coobybook Chapter 106 Wu Zetian is the upgraded version of the Jin Yang Princess's popularity.
Chapter 106 Wu Zetian is the upgraded version of the Jin Yang Princess's popularity.
In 654, Yonghui Si completely transformed into Wu Xiao Si.
Zi'an and Wu Xiaosi stood in front of an artificial hill, with palace maids bustling about in the distance and the occasional chirping of birds.
The two were casually chatting about the affairs of the palace, but gradually the topic became more meaningful.
Wu Xiaosi believed that Empress Wang, the high-ranking elder sister-in-law of the former Princess Jinyang, was arrogant and aloof, practically the "ice queen" of the palace.
In her early years, thanks to the Liu family's background and the fact that she was the Crown Princess when Li Zhi was still the Crown Prince, she held a position so high that she looked down on ordinary palace maids and didn't care much about the people's hearts in the palace.
After all, having attained such a high position, Empress Wang felt she could sit back and enjoy the fruits of her labor—little did she know that the higher the position, the easier it was to be flattered and ignore the slightest disturbances around her.
Not to mention that she wasn't the only "smart person" with a family background in the palace.
Wu Xiaosi (leaning back in her chair, eating lingzhi and lily porridge, squinting at Brother Zi'an and smiling):
"Oh my, sister-in-law has really gone down the fast track of 'lowering favorability' these past two years! Back then, with the Liu family's small background, she thought she was all that important? But in this palace, it's not just about titles. The higher the position, the more you have to work hard. You can't be a self-absorbed, aloof goddess."
Zi'an said, "In fact, over the years, Empress Wang has been observing the political turmoil in the palace with a cold eye, but she has overlooked an important rule in the palace: winning people's hearts."
She remained firmly on the throne of Empress, but even she herself didn't realize that she was unknowingly drifting further and further away from those around her.
After becoming familiar with her identity as the transmigrated Consort Wu, Wu Xiaosi realized:
"However, I've discovered a pattern! As long as they don't get along with Empress Wang, especially those shrewd and capable people, Wu Zetian can cleverly 'buy' their hearts. She's truly a shrewd person."
Zi'an said, "Your Highness, your methods are truly masterful now. Every time I look at you, I feel that your gaze is like that of a 'master of winning people over,' effortlessly capturing their hearts. You've improved tenfold since you were still Princess Jinyang!!!"
Wu Xiaosi (slightly taken aback, then shook his head and chuckled):
"Princess Jinyang's former residence? Back then, she only knew how to win over her father, her young servant, and the owner of the palace pastry shop!"
Zi An (shakes her head slightly, making a very pleased expression).
Wu Xiaosi sighed, "Sigh, these days are just too many to handle! Now my position has become the envy of everyone, so I have to be careful with my 'chess pieces'."
After all, I, Wu Xiaosi, can sense that the methods I possess are truly formidable.
I realized that being an empress required such discretion. Before others could even react, I could quietly gain the upper hand, and I unconsciously became more and more shrewd.
Look at me, I'm practically a living, breathing 'strategist,' a master of court intrigue! Now I've become a 'master of power politics' with boundless wisdom!"
Inside the palace of Wuxiao Temple, the sunset glow shone through the window onto the beaded curtain. Li Zhi arrived, his face full of worry, still holding a memorial in his hand.
Wu Xiaosi sat next to him, leisurely enjoying the sour soup tripe, occasionally picking up a piece with a carefree and satisfied smile on his face.
Li Zhi (gritting his teeth, indignant):
"Alas, I am truly infuriated! Those malicious fellows have tried to slander my Consort Zhao, but to no avail! I have made myself perfectly clear, yet they refuse to listen and have not touched a single hair on your head! Do they really think they can change anything?"
Wu Xiaosi (picking up some tripe with chopsticks, a predictable smile appearing on his lips):
"Come on, why has Your Majesty been so irritable these past few days? But then again, it makes sense. You have to be clever with interpersonal relationships! With my sibling bond, my sister-in-law's love, plus a bit of wisdom and the art of rulership, I've already got them all under my thumb. If anyone wants to 'slander' me, they'll have to have some skill. After all, everyone supports me, Wu Zetian, so who would dare to make a move?"
Li Zhi (sighs, abruptly stirs the teacup in front of him, his voice low):
"Sigh, the more I think about it, the angrier I get. Look at these ministers, they were all vying to submit memorials during the late emperor's reign, but now they've all become mute, not uttering a single word! They're just sitting here 'quietly,' as if they're all dead!"
Zi'an (using serving chopsticks to pick up a slice of tripe and offer it to the Emperor, thoughtfully asking in a soft voice):
"Hmm, Your Majesty, who are these people you're talking about? Like these relatives of the empress who dare to suppress you, what exactly do they control?"
Li Zhi (frowning, a flash of anger in his eyes, his voice low):
"Sigh, this didn't happen overnight. What's troubling me is that several of my trusted confidants, like Zhang Xingcheng and Gao Jiufu, have passed away one after another. It's truly disheartening."
Wu Xiaosi (puts down the hot pot tripe, widens his eyes, and feigns surprise):
"A high-level talisman? Who is this person? I've never heard of him before."
Li Zhi (his lips twitched, he shook his head and sighed):
"It's normal that you haven't heard of him. A high-ranking talisman, he was a trusted confidant of mine when I was the crown prince. He was capable of handling government affairs and maintaining stability in the court. It's a pity, who knew his life would be so short..."
Wu Xiaosi (chuckles lightly, raises an eyebrow at Li Zhi, his voice mocking):
"Your mood is the most important thing. This is not a situation that anyone can control. It should have been expected that these people would 'disengage from the battle' one by one. But Emperor, don't be too impatient. Those who can secure the throne are not to be trifled with."
Wu Xiaosi thought to himself, "I'm about to become emperor, and the timing is definitely not right for you."
Li Zhi (somewhat helpless, sighing slightly):
“You’re right, I was a bit too hasty. But this situation can’t just drag on like this. I have to do something to keep these guys calm.”
Wu Xiaosi (with a smile, reaches out and pats Li Zhi on the shoulder):
"Don't rush, don't rush. Our Wu Zetian isn't one to just watch the show. You see, we've already figured out this game thoroughly. We'll make the first move and win in the end! As long as you can be patient, leave the rest to me. I guarantee you'll be able to play with ease."
Li Zhi (couldn't help but smile and patted her hand):
"Sigh, I'm really starting to trust you more and more, Wu Xiaosi. You truly are the woman I've chosen; your 'aura' is comparable to that of an emperor!"
Wu Xiaosi (pretending to be smug, his smile widening):
"That's right! Don't forget, you chose yourself to be the 'master of breaking the deadlock'."
"Don't worry, I'll take control of the situation. I guarantee those troublemakers will have no choice but to obey."
……
Inside the study of Qianyuan Hall, Li Zhi sat behind a large imperial desk, holding a memorial in his hand, his brows furrowed and his expression serious.
Zi'an stood to the side, holding a teacup, watching Li Zhi and Wu Xiaosi, who was also flipping through the memorials. It was clear that Wu Xiaosi had brought this to ease Li Zhi's tense atmosphere.
The wind outside the palace blew through the curtains, and the faint sound of eunuchs whispering could be heard.
Li Zhi tossed aside the pile of documents in his hand, then suddenly gave Zi An a malicious sidelong glance:
"Hey buddy, I told you to pretend to be a eunuch and take good care of Yonghui Si. But now that Yonghui Si has been promoted to Consort Wu, isn't it a bit unreasonable for you to still be hanging around her? Hmm?"
Zi'an (his eyes widened, he almost dropped the teacup in his hand, and hurriedly waved his hand, looking terrified):
"Your Majesty, please don't say that! I'm truly innocent, like the Yellow River overflowing its banks! If she hadn't been holding me hostage, I would have packed my bags and fled the palace long ago. Who would want to fight with her every day? It's exhausting!"
Consort Wu (displeased, immediately interrupted, pouting):
"Oh no, that won't do! Brother Zi'an has always protected me. I don't trust any of the people in the palace. If you dare to run away, I'll drag you back from the ends of the earth and through every time and space!"
Zi'an (looking terrified, she quickly covered her genitals with both hands, appearing on the verge of tears):
"Master, please have mercy! Don't force me. I'll do whatever you say, but I really can't take this!"
Li Zhi (his eyes darted around, a hint of sourness in his voice):
"Tsk, Zi'an, you need to understand this now. The person you're protecting isn't a little kid anymore, it's Wu Xiaosi who's all grown up! And you're still inseparable from him every day. If it were you, would you feel at ease?"
Wu Xiaosi (smelling the jealousy in Li Zhi's words, glancing sideways at him, suppressing a laugh, her tone so sweet it could suffocate bees):
"Oh, Your Majesty, something sounds off about your tone. Are you jealous? Don't worry, Brother Zi'an has always treated me like his own sister, unlike you, who's always thinking about other things!"
Wu Xiaosi said, "Hey, we still have to protect our precious son Li Hong!"
Li Zhi (choked by her retort, glared at her, and pointed at Zi An):
"Alright, then Zi'an, you'll take care of Li Hong from now on. You'd better keep a close eye on things for me and make sure no one causes any chaos in the palace."