was too young. The Empress Dowager, with her frail body, shouldered the burden of state affairs for over a decade. During this time, her maternal relatives harbored ambitions of controlling the court.
They even coerced the Empress Dowager, along with a group of ministers, to enfeoff kings and dukes. They also committed atrocities in various regions.
To preserve Dongchu and Emperor Xuanwen's throne, the Empress Dowager personally executed her entire family who were disrupting state affairs, beheading over a hundred people.
A wave of purges swept through the entire imperial court.
Only then did the maternal relatives cease their interference, and the court became clear and orderly.
However, this also led to estrangement between the Empress Dowager and her maternal family. The Empress Dowager's own mother could not accept the tragic deaths of her son and grandsons, and she continuously cursed the Empress Dowager, even severing their mother-daughter relationship. Her mother, consumed by depression, eventually leaped to her death from the city wall.
This event became an eternal wound in the Empress Dowager's heart.
She further ordered strict prohibition of maternal relatives being enfeoffed as kings or dukes, thereby stifling the trend of maternal relatives dominating the court.
"Your Majesty the Empress Dowager is exaggerating. Her Majesty the Empress has always strictly disciplined the Liu family. Moreover, the Liu family has been prudent and orderly all these years, never committing any wrongdoing. Naturally, they would not dare to commit such treasonous acts."
The Imperial Consort naturally understood that the usurpation of power by maternal relatives was always a sensitive issue at court and a major concern for the Empress Dowager.
The concubines in various palaces also strictly disciplined their maternal relatives. Over the years, there had been no instances of concubines' maternal families using their influence to bully the common people.
Even if the Empress were foolish, she would never commit such an act.
"Once she ascends to the position of Empress Dowager, what will she not dare to do?"
The Empress Dowager had never approved of Liu becoming Empress, not only due to Liu's questionable character but also because her family behind her was unwilling to be content with their descendants only holding third-rank official positions.
The Empress had been scheming to make the Third Prince the emperor, and she had placed Liu women among the princes as consorts, harboring such intentions.
"Nanny Yun, go tell the Empress to transcribe a copy of 'Nv Ze' and 'Nv Xun' and send them over."
"Your servant obeys."
The Empress Dowager sighed and rubbed her temples, "This empress dowager is tired. You may all withdraw."
"Your humble concubine takes her leave..."
As the three were about to reach the palace gates, the Empress Dowager called out to Feng Jin.
"This empress dowager has had a terrible headache these past two days. Feng Jin, stay and help me with a massage."
Feng Jin's expression faltered for a moment, then she quickly responded, "Yes, Your Majesty the Empress Dowager."
After the others left, only the Empress Dowager and Feng Jin remained in the vast palace.
"Come, sit. It's just the two of us now. Keep me company."
The Empress Dowager beckoned Feng Jin to sit beside her.
"Yes, Your Majesty." Feng Jin, unusually composed, respectfully sat next to the Empress Dowager.
"Thanks to your care, the Princess Consort Jing was not bullied by Consort Wang."
"Your Majesty the Empress Dowager is too kind. The Princess Consort Jing knows her place. Consort Wang is merely a secondary consort. The Princess Consort Jing, appointed by Your Majesty the Empress Dowager, can naturally handle Consort Wang."
Feng Jin did not want to take all the credit, lest she be accused of instigation. The Empress would certainly not let her off easily.
For her future peace, it was better to let Lin Yuwei shoulder more.
"Although the Princess Consort Jing is intelligent, her disposition is a bit too soft. Raised in secluded chambers, she has never experienced the treacherous machinations of women. If she does not experience some hardships now, when Chen Yi ascends to the throne, the imperial harem will only have more concubines. As Empress, she must have the魄力 to command them. It will be your responsibility to teach her more."
Although she had long suspected that the Empress Dowager favored Prince Jing for the position of Crown Prince, hearing it spoken so openly made Feng Jin's heart tremble slightly.
Thinking back to what she had done to Prince Jing before, she couldn't help but feel a little flustered. She would have to get along well with Prince Jing in the future. After all, he was the future emperor, her superior, and it was best to offend him as little as possible.
"By the way, how is Prince Jing's leg these days?"
"Much better. With a bit more recuperation, he will be able to walk again."
Hearing this, the Empress Dowager felt much relieved. After such a long time, she finally heard some good news.
"Good... good... you healed Prince Jing, that's a great contribution. This empress dowager must reward you handsomely..."
The Empress Dowager's joy was evident as she considered how to reward Feng Jin. Unexpectedly, Feng Jin spoke first.
"Your Majesty the Empress Dowager, I am already immensely fortunate to have received your care and to have been personally granted the title of County Princess. I dare not ask for anything more. I only have one wish that I implore Your Majesty the Empress Dowager to fulfill."
"Just say what you wish. It's just you and me here, no need to kneel. Hurry and get up."
The Empress Dowager reached out to help Feng Jin up and pulled her to sit beside her, "Tell me, what is it about?"
"Your Majesty the Empress Dowager, what Feng Jin seeks today is for my mother."
"Miao Qing..." The Empress Dowager couldn't help but feel sad, as if a past memory had been stirred. Tears welled up in her eyes.
"Your Majesty the Empress Dowager, can you extend your favor to my mother? My mother has passed away. I only wish for her to receive some posthumous honors, so that she may find some comfort in the netherworld."
Feng Jin spoke with earnest sincerity, and as her emotions deepened, two tears trickled down her eyes. "In a few more days, it will be my mother's birthday. After she passed, I was sent to the countryside. The incense offerings at her memorial tablet were discontinued, and during the spring and autumn sacrifices, there were no fruits or offerings. It was utterly desolate..."
The Empress Dowager couldn't help but sigh and wipe the tears from Feng Jin's eyes. "You child have a heart of filial piety. Miao Qing, in the netherworld, knowing you are so devoted, will be able to smile in eternal peace. I will grant your wish and posthumously bestow upon Miao Qing the title of First Rank Imperial Consort, named Lady Si Yi."
"Thank you, Your Majesty the Empress Dowager."
"The imperial decree for the posthumous conferment will be sent to the Prime Minister's residence tomorrow."
"Your Majesty the Empress Dowager, His Majesty is requesting an audience outside..." Nanny Yun paused, glanced at Feng Jin, and then continued, "Young General Ling has also arrived."
Ling Mo Han, what is he doing here? Feng Jin's eyes were filled with confusion.
"Let them in."
"Yes, Your Majesty."
Emperor Xuanwen walked in with brisk steps. He respectfully knelt before the Empress Dowager to pay his respects before taking his seat.
"Your humble subject respectfully wishes Your Majesty the Empress Dowager good health."
"Rise."
"Thank Your Majesty."
The Empress Dowager's gaze swept over Ling Mo Han and Feng Jin. Indeed, they were a match made in heaven, looking so perfectly suited!
"When you two got married, the preparations were rushed, and this empress dowager was unable to attend personally. I have prepared a gift specially to congratulate you both on your harmonious union and a lifelong partnership."